The Sicilian Carousel Short Tour from Catania offers an exciting opportunity to explore the rich cultural tapestry of this captivating island. Spanning six days, the guided excursion takes travelers on a journey through historic sites, acclaimed culinary experiences, and picturesque landscapes. From the ancient ruins of Syracuse to the awe-inspiring Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, this tour promises an immersive and unforgettable adventure. With comfortable accommodations in 4-star hotels and a unique night in a Wine Resort, the tour caters to those seeking a well-rounded Sicilian experience. What secrets and delights await participants on this Sicilian Carousel?
Key Points
• A 6-day guided excursion from Catania to Palermo, with a focus on exploring the historical and cultural highlights of Sicily.
• Includes accommodations in 4-star hotels and a Wine Resort, as well as various culinary experiences, such as cheese tastings, wine tastings, and street food.
• Suitable for adults, with a minimum age of 10 and a maximum age of 95, and a minimum group size of 9 participants.
• Offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, and features an English-speaking tour escort and local guides.
• Covers key destinations in Sicily, including Syracuse, Catania, Ragusa, Agrigento, Marsala, and Erice, providing a rundown of the island’s heritage and landscapes.
You can check if your dates are available here:Tour Overview and Pricing
This Sicilian Carousel Short Tour is a 6-day guided excursion that takes travelers from Catania to Palermo, with prices starting from €35,731 per person.
The tour includes 4 nights in 4-star hotels and 1 night in a Wine Resort.
Travelers can reserve their spot and pay later, enjoying free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10 or people over 95 years old.
Please note that the itinerary may change due to public events, religious holidays, or adverse weather, and a minimum of 9 participants is required.
For smaller groups, a minivan with an English-speaking driver and local guide will be provided.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Catania.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour kicks off with arrival in Catania, where travelers enjoy a welcome drink and dinner on the first day.
On day 2, they visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse, exploring the Neapolis archaeological area and Ortigia Island.
The third day features a walking tour of Catania, including a visit to the fish market, followed by cheese tasting in Ragusa and some relaxation time at the hotel.
Highlights on day 4 include:
- Visiting the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
- Participating in a wine tasting in Marsala.
- Exploring the historic town of Erice and sampling traditional Sicilian pastries on day 5.
The tour concludes with a buffet breakfast and sightseeing in Palermo on the final day.
Included in the Tour
The tour package includes 4 nights’ accommodation in 4-star hotels and 1 night’s stay in a Wine Resort.
Travelers enjoy a welcome drink and two dinners, one in Catania and another in Ragusa, as well as 5 breakfasts, a street food lunch in Palermo, and tastings in Ragusa and Erice.
Wine tasting and a light dinner at sunset are provided in Marsala.
The tour also includes a deluxe motor coach with free Wi-Fi, or a minivan for smaller groups, along with an English-speaking tour escort, local guides, a whispers kit for larger groups, and porterage at the hotels.
Retevacanze staff is available to assist participants throughout the tour.
Suitability and Considerations
While the tour includes many exciting activities and experiences, it’s crucial to consider certain aspects of suitability for potential participants. The tour isn’t recommended for children under 10 or people over 95 years of age, as the itinerary may prove too physically demanding for some.
When booking, keep in mind that:
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The tour may be affected by public events, religious holidays, or adverse weather, potentially leading to itinerary changes.
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A minimum of 9 participants is required; smaller groups will use a minivan with an English-speaking driver and local guide.
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Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended to ensure maximum enjoyment and ease of movement throughout the tour.
Packing and Preparation
When preparing for the Sicilian Carousel Short Tour, participants should pack comfortable shoes and clothing to ensure they can fully enjoy the varied activities and experiences throughout the itinerary. The tour’s schedule includes walking tours, visits to archaeological sites, and tastings, all of which require mobility and flexibility.
Plus, bringing sun protection, such as hats and sunscreen, is recommended given Sicily’s Mediterranean climate. Participants should also check the availability for their desired travel dates and group size, as the tour may use a minivan for smaller groups.
Booking and Availability
To book the Sicilian Carousel Short Tour, travelers can check the tour’s availability for their preferred dates and group size on the tour operator’s website or by contacting their customer service team.
The tour has a minimum requirement of 9 participants, and smaller groups may utilize a minivan with an English-speaking driver and local guide instead of the deluxe motor coach.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10 or people over 95 years of age. Plus, the itinerary may be subject to change due to public events, religious holidays, or adverse weather conditions.
Travelers should come prepared with comfortable shoes and clothing, and a meeting point is available on Google Maps.
Departure and Arrival
The tour begins with arrival in Catania, where participants receive a welcome drink and enjoy a dinner to kick off the Sicilian adventure.
On the second day, the group visits the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse, exploring the Neapolis archaeological area and the charming Ortigia Island.
The following day, they’ll embark on a walking tour of Catania, visit the lively fish market, and indulge in a cheese tasting in Ragusa before relaxing at the hotel.
Throughout the 6-day tour, travelers will experience the rich cultural heritage, savor local delicacies, and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Sicily, concluding the journey in the vibrant city of Palermo.
Tasting and Discoveries
Throughout the tour, travelers can expect a delightful array of culinary experiences that showcase Sicily’s rich gastronomic heritage. In Ragusa, they’ll savor local cheeses during a guided tasting, while in Erice, they’ll indulge in traditional Sicilian pastries. The wine tasting and light dinner at sunset in Marsala promises to be a highlight, allowing participants to appreciate the region’s renowned vintages against a breathtaking backdrop.
The tour also offers the following tasting and discovery opportunities:
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A visit to the lively fish market in Catania, providing a glimpse into the local seafood culture.
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A chance to sample Sicilian street food during a lunch in Palermo.
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Tastings of local specialties in Ragusa and Erice, immersing travelers in the region’s culinary traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Modify the Tour Itinerary to Visit Specific Sites?
Yes, the tour itinerary can be modified to visit specific sites. Customers can work with the tour operator to customize the itinerary based on their interests and preferences, subject to availability and logistical considerations.
Will the Tour Be Available in My Preferred Language?
The tour will be available in English. The tour escort and local guides are English-speaking, and a whispers kit is provided for larger groups to ensure clear communication during the tour.
Are There Any Additional Optional Activities During the Tour?
The tour includes several optional activities, such as wine tasting in Marsala and traditional pastry tasting in Erice. Additional experiences may be available at an extra cost, but details on these are not provided in the tour overview.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy allows travelers to book with confidence and adjust their plans if needed without incurring penalties.
Can I Request Dietary Accommodations for the Included Meals?
Yes, guests can request dietary accommodations for the included meals. The tour provider will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, when notified in advance.
Recap
The Sicilian Carousel Short Tour from Catania offers an immersive experience, showcasing Sicily’s rich heritage.
With historic sites, gourmet tastings, and comfortable accommodations, this 6-day guided tour provides a well-rounded adventure.
Travelers can expect expert local support and a chance to deeply explore the island’s cultural and culinary delights.
Whether seeking history, gastronomy, or simply a relaxing getaway, this tour caters to a wide range of interests and preferences.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tours in Catania
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- Private Tour – Taormina Castelmola From Catania
- From Catania: Etna, Taormina, Isola Bella Audio-Guided Tour
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