10 days, 9 nights
Surrounded on all sides by some of the most tranquil, crystal clear waters found anywhere in the world, you’d be right to question why on earth would you go anywhere else in Sicily. But you’d be wrong. Stretching across much of the northern half of the island and through much of its interior lies a rich, wild and wondrous territory that captures much the same beauty, tradition and soul well known along its seductive beaches and stunning coast. Indeed, Sicily is most mountains and that’s where on this 10 day excursion you’ll find many of the island’s most ancient treasures, many carved, literally, out of rock. See where, how and why the first humans to settle Sicily, as early 12,000 BCE, chose the mountains over the coast, eventually giving rise to the great Phoenician and Ancient Greek civilizations.
Tour Highlights
Sperlinga, Sicily
See where, how and why the first humans to settle Sicily, as early 12,000 BCE, chose the mountains over the coast, eventually giving rise to the great Phoenician and Ancient Greek civilizations.
Taste foods and wines made with recipes generations old. Experience the terroir of this bountiful region forged in the fires of the volcano, Mount Etna.
Relive the history of World War II, and the liberation of Troina, through the incredible photography of Robert Capa, the father of photojournalism
Polizzi Generosa, whose name derives from the richness of its territory and considered the Athens of Sicily, is a small medieval town, which lies within the Madonie Mountains. Named “Generosa” by Frederick II, King of Sweden, Polizzi obtained the title of "Generosa," which it retains to this day, was a state-owned town, that is, free and independent with its own government and laws that stood out for fairness and justice.
Tindari - visit the old sanctuary and city of Tyndaris - home of the “Black Madonna”, the Greek Theater, a marvel of acoustic engineering. This town was the site of battles during the 3rd Punic Wars.
Visit the incredible Rocca di Cefalu, where the ruins of the Temple of Diana, as well as the remains of Hellenic habitations, still exist. Witness the breathtaking views of the Tyrrheanian sea and the Aeolian Islands.
The beautiful town of Cefalu with its Norman Cathedral, picturesque beaches, beautiful port area, and its medieval washhouse.
Petralia Soprana - Immerse yourself in the village life and panoramic joys of the what once was ancient Petra, founded by the Sicani people, one of oldest inhabitants of Sicily.
Castelbuono - Characteristic for its rare Manna, Castelbuono boasts the Ventimiglia Castle and the Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Civic Museum. Tasting of the Manna is required as it is a prized ingredient for this town and it holds a valuable place in the domain of the Slow Food movement.
Geraci Siculo - Il Salto di Ventimiglia - The old Castle - A stroll through this sleepy, but beautiful burg in the splendor of the Madonie Mountains.
Cost & Booking
$4299 for double occupancy. To secure a room on your own, add a supplement of $500. This includes all transfers and transportation to and from Catania Airport (Fontanarossa) as well as transportation to all touring destinations. This will also include most meals, all fees and tickets, most tips.
Limited to 7 people or fewer
This tour represents the places and foods that we love, the hidden and unknown parts of Sicily, which is how we are able to get such an affordable rate. Affordability in Sicily doesn’t mean substandard. You will fall in love with the places we will show you!
If your travel allows and you’d like to see more touristy spots, we’re happy to make suggestions. We are also able to plan and execute a tour for just you and up to six of your family or friends! Just give us the dates and a budget and we will take care of the rest. Check out our other traveler services.
Your deadline for participation is March 28, 2024. Register and pay in full via bank transfer by February 27, 2024 and receive $300 off the price of the tour. Just send us a message in the “contact” page. We will send additional, more detailed information to all who want to participate
To secure your spot, a $1,000 deposit is required. This is the land only portion of your tour. You must secure and book all your own flights.
REGISTER TODAY
Contact Franca by email at sicilyconnect@gmail.com or call 919-614-5319 to learn more.
Detailed Itinerary
Your accommodations will be in Agriturismi (when possible). [The word agriturismo is a combination of the words agricoltura (agriculture) and tourismo (tourism). It is effectively a farm designed to also receive guests, whether for food (lunch and dinner), holiday accommodation, or a combination of the two. The food prepared on these sites are mostly made from the raw materials that the farm produces. We will be arranging for all breakfasts and most dinners. Lunches may not be included due to traveling/transfer from place to place. Where possible, we arrange for lunches as well.
More coming soon!
