For 2023 all small group tours will be available as private custom-made trips.
For more information do not hesitate to get in touch with us: info@localwonderstravel.com
7 days
Small groups
10 maximum
Local Leader
Tour departs with 4 participants*
Language: English
From €1,545
Description
Join a special week trip from Palermo to Catania, for travelling to some of the best spots Northern Sicily can offer. You will start from the magnificent Palermo (Sicily main city), explore the picturesque Cefalù coast, indulge on the breathtaking Aeolian islands and finish in the vibrant Catania. It will be a relaxing week, but full of emotions at the same time.
Together with a small group of maximum 10 people and your local leader, the Grand Sicily Tour will be the ultimate adventure to see every corner of the island.
Start: Palermo
End: Catania
Age: Min 12
*In the rare event the minimum number is not reached, and only if the tour is cancelled by LocalWonders Travel, you can opt for one of the following options:
– chose a new departure at no additional cost
– have the tour turned into a private tailor-made tour (itinerary or price modifications might occur)
– the amount paid can be fully refund.
LocalWonders Travel can decide to run the tour even if the minimum number is not reached. In this case the traveller cannot ask for a refund or to turn the tour into a tailor-made tour.
What makes this tour a unique experience?
- Explore Palermo, Cefalù, Aeolian Islands and Catania like a local. Your local leader will show you the authentic side of Sicily
- Hike to the stunning Rocca of Cefalù
- Enough time at your leisure on Aeolian Islands to explore and relax
- 2 nights on the exclusive Lipari island, part of the Aeolian islands
- Our accommodations are centrally located, high-quality and comfortable
All of our LocalWonders Travel tours include a passionate expert local leader who will become your “local friend”, opening up for you the most authentic side of Italy. Our local leaders are professional and knowledgeable and take pride in providing hassle-free experiences for our guests.
Is this the tour I want?
Though no specific training or fitness level is required for this tour, there are a few things we suggest considering when choosing your LocalWonders Travel experience.
On this tour we’ll do part of our travelling by private transfer and part by train (guests carry their own luggage on and off). Train is one of the best means of transport in Italy. Travelling by train gets you to where you’re going quickly, but allows you to relax, have fun, and socialize while you take in the beauty of the Italian landscape. Upon arrival in a new destination, a taxi will take us from the train station to the next hotel.
At LocalWonders Travel we pride ourselves on providing tours that allow our guests to explore cities by foot. Why? Because we believe that exploring by foot is the best way to get an authentic Italian experience. Sometimes we explore for up to three hours at a time. We do this at a relaxed and comfortable pace, stopping to rest once-in-a-while to enjoy an espresso or gelato, and promise that you’ll have a wonderful time but, guests should note that walking is a big part of our trips!
On our tours we stay in carefully-selected high-quality and comfortable accommodations. Accommodation arrangements for single travellers during our trips include an en-suite twin room, shared with a fellow single traveller of the same sex. However, if you’d prefer a single room to enjoy during your trip, you can purchase a “single supplement” (your own room).
If you are in pursuit of an authentic trip, planned and managed by local professionals with an informal and friendly style without foregoing professionalism and supreme quality, then you are in the right place.
Travel with us to sunny Southern Italy for a taste of bliss under the sun!
What is included:
- The assistance of a professional local leader for the entire trip
- Accommodation: comfortable and high-quality boutique hotels (3 stars superior and 4 stars)
- “Like a Local” walk of Palermo, Cafalù, Lipari and Catania
- Walk to “La Rocca” in Cefalú
- 2 nights stay on Lipari Island
- Several meals:
– 6 breakfasts
– 2 dinners - All transfers between cities
- All hotel daily city taxes
What’s extra?
The following items are not included in the tour cost:
- Flights
- Single Supplement” (but you can add this!)
- Anything that is not specified to be included
Travel with us to sunny Southern Italy for a taste of bliss under the sun!
Itinerary
DAY 1: PALERMO
Benvenuti in Italia! Welcome to Italy. Your tour starts at 6:00pm with a Welcome Meeting where you will meet you local leader and fellow travelers. (Upon arrival at the hotel you will find a note telling you where this welcome meeting will take place). After the meeting you will start your Italian experience with the first highlight, a typical Sicilian meal.
What’s included?
- Accommodation: Hotel Quinto Canto or similar
- Daily city tax
- Meal: Welcome Dinner
DAY 2: CEFALÙ
After breakfast you have the possibility to join your Tour Director for a “Like a Local” walk around the historical city centre of Palermo before hopping on a train heading to Cefalú. Do you know that Cefalú is included in the list of the 100 most beautiful Italian township? After the check-in follow your Tour Director on a walk around this small, but picturesque township and you’ll understand why.
What’s included?
- Accommodation: Ossuna Bay Hotel or similar
- Daily city tax
- Meal: Breakfast
- Palermo and Cefalù “like a local” walk
- Taxi hotel-train station in Palermo and Cefalù
- Train from Palermo to Cefalù
How long is the trip today?
Approx. 50 minutes train ride from Palermo to Cefalù.
DAY 3: CEFALÙ
Today is all about outdoor. Start your day with a healthy breakfast, before joining your Tour Director on a hike up to La Rocca of Cefalù, the famous house mountain, from where you have a beautiful view of Sicily’s Northern Coast. The afternoon is at your leisure, but your Tour Director will be available for suggestions and for assisting you.
What’s included?
- Accommodation: Ossuna Bay Hotel or similar
- Daily city tax
- Meals:Breakfast
- Hike to La Rocca of Cefalù
DAY 4: LIPARI
Once more enjoy a train ride along the Sicilian coast. This morning you will travel by train from Cefalù to Milazzo, and here you’ll board a ferry to reach Lipari, the biggest Aeolian island. This archipelago is named after Aeolus, the god of winds and its islands were originated as result of volcanic activity. The islands of this archipelago are called the seven pearl of Italy, because of their beauty. Enjoy a swim in a blue sea or walk to the Lipari Castle. This island has got a lot to offer and your tour director will assist you in planning your time.
What’s included?
- Accommodation: Hotel La Giara or similar
- Daily city tax
- Meal: Breakfast
- Taxi hotel-train station in Cefalù and Lipari
- Train from Cefalù to Milazzo
- Ferry from Milazzo to Lipari
How long is the trip today?
Approx. 1.5-hour train ride from Cefalù to Milazzo.
Approx. 50 minutes ferry ride from Milazzo to Lipari.
DAY 5: DAY AT YOUR LEISURE ON THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS
Today the Aeolian Islands are all for you and you can enjoy a full day at your leisure. Explore the islands of the archipelago on a boat trip, walk through the pumice stone mountains on Lipari island to reach breathtaking hidden beaches or just relax by the pool of your hotel. Your tour director will assist you in planning your day.
What’s included?
- Accommodation: Hotel La Giara or similar
- Daily city tax
- Meal: breakfast
DAY 6: CATANIA
Other day other adventure. You’ll say goodbye to the Aeolian Islands and you still enjoy a morning ferry ride to reach Milazzo. From here a private car with professional driver will take you and your group to Catania. After the check-in, your tour director will guide you on a like a local walk of this elegant and lively city. During the walk stop for eating a granita (delicious local slushy) or eating a gourmet take-away fried fish directly from the fish market. Catania will be full of surprises. In the evening your tour director will take you to a superb local restaurant for spending our farewell dinner all together and for indulging in the exquisite Sicilian food one more time.
What’s included?
- Accommodation: Habitat Hotel or similar
- Daily city tax
- Meal: breakfast, dinner
- Catania “Like a Local” walk
- Ferry from Lipari to Milazzo
- Private car/minivan with professional driver from your Milazzo to Catania
How long is the trip today?
Approx. 50 minutes ferry ride from Milazzo to Lipari
Approx. 1 hour and 50-minutes’ drive from Milazzo to Catania
DAY 7: CATANIA DEPARTURE DAY
Our tour has come to the end. We hope you’ll have had the time of your life! Enjoy one more Italian coffee with its unforgettable aroma, and then head towards your flight home (or your next destination). Arrivederci!
What’s included? Important notes for Day 7
- Meal: breakfast
Important notes for Day 7
Our tour ends with breakfast. There are no activities planned for today. If you need help in organizing your airport transfer or purchasing train tickets, just ask. Your tour director will be happy to help you in making these arrangements. Note: If possible, plan for and purchase transportation to the airport a few days in advance – organizing same-day travel can be difficult.
Travel with us to sunny Southern Italy for a taste of bliss under the sun!
Northern Sicily Escape Tour Notes
Click below for the “Tour Notes” – everything you’ll need to know about this tour before you book.