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A Week in...
 

A Week in Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse & Taormina

9 days |  12 days with Rome extension
9 days |  12 days with Rome extension
Group size1538 travelers
Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars

102
Physical activity
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
You have up to 60 days to get a full refund

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Discover a multicultural island in the middle of the Mediterranean.

Sicily’s traditions and cuisine take on a new life as the summer comes to an end and locals take to the streets. From fresh fall harvests and beautiful blue-sky winters to warm spring weather, each season brings a unique reason to visit. Travel to lively Palermo, seaside Syracuse, and charming Taormina to uncover the island’s beautiful landscapes and interesting history.

Your tour package includes

  • 7 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 3 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 wine tasting
  • 5 sightseeing tours
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Included highlights

  • Cappella Palatina
  • Piazza Armerina
  • Island of Ortygia
  • Syracuse Cathedral
  • Taormina’s Greek theater
Read more
Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Palermo today.

Palermo2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Palermo
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Italy! Meet your Tour Director and fellow group members at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Palermo
Included meal: Breakfast

This morning, embark on a guided tour of the bayside city of Palermo.

  • Discover the city’s Baroque architecture as you pass the Quattro Canti piazza in the historic center.
  • Step inside the Cappella Palatina to see the stunning mosaics and artwork.
  • End with a tasting of a delicious local specialty.

Spend a free afternoon in Palermo or add an excursion.

Cefalù Wine Tasting & Lunch

From $125 per person

Syracuse2 nights
Day 4: Syracuse via Piazza Armerina
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

On the way to Syracuse, stop for a guided tour of Piazza Armerina and view the stunning mosaics in the UNESCO-listed Villa Romana del Casale.

After, continue on to Syracuse and sit down for an included dinner.

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Syracuse
Included meal: Breakfast

Embark on a guided tour of Syracuse, a city known for its rich Greek history.

  • Visit the Greek theater, the most complete ancient Greek theater still in existence.
  • Tour the massive Paradise Quarry and gardens, featuring the cave that Caravaggio dubbed “The Ear of Dionysius” for its unique acoustics.
  • Visit the Roman amphitheater, then cross a bridge to the Island of Ortygia to see the Temple of Apollo and Syracuse Cathedral.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Syracuse or add an excursion.

Baroque City of Noto

From $65 per person

Taormina Region3 nights
Day 6: Transfer to Taormina & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast

Transfer to Taormina, where a local guide introduces you to this scenic town perched high above the sea.

  • Stroll along the city’s cobblestone streets to see Taormina Cathedral and Palazzo Corvaja, seat of the first Sicilian parliament.
  • Visit the town’s 2nd-century Greek theater which, on clear days, offers panoramic vistas of Mount Etna.
Day 7: Free day in Taormina
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Taormina or add an excursion.

Sicilian Cooking Class & Lunch

From $129 per person

Day 8: Free day in Taormina
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enjoy a free day in Taormina or add an excursion.

This evening, celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Hidden Sicily: Medieval Savoca & Forza d’Agrò

From $65 per person

Flight Home
Day 9: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Catania airport for your flight home or continue on to explore Rome.

Extension to Rome
Have your sights on more art, history, and street life? Rome is sure to deliver. Only in the Italian capital can you sip cappuccino in front of the Pantheon and have an audience with the pope all in one morning. After a flight, admire the highlights during guided sightseeing.
Rome3 nights
Day 9: Flight to Rome
Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Rome this morning. Enjoy a free evening to explore Rome on your own.

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Rome
Included meal: Breakfast

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a guided walking tour to discover its beautiful, centuries-old squares and fountains.

  • Stroll past the Spanish Steps, where Bernini’s Baroque-style fountain has stood since the 1600s.
  • Walk to the intricately carved Trevi Fountain, and toss a coin for good luck.
  • Step inside the Pantheon, home to the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
  • Learn about the engineering skills of the ancient Romans and how they created this well-preserved temple.
  • End at Piazza Navona and see the Fountain of the Four Rivers.

Spend a free afternoon in Rome or add an excursion.

Ancient Rome: St. Paul’s Basilica & the Catacombs

From $89 per person

Day 11: Free day in Rome
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Rome or add excursions.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Iconic Sights: Vatican City

From $125 per person

Pasta-Making Class & Dinner

From $119 per person

Flight Home
Day 12: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Show full itinerary
Book for just $99 down

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Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars

Overall rating 4.5 out of 5

Based on 102 authentic traveler reviews
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    5 out of 5 stars

    Wonderful Tour
    2/24/24 by 4th-time traveler Kathryn

    This was our fourth tour with Go Ahead and it was excellent. Our guide Rafaella was organized, friendly and fun. The tour was filled with history, scenery, and delicious food. The best part of Go Ahead tours is the amount of free time travelers have to explore. Also the added excursions are worth it...

    Read more +
    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 3/13/24

    Hi Kathryn, Thank you for sharing your experience...

    Read more +

    5 out of 5 stars

    Sicily
    2/24/24 by 3rd-time traveler Carol

    As always Go Ahead provided a fun memorable experience. Our tour director was outstanding!! I didn't care for Palermo but did enjoy the excursion to Cefalù. And I loved Syracuse and Taormina!! I do wish we'd had a few minutes to purchase souvenirs on the drive/stops from Palermo to Syracuse ( at the...

    Read more +
    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 3/7/24

    Hi Carol, Thank you for sharing your experience w...

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    5 out of 5 stars

    Go Ahead
    2/24/24 by 1st-time traveler Alida

    The tour itself was excellent and well planned. We were able to visit and tour many historic places while simultaneously viewing the cities as they are today. The individual tour guides were outstanding! All of them were able to present the historical backgrounds of the places we visited, and all...

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    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Hotel Mercure Palermo Centro
    Hotel Mercure Palermo Centro

    This modern hotel is located in the Palermo city center. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a bar, and a spacious lobby. Nearby, you'll find Teatro Politeama, T...

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    Grand Hotel Villa Politi
    Grand Hotel Villa Politi

    This grand hotel is located near the historic archeological zone. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and spa. Nearby, you’ll find the Greek Theater of Sy...

    Read more +
    Excelsior Palace Hotel Taormina
    Excelsior Palace Hotel Taormina

    This historic hotel is located in the city center. Guests enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, sun deck, and restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find Corso Umberto,...

    Read more +
    UNAWAY Hotel Empire Roma
    UNAWAY Hotel Empire Roma

    This historic hotel is located in the heart of Rome. Guests enjoy the architectural features from the original noble Venetian family, piano bar, and o...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

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