2026 Itinerary, Pricing and Registration: Splendors of Sicily

2026 Splendors of Sicily Exploration

Daily Itinerary
April 27 – May 6, 2026 –  10 Days/9 Nights

Are you ready to explore a world where time slows, senses sharpen, where “La Dolce Vita” is lived daily, and the local culture welcomes you not as a tourist—but as family?  Join me on my Splendors of  Sicily Exploration to experience the autonomous island off the Southern tip of Italy where ancient civilizations have been woven into a unique culture that features spirited traditions and soul-stirring beauty. In Palermo, golden Byzantine mosaics shimmer under candlelight as the call of street vendors fills the air with a symphony of dialects and aromas. We’ll travel next to Ragusa which showcases the Sicilian countryside and tending the land creates bountiful nourishment on every level. In Taormina, cliffs cascade into sapphire waters where mythology still lingers in the sea breeze.

What makes Sicily truly unique is its people—resilient, warm, and deeply rooted in tradition. Life here is lived with intention and heart, from the morning espresso shared at the local bar to the spirited conversations echoing through narrow alleyways at dusk. Sicilian culture is a rich mosaic of rituals and relationships, where family remains the heartbeat of daily life and hospitality is an unspoken promise. Festivals spill into the streets with music, color, and devotion, blending sacred reverence with joyful celebration. Food is not just sustenance but storytelling, passed down through generations in recipes that honor both the land and those who came before. In Sicily, culture isn’t curated—it’s lived, fiercely and authentically, in every gesture, gathering, and glance.

Join me to explore the authentic experiences and incredible beauty offered on my 2026 Splendors of Sicily Exploration in a program I have planned for you with the help of my incredible travel partners at Learning Journeys!

DAILY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Monday, April 27 – ARRIVE IN PALERMO, WELCOME DINNER

Arrival at Palermo Airport. Welcome to Sicily! Meet your driver on arrival at Palermo Airport where you’ll enjoy a private transfer to your accommodation. Enjoy a special group Welcome Dinner with us this evening at your hotel or walking distance restaurant!

Overnight in Palermo at Hotel Plaza Opera **** or similar. (D)

DAY 2:  Tuesday, April 28 – PALERMO STREET FOOD EXPERIENCE & COOKING CLASS

After breakfast, meet our Guide for an enjoyable, four-hour walking tour of Palermo for our private Street Food Walking Tour. Palermo is a fascinating cosmopolitan city, where a mosaic of cultures are seen in its residents. The people live harmoniously with one another, making the town a mystical and exotic area to explore. Sample the best of Sicilian street food and the fascinating culinary world of Sicily’s capital. Visit the famous and bustling “Vucciria” or “Mercato di Capo” outdoor markets, tasting five different Sicilian treats along the way — including ‘panelle’ (chickpea fritters) and ‘arancine’ (deep-fried rice balls). Get in line at neighborhood bakeries, cafes and street food stalls to try a variety of famous Sicilian street snacks as you collect stamps in your foodie passport!

At the end of our Tour, enjoy some free time to explore Palermo on your own meeting the local people and their traditions or go back to your hotel to refresh and relax.

Later this afternoon, be ready to use your hands during a special, 3-hour culinary cultural immersion where you’ll experience a fusion of flavors, traditions and shared stories! Enjoy this cooking class with a local Sicilian woman.  In Sicily, particularly in Palermo, there is one singular regional cuisine of four cardinal staples: pasta, olive oil, vegetables and oily fish varieties. Experience the essence of Sicily through these typical recipes, crafted with love. To elevate your journey, a thoughtfully curated selection of wines and drinks will be provided, enhancing the flavors and adding to the warmth of the occasion. Our program will conclude with dinner we’ve helped craft, after the hands-on cooking class.

Overnight in Palermo at Hotel Plaza Opera **** or similar.  (B, Street Food samples, D)

DAY 3: Wednesday, April 29 – CEFALU BOAT TOUR & MEET ISLAND LOCALS

This morning after breakfast, get ready for a wonderful day on the water as we drive about 90 minutes to Cefalù. Cefalù is a breathtaking coastal town that captures the soul of Sicily with a balance of medieval charm, natural beauty, and local warmth. Nestled between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the towering Rocca di Cefalù, the town offers more than postcard-perfect views; it offers a deep sense of place. Life moves at a graceful pace here, shaped by the rhythms of the sea and the traditions of its close-knit community. Fishermen still mend their nets by hand, while families gather in the piazza each evening to share stories, gelato, and laughter. What makes Cefalù truly special is how it invites visitors to not just see Sicily—but to feel it, live it, and carry a piece of it home in memory and spirit.

Arrive at the pier and enjoy a 3- hour boat tour of the Cefalù coastline on a comfortable and spacious boat. We can enjoy stops along the way to swim and admire the seabed. Enjoy a beautiful day at sea with an appetizer of savory snacks accompanied by Prosecco and soft drinks. You can relax in the shade or sunny parts of the boat, and stretch out on the sunbathing cushions along the entire length of the boat on both sides.

After the boat tour, enjoy some free time to have lunch and meet with locals to learn about their traditions and Sicilian Island life. Following this relaxing experience, we’ll head back to the hotel in Palermo to enjoy the rest of your day and evening at leisure.

Overnight in Palermo at Hotel Plaza Opera **** or similar.  (B, Light snack aboard boat).

DAY 4: Thursday, April 30 – PALERMO TO RAGUSA COUNTRYSIDE & OLIVE OIL TASTING

This morning after breakfast we depart for the countryside, and on to Ragusa. As we travel across Sicily, the landscape begins to open into a quiet patchwork of sun-bleached stone walls, olive groves, and rolling fields scented with wild herbs. Tucked among the hills, our countryside destination lingers ahead, where time seems to slow down with the breeze. We’ll arrive at the Olive Oil Gardens where we’ll learn about the process to create the Sicilian Virgin Olive Oil, a product of the highest quality and an expression of local culture. Here we’ll get an opportunity to taste their fine Sicilian oils before we head to our hotel for an afternoon to relax and explore.  Tonight, we’ll meet for a lovely group dinner at our hotel to enjoy the local cuisine of Ragusa.

Overnight in Ragusa at Hotel Relais Chiaramonte**** or similar.  (B, Olive Oil tasting, D)

DAY 5: Friday, May 1 – RAGUSA COUNTRYSIDE & LOCAL, ORGANIC FARM EXPERIENCE

This morning after breakfast we’ll drive to a local, organic farm.  Get ready for an incredible, multisensory experience within this farm, which over the years has become a primary source and reference point for chefs, gourmets, and lovers of good food throughout Italy, thanks to its 150 species of aromatic and medicinal plants that are grown and distributed.

Our tour will wind through dozens of aromas, ornamental plants, and medicinal herbs chosen for their uniqueness: pineapple sage, stevia, lemon thyme, orange-scented geranium, and bergamot mint are just a few of the varieties that can be explored, smelled, touched, and, in some cases, tasted, revealing surprisingly new and unexpected flavors.  We’ll finish the experience with a stop in their Kitchen-Garden where the multisensory experience will feature a Country Aperitif hand-crafted with products from this farm and land. Truly savor this experience under their beautiful outdoor pergola for a taste of total relaxation!

At the end of our farm experience, we’ll head back to our beautiful accommodation for an afternoon on your own under the Ragusan sun to find rest, rhythm, and a deeper connection to the land.  Tonight we’ll enjoy another delicious dinner served at our hotel.

Overnight in Ragusa at Hotel Relais Chiaramonte**** or similar.  (B, Farm sampling experience, D)

DAY 6: Saturday, May 2 – RAGUSA TO TAORMINA, SIRACUSA

Today after breakfast, we’ll check out and depart for Taormina. Our first stop is the historic city of Siracusa for a “Live Like a Local” private tour experience, seeing the culture through the eyes of a native – which should be fascinating!

Then it’s on to the island of Ortigia, the small baroque historic heart of the city, surrounded by turquoise waters. Walk the elegant Via del Crociferi or Benedettini enclave to sample treats at the market stalls and bakeries and get tips on the best places to eat in town.

After our tour and exploration of Siracusa, we will drive on to Taormina In the afternoon, and arrive at our accommodation to check in, relax and enjoy the rest of our day at leisure.  Here is a perfect place to enjoy a pre-scheduled massage, some pool time, or the chance to take in the scenery. This evening is on your own to find a dinner location to your liking.

Overnight in Taormina at Excelsior Palace **** or similar.  (B)

DAY 7: Sunday, May 3 – TAORMINA EXPERIENCE

Meet a local tour guide after breakfast and begin our 2-hour walking tour of historic Taormina, the location of the incredible Roman Greek Theater where you will view remains of this ancient Greco-Roman theater now used for entertainment events.  Wait until you see the surrounding view of Mount Etna as it rises above all else in the area!  We’ll continue our tour with an exhilarating walk down the Corso Umberto with rows of shops, cafes & boutiques, and flower-draped balconies. Our guide will share the stories hidden in ancient arches and Baroque façades as you explore charming piazzas and quiet side streets. While we are there, make sure you enjoy one of Sicily’s greatest inventions – the Cannoli!

This afternoon is all yours for exploring, leisure activites and pre-scheduled spa treatments.

Overnight in Taormina at Excelsior Palace **** or similar.  (B)

DAY 8: Monday, May 4 – MOUNT ETNA, ALCANTARA GRAND EXPERIENCE

Today after breakfast, we’ll set out on a full day of adventure!  Today’s 8-hour experience starts with a gentle hike to an altitude of 5,900 feet above sea level, toward Mount Etna and the Alcantara Gorges, one of the most stunning landscapes in all of Sicily. We’ll be guided through the woods and craters of Mount Etna and the Alcantara Gorges to explore some of the volcano’s most scenic hiking trails. Our trail totaling approximately 2.5 miles today, will follow a gentle walking path toward ancient eruptions and lava flows, including a stop to explore a volcanic cave.

We’ll take a lunch break before continuing our guided tour through the canyon of the Alcantara River, where we can relax, take a swim, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Alcantara Gorges.  We will return to our hotel about 4:30pm for a late afternoon and evening at your leisure to relax and enjoy a meal if you choose.

Overnight in Taormina at Excelsior Palace **** or similar.  (B)

DAY 9: Tuesday, May 5 – DAY AT LEISURE  & FAREWELL DINNER

Nothing says “La Dolce Vita” than a day without a schedule to wrap up our Splendors of Sicily Exploration. By now you’ll likely have picked up the local vibe and will be ready to spend the day as you choose. Wander in to Taormina to explore its easy elegance as you slow down and savor every moment.  Or perhaps you’re ready to open a good book and find a quiet spot to read and take in the sites.

Tonight we will gather as a group to enjoy our Farewell Sicilian Dinner at local restaurant. Say “Alla Salute” one last time as we lift a glass of local wine or soda to toast a delightful visit together!

Overnight in Taormina at Excelsior Palace **** or similar.  (B, D)

DAY 10: Wednesday, May 6 – DEPARTURE DAY

At the scheduled time after breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and take our transfer to Catania Airport for our flight back home.  (B)

We hope you have enjoyed an incredible visit exploring the Splendors of Sicily with us.

ARRIVEDERCI ITALIA!

UNUSED TOUR ELEMENTS. No refund will be given for any unused tour features, whether because of customer’s choice, operational reasons, because of bad weather or any other reason.

ERRORS. In case of printing, typographical error, computer error, verbal or human billing error, we reserve the right to invoice or re-invoice participants with corrected billing.

BAGGAGE. Each traveler is limited to one large suitcase (maximum 50 lbs.) and one small carry on due to limited baggage area on buses. For some airlines and taxi/coach transfers, extra luggage may be subject to an extra charge due on the spot.

You are responsible for complying with the airline regulations concerning their baggage allowances and with the airline restrictions on the size, weight and contents of your check-in and carry-on bags. Check with the carrier for luggage guidelines. Learning Journeys is not responsible for loss or damage of luggage or personal belongings. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended to cover loss or damage of your luggage.

AIRPORT: We recommend you arrive at the airport for your check-in at least 3 hours prior to your international flight departure time and 2 hours prior for your domestic flights.

PASSPORT, DRIVERS LICENSE and VISA. A Visa is not currently required to enter Italy.

For travel outside the United States U.S. citizens must have valid passports, with an expiration date of at least six months after the scheduled return date. If possible, you should renew your passport approximately 9 months before it expires. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have the proper travel documents and MUST CHECK with the respective consulate(s) or visa agency to determine whether any visas are required as rules can change on occasion. Each traveler is responsible for processing any required visas. Please ask the respective consulate for visa processing schedule to ensure you receive your documentation at least 7 days prior to departure. Any information provided pertains to US citizens only. Non-US citizens should check with the respective consulate of the country(s) to be visited for current entry requirements.

A valid Government-issued photo ID is required for all domestic flights within USA. It is suggested that you use a passport for domestic travel as well. Learning Journeys is not responsible for denial of boarding due to passenger negligence and cannot offer assistance on location or at the airport. If a passenger has not met the requirements as stated above and is denied boarding the cost of the tour is fully non-refundable.

NAMES MUST MATCH PASSPORT. The name given on your Learning Journeys booking must match the name on your passport, and in-turn, the name on your air ticket. Any variation between the spelling of your name on your air-ticket and passport will require re-ticketing, often at the cost of a completely new ticket. The airline will deny boarding if your airline ticket does not match your passport. Learning Journeys requires a copy of passengers’ passport be forwarded no later than 120 days prior to departure. Passengers are responsible for providing accurate information including the exact name as listed on the passport, date of birth and passport number. If the information forwarded is incorrect, the passenger will be liable for any change fees which may occur.

FEES FOR CANCELED LAND SERVICES. If you cancel your complete land reservation, the cancellation charges listed will apply. Cancellation charges are based on the number of days from the time Learning Journeys is notified of your cancellation, to the start of the services provided – whether air and land or just land services. (Some charges may be avoided by your purchasing optional travel insurance explained below).

CANCELLATIONS & COMPLAINTS. We work around-the-clock to ensure your vacation goes smoothly and according to plan. But unexpected problems, often out of our control, can still arise. We urge you to work with us in correcting the problem on the spot instead of dealing with it after you return home. If your program has a tour manager, you are required to work with them to resolve pending issues.

If a cancellation or refund is warranted, it is under the express condition that you release Learning Journeys from all further liability and you thereby waive all additional rights and remedies under this contract or any applicable state, federal or foreign law.

GUESTS NEEDING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches and other transportation vehicles, or other personal needs. Iceland is not an easy destination to navigate if one has compromised mobility. Travelers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion. Please provide your Learning Journeys Program Manager about any specific dietary needs or any specific issues which may require attention during your program.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION. Deluxe motor coach transportation will be provided based on the number of participants in our party. Should the number of participants on any motor coach tour drop below estimated passengers, we reserve the right to operate the tour with a smaller vehicle. Please also note that smaller coaches may not have the same facilities as full-size coaches (no lavatories, TV, etc.). Baggage is limited to one carry on and one suitcase per person. If luggage guidelines are not followed, a second vehicle may be added to accommodate the excess baggage at the passenger’s expense. There are strict laws concerning driver hours on touring coaches that must be always respected. A typical touring day can last 8 hours only. In addition, here are mandatory rest periods during the working day and weekly rest periods depending on the length of the tour.

DELAY CHARGES: If your flight delays cause additional charges for transportation/guides waiting times you will be responsible to pay extra charge on the spot directly to the vendor. If you purchased travel insurance, it may be covered under the policy. We recommend you check with your Travel insurance company on coverage for trip delay.

EXPERIENCES & TRANSFERS: Sightseeing and entrance fees have been included as specified in itinerary. All foreign airport transfers are also included in the land cost. Land arrangements will be provided as described; however, Learning Journeys reserves the right to substitute sightseeing features. Optional add ons and hotel reservations are non-refundable once reserved and paid.

TIPS AND SERVICE CHARGES: All taxes and service charges levied by the hotels or charged by various governments and municipalities are included. We have not included tips to the restaurants, chambermaids, drivers/guide or escort. Tips to servers, chambermaids and local guides should be left at the time of service. Tour Manager and driver tips should be given at the end of the tour. Suggest Tipping in USD will be provided in the months leading up to the Exploration.

SINGLE ROOMS. Be aware that single rooms are often smaller than double rooms. Ask about a “double room/single use” option at a cost above the normal single supplement.

CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY CHANGES. In rare cases scheduled tours may be cancelled. In such cases Learning Journeys reserves the right to change the scheduled tour itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice and/or to substitute airlines, hotels or features of a similar category for those listed in the confirmed itinerary. Learning Journeys shall not be held liable for any such changes.

CUSTOMIZED TOUR CANCELLATIONS BY LEARNING JOURNEYS. From time-to-time a tour departure may be cancelled for lack of participation or other operational reasons. In such a case, Learning Journeys sole responsibility is to provide a complete refund of monies received without any other liability whatsoever including any additional costs or fees related to cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations not made by Learning Journeys.

Learning Journeys is not responsible for necessary cancellations due acts of government; bites or attacks by animals, insects or pests; sickness; the lack of appropriate medical care; evacuation to same, if necessary; weather; strikes; acts of God; acts of terrorism or the threat thereof; events of force majeure; war; quarantine; epidemics/pandemic or the threat thereof; criminal activity or any other cause beyond the company’s control.

MISCELLANEOUS. Foreign air-conditioning systems in public places, hotels and motor coaches are not up to U.S. standards. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs.

The right is reserved to decline, to accept or retain any person as a member of these trips at any time. In any such event, Learning Journeys’ sole obligation is to refund for any unused accommodation or other trip features. Passenger certifies not to have any mental, physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for himself/herself or other passengers.

RESPONSIBILITY. Learning Journeys Ltd. and their employees, shareholders, officers, and directors does not own or operate any entity which goods or services for your trip, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, guides or trip leaders, food service providers, equipment suppliers, ground operators, etc., including, without limitation, various entities which may utilize the Learning Journeys name. Learning Journeys is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any other third party not under its control.

Without limitation Learning Journeys is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation, any willful or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract of any third party, such as an airline, train, hotel, restaurant, or food supplier; bus, taxi, van, or local ground handler; local outfitter or guide, which is, to, or does supply any goods or services for this trip.

Learning Journeys is not responsible for any loss, injury, death, or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule or failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart safely; overbooking or downgrading of accommodations; insolvency or default of any third party; acts of government; bites or attacks by animals, insects or pests; sickness; the lack of appropriate medical care; evacuation to same, if necessary; weather; strikes; acts of God; acts of terrorism or the threat thereof; events of force majeure; war; quarantine; epidemics/pandemic or the threat thereof; criminal activity or any other cause beyond its control and cancellation policies per the contract will apply.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE WARNINGS. In the case of a government issued warning, we will provide our utmost consideration to the severity of the warning and accomplish everything possible to safeguard the well-being of our passengers. We reserve the right to evaluate each booking on a case-by-case basis for potential refund/cancellation fees, re-scheduling of tours or itineraries and postponements.

BINDING ARBITRATION. I agree that any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to these Terms and Conditions, this release, the catalog, or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association in New York. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive New York law. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or part of this contract is void or voidable. Upon payment of a deposit, tour participant indicates acceptance of the above Terms and Conditions and of the Arbitration Agreement.

NOT INCLUDED: Passports, laundry, food and beverages not listed on the itinerary International Travel Tax and Porterage at U.S. Airports, as well as all other items of a personal nature.