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Palermo | The Carousel Island: Sicily & the Aeolian Islands

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Palermo | The Carousel Island: Sicily & the Aeolian Islands | Small Group

Itinerary What's Included Pricing Hotels Map Request
11 days from

$5979

Discover the magic of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands on an unforgettable journey through ancient history, authentic traditions, spectacular landscapes, and Mediterranean beauty. Explore Palermo, Erice, Marsala, Syracuse, Ortigia, Mount Etna and Taormina, then sail to the enchanting Aeolian Islands of Lipari, Panarea, Stromboli and Salina. Experience volcanic landscapes, scenic boat excursions, local flavours, wine traditions, and charming island villages, all in an intimate group of up to 20 guests, exclusively in English.

Day 1: Palermo

Sunday  - Upon arrival at the airport, meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel. Meet your tour leader and fellow travellers during a welcome dinner. This first gathering offers the perfect introduction to Sicily's warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage. Free evening to begin discovering the local atmosphere. Overnight. (D)

Day 2: Palermo

Monday - Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a guided visit of Palermo, a fascinating city where centuries of Arab, Norman, Byzantine and Spanish influences have left an extraordinary cultural legacy. Explore the historic centre and admire some of its most iconic landmarks, including Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria, Piazza Bellini and the magnificent Palermo Cathedral. Continue your discovery with a visit to one of Palermo’s renowned open-air markets. Conclude the morning with a tasting of the traditional Sicilian arancina. The afternoon is free to enjoy Palermo at your own pace or to join an optional* excursion to Cefalù, one of Sicily’s most picturesque coastal towns with the stunning Arab-Norman Cathedral and the historic medieval washhouse and enjoy a relaxing walk along the scenic seafront before returning to Palermo. (B)

Day 3: Palermo | Erice | Marsala | Palermo

Tuesday - After breakfast, depart for Erice, a perfectly preserved medieval village dramatically located on a hilltop overlooking the western coast of Sicily. Continue to Marsala, a town celebrated for its historic fortified wine. Visit a local winery for a guided tour of the historic cellars, followed by a wine tasting experience featuring its renowned wines, accompanied by a light lunch showcasing typical Sicilian flavours. In the afternoon, discover the unique landscapes of the Stagnone Lagoon. Visit the historic salt pans and admire the shallow waters as they reflect the changing colours of the afternoon light. Dinner and evening at leisure in Palermo. (B)

Day 4: Palermo | Piazza Armerina | Catania

Wednesday - After breakfast, departure to Piazza Armerina. Visit the extraordinary Villa Romana del Casale, one of the finest Roman villas ever discovered and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its remarkable mosaics, among the best preserved in the world, vividly depict mythological scenes, hunting expeditions and daily life in Ancient Rome. In the afternoon departure to Catania. Free time at disposal. Dinner on your own. Overnight. (B)

Day 5: Catania | Siracusa | Catania

Thursday - After breakfast, depart for Syracuse, a city that was once one of the most influential centres of the ancient Greek world and is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your visit at the impressive Neapolis Archaeological Park, where some of Sicily’s most significant classical monuments can be admired, including the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Ear of Dionysius and the Latomia del Paradiso. Continue to the island of Ortygia, the captivating historic heart of Syracuse, where centuries of history blend with elegant Baroque architecture, charming alleyways, picturesque courtyards and beautiful squares overlooking the sea. Explore its most iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Cathedral, built on the remains of the ancient Temple of Athena, the Fountain of Arethusa and the Temple of Apollo. Enjoy a curated street-food lunch experience, discovering the authentic flavours of Sicily through a selection of the island’s most beloved local specialities. The afternoon is at leisure. Return to Catania. Evening at leisure. Overnight. (B, L)

Day 6: Catania | Mount Etna | Taormina | Catania

Friday - After breakfast, depart for Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano and one of Sicily’s most iconic natural landmarks. Travel through a spectacular volcanic landscape of ancient lava flows, vineyards and centuries-old forests as you ascend to approximately 1,800 metres above sea level. Visit the Silvestri Craters, and a renowned Etna winery. Enjoy a guided visit of the estate, followed by a tasting of Etna DOC wines accompanied by a selection of local cheeses, cured meats and traditional specialities. In the afternoon, continue to Taormina. Enjoy free time to explore the charming Corso Umberto, browse its artisan boutiques and admire the spectacular viewpoints overlooking the coastline. An optional visit to the renowned Greco-Roman Theatre offers unforgettable views of Mount Etna rising above the sea. Return to Catania. Dinner at leisure. Overnight. (B)

Day 7: Catania | Milazzo | Lipari

Saturday -  After buffet breakfast, departure -without guide- to Milazzo. Boarding at the port of Milazzo for Lipari by hydrofoil. Arrival on the island of Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian archipelago. Transfer to the hotel and free time to visit the delightful village of Lipari. Lunch on your own; in the afternoon, taxi tour of the island of Lipari. Free time for dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 8: Lipari | Panarea | Stromboli | Lipari

Sunday - After a buffet breakfast, morning at disposal and lunch at your own. Late in the morning departure by boat to Panarea and Stromboli. First stop in Panarea where it will be possible to visit the small village with a pleasant walk along the streets among the white Aeolian-style houses. Then continue with the boat to Stromboli, the island, defined as the wildest island because it seems to preserve its bond with nature and with the volcano, called by the locals "Iddu"; free tIme to visit. Once back on the boat, you will continue until you reach the "Sciara del fuoco", a ridge of the crater from where the lava descends. From the boat it will also be possible to witness the evocative eruptions of the volcano that follow one another with intervals of about fifteen minutes. Return to Lipari in the evening and overnight. (B)

Day 9: Lipari | Salina | Lipari

Monday - After a buffet breakfast in hotel, departure by boat to Salina. After a stop in the center of S. Marina, continue by boat to circumnavigate the island, swim in Pollara, the beach of the famous film "Il Postino". Free time for lunch. Continue to Lingua where there is a Salt Lake from where salt was extracted in ancient times (hence the name of the island). Return to Lipari in the afternoon. Free time at disposal for shopping and dinner. Overnight. (B)

Day 10: Lipari | Palermo

Tuesday - After breakfast, transfer to the port of Lipari, and boarding on the hydrofoil for Milazzo. Transfer to Palermo, arrival at the hotel and accommodation. Lunch and dinner on your own; afternoon at your disposal in Palermo. Overnight in Hotel. (B)

Day 11: Palermo Departure

Wednesday - Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Your private transfer will take you to Palermo Airport for your return journey. (B)

Guaranteed English only departures!

2027 Departures:  Sunday
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 / June 6, 13 / August 29 / September 5, 12, 19, 26 / October 3, 10, 17

Not included: Entrance fees - approximately Euros 50.00 per person.

This tour is limited to a maximum of 20 participants. For 8 or fewer participants, the tour will be operated by minivan with an English-speaking driver & local guide services as necessary, and the travel program might be adjusted.  In case of adverse weather conditions on the Aeolian Islands, the itinerary may be modified.