A Sicilian Odyssey 2021

10 days
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4.2/5 Great
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Small Group Tour
Explore Sicily's past and present – layer by layer – encountering Greek theatres, Roman villas, Byzantine art, Norman cathedrals, Moorish markets and more... abounding with multicultural traditions and archaeological treasures, and rich with unique cuisine and wine.
From$6,990
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Discover cultural footprints forever present... Over the centuries
    • the island of Sicily was colonized by the Greeks
    • Romans
    • Byzantines
    • Muslims
    • Normans and assorted others before becoming part of Spain
    • then the Bourbon Kingdom
    • and finally part of Italy. And today...Vestiges of the ancient Greeks and Romans entice in Agrigento and Taormina... the presence of the Normans lingers in Palermo... a distinctive style of Sicilian architecture began in the Baroque Valley centuries ago and flourishes today... Byzantine and Arab art mingle with Italian influences... taste impressive wines from grapes grown in volcanic soil... all for a taste of the authentic Sicily. Join us for an odyssey through time as you discover a history book of experiences
    • authentically engaging and always enlightening
    • as you become a part of Sicily’s extended family.

What's this trip about?

    Explore Sicily's past and present – layer by layer – encountering Greek theatres, Roman villas, Byzantine art, Norman cathedrals, Moorish markets and more... abounding with multicultural traditions and archaeological treasures, and rich with unique cuisine and wine.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start City Catania, Sicily
End CityTaormina

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Italy

Attractions

  • Mount Etna

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • TAUCK EXCLUSIVES – Private lunch at a Baron’s palazzo in Siracusa with a wine tasting from the family vineyard and dinner and an art tour with the son of a baroness at their private villa in Palermo Visit to Palermo's grand Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele, the largest opera house in Italy Visits to the Sicilian Baroque UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Noto and Ragusa Ibla A tour, lunch and tasting at a local winery

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrive Catania / Siracusa

Tour begins: 6:00 PM.
A transfer is included from Catania – Fontanarossa Airport to the Grand Hotel Ortigia, a century-old landmark hotel ideally located in the historic heart of Siracusa on the island of Ortigia. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel tonight.

LODGING : Grand Hotel Ortigia

PORTOFCALL : Siracusa, Italy

Day 2 Mythical Siracusa

Walk in the footsteps of ancient Greek explorers who settled on this historic island in 734 BC, building a city of archaeological splendors, economic prosperity and political power that rivaled Athens as the most important city in t...

Day 3 Gems of Noto & Lunch at an Herb Farm

Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Noto this morning where a walking tour along the elegant Corso Vittorio Emmanuele promenade showcases the city’s Baroque buildings, golden-hued palazzi and churches among them, rebuilt afte...

Day 4 Daily Life, Past & Present, in Ragusa Ibla

This morning, drive to Ragusa Ibla for a guided walking tour of its ancient labyrinthine lanes and a behind-the-scenes look at the private garden in an inside courtyard, century-old Circolo del Conversazione (Gentlemen’s Club) and i...

Day 5 Mosaic Magic at a Roman Villa

The nearby town of Piazza Armerina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been called an “art city” woven into the fabric of Sicily for good reason. The mosaics you will see here are considered among the most beautiful and best preserve...

Day 6 Temples of Agrigento and on to Palermo

Drive to Agrigento today for a guided visit of its archaeological treasures at the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built on a hillside facing the sea with a history that dates back to 581 BC. Your exploration starts at ...

Day 7 Life in Palermo, Past and Present

Start your day with a guided visit to the Palazzo dei Normanni, the seat of the kings of Sicily during the reign of the Normans and the main seat of power for Sicilian rulers for centuries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site together with...

Day 8 A cathedral, mountain vistas and Taormina

Journey to Cefalù for a guided tour of its Norman cathedral, considered one of the jewels in Sicily’s Norman-Arab crown that includes the magnificent cathedral of Monreale and Palermo’s Palatine Chapel. View its soaring twin pyramid...

Day 9 Taormina & an optional adventure to Mt. Etna

A guided walking tour of Taormina this morning takes you up hilly lanes to the Teatro Greco built in 3 BC by the Greeks and remodeled by the Romans. The views from here are worth the climb! Enjoy time to explore the sights on your o...

Day 10 Journey home

Tour ends: Taormina
. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea to Catania – Fontanarossa Airport (a 45-60 minute drive). Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Taormina, Italy

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,990
Price per day$699
Last Updated: 3/21/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Tauck.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Skip this cruise - not worth it

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It's easy to see the world's sights. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. We believe that travel should be easy. It should be fun. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. It should re-energize and transform. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Because how you see the world matters.

In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from Germany in search of the American dream. His determination and values were passed on to his son, Arthur Tauck, who would realize that dream. With ingenuity and an innovative spirit, Arthur started Tauck Motor Tours, a travel company that would give birth to a new industry. The first tour, through the back roads of New England, was created by this 27-year-old in 1925. It embodied the same successful formula used by Tauck today: do the right thing. Craft a life-enriching travel experience; provide it at a single all-inclusive price; ensure there is great value for money; and rely on recommendations of satisfied customers to build a following and grow the business.

Two elements that did change over the next 90+ years – and three generations of Taucks – were the scope of destinations served and the variety of modes of travel used. Today Tauck delivers life-enriching travel experiences to every corner of the globe, incorporating small cruise ships, premium riverboats, trains, helicopters and more. What started as a New England motor coach tour company has truly evolved into an extraordinary global travel company. The fourth generation of Taucks is now involved in the company. While remarkable in any business, this seamless continuity across generations speaks to shared vision and values.

Throughout its history, the concept of “family” at Tauck has gone far beyond those sharing the surname to include hundreds of valued employees, and hundreds of thousands of loyal guests. The story of Tauck is the story of a unique American family company celebrating a passion for travel – a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.

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Logistics

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
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Additional Information
Trip ID
tauck-SY2021

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