Italy

Treasures of Sicily

Program No. 18212RJ
Immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of Sicily as you learn about important archaeological sites, ancient towns, historic monuments and savor a meal on the slopes of Mt. Etna.

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Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
Activity Level: Keep the Pace (9)
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
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May 5 - May 19, 2024
Starting at
5,399
May 19 - Jun 2, 2024
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5,399
Aug 25 - Sep 8, 2024
Starting at
5,399
Sep 8 - Sep 22, 2024
Starting at
5,399
Sep 22 - Oct 6, 2024
Starting at
5,399
Oct 6 - Oct 20, 2024
Starting at
5,399
Oct 20 - Nov 3, 2024
Starting at
5,399
Nov 3 - Nov 17, 2024
Starting at
5,399
Dec 1 - Dec 15, 2024
Starting at
5,399
Activity Level: Keep the Pace (9)
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
May 5 - May 19, 2024
Starting at
6,399
May 19 - Jun 2, 2024
Starting at
6,399
Filling Fast!
Aug 25 - Sep 8, 2024
Starting at
6,399
Sep 8 - Sep 22, 2024
Starting at
6,399
Sep 22 - Oct 6, 2024
Starting at
6,399
Oct 6 - Oct 20, 2024
Starting at
6,399
Oct 20 - Nov 3, 2024
Starting at
6,399
Nov 3 - Nov 17, 2024
Starting at
6,399
Filling Fast!
Dec 1 - Dec 15, 2024
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6,399
Activity Level: Let's Go! (12)
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Mar 2 - Mar 16, 2025
Starting at
5,799
Mar 16 - Mar 30, 2025
Starting at
5,799
Mar 30 - Apr 13, 2025
Starting at
5,999
Apr 27 - May 11, 2025
Starting at
5,999
May 11 - May 25, 2025
Starting at
5,999
May 18 - Jun 1, 2025
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5,999
May 25 - Jun 8, 2025
Starting at
5,999
Aug 24 - Sep 7, 2025
Starting at
5,999
Sep 14 - Sep 28, 2025
Starting at
5,999
Oct 19 - Nov 2, 2025
Starting at
5,999
Nov 2 - Nov 16, 2025
Starting at
5,799
Nov 30 - Dec 14, 2025
Starting at
5,799
Activity Level: Let's Go! (12)
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Mar 2 - Mar 16, 2025
Starting at
6,889
Filling Fast!
Mar 16 - Mar 30, 2025
Starting at
6,889
Mar 30 - Apr 13, 2025
Starting at
7,099
Filling Fast!
Apr 27 - May 11, 2025
Starting at
7,099
May 11 - May 25, 2025
Starting at
7,099
May 18 - Jun 1, 2025
Starting at
7,099
May 25 - Jun 8, 2025
Starting at
7,099
Aug 24 - Sep 7, 2025
Starting at
7,099
Sep 14 - Sep 28, 2025
Starting at
7,099
Oct 19 - Nov 2, 2025
Starting at
7,099
Nov 2 - Nov 16, 2025
Starting at
6,889
Nov 30 - Dec 14, 2025
Starting at
6,889

At a Glance

Experience how dizzyingly diverse cultural influences combined to create something unique in Sicily. Examine the ruins left behind as evidence of Magna Graecia, "Greater Greece," including some of the most beautiful structures ever built by the Ancient Greeks; learn about the surprising, sometimes spectacular results of the clash between Norman and Arab civilizations; meet the proud, friendly Sicilians who are eager to share their villages, their cuisine and the beauty of their land.
Activity Level
Varies by date
Walking up to five miles a day. Extended standing during site visits with limited or no public seating. Uneven terrain, limited public handrails, unavoidable stairs, marble and terracotta flooring, cobblestones, steep inclines, loose gravel, dirt paths. Elevator use is limited or restricted in historic sites. Expect crowded conditions in pedestrian centers and museums. Dress accordingly for visits to open-air archeological parks. Program-related travel and transfers will be via bus and boat. Sheltered waiting areas may not be available at docks.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Visit the Norman Cathedral in Monreale; the Byzantine-style mosaics rival those of St. Mark's in Venice.
  • Explore 8th-century BCE Greek temples.
  • Discover Etna National Park, from barren craters to orchards and terraced vineyards, and enjoy a lunch of freshly prepared Sicilian dishes.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Angelo Fanara
Angelo Fanara graduated from the Università degli Studi di Messina. A retired high school English teacher, he continues his love of teaching by leading groups on a freelance basis in the most important archaeological sites and museums in his native Sicily and southern Calabria.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Angelo Fanara
Angelo Fanara View biography
Angelo Fanara graduated from the Università degli Studi di Messina. A retired high school English teacher, he continues his love of teaching by leading groups on a freelance basis in the most important archaeological sites and museums in his native Sicily and southern Calabria.
Profile Image of Laura Lanza
Laura Lanza View biography
Laura Lanza received her degree in literature and philosophy from the University of Palermo. She taught Italian, Latin and Greek in local high schools and enjoys her present role as an excursion leader in the province of Palermo. Laura enjoys traveling to European destinations as well as other continents with her family, and resides in the city of Palermo.
Profile Image of Michele Gallo
Michele Gallo View biography
Michele Gallo, a licensed excursion leader in Sicily, shares his knowledge of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. He has contributed to BBC and TBS documentaries featuring UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Profile Image of Domenico Nucci
Domenico Nucci View biography
Domenico Nucci studied Greek, Latin, physics and philosophy during high school in Naples. He earned an associate's in art history, and later a degree at the Università di Napoli Federico II, and further studies in environmental and humanitarian legislation at American University. He then worked for many years in aid and reconstruction programs in Africa and Asia. When not on Road Scholar programs, he works in fruit tree care, home renovation, and property management.
Profile Image of Lucia Iacono
Lucia Iacono View biography
Lucia Iacono was born and raised in Siracusa, Sicily, and went on to study foreign language and literature at the University of Catania. She is a licensed expert for southeast Sicily and takes great pride in introducing the art, history and culture of her native island to visitors. A true foodie, Lucia enjoys traveling, photography and a good read.
Profile Image of Laura Cassataro
Laura Cassataro View biography
Laura Cassataro is an archaeologist and licensed expert in the city and province of Syracuse. She was born and raised in Sicily at Termini Imerese and earned her PhD in classical literature from the University of Catania with a dissertation on the ancient routes of communication between Syracuse and Agrigento. Laura has curated cultural events in the area, most notably a photography exhibit (and catalog) on Syracuse in the Middle Ages, and an exhibition on Falconry at the Maniace Fortress.
Profile Image of Vera Mazzara
Vera Mazzara View biography
Vera Mazzara was born in Naples; her mother came from Naples and her father was from Sicily. She has a degree in foreign languages from the Università degli Studi di Messina and started working as a teacher and a group leader in 1995. A few years later, she started lecturing. She has lived in Sicily for most of her life as well as several years in Naples, a year in Spain, and half a year in England.
Profile Image of Jacqueline Alio
Jacqueline Alio View biography
Jacqueline Alio, born and raised in California to Sicilian parents, moved to Sicily with her family as a child, fueling her enduring passion for the island. Her career revolves around promoting Sicily's history and traditions. As an author of numerous books and online articles, she lectures extensively on the island's rich heritage, encompassing its history, people, cuisine, and wines. Jacqueline has nearly three decades of experience and is a certified local guide specializing in Palermo and Sicily.
Profile Image of Franco D'Angelo
Franco D'Angelo View biography
Franco D'Angelo, an ardent traveler and architecture graduate, combines a passion for exploration with a deep love for Sicilian culture. Years of documenting his journeys and honing his photography skills have culminated in a fervent commitment to leading visitors through his homeland's treasures. Franco believes a trip to Sicily is more than a vacation; it is an enriching experience. His mission is to share Sicily's art, history, flavors, and aromas, ensuring every visitor appreciates this captivating region.
Profile Image of Giovanna Crimi
Giovanna Crimi View biography
Giovanna Crimi, born in Messina, is a seasoned travel leader and language enthusiast. After graduating in foreign languages from the University of Messina, she embarked on a fulfilling career as a multilingual travel expert, fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. Giovanna's commitment to her profession shines through her professional demeanor, extensive knowledge, and unwavering passion for showcasing the beauty of Sicily to visitors from around the world. She continues to excel in her role with elegance and kindness, offering captivating visits in multiple languages.
Profile Image of Elizabeth Bruckmeier
Elizabeth Bruckmeier View biography
Elizabeth Bruckmeier, a linguistic enthusiast from Germany, began her language journey by studying English and French at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. Her passion for language teaching took her to France, where she became a German teacher. Settling in Siracusa for over four decades, Elizabeth has been imparting her language expertise as a teacher and a dedicated local travel leader since 1995, sharing her deep knowledge of Sicily's culture and history.
Profile Image of Giusi Belfiore
Giusi Belfiore View biography
Giusi Belfiore, born in Catania, holds a bachelor's in political science with an international focus. Her thesis, "Aspects and Issues of Tourist Development in the European Community: Towards a European Tourism Policy," earned top marks. She has completed training in tourism and hospitality management. Giusi has worked in banking and has a background in travel agencies, translation, swimming instruction, and tourism animation. Fluent in English and French, with basic German, she is a licensed travel leader in several Sicilian cities.
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