Italy - The Secrets of Sicily - Pre-Reservation

Italy

The Secrets of Sicily - Pre-reservation 2024

September-October 2024 (10 Days / 9 Nights)
This tour starts in Palermo and ends in Catania

We are currently in the process of planning this tour. Once we have all the activities, dates, hotels and other details confirmed, and the pricing finalized, we will post a complete itinerary, including the price. If you would like to be notified of this tour's availability when the planning process is completed, please complete the pre-reservation form.

PRE-RESERVATION FORM

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In more ways than one, Sicily is the ultimate Italy. Rich in art, archaeological treasures, history, folklore and breathtaking Mediterranean scenery, the island has been the crossroads between Europe and Africa for centuries. Sicily is warm, golden, and sprinkled with blindingly white Greek temples. This is where Archimedes taught, St. Paul preached and where the omnipresent Mount Etna made history. Over the centuries, the island was colonized by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, before becoming a part of Spain, then the Bourbon Kingdom, and finally Italy. All the conquerors left behind their cultural footprints which add to the fascination: vestiges of the ancient Greeks and Romans entice in Agrigento and Taormina, the presence of the Normans lingers in Palermo and Monreale, the rock-clinging seaside beauty of Siracusa still lives according to its own rhythm, and the distinctive Byzantine and Arab art mingles with Italian influences. Sicily has an intriguing cuisine, the serene sea, cities with a cosmopolitan vibe, and two volcanoes which define it, and as Goethe said, "to have seen Italy without seeing Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all."

The Secrets of Sicily tour is an exciting journey, introducing the very best of the island. We'll experience the relaxed island lifestyle and sample delicious Sicilian food and wine, while exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes and indulging our senses with visits to elegant restaurants, wineries and even a chocolate factory. From beautifully sited lodgings, we set out on walks among the temples and along spectacular seashores. Our route will follow the Romans, Greeks, Arabs and Normans, all of whom inhabited the area. We'll witness the amazing architecture and the incredibly rich history they left behind, taste wines made with grapes grown in volcanic soil of Mount Etna, learn to prepare Sicilian dishes and have dinner with a Sicilian principessa in her 14th-century palazzo.

HIGHLIGTS: Mix of Arab and Norman architecture of Palermo and Monreale ● Being guests of Contessa Federico at Palazzo Conte Federico ● Erice vineyards and wine tour ● The rugged Madonie region and the fishing village of Cefalu ● The evocative sites of classical Greek architecture in the Valley of the Temples ● Unparalleled details of Roman mosaics in Piazza Armerina ● The ancient architecture on the Ortygia Island in the center of Siracusa ● The Baroque Valley with Noto and its gardens of stone ● Chocolate making in Modica ● Pizza making class in Taormina ● Exploring Mount Etna on a volcano safari

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

Testimonials

I am finding it difficult to express how wonderful the tour was. Like many women, I have a hubby that is a reluctant traveler but he encouraged me to find someone to travel with and enjoy myself. That’s how I came across Sights & Soul. I searched the web, read reviews and recommendations and decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did!!! The food--fantastic, the guides--knowledgeable, the sights--breathtaking, my fellow travelers--wonderful, wacky women!! And, of course, the tour leader was exceptional in every way, from keeping us informed to organizing every little detail of our tour. She worked out the occasional little „bump in the road” and made everything fun! I have often traveled alone but I must say, I enjoyed the guided tours and company of a small group of women. I loved the „freedom” of having someone else take care of the details so that I could just relish the trip itself.
Mary from Washington

Sights and Soul was a perfect tour group for me. Enjoyed my tour from beginning to end – would give them 5 stars on all levels. A small group with lovely ladies, highlights the high interest sites, food is high quality choices, hotels were wonderful and had a different experience in each of them.
Fran from California

Another hit! Well done. I cannot wait until I retire and can go on tours that don’t take place over school breaks.
Karen from Delaware

Already scheduled tour #6 and #7 in 2018. I am always talking about Sights and Soul to patients, doctors, and other nurses. Always fabulous, very nicely done, and onward to the next destination. I don’t travel with anyone else.
Diane from Texas

I thought the tour was very well organized and professional. All of the guides were extremely knowledgeable & friendly. The other women on the trip were terrific.. In general, I liked the diversity of tours and activities.
Willie from New York

I loved traveling with women, and S&S has a lovely touch. Great thoughtfulness and taste were obvious in everything we did. I can’t wait to travel the rest of the world with them. Such a happy experience!
Jenny from Georgia