Palermo Cathedral- Archaeological ruins
- Intricate mosaics
- Monreale Cathedral
- Ortygia Island
Relaxed Tours Pace 1
Ancient Wonders of Sicily
Sicily
from £819 per person 7 2 Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction of £20 if not required-
New holiday
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All breakfasts and more
Greek temples, Roman villas and Norman cathedrals
On this week-long tour uncover the best of Sicily’s archaeological sites. Boasting a total of seven UNESCO-listed sites, the island is home to Greek temples, Roman villas and Norman cathedrals showcasing more than 3,000 years of civilisation. Journey from the capital, Palermo – with its historic centre filled with Norman, Arabic and baroque treasures – to Catania, a city built on the remains of ancient Greek and Roman settlements. You’ll also have the chance to explore the pretty seaside resort of Cefalu, ascend Europe’s most imposing active volcano, and uncover Taormina, home to a magnificent Greco-Roman theatre.
Including...
7 nights in hotels
9 meals: 7 breakfasts (B) and 2 dinners (D)
- Optional travel insurance underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance SE, UK
- Return flights and transfers
- Saga tour manager
- Welcome drink reception
- Porterage at all hotels
Excursions and visits
- Guided tour of Palermo and Monreale
- Visit to Villa Romana del Casale
- Guided walking tour of Syracuse and Ortygia
View Full Itinerary
Day 1 UK-Palermo, Sicily
Fly to Palermo on Sicily’s northern coast and transfer to the locally rated 4-star Hotel Garibaldi where you’ll stay for three nights.
The hotel has a great central location in the heart of Palermo, opposite the grand Politeama theatre, and is within walking distance of many restaurants and shops. Facilities at this modern hotel include a restaurant, where your buffet-style hot and cold breakfast will be served, a small stylish bar and a fitness room. Public areas in this centrally located hotel are relaxing and compact. All 70 rooms are equipped with a satellite television, direct-dial telephone, hairdryer, a small fridge, tea-making facilities (no milk or coffee) and complimentary internet access.
Look forward to a welcome dinner and drink this evening where you can get to know your fellow passengers. D
Day 2 Palermo
Today embark on a full day guided tour of Palermo and Monreale.
This exotic city has a fascinating history reflected in its varied architecture which encompasses Arabic, baroque and art nouveau styles. Coupled with its glorious coastal setting, it's quite unlike any other Mediterranean city. Here you’ll visit the ornate Palermo Cathedral, one of the great sights of Norman Sicily, and the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti. Neighbouring Monreale is also home to a stunning Norman cathedral which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. B
Day 3 Palermo
Spend today at leisure.
Perhaps continue to explore Palermo independently, or alternatively, visit the seaside town of Cefalu and the mountain town of Castelbuono on an optional excursion. B
Day 4 Palermo-Catania
This morning take a scenic coach transfer of approximately four hours to Catania. En route pause in Piazza Armerina for a self-guided visit of Villa Romana de Casale. This UNESCO-listed archaeological site houses one of the richest and most varied collections of Roman mosaics world-wide.
Located on the east coast of the island, Catania is an ancient port city which sits at the foot of Mount Etna.
On arrival, transfer to the locally rated 4-star Hotel Katane where you’ll stay for four nights. The hotel has a central location and is close to a number of restaurants and bars. Facilities include a restaurant, bar/lounge, coffee shop and free Wi-Fi throughout. All 58 rooms have a minibar, telephone and safe. B
Day 5 Catania
After breakfast, look forward to a full day excursion to Syracuse and the island of Ortygia.
One of the most fascinating towns in Sicily, Syracuse once rivalled Athens as the greatest city of the Greek world. This guided excursion includes a visit to the Archaeological Park, where you can see the remains of temples, tombs, a Roman amphitheatre and one of the largest Greek theatres in existence. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon in the historic centre on Ortygia island with its remains of a 5th-century Greek temple now incorporated into the baroque cathedral. B
Day 6 Catania
Spend the day at leisure or join an optional excursion to Taormina and Catania. B
Day 7 Catania
Today is at leisure to continue exploring Catania independently, or alternatively, perhaps join an optional excursion to Mount Etna, with an included wine tasting.
Look forward to a farewell dinner this evening. B, D
Day 8 Catania-UK
Depart your hotel after breakfast, and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. B
Ortygia Island
On an included excursion to the Greek city of Syracuse, you’ll have the chance to explore Ortygia, Syracuse’s historic centre.
A small island, only one kilometre in length, Ortygia is surrounded by the azure waters of the Ionian Sea and is connected to the mainland by just three bridges. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Ortygia is home to numerous archaeological sites, which you’ll be able to explore during free time on the island. Don’t miss the stunning Piazza Duomo, one of the oldest piazzas in Sicily, and the remains of the Temple of Apollo, a Doric structure dating from the 6th-century BC.
