Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, Sicily
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Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, Sicily
Cathedral square in Syracuse, Sicily
Ragusa
Taormina
Italy

Sicilian Carousel (Tour code: 11754)

Starts and Ends
Catania to
Taormina
Travel Periods
03 May 25 - 18 Oct 25 | 02 May 26 - 17 Oct 26
Experience
Travel Style
Escorted Group Tour
Immerse yourself in Sicily’s distinct culture, varied landscape and rich history during this fascinating 8-day Bespoke Small Group tour.

Highlights

Exclusive tour for small groups up to 20 People maximum in English Only.

Visit the historical markets to have a full immersion in the authentic Sicilian life!

Enjoy gastronomic and enological experiences like wine tasting in Marsala or the taste of traditional almond pastries in Erice!

Explore the charming city of Taormina and take time for a visit to the Ancient Greek Theater boasting a scenic view over the bay!

Marvel at Cefalù one of the most evocative destinations on the island!

Explore the archaeological sites of Siracusa, Agrigento & the Valley of the Temples

8 days
From
AUD 3,259
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

Book Now

Only $100pp deposit to Book Now

Visit our Agent Portal for more info.

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Overview

From Catania, travel to Siracusa, a city on the Ionian Coast. Visit its ancient ruins including the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Depart to the hilltop city of Ragusa to explore its stunning Baroque palaces and churches. Continue to Agrigento, a hilltop city renowned for the magnificent Valley of the Temples, some of the best-preserved ancient Greek buildings outside Greece.

After a short visit to Erice via the spectacular “Salt Route”, continue to the capital of Sicily:  Palermo. Explore its historical centre including the sprawling Palermo Cathedral, the Palace of the Normans and Teatro Massimo. Depart to Cefalu, a charming coastal town known for its Arab-Norman cathedral and sandy beaches. Last stop is the charming city of  Taormina, located on the east coast of Sicily and called "the pearl of the Ionian Sea".

Peace of mind booking plan
  1. ENTIRE Cooling-Off Period
  2. ENTIRE AUD Prices
  3. ENTIRE Change of Mind
  4. ENTIRE Industry Accredited
  5. ENTIRE On Ground Support
  6. ENTIRE Australian Owned

Inclusions

6 nights accommodation in 4-star hotels
1 night in a Wine Resort
Transportation by deluxe coach or minivan
Daily Breakfast
2 Dinners (Catania on day 1 & Ragusa on day 3)
Cheese & sicilian products tasting/ light lunch in Ragusa
Almond pastries tasting in Erice
Street food experience/tour in Syracuse with a glass of wine
Panoramic tour by Baroque train in Ragusa
Visit of a cellar and wine tasting on Mount Etna
English-speaking tour escort
Local guides where necessary
Porterage at hotels
"Whispers" (audio guide) throughout the itinerary

Day 1 Catania

Make your way to the hotel in Catania. Tonight, you'll enjoy a welcome dinner.

Overnight stay in Catania at Katane Palace Hotel or similar.

Dinner
Catania
Catania

Day 2 Catania Siracusa Catania

After a buffet breakfast, departure to Siracusa

Visit the World Heritage Site “Neapolis”. The visit of this archaeological area includes the famous Greek theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise (entrance tickets not included) and the “Dyionisios Ear”. Continue to the island of Ortigia, the small baroque old city centre of Siracusa; Visit of the beautiful Cathedral, which is built upon the site of the Doric Temple of Minerva, the legendary Arethusa’s Fountain, and the Temple of Apollo.

We will enjoy a “street food” light lunch in the centre of Ortigia. Afternoon at disposal to stroll through the streets of the centre and for shopping. 

Return to Catania and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure to experience the city on your own. 

Overnight stay in Catania at Katane Palace Hotel or similar.

Breakfast, Lunch
Catania → Siracusa → Catania
Syracuse

Day 3 Catania Ragusa

After a buffet breakfast, departure for a nice walk in Catania, stroll through the city centre and visit the famous fish market “A PISCARIA”, one of the largest fish markets in Sicily. As old as the city itself, it’s a great way to experience the abundant fishing and seafood culture of Sicily, with a very special and authentic atmosphere.

Depart to Ragusa, renowned for its cheese production; stop for a tasting of artisan cheeses and sicilian specialties (light lunch).

Then we will enjoy an enchanting panoramic tour of the historical centre “Ibla” by the “Baroque train”. We’ll admire its stunning baroque palaces and churches; together with other seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In the evening, enjoy a dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Ragusa at Poggio Del Sole Resort or similar.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Catania → Ragusa

Day 4 Ragusa Agrigento Marsala

After a buffet breakfast, departure to Agrigento, a hillside town famous for its magnificent Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (entrance tickets not included). Then visit of the Valley, including the Temple of Concordia, which is in almost perfectly preserved condition, the temples of Juno and Heracles.

Free time at disposal for lunch (not included).

In the afternoon we’ll proceed to Marsala a city on the western coast famous for its production of sweet Sicilian wine. Arrival at Baglio Donnafranca, a perfectly restored nineteenth-century baglio, in the Marsala countryside, on the hills in front of the the Egadi Islands. The baglio was a property of Florio family. Here we will have the opportunity to visit the cellar and learn all about winemaking. At the end of the tour, we wil enjoy a wine tasting and light dinner at susnset

Overnight stay in Marsala at Baglio Donna Franca Wine Resort or similar.

Breakfast, Dinner
Ragusa → Agrigento → Marsala
Valley of Temples

Day 5 Marsala Salt Route Erice Monreale Palermo

After a buffet breakfast, departure to Erice, via the spectacular “Salt Route”, a road flanked by the salt pans, windmills, and the “salt houses” where they still extract the sea salt as the Phoenicians. Arrival in Erice, placed on the top of a hill overlooking the city of Trapani and the Egadi Islands: walk through its tiny and characteristic streets, the winding lanes and, inner courtyards and stop for marzipan and biscuit tasting.

Departure to Monreale, light lunch with local specialties on the way.

Arrival in Monreale, situated on a hill, few kms far from Palermo in panoramic position. Visit of the Cathedral, one of the most beautiful monuments in the world with its Moorish architecture, housing very fine mosaics representing a complete cycle of the Old and New Testaments in Arab-Norman style.

Continue to Palermo, the capital of Sicily where you have some free time at disposal.

Overnight stay in Palermo at Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa or similar.

Breakfast, Lunch
Marsala → Salt Route → Erice → Monreale → Palermo
Palermo

Day 6 Palermo Cefalu Messina Taormina

After a buffet breakfast walking tour of Palermo, the capital of Sicily. We will start our visit by walking along Corso Vittorio Emanuele to reach "I Quattro Canti di Città” Piazza Pretoria, Piazza Bellini. We will visit the Cathedral, one of the most important architectural monuments. We will then reach one of the most famous and historical markets of Palermo to experience the authenticity of this wonderful and colourful city.

Continue to Cefalù, a former fishing village, now a charming coastal town. Enjoy a walk to the city centre and down main street to reach the Arab-Norman Cathedral and the medieval washhouse built in the rock. Free time at disposal to explore the town and shopping. Lunch on your own.

Proceed to Taormina through the coastal road passing through Messina from where we’ll have the chance to admire the suggestive scenery of the Strait of Messina.

Overnight stay in Taormina at Hotel Caparena or similar.

Breakfast
Palermo → Cefalu → Messina → Taormina
Cefalu'

Day 7 Taormina Mt Etna Taormina

After a buffet breakfast, excursion to Mount Etna, the highest active Volcano in Europe. We will reach a height of 1800 metres to visit the Sylvester Craters where we’ll enjoy a spectacular panorama over the Ionian Sea. Stop at a local winery on the eastern slopes of Etna and visit a prestigious cellar. We will have the opportunity to taste different local wines accompanied by local cheese and cold cuts.

In the afternoon back to Taormina, charming city called "the pearl of the Ionian Sea": enjoy time at leisure for shopping or walking through its tiny streets.

Possibility to visit the Greek Roman Theatre on your own. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight stay in Taormina at Hotel Caparena or similar.

Breakfast
Taormina → Mt Etna → Taormina
Taormina

Day 8 Taormina

Your tour ends after breakfast.

Breakfast
Taormina
Taormina

Accommodation

Katane Palace Hotel

Catania
The Katane Palace Hotel is in the historical centre of Catania, which is between the sea and Mount Etna and is one of the most beautiful parts of Sicily. The Katane Palace Hotel is close to Via Umberto and Via Etnea, which are in the centre of Catania. It is a good place to stay for business or pleasure. With period furniture, expensive tapestries, an arched ceiling, and paintings, the room has a sophisticated feel.

Hotel Poggio del Sole

Ragusa
Located between central Ragusa and the Mediterranean Sea, Poggio del Sole is an imposing 19th-century country manor. The property features an outdoor swimming pool, a modern wellness centre and spacious, elegant and modern rooms.

Baglio Donna Franca Wine Resort

Marsala
Step into timeless elegance at Baglio Donna Franca, a beautifully restored 19th-century estate nestled in the rolling hills of Marsala, overlooking the Stagnone Reserve and the Egadi Islands. Once the birthplace of the legendary Marsala wine and home to the renowned Florio family, this historic baglio pays tribute to the pioneering spirit of Donna Franca Florio. Today, it invites guests to relive the splendour of Sicily’s Belle Époque with an immersive journey through rich heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and the captivating culture of wine.

Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa

Palermo
The Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa is situated in the middle of the city, making it easily accessible to all of Palermo's most popular points of interest. The historical hotel that we have earned a rating of 4 stars for is full of allure and splendour.

Hotel Caparena

Taormina
In Taormina Mare, an emerald green paradise overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, rest and pleasant holidays are guaranteed. The Hotel Caparena's terracotta flooring, beautiful fabrics, pool, and patios offer entire sensory experiences.

Optional Extras

Entrance tickets Supplement

The Entrance tickets to sites and museums include:

  • The Neapolis in Siracusa and the Dome;
  • Valley of Temples in Agrigento;
  • The Dome in Monreale.

In case of price increases for the entrance fees, we will update you at the time of the booking.
 

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Transfer from Catania Airport to Catania

One way transfer from Catania Airport to Catania Hotel.

*There will be a surcharge for arrivals between 22:00 and 07:00. In addition, a supplementary fee will be applied to all transfer services on the designated bank holidays: January 1st and 6th, Easter Sunday and Monday, April 25th, May 1st, June 2nd, August 15th, November 1st, December 8th, 25th, and 26th.

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Transfer from Taormina to Catania Airport

One way transfer from Taormina Hotel to Catania Airport.

*There will be a surcharge for arrivals between 22:00 and 07:00. In addition, a supplementary fee will be applied to all transfer services on the designated bank holidays: January 1st and 6th, Easter Sunday and Monday, April 25th, May 1st, June 2nd, August 15th, November 1st, December 8th, 25th, and 26th.

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

Official language
Italian
Local currency
EURO
  • We work with a selection of hotels in each location. All bookings are subject to availability, which means our team will confirm your specific hotels upon confirmation and payment of deposit. The package price is based on 4-star accommodation.
  • A minivan with driver/guide, normally not equipped with wifi, will be provided if the number of participants is equal to or less than 8.
  • For organizational reasons, the itinerary may be reversed or modified without notice. In this case, our supplier ensures similar visits and excursions in accordance with the spirit of the tour program.

  • Blackout dates may apply during festive season.

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package (Entrance tickets to sites and museums)

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

  • They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
  • Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
  • We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
  • Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
  • They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
  • A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

  • We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
  • You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

  • Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
  • The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

  • Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
  • A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
  • The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

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  • Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
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For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

  • To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
  • For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
  • For further details please visit our Payments page.

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

  • Travel on a specific airline of their choice
  • Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
  • Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
  • Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
  • Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

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Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

  • On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
  • You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
  • To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
  • An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group

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