Palermo to Taormina Luxury Tours

Continue your exploration of Palermo with a tour of the city’s vibrant and lively markets. Browse colorful stalls brimming with fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisan handicrafts which showcase the multiculturalism the city is known for. Wander the markets, soaking up the many sights and sounds and picking up unique souvenirs and trinkets along the way. Continue to nearby Monreale Cathedral with your expert guide and enjoy an exclusive after-hours tour. Admire the landmark’s striking 12th-century Norman architecture and vast Byzantine-style frescoes adorning the interior as you explore in private. In the evening, enjoy a delicious recommended dinner at one of Palermo’s top restaurants and savor a traditional Sicilian meal.

The following day, you will visit the UNESCO-awarded Valley of the Temples, which is conveniently located in front of your hotel. This splendid archaeological park consists of eight Greek temples built between 510 BC and 430 BC. In the afternoon, visit the Scala dei Turchi, a dazzling white rocky cliff that meets the sea, rising 50 meters above sea level. Its gleaming color is eye-catching enough, but what makes it all the more remarkable is that it looks like a staircase carved by man, even though its shape is entirely natural. It was formed by marl, a sedimentary rock with a characteristic white color. It lies between two sandy beaches where you can swim, and is accessed through a limestone rock formation in the shape of a staircase, hence the name.

The following day, embark on a private biking tour to the fishing village of Marzamemi. Your personal guide will lead you through the Sicilian countryside, where you can admire local farms, rolling hills and charming towns overlooking the ocean. Arrive in Marzamemi, a town established by the Moors in the 10th century and known originally as Turtle Dove Bay, and enjoy time to stroll through the winding streets and explore the town’s main plaza. In the afternoon, return to Noto to explore the city’s historic old town. The city was rebuilt based on Baroque ideals following an earthquake in the 17th century, and features a perfectly proportioned city center with unique panoramas. End your day with a private granita tasting, guided by a world-famous chef, and discover more about this delicious dessert.

The following day, embark on a beautiful 3-hour hike to Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will explore the awe-inspiring Silvestri craters, rising over 11,000 feet above sea level on the mountain’s north side. Your hike begins at the Rifugio Sapienza and circles the two extinguished craters before you ascend to the observatory which allows you to see as high as 9,000 feet. Following your hike, savor a delicious lunch at a nearby vineyard and enjoy a wine tasting tour. As you sip on delicious local blends, discover how the minerals in the soil from Mt. Etna contribute to unique grape varieties and some of Italy’s best wines. You’ll also uncover the secrets of growing along the volcano’s slope, and learn about the experimentation involved in high-altitude growing to produce promising new vines. End your day with an exploration of Taormina’s highlights, including the rich Villa Comunale Gardens.

End your tour of Sicily by departing for the airport by private transfer. Luggage and check-in assistance will be provided ahead of your international departure flight back home.