Wonders of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, April 10 to 23, 2027
Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, Italy
Duration
14 DaysCategory
Guided tourFrench Accompanist
Date
Saturday April 10 2027Description
Sicily wears on its walls every civilization that ever coveted it: Greek temples, Arab domes, Norman cathedrals with golden mosaics. This 14-day tour explores it at a pace that alternates sightseeing days and free days, leaving time to truly savour it.
The first five nights are spent in Giardini Naxos, at the foot of Taormina. From there, you walk through Syracuse and its island of Ortigia, ride up to 1,900 metres on the slopes of Etna, Europe's most active volcano, then sit in Taormina's ancient theatre facing the sea. A local farm offers tastings of its wine, olive oil and honey.
A day at sea then leads to the Aeolian Islands: Lipari, the largest, and Vulcano, with its black sand beach. Next come five nights in Cefalù, a small fishing town beneath a rocky headland, then Palermo, its Ballarò market and the Monreale cathedral.
A trip where you eat well, walk a lot and come home with a head full of images.
Highlights:
-A gentle mix of free days and sightseeing days
-Excursion to Mount Etna and a farm tasting
-A day in the Aeolian Islands: Lipari and Vulcano
-Discovery of Syracuse and its island of Ortigia
-Tour of Palermo and the Monreale cathedral
Accommodation categories:
Giardini Naxos: Caesar Palace 4* or similar
Cefalù: Artemis 4* or similar
Palermo: Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa 4* or similar
The itinerary is subject to change without notice. The final itinerary will be available from your travel advisor!
The displayed rate is for two adults in double occupancy. Other dates, room categories and occupancy types (single, triple or quadruple) may be available. Price available upon request*.
Inclusions
Connecting flights Montreal–Catania and Palermo–Montreal with Air Canada and ITA Airways or another carrier- 3 ferry crossings (Milazzo–Lipari–Vulcano–Milazzo)
- All ground transfers
- Deluxe motorcoach transportation
- 12 nights' accommodation in 4* hotels
- 20 meals: 12 breakfasts and 8 dinners, including the farewell dinner
- Services of a tour escort
- Services of local guides
- Guided tour of Syracuse and Ortigia, and admission to the Neapolis archaeological site
- Italian specialty tastings in Syracuse
- Excursion on Mount Etna (up to 1,900 m) and farm tasting
- Guided tour of Taormina and admission to the ancient theatre
- Coach tour of Lipari and free time on Vulcano
- Guided tour of Palermo, cathedral admission and stop at the Ballarò market
- Excursion to Monreale and admission to the cathedral cloister
- Audio guides
- First checked bag fee charged by the airline
- Taxes and service fees
Exclusions
Travel insurance (trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical care, baggage)- Meals and drinks not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Optional excursion to Castelbuono
- Baggage handling
- Public transit
- City taxes payable locally in cash (about €39 per person)
- Contribution to the Quebec travel agents' client compensation fund (FICAV)
- Seat selection
- Personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Departure on Saturday April 10th 2027
Itinerary
Connecting flights to Catania.
Catania – Giardini Naxos (5 nights). Arrival in Catania and transfer to Giardini Naxos, near Taormina. Check in at the hotel and dinner. (D)
Giardini Naxos. Free day. (B, D)
Giardini Naxos – Syracuse – Ortigia. Guided walking tour of Syracuse and the island of Ortigia, then the Neapolis archaeological site. Tasting of local specialties: bruschetta, small pizzas and an almond pastry. Return to the hotel and dinner. (B, D)
Giardini Naxos. Free day. (B, D)
Mount Etna – Taormina. Coach ride up to 1,900 m on Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, with views of the Silvestri craters and lava flows. Stop at a farm to taste local wine, olive oil and honey. In the afternoon, guided tour of Taormina and its Greco-Roman theatre (admission included). Dinner. (B, D)
Giardini Naxos – Lipari – Vulcano – Cefalù (5 nights). Weather permitting, crossing from Milazzo to Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, and coach tour. Crossing to Vulcano and free time on its black volcanic sand beach. Return to the mainland and drive to Cefalù. (B)
Cefalù. Free day and dinner. (B, D)
Cefalù. Free day. (B)
Cefalù. Free day or optional excursion to Castelbuono (extra cost). (B)
Cefalù. Free day. (B)
Cefalù – Palermo (2 nights). Tour of Palermo, admission to the cathedral and stop at the Ballarò market. Free time in the afternoon. Dinner. (B, D)
Palermo – Monreale. Excursion to Monreale, famous for the mosaics of its Norman cathedral, with admission to the cloister. Return to Palermo, free time and farewell dinner. (B, D)
Palermo – Return. Transfer to the airport and return flights to Montreal. (B)
FAQ
April 10 to 23, 2027: 14 days and 12 nights in Sicily, including a day in the Aeolian Islands.
$5,299 per person in double occupancy and $6,099 in single, taxes and service fees included. These rates include a $300 per person discount available until November 27, 2026.
The tour alternates sightseeing days and free days, with only three hotels: Giardini Naxos, Cefalù and Palermo. You unpack for five nights at a time.
20 meals: 12 breakfasts and 8 dinners, including a farewell dinner in Palermo, plus tastings in Syracuse and at a farm at the foot of Etna.
Travel insurance, meals not mentioned, gratuities, the optional Castelbuono excursion, city taxes of about €39 per person payable in cash and the FICAV contribution.
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