CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH SICILY

SEPTEMBER 18-28, 2027 (10 DAYS)

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: 6 Culinary Experiences • 2 Nights in Palermo • 2 Nights in Ragusa • 3 Nights in Taormina Riviera • Monreale & Norman Cathedral • Palermo Walking Tour • Erice & Cable Car Ride • Marsala & Marsala Salt Mill • Agrigento & Valley of the Temples • Ragusa Walking Tour • Marzamemi • Noto Walking Tour • Syracuse Archaeological Park • Ortigia Island in Syracuse • Mt. Etna • Taormina Walking Tour

INCLUSIONS: Roundtrip Airfare - BUF & ROC • 14 Meals (8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners) • International Air Departure Taxes/Fuel/Fees • Professional Tour Director • Motorcoach Transportation •  Hotel Transfers • Admissions per Itinerary • Comprehensive Sightseeing • Baggage Handling at Hotel

PRICE PER PERSON:

Booking Discount*: $5,449 pp double
Regular Rate: $5,549 pp double
Single Supplement: +$750

BOOKING DISCOUNT: Save $100 Per Person ($200 Per Couple*) Make your final payment by check prior to the final payment due date & receive a $100 per person / $200 per couple booking discount! • Initial deposit can be made by check or credit card to be eligible. • Payments after the initial deposit are considered part of the final payment & must be made by check.

DEPOSIT & FINAL PAYMENT:  A deposit of $600 per person is due with the Reservation Form to secure reservations. The final payment due date is June 18, 2027.

PREMIER’S TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN (TPP): $475 per person (must purchase with initial deposit)

TENTATIVE ITINERARY:

Day One –DEPART THE USA BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT FLIGHT TO EUROPE

Day Two – ARRIVE PALERMO, SICILY: Arrive in Palermo, meet your Tour Director and transfer to your Palermo hotel for a two-night stay. The vibrant and colorful capital of Sicily captivates with its millennia-old history, tasty street food markets and art that unites diverse cultures. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner with a Cannoli Dessert, the classic Italian pastry which originated in Sicily.

Day Three – MONREALE PALERMO:  After breakfast travel to the nearby hilltop town of Monreale to visit the Norman Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece with its interior of glittering 12th century Byzantine mosaics. Return to Palermo for a Palermo Walking Tour of the ancient Old City with its incredible mix of architectural styles including its magnificent Cathedral. This a ernoon, discover Palermo on your own with its bustling street food scene and winding alleyways. Perhaps join the optional tour to the charming seaside town of Cefalu, distinguished by its medieval setting and delightful Fisherman’s Village.

Day Four – ERICE MARSALA SELINUNTE: Depart Palermo this morning. Make your way west and stop for a cable car ride up to the medieval hilltop town of Erice. Situated 2,500 feet above sea level, Erice features impressive defensive walls, a castle, breathtaking coastal views and landmark windmills. Enjoy an Almond Cookie Tasting and some free time to meander the narrow, cobbled streets and admire the views. Later drive to the coastal town of Marsala to enjoy an included lunch and Wine Tasting of the famous Marsala wines. Then visit a Marsala Salt Mill to learn about one of the oldest industries of the region. Continue south for an overnight stay in Selinunte along the southwestern coast.

Day Five – SELINUNTE AGRIGENTO RAGUSA: This morning sit back and enjoy the scenery enroute to Agrigento. Upon arrival discover Agrigento’s celebrated Valley of the Temples, the largest and best-preserved temple ruins outside of mainland Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour this magnifi cent archaeological park that consists of eight Greek temples, built between 430 and 510 B.C., all majestically positioned in the same area on rocky crests near Agrigento. This afternoon arrive in hilltop Ragusa for a two-night stay. Enjoy a Ragusa Walking Tour to take in the Baroque atmosphere of Ragusa-Ibla (Old Town) with its maze of narrow streets, ancient palazzos, and imposing churches. Enjoy dinner at your hotel in Ragusa this evening.

Day Six – MODICA MARZAMEMI RAGUSA: Today visit Modica and stop for a Chocolate Factory & Tasting experience. Then drive to Marzamemi, a tiny, picturesque fishing village which is among the most photographed spots in Sicily. Enjoy an included lunch with a view of the historic Tonnara, an ancient tuna fishery and city landmark in the main square. Return to Ragusa which is drama cally split into two fascinating districts connected by steep staircases and panoramic bridges. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day Seven - NOTO SYRACUSE TAORMINA RIVIERA: This morning motorcoach to Noto, famous for its Baroque architecture & another UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a Noto Walking Tour along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, a central pedestrian street, and admire San Nicolò Cathedral, the crown jewel of the town. Drive to Syracuse for a guided visit of the Syracuse Archaeological Park featuring the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater and the Ear of Dionysus. Then visit Syracuse’s little island of Ortigia, connected to the mainland by two short bridges and famous for Greek mythology. Then continue your journey north to the Taormina Riviera for a three-night stay. Renowned for its stunning, cliff studded stretch of coastline along the Ionian Sea in northeastern Sicily, the Taormina Riviera is famous for its dramatic volcanic backdrop of Mount Etna, clear blue waters, and upscale Mediterranean charm. After a fascinating day, dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Day Eight - MT. ETNA FARMHOUSE TASTING: Begin the day with a visit to the lava-crusted slopes of Mount Etna, dominating the region’s landscape. Standing at 11,000 feet above sea level, it’s the most active volcano in Europe. Ascend Mount Etna to reach the Silvestri Craters and step carefully on the varied layers of lava which have solidified over the centuries. Learn about Etna’s impact on the surrounding area and its unique geology. A er the breathtaking scenery enjoy a Farmhouse Tasting Experience of local products like jams, honey, wine, and of course pistachios. Thanks to its unique climate, rich volcanic soil, and abundant citrus groves, Sicily produces some of Italy’s most celebrated agricultural gems. Return to your hotel for an evening at your own pace.

Day Nine - TAORMINA FAREWELL DINNER: This morning enjoy a Taormina Walking Tour including its vibrant main street, Corso Umberto, and the massive Greek Theater, one of the largest in Sicily, from where you can admire remarkable panoramas of the city and countryside. Spend time at leisure in the upper town of Taormina to enjoy the many delights in this marvelous city. The afternoon is free to relax, dine, explore, shop, and people watch from a sidewalk cafe. Tonight enjoy a Farmhouse Farewell Dinner experience with Wine Tasting & other local specialties. Share memories and stories from the week with your fellow travelers.

Day Ten - CATANIA AIRPORT FLIGHT HOME: Fly home with wonderful memories of Sicily or join the Malta Extension.

OPTIONAL 3-NIGHT MALTA EXTENION

$1399 pp dbl / +$450 sgl supplement

Day Ten - FLY TO MALTA: Fly to Malta, known for its historic sites and beach scenery. Settle into your resort hotel for a 3-night stay. This evening enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers.  

Day Eleven - VALETTA MDINA: Enjoy a Vale a Walking Tour. Explore the fortified capital city da ng to the 16th century. See the Cathedral of St. John, the Grand Masters Palace and take a Valetta Harbor Cruise to learn more about Malta’s rich history. Travel to Mdina, one of the best preserved medieval walled towns in the world. Return to your hotel for an evening at your own pace. 

Day 12 - MARSAXLOKK CAVE HAGAR QIM: Today visit Marsaxlokk, the most picturesque fishing village in Malta, with its multi -colored fishing boats filling the harbor. Later visit the Ghar Dalam Cave, home of the first settlers to the islands. Then visit Hagar Qim, a temple complex da ng to 3600-3200 B.C., making it older than the pyramids of Egypt.

Day 13 - FLIGHT HOME Fly home with wonderful memories of Sicily & Malta.