Sicily is the Mediterranean's largest island and during this tour, you'll extensively explore its west coast, visiting popular hotspots and lesser-known gems. Your itinerary will be jampacked and full of highlights including capital Palermo, historic Trapani, Monreal and Marsala - famed for its wine.
Spend time in Erice, one of the island's few typically medieval towns, and see historic and cultural sights such as the Chiesa Madre cathedral, built in gothic style. You'll also see the historic sights of Trapani, a city rich in heritage and with beautiful views, stretching as far as the Aegadian Islands.
Palermo is known for its history and architecture - the city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only will you marvel at its mix of Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences, but you'll also delve into its fantastic gastronomic scene with a foodie tour, visiting markets and authentic eateries.
As well as a day in Marsala, where you'll travel along the 'salt road', visiting the salt museum and also a winery - to of course, sample some famous Marsala wine - you'll visit the hilltop city of Agrigento, home of the famous Valley of the Temples.
You'll stay at the four-star La Tonnara di Bonagia Resort - located between Trapani and San Vito Lo Capo - on a half-board basis. During your trip, all your excursions will be included, and on the final day you can choose to relax at the hotel and explore the surrounding areas, or join an optional escorted tour.
This tour is exclusively for solos, meaning you can take advantage of no single supplement.
Fly from London Palermo. Upon arrival, meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel for a seven-night stay. After check-in, you're free to unwind and take advantage of the hotel's amenities before enjoying a welcome dinner and drinks at the hotel's restaurant. This evening is an ideal opportunity to meet with your fellow travellers ahead of the first excursion.
After breakfast, visit the medieval town of Erice - one of the few typical medieval towns in Sicily, set on Mount Erice. Wander around the historic and cultural highlights of this unique area, including the scientific culture centre, and the Gothic cathedral, Chiesa Madre. There'll also be time to take in the panoramic view of the Egadi Islands and the city of Trapani that divides the Tyrrhenian Sea from the Mediterranean Sea.
You'll then break for a tasting of typical sweets, a Sicilian speciality before travelling to Trapani. Here, a guide will escort you around the historic centre, home to several fascinating sights, including the Torre di Ligny, the fish market, and the church of Sant'Agostino.
Lunch will be enjoyed back at the hotel and the afternoon will be free to unwind at the resort - perhaps sip on a cocktail by the pool. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.
After breakfast, depart for Palermo, Sicily's capital, on a culinary highlights guided tour. On foot, you'll survey the markets selling fresh produce and eateries popular with the locals and sample the typical street food for which Palermo is known. Savour freshly cooked rice balls, arancini; tuck into a traditionally made cannoli; and cool down with a refreshing granita. During your exploration, you'll still have ample time to take in the city's rich artistic and monumental heritage, including its UNESCO-recognised Arab-Norman architecture.
Later, head to Monreale and call at its famous cathedral, a masterpiece of Arab-Norman style adorned with stunning mosaics that tell stories from the Bible and the New Testament. You'll also have the chance to examine the Benedictine Cloister and its beautiful arches, capitals, and columns decorated with colourful polychrome ornamentation. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.
After breakfast, journey to Segesta, a town founded on the slopes of Mount Barbaro by the Helimes between the 12th and 11th centuries BC. The wild and mountainous site offers a spectacular view of the magnificent and solitary Doric Temple of Segesta, a true masterpiece in a Greek style. Stop off at the theatre, which is positioned at the top of the mountain and reachable by a shuttle bus.
Next, visit a local dairy that has been built inside an old tuff quarry. You'll learn about the traditional processes of cheese production before tasting several of the cheeses. Lunch will be enjoyed at the farm and feature dishes made from locally sourced produce. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
After breakfast, travel along the 'salt road' towards the coastal town of Marsala, passing by famous salt pans. You'll then arrive at the Salt Museum, which provides an insight into the production of salt sea and the importance of this mineral to the area.
This town is also known for its wine production, which was held in very high regard by the British at the end of the 1700s. Visit a historical winery here, where you'll be able to taste for yourself and compare notes with the other travellers.
Spend time at your leisure in the historic centre, observing its ancient ruins, spotting migratory birds flocking to the beachfront, and perhaps drinking some more wine at one of the many pavement-fronted cafés. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Enjoy breakfast and set off on a memorable excursion to the fishing port of Sciacca. Known for its fine artistic ceramics, this town is awash with boutique shops displaying these wares. Stroll around the old town and visit some of the ceramic exhibitions while learning about this art form.
The tour will continue to the hilltop city, Agrigento, home of the famous Valley of the Temples. This area is a breathtaking archaeological site that contains some of the most well-preserved Greek temples in the world. Erected during the 5th century BC, these monuments are now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are unmissable on a trip to Sicily. As you're guided through the valley, you'll see one remarkable shrine after another, including the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concordia, and the Temple of Hercules.
The sheer size and magnificence of these structures is awe-inspiring, and your tour manager will help you gain a new appreciation for the history and culture of the Greek civilization that once thrived in Sicily. The Temple of Concordia is particularly impressive, as it is considered to be one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. Its intricate carvings across the stone columns and walls are a testament to the skill and artistry of the ancient Greek architects and craftsmen.
This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
After breakfast, you are free to spend the day at leisure, doing as much (or as little) as you like. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the Egadi Islands, a group of three small islands located off the western coast of Sicily, encompassing Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo.
Cruise to two of these islands - first, Favignana, the largest one, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches, as well as its tuna fishing industry. Visit its small fishing village of narrow lanes and beautiful architecture before continuing to Levanzo. The smallest of the three islands, Levanzo, is mostly uninhabited and features idyllic bays and rocky cliffs, which are perfect for hiking and exploring. (please note: the cruise is subject to weather conditions and the period of stay, as the area often gets strong winds and it's not always possible to guarantee the crossing.)
Back on land, the tour will return to the hotel and conclude the trip with a farewell dinner. Over a traditional Sicilian meal and some drinks, you can reflect on the week, sharing personal highlights with the other travellers.
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Palermo airport for your return flight to London.
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