Sicily and Its Isles
Overview
Explore Sicily – an island paradise nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Sample specialities in Palermo’s colourful food market. Taste award-winning olive oil and learn about the Slow Food movement at a local farm. Explore Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples (UNESCO) with a guide. Enjoy two nights on the Isle of Salina and visit a traditional caper farm. Spend three nights in Taormina, perched above the Ionian Sea. See Mount Etna from a different perspective on an off-road excursion.
All About Collette
You're not just going on tour; you’re having a travel experience!
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across hundreds of destinations across the world.
Family owned Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you must do is enjoy the adventure!
Why choose Collette Tours?
- When Collette says guaranteed, we mean a guaranteed departure.
- Family owned Since 1918
- 24/7 Emergency Services
- Be immersed with fewer one-night stays and more 2 – 3 – 4 night stays.
- 5-Star Touring with 4-Star Plus Accommodation
- Includes both the must-sees and unique local experiences - not one or the other.
- Culinary Immersion dining at local restaurants unique to each region
- Location, Quality & Uniqueness of Accommodation staying in a grand castle, picturesque villa, glass igloo, private yacht, safari lodge, French chateau and more.
Inclusions
- 13 day tour of Sicily with Collette
- Enjoy 12 Breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners.
- Explore the cloisters of Monreale’s cathedral, taking in their serene atmosphere of the monastic complex -OR- ascend the southern tower to the panoramic terraces for a bird’s-eye view over Palermo.
Must See Inclusions
- Spend three nights in Taormina (UNESCO) and explore its iconic Greek theatre.
- Pass by Baroque architecture and wrought iron balconies on a winding walking tour of Ragusa (UNESCO).
- Immerse yourself in ancient history during a visit to the Valley of the Temples (UNESCO).
Culinary Inclusions
- Taste award-winning olive oil and learn about the Slow Food movement at a local farm.
- Enjoy world-renowned Marsala wine on a wine cellar tour.
- Savour salty capers and sweet Malvasia wine at a local producer on Salina island.
Cultural Experiences
- Ascend the sides of Mount Etna (UNESCO) on off-road vehicles.
- Soak up the relaxed ambiance of the Aeolian Islands (UNESCO) with a 2-night stay on the Isle of Salina.
- Delve into the belly of Palermo on a walking food tour of the historical centre.
Advertised price based on 15 June 2025 departure, correct as of 18 October 2024.
Itinerary
Day 1: Palermo, Italy - Tour Begins
Start your journey in Palermo (UNESCO), Sicily’s welcoming capital city. Uncover the island’s deeply rooted heritage, teeming with Arab-Norman architectural masterpieces and delicate Classical designs. Come to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner.
Dinner
Day 2: Palermo
Begin your adventure tasting your way through Palermo’s lively markets on a walking tour unveiling the city’s historical center and introducing you to traditional Sicilian street food, which layers Oriental and Norman influences with local produce such as wild fennel, olives and spices. This afternoon, head to Monreale Cathedral, ascending on foot to see its majestic Byzantine mosaics. Then, it’s your choice! Explore the cathedral’s cloisters, taking in their serene atmosphere of the monastic complex -OR- ascend the southern tower to the panoramic terraces for a bird’s-eye view over Palermo.
Breakfast & Lunch
Day 3: Palermo - Impact Moment - Trapani
Experience an impact moment with Addiopizzo, an anti-Mafia nonprofit that supports locals who refuse to pay the Mafia’s protection fees. Visit Capaci, the site of a terrorist act led by the Mafia, and pay tribute to fallen activists. Chat with locals for a personal perspective and learn how they overcame the Mafia’s reign. Explore Trapani on a guided tour before settling into your hotel for two nights. This evening watch the sunset fade against the crashing waves and whirling windmills.
Breakfast
Day 4: Trapani - Marsala - Erice-Trapani
Discover the ancient craft of sea-salt harvesting during a guided visit to the salt pans of Trapani. Then continue to Marsala, heading down into a cellar for a taste of its renowned wine paired with traditional bites. This afternoon, journey to the enchanted hilltop village of Erice before returning to your hotel for dinner.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5: Trapani - Agrigento
This morning, head to an award-winning olive grove and learn about the Slow Food movement, which supports local cultures and preserves traditions. Try their unique olive oil at lunch before departing for Agrigento, where ancient roots and medieval buildings blend into modernity. Later this afternoon, wander through the imposing Greek ruins of the Valley of the Temples (UNESCO) in company of an expert guide.
Day 6: Agrigento - Ragusa
Make your way to Ragusa (UNESCO), an ancient city perched upon a hill. Meander through its Baroque neighborhood with an expert guide, passing by winding lanes, cobblestone streets, and wrought iron balconies. Make the most of a free afternoon to explore on your own. As the sun sets, retreat to your countryside resort just outside the city.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7: Ragusa - Optional Excursion
The entire day is yours. With free time, you might choose to relax in the countryside and enjoy the resort’s amenities. Or, perhaps you will join an optional tour to the picture-perfect towns of Scicli and Modica, where you’ll enjoy a savory brunch at a ricotta farm before continuing to an Aztec chocolate shop for some sweet samples.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8: Ragusa - Milazzo - Ferry to Aeolian Islands - Isle of Salina - Lingua
Grab your bags* and hop on a ferry in Milazzo. Sail by Vulcano and Lipari on your way to Salina,** a far-flung isle surrounded by vibrant blue waters and dark volcanic rock. Somewhat off the beaten path, Salina is one of the less-traveled Aeolian Islands, preserved as a vacation getaway for Italians. Settle into the hamlet of Lingua for a 2-night stay.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9: Salina - Caper Farm - Optional Excursion
Dramatic landscapes of rocky cliffs and vibrant vineyards pass by on your way to nearby Pollara, famous for its traditional caper cultivation. Wander through the fields, tasting the salted flower buds accompanied by a glass of Malvasia, a locally produced dessert wine. The afternoon is yours to do as you please. Perhaps you’ll take an optional cruise to Stromboli, where you’ll swim off your private boat and dine at sunset; relax and watch for the signature glow of the island’s active volcano.
Day 10: Salina - Ferry to Milazzo - Taormina
After a relaxing morning, ferry back to mainland Sicilia. Journey along the Ionian Coast to Taormina, a seaside hub of ancient Greek theaters and hilly walkways. Settle into your new home for the next three nights and enjoy a free evening to explore on your own.
Breakfast
Day 11: Taormina
Discover Taormina with a local guide, leading you to the city’s Duomo, public gardens, and the well-preserved Greek theater. Walk in the footsteps of ancient attendees and take in an unparalleled viewpoint of the adjacent ocean. Spend the afternoon on your own. Perhaps you’ll grab a bite to eat at a sidewalk café, or peruse the local boutiques for handcrafted souvenirs.
Breakfast
Day 12: Taormina - Mount Etna - Taormina
See Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna. Stare up at the iconic peak as your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe’s largest active volcano. Spend the day exploring this legendary giant, passing by lava formations and basalt rocks. This evening, toast to your Sicilian sojourn at dinner, surrounded by local musicians.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 13: Taormina - Tour Ends
Your journey through Sicily comes to a close today. Return home with memories of Italy’s favorite island.
Breakfast
