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Travel from Palermo to Taormina on this 7-day coach tour taking in the best of Sicily, in the south of Italy. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town of Palermo and visit the medieval village of Erice. See the historic salt pans of Saline della Laguna, experience wine tasting in Marsala and uncover the UNESCO-listed archaeological ruins of Agrigento. End your tour with a visit to Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano.
Trip Highlights
Palermo - Enjoy a guided tour of the 3,000-year-old city, including the cathedral and historic Old Town
Erice - Stroll around this medieval village hewn into the side of a hill, which will transport you back in time
Marsala - Experience wine tasting and a delicious lunch at a traditional Sicilian tavern and visit the historic wine cellar
Agrigento - See the Temple of Concordia and other highlights of the Valley of the Temples, which rivals even the Athens Acropolis
Ragusa - Tour this hilltop town known for its Baroque architecture, and enjoy a relaxing stroll in the Giardini Iblei public garden
Syracuse - See the historic centre of the city, Ortigia, located on a small island off the coast of Sicily
Mount Etna - Visit Europe's most active volcano to enjoy sweeping views, learn about volcanic activity, and opt for a hike to the summit
Multiple departures from August - October 2025 & 26 March 2026.
Advertised price is based on per solo traveller on September 2025 departures, correct as of 27 May 2025.
Inclusions
6 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 5 dinners
6 nights 4 star hotels
Escorted by an English-speaking Italian tour leader with specialist guides for some sightseeing
Transportation by deluxe coach with Wi-Fi, audio headsets and onboard toilet
Guided sightseeing with local guides in Palermo, Agrigento, and Syracuse
Visit of a historic wine cellar, lunch and wine tasting in Marsala
Entrance tickets to archaeological sites mentioned in itinerary
Note: Touring is operated in conjunction with other tourist groups, not solely On The Go. You will join travellers who booked through other operators for sightseeing each day, some staying in different hotels, and spend your evenings at leisure. The group can vary in size from 20 - 25 persons. Guiding may be in an additional language to English
Exclusions
International flights and visas
Additional meals and drinks unless specified
Airport transfers
Entrance fees not mentioned in Inclusions
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
City tax of €1 - 6 per person per night (tax varies by city), to be paid directly to the hotel at check-in/out.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Palermo
Benvenuto! Welcome to Palermo, capital of the Italian Mediterranean island of Sicily. Make your own way to our start hotel and spend your first evening in the city at leisure.
Overnight: Palermo
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Monreale & Palermo sightseeing
This morning we visit Monreale, located in the fertile valley of La Conca d'Oro and renowned for its almonds, citrus fruits, and olive oil. We'll visit UNESCO-listed Monreale Cathedral and there will be time for some lunch and shopping if you choose.
Returning to Palermo, we enjoy a guided walking tour of the Sicilian capital. This 3,000-year-old city has a rich history which our local guide will share with you. Step back in time as we explore the narrow streets of the Old Town and visit the impressive Palermo Cathedral. After our tour, you will have free time to further sightsee independently.
Overnight: Palermo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Medieval Erice & Agrigento
Palermo - Erice - Marsala - Agrigento. We enjoy a busy day of Sicilian sightseeing today! Departing Palermo, we head to the medieval village of Erice, where little has changed since the 6th century. Hewn into the side of Monte San Giuliano, Erice offers incredible views and delightful labyrinthine lanes to explore.
We then continue to a traditional tavern in the wine-producing region of Marsala. Here we can visit the wine cellar before enjoying included wine tasting and lunch. Then it's onwards to Agrigento, on Sicily's south coast.
This afternoon we visit the Valley of the Temples, one of the most outstanding surviving examples of Ancient Greek architecture in the world. We take in the incredible Temple of Concordia, Temple of Hercules and the Temple of Jupiter, which was once the largest Doric temple ever constructed.
Reaching our hotel, the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Agrigento
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Ragusa
Agrigento - Ragusa. Today we drive to the hilltop town of Ragusa. Here we visit the enchanting historical centre, known for its Baroque palaces and churches. We see the old gate of San Giorgio, and the Giardini Iblei, a picturesque public garden with sweeping views of the surrounding area. Then we head to Piazza Pola to visit the Baroque Church of San Giuseppe, a hidden gem in the city. We also see the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio and Cosentini Palace, a beautiful Baroque villa protected by UNESCO.
Overnight: Ragusa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Syracuse
Ragusa - Noto - Syracuse - Taormina. Our first stop after departing Ragusa this morning is the picturesque town of Noto. We visit the Cathedral of San Nicolò, rebuilt in the years following an earthquake in 1990.
Driving along the coast, we then reach Syracuse, at Sicily's southeastern tip. Here we visit Ortygia, an island that is also home to Syracuse's oldest area, with lots of medieval streets and Baroque architecture to admire. There is free time to explore this fascinating and historic area. Continuing to Taormina, the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Taormina
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Mount Etna & Taormina free time
Today we visit the largest active volcano in Europe - Mount Etna. This stratovolcano last erupted in 2022, and you may well see signs of volcanic activity including smoke billowing from the top of the volcano. On our visit, we learn about this volcanic activity and see the lava fields from previous eruptions. Weather and conditions permitting, we have the opportunity to hike to the summit, 1,800m above sea level.
Returning to Taormina, the rest of the day is free for you to explore this hilltop coastal town. We recommend visiting the Ancient Greek amphitheatre, Teatro Antico di Taormina, which is still in use today.
Overnight: Taormina
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Taormina
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before our Sicilian adventure comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
Booking terms and conditions apply.
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Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
