Best of Sicily | 7 Day Small Group Tour 2027

Welcome to Palermo, a city defined by its layered history and cultural diversity. Located in the historic centre, our hotel places you within the heart of this vibrant environment.

We begin by exploring key sites that introduce both Palermo and Sicily’s unique cultural identity. The city’s Arab-Norman architecture — characterised by the combination of Arab domes and Norman arches — reflects the merging of civilisations and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We walk through notable landmarks including Quattro Canti and the Fontana Pretoria, before visiting a convent pasticceria. Here, traditional Sicilian sweets are still made using centuries-old recipes, and we learn about their history before sampling them.

We continue to the cathedral, where further layers of cultural influence are visible, before visiting the Oratorio of Santa Cita — a 16th-century chapel renowned for its intricate rococo stucco work.

On our return, we sample Palermo’s famous street food, including arancini, before regrouping in the evening for our first dinner together — an introduction to Sicilian cuisine shaped by Mediterranean, Arab and regional influences.

Meals: Dinner (3 courses including wine)

We begin the day at Ballarò market, Palermo’s oldest market, operating for over 1,000 years. This is where the energy of the city is most evident — local vendors, seasonal produce, street food and the rhythms of daily life.

We then travel to Monreale to visit its cathedral, considered one of the finest examples of Norman architecture. Inside, golden mosaics created by Arab craftsmen depict biblical scenes with remarkable detail, reflecting the intersection of cultures that defines Sicily.

From here we travel to the coastal town of Cefalù, where we enjoy lunch overlooking the sea.

The afternoon is free to explore — whether visiting historical sites such as the medieval washhouse and cathedral, browsing shops, or relaxing on the sandy beach located right in the town centre.

We return to Palermo in the early evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (3 courses including wine)

Today we travel to Agrigento to visit the Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily’s most significant archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Here we explore a series of ancient Greek temples, including the well-preserved Temple of Concordia, set among almond groves and olive trees. The site provides both a powerful sense of historical scale and a connection to the civilisations that once dominated this region.

With an expert guide, we gain insight into the different phases of occupation and ongoing discoveries at the site.

After lunch, we continue to our accommodation in the Ragusa region.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we explore Ragusa, one of the finest examples of Sicilian baroque architecture.

Following the devastating earthquake of 1693, the town was rebuilt in an ornate and expressive style, characterised by elaborate balconies, decorative facades and elegant palazzos.

We walk through the town together, examining key architectural features and understanding how this style developed, before allowing time for you to explore at your own pace.

Later, we visit a historic water-powered mill that remains in operation. Here, heritage grains are processed using traditional methods, providing insight into agricultural practices that have remained largely unchanged over time.

We enjoy a meal here using produce from the surrounding farm.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (3 courses including wine)

We begin in Modica, known for its distinctive chocolate-making tradition. Using methods derived from Aztec techniques introduced during Spanish rule, Modican chocolate has a unique texture and flavour, which we sample during a tasting.

We then visit Noto, one of the most celebrated baroque towns in Sicily, known for its carefully planned layout and grand boulevards lined with palazzos. While sharing the same architectural style as Ragusa, it offers a distinctly different atmosphere.

Continuing to Siracusa, we arrive at this coastal town known for its rich history and connection to ancient Greece.

After lunch overlooking the water, you’ll have free time to explore Ortigia, the historic island at the heart of Siracusa. Here, ancient Greek structures, including the Temple of Athena, are integrated into later buildings such as the cathedral.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (3 courses including wine)

We begin with a hands-on cooking experience, preparing a full Sicilian meal under the guidance of a local chef. Alongside learning techniques, we explore the origins of ingredients and how Sicily’s diverse influences have shaped its cuisine.

We then enjoy the meal together.

In the afternoon we taste wines produced on the slopes of Mt Etna, where volcanic soils and a unique microclimate produce distinctive wines. Local grape varieties such as Nerello and Carricante offer a different expression compared to mainland Italy.

We then visit Taormina, known for its spectacular setting overlooking the sea and Mt Etna. Here we explore the town and visit the ancient theatre, originally built by the Greeks and later expanded by the Romans.

You’ll also have time to explore independently, browsing shops or enjoying the views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (3 courses including wine)

We arrange your transfer to Catania, with drop-offs completed by 11:00am.

Meals: Breakfast