Sicily Signature
7 Days
from
$3,227
to
$3,766
per person*
Highlights:
Sicily
(Palermo, Taormina)
Trip Start/End:
Palermo
/
Catania
Sicily, the most southern point of Italy has always represented a strategic stronghold and for this reason has seen various groups pass through over time - Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans, all of which left vestiges of their culture behind which are visible today. Spend 3 days in the north western side of the island based out of Palermo. Then make your way by private chauffeur driven vehicle to the medieval mountaintop coastal resort town of Taormina on the eastern coast. This place has a natural beauty that will leave you breathless. Enjoy a number of private tours taking in the sites on the island, from Palermo and Monreale, to a gastronomic afternoon tasting local olive oil and wine as regional dishes over lunch, to a shared excursion from Taormina taking in the volcanic Mt Etna, a scenic train ride through the gorge of Alcantara, and another full day to relax on the beach or to explore the city, home to some of the most magnificent Baroque art and architecture. There are lots of optional tours to choose from - particularly if you are interested in architecture and history...
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Palermo
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Airport Assistance & Welcome - Assistant - 2 Hours
- Private - 1/2 d Walking Tour (4 hrs) - Guide
- Dinner (not included)
| Excelsior Palace Hilton Hotel (4*)
Guest (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Palermo
| - Private - Wine & Olive Oil Tasting - Vehicle/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Excelsior Palace Hilton Hotel (4*)
Guest (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Palermo
| - Optional Tours
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Excelsior Palace Hilton Hotel (4*)
Guest (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Palermo - Taormina
| - Transfer - Private - Palermo - Taormina [3 hrs] - Vehicle/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Private - 1/2 d Walking Tour (2 hrs) - Guide
- Dinner (not included)
| Monte Tauro (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Taormina
| - Private - Siracusa Archaeological Tour - Vehicle/Local Guide/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Continuation of day tour
- Dinner (not included)
| Monte Tauro (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Taormina
| - Private - Etna, Alcantara & Randazzo (7hrs) - Vehicle/Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Monte Tauro (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Taormina
| - Transfer - Private - Taormina - Catania [Airport] - Vehicle/Driver
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Palermo
Palermo
Excelsior Hilton Palermo
Day 1: Palermo
Meet your driver for a private Airport (Falcone Borsellino) transfer with a private vehicle and driver.
Avail of a premium level of service with assistance and a welcome in Palermo airport.
Enjoy a 4 hour private walking tour of Palermo. This diverse crossroads of Mediterranean and northern European civilization is more than a museum. It's a vibrant city whose unique culture has been forged and molded by three millennia of history emerging from three continents. There's no other place on earth like Palermo, and to discover the history of this singular city is to experience something of the diverse worlds that have created something which has evolved into its own culture.The streets of old Palermo are mixture of intriguing outdoor markets, subtle niches and long-forgotten secrets. After nine centuries street markets still evoke the atmosphere of Arab souks. Only the Baroque churches and palazzi on the same narrow streets remind you that you're in Italy. Sicily --ruled from Palermo as a Fatimid emirate and then as a Norman kingdom-- transcends this by many centuries. Let your Guide know your particular interests and he/she will help you discover the city in a new way. Your Guide will meet you at your hotel. Please note that one should wear comfortable shoes and a hat; and that this tour is suitable for children.
Accommodation: Excelsior Palace Hilton Hotel (4*) The Excelsior Palace Hilton Hotel (4*) in Palermo is a restored 19th century palazzo with art nouveau features, within 150 meters of the Politeama and Massimo theatres. The guestrooms feature traditional décor and antique wood furnishings; all include balconies and satellite TV. The Liberty Hall Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and features 19th century décor. Having being completely restored in the year 2005, this historic building now houses one of the most impressive hotels in Palermo. Located beside the Giardino Inglese, Villa Garibaldi and Villa Trabia the property is perfectly suited to visiting the city's many sites.
Olive Oil Tasting
Day 2: Palermo
You will be picked up with your private vehicle for a nice visit to The Tasca D'Almerita estate, situated in the Sclafani countryside, between the provinces of Palermo and Caltanisetta, near the former stronghold of Regaleali. 400 vineyard hectares alternate between landscapes of almond trees and olive trees, and among this expanse are wheat, oat and eucalyptus plants, all of which paint a rural landscape of rare charm and beauty. You will visit an olive grove and a vineyard and will have a tasting in both. At the end of the tour, you will be brought back to your hotel in Palermo.
Accommodation: Excelsior Palace Hilton Hotel (4*) 
Cefalu
Day 3: Palermo
There are lots of great sites within easy distance from Palermo allowing you to get out of the city and do an excursion for half the day or longer. Places you may consider visiting in the company of a professional driver and Guide are: Cefalu - an enchanting small village on the sea, which offers a beautiful artistic view of colours and lights as well as the Osterio Magno, a fortified building possibly of Norman origin; Monte Pellegrino & Mondello - at Monte Pelligrino, you can visit the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia and enjoy a spectacular view of the bay of Palermo. If you feel like traveling further afield, consider a day trip to Agrigento - where you can visit the Magnificent Valley of the Temples, which was erected by the Greeks in the course of the 5th century BC. Other sites (designated a UNESCO world heritage) in the area include the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concord, the Temple of Hercules. You could also visit the Roman Villa del Casale, a luxurious roman dwelling, and one of the most important roman vestiges in Sicily. Segesta, Erice and Trapani all located south east of Palermo are places of historical and natural beauty. Mont Etna is a popular day trip, though better accessed from Taormina. If you feel like doing some hiking in the Capo Gallo Natural Reserve or taking a stroll through a local market, enjoying a cooking lesson followed by a lunch (which you have a had a hand preparing), these can all be arranged - just ask your Sales Advisor.
Accommodation: Excelsior Palace Hilton Hotel (4*) 
Taormina
Monte Tauro Hotel
Day 4: Palermo - Taormina
Enjoy a private transfer by road from Palermo to Taormina.
Get the most out of your time spent in Taormina, and in the company of a local Guide, visit the amazing Greek Theatre set on a hill overlooking the sea and the Duomo. The historical centre is rich in luxurious shops, so feel free to do some shopping before returning to your hotel. (includes entrances).
Accommodation: Monte Tauro (4*) Monte Tauro (4*) is a modern designed hotel built into the Taormina cliffs 300 metres from Corso Umberto and 400 metres from the city centre and the Greek Theatre. Air-conditioned guestrooms feature custom-designed contemporary decor with sea-facing balconies; all have high speed Internet access. Guests at Monte Tauro Hotel can relax in the sun with a drink from the poolside bar, and enjoy Mediterranean dining in the panoramic restaurant.
Parco Archeologico Neapolis
Day 5: Taormina
Your private driver will collect you from your hotel in Taormina for a full day archaeological exploration of Siracusa. You will be met by your local English speaking guide at the designated location in Siracusa, for a sightseeing tour on foot of the archaeological area. At the end of the tour, your driver will take you back to your accommodation in Taormina. (Please note that your driver may only speak the local language).
Accommodation: Monte Tauro (4*) 
Mount Etna
Day 6: Taormina
Enjoy a full day tour with your private vehicle and naturalist guide/driver to the Mount Etna area, visiting the Craters of Silvestri. This tour takes you first to the Alcantara, a natural wonderland of scenic gorges. Continue to the medieval town of Randazzo. The journey continues up to the Craters of Silvestri (at 1,900 metres) and to the slopes of Mt. Etna. You will also be given an opportunity to ascend to the area of the main crater by cable car and jeep which takes around 2 hours (Not included in tour price, approximately 40 euro per person).
Accommodation: Monte Tauro (4*) 
Taormina Bay
Day 7: Taormina
Relax on your private transfer to Catania (airport) from your Taormina hotel.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Excelsior Hilton Palermo
Excelsior Palace Hilton Hotel (4*) - Palermo
The Excelsior Palace Hilton Hotel (4*) in Palermo is a restored 19th century palazzo with art nouveau features, within 150 meters of the Politeama and Massimo theatres. The guestrooms feature traditional décor and antique wood furnishings; all include balconies and satellite TV. The Liberty Hall Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and features 19th century décor. Having being completely restored in the year 2005, this historic building now houses one of the most impressive hotels in Palermo. Located beside the Giardino Inglese, Villa Garibaldi and Villa Trabia the property is perfectly suited to visiting the city's many sites.
- Monte Tauro Hotel
Monte Tauro (4*) - Taormina
Monte Tauro (4*) is a modern designed hotel built into the Taormina cliffs 300 metres from Corso Umberto and 400 metres from the city centre and the Greek Theatre. Air-conditioned guestrooms feature custom-designed contemporary decor with sea-facing balconies; all have high speed Internet access. Guests at Monte Tauro Hotel can relax in the sun with a drink from the poolside bar, and enjoy Mediterranean dining in the panoramic restaurant.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Italy
VISA/PASSPORT
Italy is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Italy for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/italy.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Rome.
Government: Kingdom of Italy declared in 1861. Republic since 1946.
Language: Italian is the official language. English, French and German are spoken in the biggest cities.
Religion: 87.8% Roman Catholic with Muslim and Protestant minorities.
Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz.
Telephone: Country code +39 (followed by 6 for Rome, 2 for Milan, 11 for Turin, 81 for Naples, 41 for Venice and 55 for Florence).
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good.
Internet: There are also Internet cafes in all main towns.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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