Sicily and its Isles with Collette Tours

Sicily and Its Isles

October 13 - 26, 2026

 

Day 1: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Overnight Flight You're on your way to Sicily - an island paradise nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Look past the Italy you think you know and see how this coastal farmland balances ancient traditions and modern comforts.

 

Day 2: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 Palermo, Italy Arrive in Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital city. As travelers' arrival times will vary, we have not included any sightseeing. Spend the day exploring independently, taking in Palermo's gritty, unshakable spirit and captivating energy. Late this afternoon, we meet for a briefing about the journey ahead; tonight come to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner. (D)

 

Day 3: Thursday, October 15, 2026 Palermo Begin your adventure tasting your way through Palermo's lively markets on a walking tour unveiling the city's historical center and introducing you to traditional Sicilian street food. Palermo's culinary heritage layers Arab and Norman influences with local produce such as wild fennel, olives, and spices. This afternoon, head to Monreale Cathedral, ascending on foot to see its majestic Byzantine mosaics. Then, it's your choice! Explore the cathedral's cloisters, taking in their serene atmosphere of the monastic complex -OR- ascend the southern tower to the panoramic terraces for a bird's- eye view over Palermo. (B, L)

 

Day 4: Friday, October 16, 2026 Palermo - Marsala As you head west this morning, bid farewell to Palermo's Arab-Norman architectural masterpieces and set forth on a journey to uncover Sicily's deeply rooted heritage, teeming with Classical designs. Late this afternoon, settle into your hotel in coastal Marsala for a three-night stay. Perhaps you'll take a sunset walk along the waterfront before heading out for an evening at leisure. (B)

 

Day 5: Saturday, October 17, 2026 Marsala Discover the ancient craft of sea-salt harvesting during a guided visit to the salt pans of the Stagnone Lagoon, once at the confluence of Phoenician, Greek and Roman civilizations. Hop on a local boat* and take in the views of the lagoon and surrounding, low-laying islands before returning to Marsala for an afternoon at leisure. (B)

 

Day 6: Sunday, October 18, 2026 Marsala The day is yours to explore Marsala as you please. Perhaps you'll visit one of the city's numerous wineries, noted for producing the eponymous fortified wine. Or, you may join a full day optional excursion to Favignana. A short waterjet ride* from Sicily's mainland, Favignana island is part of the Egadi archipelago. Once famous for its tuna fish production, this small island boasts crystal clear waters and enchanting gardens. (B)

 

Day 7: Monday, October 19, 2026 Marsala - Agrigento This morning, experience an Impact Moment when you visit an olive oil maker who uses ethical farming methods to produce EVOO. Hear this local man's story, his dedication to sustainable farming, and how he stands up against the rules that the Mafia tries to impose on local farmers. Explore the olive groves on foot and pause for a rustic picnic-style lunch before continuing to Agrigento's seaside. Settle in for a one-night stay and dinner at your hotel. (B, L, D)

 

Day 8: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 Agrigento - Cefalù Coast In company of an expert guide, wander through the imposing Greek ruins of Agrigento's Valley of the Temples. Discover the myths enshrouding the foundation of ancient Akragas, and watch history come alive. Then, relax aboard your motorcoach during a full afternoon transfer to Sicily's northern coast. As the sun sets, acquaint yourself with the extensive grounds of your cliffside resort. (B, D)

 

Day 9: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 Cefalù Coast Today, set off for the seaside town of Cefalù on Sicily's northern coast. Stroll the medieval streets and enjoy ample free time to explore on your own. Perhaps you'll peek into the city's impressive cathedral showcasing Norman architecture, or take in Sicilian medieval art at the Mandralisca museum. Return to your coastal resort mid- afternoon. You will have time to venture down to the resort's private beach and dip your feet in the Mediterranean, if you choose. (B, D)

 

Day 10: Thursday, October 22, 2026 Cefalù Coast - Ferry to Aeolian Islands - Isle of Salina Grab your bags** and hop on a ferry in Milazzo. Sail by Vulcano and Lipari on your way to Salina,* a far-flung isle surrounded by vibrant blue waters and dark volcanic rock. Somewhat off the beaten path, Salina is one of the less- traveled Aeolian Islands, preserved as a vacation getaway for Italians. Start your 2-night stay and slow your rhythm to the gentle pace of this small island. (B)

 

Day 11: Friday, October 23, 2026 Salina Dramatic landscapes of rocky cliffs and vibrant vineyards pass you by on your way to nearby Pollara, famous for its traditional caper cultivation. Wander through the fields, tasting the salted flower buds accompanied by a glass of Malvasia, a locally produced dessert wine. The afternoon is yours to do as you please. Perhaps you'll find a café by the sea and soak in the local life while sampling their every flavor of granita ice-slush. (B)

 

Day 12: Saturday, October 24, 2026 Salina - Ferry to Sicily - Taormina Early this morning, ferry* back to mainland Sicilia. Journey along the Ionian Coast to Taormina, a seaside hub of ancient Greek theaters and hilly walkways. Discover its well- preserved Greek theatre in company of a local guide. Walk in the footsteps of ancient attendees and take in an unparalleled viewpoint of the adjacent sea. Spend the evening on your own. Perhaps you'll grab a bite to eat at a sidewalk café, or peruse the local boutiques for handcrafted souvenirs. (B)

 

Day 13: Sunday, October 25, 2026 Taormina - Mount Etna - Taormina See Sicily's wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna. Stare up at the iconic peak as your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe's largest active volcano. Spend the day exploring this legendary giant, passing by lava formations and basalt rocks before stopping at a local winery to sample their local production. This evening, toast to your Sicilian sojourn at dinner, surrounded by local musicians. (B, L, D)

 

Day 14: Monday, October 26, 2026 Taormina - Tour Ends Your journey through Sicily comes to a close today. Return home with memories of Italy's favorite island. (B)

 

Reservation Cut Off Date is March 7, 2026

 

Per Person Rates: Double $6,699; Single $7,599; Triple $6,599

 

 

To Sign up - Call or Email our office to get a sign up form or visit HERE to sign up and get additional information

Included in Price:

Round Trip Air from Logan Intl Airport

Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges

Hotel Transfers

Trave Package as Described

12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners

2 Nights Quinto Canto Hotel, Palermo

3 Nights Grand Hotel Palace, Marsala, Sicily

1 Night Hotel Foresteria Baglio della Luna, Agrigento

2 Nights Hotel La Salina Borgo Di Mare, Salina

2 Nights Splendid Hotel Taormina, Taormina

 

 

Payments & Cancellations:

 

$698 per person deposit required to book

Reservations made after March 07, 2026 are based upon availability.

Final payment due by July 5, 2026.

Deposits are refundable up until March 14, 2026.

 

 

Optional Excursions:

 

Marsala, Sicily

A Day on Favignana Island                           $149 USD

Embark on a day trip to the island of Favignana. A half-hour high-speed ferry ride takes you to the largest island in the Egadi archipelago, the butterfly-shaped Favignana. Surrounded by crystal blue waters, this isle is known for its history in tuna fishing, beautiful beaches, delectable fresh food offerings, and enchanting gardens. Take time this morning to meander through Il Giardino dell'Impossibile - a botanical garden 'against all odds' - boasting nearly 500 species of plants across four acres. Then, enjoy free time in the village of Favignana. Sit down to lunch on your own and savor the fresh local seafood, or a local favorite street food: pane cunzato. Stroll through the town at leisure or go for a walk along the shore and take in the island paradise beloved by Italians who visit on their own vacations. This afternoon, ferry back to Marsala for free time in the evening. The option is dependent on weather and sea conditions and may be cancelled due to strong winds or swell.

Duration: Approximately 8 hours. Please note a minimum of 6 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

 

 

Important Tour Information:

 

The overall activity level of this tour is a level 3. This means you're an on- the-go traveler. You don't want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn't a big deal. A moderately paced two- and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.). You can climb three flights of stairs easily and handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Expect some longer days with early mornings or late nights balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. This level is not a fit for travelers who require mobility assistance devices.

 

**Travelers are responsible for handling their own luggage when getting on and off the ferry. Travelers have the option of storing their larger suitcases on the bus for 3 days until they return to Sicily mainland, bringing a small carry-on with them on the island.

 

In order to access the archeological sites of Agrigento and Taormina, you will be required to negotiate steep inclines, tall steps and walk over cobblestones or uneven paths with loose gravel. The hotels in Palermo, Marsala, Salina and Taormina are not motor coach accessible and require walking 0.1 to 0.3 miles (150 to 450 meters) each way to the bus pick up point.

 

Most of the sightseeing activities require accessing locations that restrict motor coaches, especially in the historic areas of Palermo, Monreale, Marsala, Cefalù, and Taormina. When arriving by motor coach, it will drop you off at a mandated location, situated approximately 0.5 to 0.8 miles (800 meters to 1.2 km) from the starting point of the actual sightseeing tour. All these towns require walking up and down hills with narrow, cobblestoned streets and stairs without handrails.

 

Sightseeing is entirely on foot and requires the ability to alternate walking and standing for up to 20 minutes at a time, as there are no benches. If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at time of reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your attention.

 

The accommodations and included activities are not suitable for travelers using motorized scooters, wheelchairs, walkers or Zimmer-frames.

 

There are 4 days with long bus transfers. The longest driving day includes 4 hours of driving time (with stops every 90-120 minutes).

 

Museum visits and shopping may be affected by the observance of religious or local holidays.

 

The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour.

 

Most shops and businesses in Italy are closed on Sundays and on national/religious holidays.

 

*All included and optional boat and ferry rides are weather dependent. In the case of adverse sea and/or wind conditions, some or all ferry and boat rides may be delayed or cancelled. In particular, the boat to the Isle of Salina may be delayed or cancelled resulting in partial reduction of your time on the isle (or cancellation of the visit). In case of this event, there will be a replacement accommodation arranged and a comparable program on the mainland.

 

You should expect large crowds in Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento, Cefalù and Taormina. Anticipate walking and standing shoulder to shoulder with other people and be prepared to queue even when you have a reservation.

 

Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first-come, first- served basis. Single rate subject to change based on availability.

 

To complete your tour, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing our airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.

 

Travel Requirements:

 

IDENTIFICATION Passports are required for this tour at your expense. Certain countries require that your passport be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of your travel. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements. IMPORTANT: We recommend that travelers take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

 

ETIAS visa waiver requirements are anticipated to begin during the last quarter of 2026, for a fee, when visiting a Schengen Area Country. To identify Schengen Area Countries and to complete the ETIAS application, please visit https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en

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