Italy’s largest island is steeped in history. From the ancient Greeks and Carthaginians to the French, Spanish, and Arabs, the gorgeous island of Sicily was ruled by many civilizations. Expect to find relics of Sicily’s turbulent history in its architecture, culture, and cuisine.
The capital of Sicily, Palermo, is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. Pay a visit to some of the world’s oldest food markets, get lost in the multi-colored historical center, and admire the beauty of Arab, Norman, and Byzantine architecture. If you wish to enjoy stunning beaches, visit the nearby town of Mondello. Some of the other most popular beaches in Sicily include San Vito Lo Capo, La Plaja, and the beach in the picturesque town of Cefalù.
Catania is well-known for its baroque-style architecture and excellent cuisine, while the picture-perfect Taormina and Siracusa are two of the most beloved cities inSicily. No visit to the island is complete without checking out the Etna region and its volcanic landscapes. History buffs will want to visit the Greek temples of Agrigento, Selinunte, and Segesta and the Roman site of Piazza Armerina.
The cuisine in Sicily is all about farm-to-table. You can visit a local farm to see how the products are produced, and even have a cooking lesson on how to prepare the local cuisine.
This is just a small example of the 100's of tours and activities we can provide throughout Italy.
There is a rich history of Italians immigrating to the US, resulting in many of today’s North Americans having roots in Italy. We can help you discover the village your family originated, where we can look into old records and perhaps find written evidence of your ancestors. In some cases, we may even be able to introduce you to distant relatives you didn’t even know you had!
There is a rich history of Italians immigrating to the US, resulting in many of today’s North Americans having roots in Italy. We can help you discover the village your family originated, where we can look into old records and perhaps find written evidence of your ancestors. In some cases, we may even be able to introduce you to distant relatives you didn’t even know you had!
There is a rich history of Italians immigrating to the US, resulting in many of today’s North Americans having roots in Italy. We can help you discover the village your family originated, where we can look into old records and perhaps find written evidence of your ancestors. In some cases, we may even be able to introduce you to distant relatives you didn’t even know you had!
There is a rich history of Italians immigrating to the US, resulting in many of today’s North Americans having roots in Italy. We can help you discover the village your family originated, where we can look into old records and perhaps find written evidence of your ancestors. In some cases, we may even be able to introduce you to distant relatives you didn’t even know you had!
Learn the history of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palermo and the Cathedral of Monreale. Visit the “Mercato del Capo,” an open-air market full of local food, fragrant spices and fresh meat. Walk along the principal street ofPalermo and view the cathedral and the octagonal piazza. Continue to the Piazza Pretoria and learn the narrative of its “Fountain of Shame.” Finally, go to Piazza Bellini with its two churches: San Cataldo and La Martorana. Have lunch before going to Monreale. Monreale overlooks “Conca d'Oro,” a valley full of lemon trees. You will see the Duomo, an example of Arab-Norman style, and view the golden mosaics there. Walk into the Benedictine monastery before returning to your accommodation.
Explore Savoca and Forza D'Agro with your driver. You will see the medieval village of Savoca and walk on the promenade to the church of Sant'Nicolò, which was depicted in the film Godfather. You will see other parts of the town and the "VITELLI" bar, one of Francis Ford Coppola's favorite spots—make sure you taste lemon Granita! You will then visit the village of Forza D'Agrò, which is one of the finest examples of a medieval village in the Province of Messina. You will end your trip in the medieval village of Castelmola, which is situated high above Taormina.
The path up Mount Etna will start at “Rifugio Citelli,” where there is a place to view the Sicilian shore. The route goes through a birch forest and among torrents of lava stone and Mount Etna vegetation, and the Serracozzo cave. After exploring the cave, you will climb to the volcanic depression called Valle del Bove, which is the perfect place to see the volcano. The trip will take you on a route of sandy lava and then end in Mount Etna soil, where winemakers have mixed the tradition of Sicilian farmers with transalpine wine technologies. After visiting the vineyards and the wine cellar, you will enjoy wines paired with foods from Mount Etna.
The Valley of the Temples is located on a ridge outside of Agrigentois, among olive and almond trees and testifies to the Greek Heritage of Sicily. Your guide will meet you at the site with structures and ruins of seven Greek Doric temples. Beginning at the Temple of Juno and traveling throughout the Valley, you will see the Sicilian archaeological park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guide will tell you stories about life in the ancient city and how the temples were built. You will also learn some of the techniques used by modern archaeologists to study artifacts.
