Italy

Western Sicily

Art & Culture Collection

Sicily is an ancient intersection of Mediterranean civilisations, with its strategic position resulting in a wealth of cultural influences. Displaying the traces of multifarious cultures over the ages, Sicily is a treasure trove of history and art with layers of diverse architecture just begging to be explored. Mount Etna’s numerous eruptions have sculpted the island, creating a dramatic contrast between land and sea. In its wake, lemon, almond and pistachio trees thrive in the fertile soil and delicious Sicilian dishes use the freshest ingredients. From the glittering azure seas, to the imposing mountain crowned with smoke, to the vibrant green meadows in between, Sicily’s juxtaposing scenery is some of the very best Italy has to offer.

WESTERN SICILY

Atmospheric towns and marvellous mosaics in this cultural crossroads

  • Palermo & the Palatine Chapel – enjoy this evocative city and its breathtaking chapel
  • Visit the elaborate mosaicked cathedral in Monreale
  • Cefalù – explore this relaxed & historic town
  • Erice – a charming medieval hill town
  • Segesta temple – an incredible ancient Doric temple
  • Trapani – a pretty coastal town
  • Selinunte - explore the archeological park
  • Lunch at a beachfront restaurant
  • Return flights included
  • 7 nights bed & breakfast accommodation, plus dinner on three evenings

From £1,659
per person

based on two sharing in a twin/double room, with a minimum of 30 passengers travelling in a specific month

Best time to go

April, May, June, September, October, November

Suggested Hotel

Hotel Al Madarig, Castellammare del Golfo

  • Lovely 3-star hotel by the sea, offering excellent value for money
  • Within the historic centre of Castellammare del Golfo
  • Classic charm and helpful staff
  • Spacious and comfortable bedrooms
  • Close to a great selection of restaurants

Not the hotel for your group? Other hotels are available, contact us.

Attractions:

  • Palermo
    Piazza-Pretoria-Palermo_cristina-gottardi-1141126-unsplash

    Fascinating Palermo tells the story of its multi-layered history with its labyrinthine streets, exotic aromas and heady mix of sounds and sights. Delving into the city’s seductive and mysterious atmosphere reveals dilapidated palazzi, shaded cloisters, souk-like markets and a vast array of architectural styles. Palermo’s Palatine Chapel is a treasure trove of artistic delights, with its astounding interior of opulent gilding, sacred images and luminous mosaics.

  • Cefalù
    Cefalu_shutterstock_575598373_Cezary-Wojtkowski

    The compact town of Cefalù is a delightful combination of golden beaches and fascinating cultural sights. Clustered around the granite bulk of La Rocca, the pretty cobbled streets of Cefalù are dominated by the twin towers of its fortress-like Norman Cathedral replete with shimmering Byzantine mosaics. Enjoy a stroll along the sea front, where fishing boats bob in the sparkling waters.

  • Erice
    Historic-Castle-of-Venice-in-Erice-Sicily

    The romantic, medieval hilltown of Erice exudes allure. Ringed by ancient walls and topped by the Castello di Venere (Castle of Venus), this atmospheric town enjoys a dramatic position and far-reaching panoramas. It’s not just medieval delights within the smooth stone streets, however: the windows of the town’s renowned pasticceries display teetering, tempting stacks of crisp cannoli and mouth-watering almond pastries.

  • Segesta
    Greek-temple-in-the-ancient-city-of-Segesta-Sicily

    One of the best-preserved ancient temples in the world, the spectacular Segesta is an unfinished Doric temple in a stunning hilltop position. Once forming part of the ancient city of Segesta, this site was lived in until the Middle Ages and has other fascinating remains – including a dramatic amphitheatre – which show the varied occupation by different civilisations over the centuries.

  • Monreale Cathedral
    Cathedral-monreale-1210674-1599x921

    Monreale’s magnificent cathedral is one of the greatest surviving examples of Norman architecture. Built to compete with Palermo’s grand Palatine Chapel, the cathedral is an extraordinary masterpiece of glimmering mosaics, spectacular cloisters and fine sculptures with a clear Byzantine influence.

Enquire

Jo

Team Comments:

“My very favourite island.” (Jo)

  • Alternatives

Similar Group Holidays

Hand picked destinations

Sicily is an ancient intersection of Mediterranean civilisations, with its strategic position resulting in a wealth of cultural influences: a treasure trove of history and art with layers of diverse architecture just begging to be explored.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Bed & breakfast accommodation
  • Taormina & its ancient amphitheatre
  • Syracuse - home to one of Sicily's best archaeological sites
  • Noto - a charming baroque town
  • Hidden Sicily - explore 'The Godfather' villages

Details

From £1,199
per person

Sicily is an ancient intersection of Mediterranean civilisations, with its strategic position resulting in a wealth of cultural influences: a treasure trove of history and art with layers of diverse architecture just begging to be explored.

Itinerary Highlights

  • 7 nights accommodation across Sicily
  • Taormina - in the shadow in Mount Etna
  • Syracuse - explore Ortygia, the historic core
  • Villa Romana del Casale - a fascinating historic site
  • Valley of the Temples - Sicily’s premier archaeological site

Details

From £1,779
per person

Get updates

The latest adventures in your mailbox

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By checking this box, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. For more information on how to unsubscribe, please click here .