Taste of Italy
Taste of Italy
Immerse yourself in ancient history and culinary delights as you discover Palermo’s vibrant streets, ancient ruins in Agrigento, Taormina’s coastal charm, and the majestic landscapes of Mount Etna.
Price: $2,295
Featured Attractions
Valley of the Temples Tour
Discover the stunning archaeological park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site on this guided tour. Stroll through the complex of temples and enjoy views from a hilltop, where time seems to stand still, preserving an unprecedented historical charm.
Taormina Walking Tour
Explore the stunning town of Taormina, perched high above the Ionian Sea with the magnificent Mount Etna as a dramatic backdrop. As you explore, you’ll be immersed in a blend of history, natural splendor, and cultural treasures.
Silvestri Volcano Crater
Explore the volcanic wonder of Silvestri. Walk the rim of an awe-inspiring crater showcasing the region’s striking geological forces. Take in panoramic views of the dramatic, otherworldly landscape formed by ancient eruptions.
Cantine Pellegrino Marsala Winery
Journey into the land of wine at this renowned winery located in Marsala. Founded in 1880 by notary Paolo Pellegrino, this family-owned winery has been at the forefront of the Sicilian wine industry for seven generations.
Messina Cathedral
Visit this historical masterpiece, the most important landmark in the city on the Strait. Although the Cathedral was rebuilt after being destroyed by earthquakes and wars, it is still fairly faithful to its original appearance.
The Godfather Villages
Imagine stepping into the Sicilian villages where scenes from The Godfather trilogy were filmed. The two picturesque villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, with their warm landscapes, relaxed atmosphere, and baroque churches, will whisk you into the trilogy.
Winery Tour and Lunch at Tenuta San Michele
Immerse yourself in a delightful tour of the Tenuta San Michele Winery, a historic estate nestled between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, surrounded by lush greenery and volcanic soil. Indulge in a unique wine tasting and culinary experience while taking in panoramic views of the enchanting vineyards and the majestic Mount Etna.
Mount Etna Scenic Drive
Take in the breathtaking views of the Sicilian countryside and the majestic Mount Etna volcano as you journey through the fascinating Etna villages, lava flows, mysterious lakes, vineyards, ancient abandoned villages, and fruit trees.
Day 1 Palermo Arrival & Welcome Dinner
Meet your tour director at 5:00 PM and join your fellow travelers for a welcome drink and dinner at your waterfront hotel overlooking the Gulf of Palermo. A fascinating city rich in cultural treasures, Palermo was founded by the Phoenicians in the 5th century BC, and its streets tell tales of settlements and conquests by Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and many other influences. (D)
Day 2 Palermo Walking Tour & Monreale Cathedral
Take a guided tour of Monreale Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the outskirts of the city; it’s a fascinating blend of Byzantine, Arab and Norman styles that dazzles with golden mosaics depicting biblical scenes. Return to the heart of Palermo for a walking tour to see grand piazzas, ornate castles and churches, and bustling markets. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening to savor the city at your own pace. (B)
Day 3 Baglio Elena Agriturismo & Cantine Pellegrino
Explore Sicily’s culinary delights during a visit to Trapani on the west coast. Drive through the mesmerizing salt flats, where the mineral is still harvested by traditional methods used by the Phoenicians. Participate in a cooking demonstration and enjoy a family-style farm-to-table lunch at Baglio Elena Agriturismo. At the renowned Cantine Pellegrino in Marsala, tour and taste their fortified wines. Arrive in Agrigento for dinner at your seaside hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Valley of the Temples & Taormina
Step back into ancient times as you explore one of the great achievements of antiquity and one of the largest archaeological sites in the world: the Valley of the Temples. Built by the ancient Greeks to worship their gods, this UNESCO World Heritage site stands in haunting testimony to the power and influence of the Greek Empire. Continue your journey to Taormina, your base for the next three nights. Dine in your seaside hotel this evening and perhaps watch the sun set behind Mount Etna. (B, D)
Day 5 Taormina Walking Tour & The Godfather Village
Delve into the charm of Taormina, a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant Italian charm. Its winding streets are filled with boutique shops, authentic cafes, and lively piazzas. Take a walking tour to see lush public gardens, medieval palazzos, Baroque fountains, and ancient ruins. Enjoy free time for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the remote hilltop village of Savoca showcased in The Godfather. Return to Taormina for an evening free to dine and explore as you wish. (B)
Day 6 Mount Etna Tour & Wine Tasting
Today you’ll explore life on the side of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Savor the sweetness of honey with a visit to Oro d’Etna, where tireless bees collect nectar from the blooms of nine types of trees, including orange, lemon, thyme, and chestnut. Drive through stunning volcanic landscapes to Silvestri, where you can walk around a crater and admire the spectacular views. Continue to Tenuata San Michele for a winery tour with lunch and tastings. The winery offers enchanting views from its hillside perch, and its grapes are grown in mineral-rich volcanic soils. Return to Taormina for an evening free to dine and explore as you wish. (B, L)
Day 7 Messina Cathedral & Cefalù
Arrive in Messina, a historic port city connecting Italy to the Mediterranean. Visit the Messina Cathedral bell tower, home to the world’s largest mechanical and astronomical clock, and watch its gilded bronze figures perform a mesmerizing spectacle celebrating the city’s rich heritage and engineering marvels. Take free time for lunch. Continue your journey to Cefalù for a stroll around the medieval village before visiting a local restaurant for a farewell dinner of authentic Sicilian cuisine. Return to Palermo for your final night. (B, D)
Day 8 Tour Ends in Palermo
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner>
Where you’ll stay
NH Palermo
Palermo, Italy
Situated in the heart of Palermo’s vibrant city center, NH Palermo offers a perfect blend of…
Baia di Ulisse Hotel
Agrigento, Italy
Immerse yourself in the ancient wonders of Agrigento while experiencing modern comfort at Baia di…
Eurostars Monte Tauro
Sicily, Italy
Perched on the cliffs of Taormina, Eurostars Monte Tauro is a 4-star hotel seamlessly blending…
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