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Call us: (910) 742-5324
Explore Sicily and Salina (one of Sicily’s most beautiful islands) with The Sisterhood Travels! These two island paradises are 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. We have created so many exclusive experiences on this women only trip – you’ll only experience them with Sisterhood Travels!
Sample specialties in Palermo’s colorful food market. Taste award-winning olive oil and learn about the Slow Food movement at a local farm. Explore Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples (UNESCO) with a guide. Enjoy two nights on the Isle of Salina and visit a traditional caper farm. Take a swim off of our exclusive private yacht before enjoying a sunset dinner. Spend three nights in Taormina, perched above the Ionian Sea. See Mount Etna from a different perspective on an off-road excursion.
Don’t miss your opportunity to join Sisterhood Travels for this incredible women’s travel group once-in-a-lifetime trip. We promise you lots of fun, laughs, spectacular sightseeing, incredible culinary and wine delights…but, most of all….the magic of Sisterhood!
Welcome to Sicily! Once you claim your baggage and complete the immigration process, your private driver will meet you in the arrivals hall to transfer you to our hotel for the next few nights. You’ll be able to rest, relax, and rejuvenate or even independently explore the neighborhood until tomorrow when our tour officially begins. Of course, we’ll meet informally for drinks and a bite this evening if you feel so inclined. Hotel: Hotel Porta Felice
This morning after breakfast, we’ll start our journey in Palermo (UNESCO), Sicily’s welcoming capital city. We’ll uncover the island’s deeply rooted heritage, teeming with Arab-Norman architectural masterpieces and delicate Classical designs. This evening, we’ll get to know each other better at our included Welcome Dinner. (B, D) Hotel: Hotel Porta Felice
Today, we’ll begin our adventure tasting our way through Palermo’s lively markets on a walking tour unveiling the city’s historical center and introducing us to traditional Sicilian street food, which layers Oriental and Norman influences with local produce such as wild fennel, olives and spices. This afternoon, we’ll head to Monreale Cathedral, ascending on foot to see its majestic Byzantine mosaics. Then, you can choose to either 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) Hotel: Hotel Porta Felice
Today, after breakfast and check-out from our hotel, we’re going to experience an exclusive opportunity to visit with Addiopizzo, an anti-Mafia nonprofit that supports locals who refuse to pay the Mafia’s protection fees. We’ll visit Capaci and Cinisi, the site of two terrorist acts led by the Mafia, and pay tribute to fallen activists. You’ll be able to chat with locals for a personal perspective and learn how they overcame the Mafia’s reign. As the day draws to a close, we’ll settle into Trapani for two nights and watch the sunset fade against the crashing waves and whirling windmills. (B, D) Hotel: Mulini Resort Trapani
This morning after breakfast, we’ll venture to the isle of Mozia, once a great trading port for the Phoenician, Greek and Roman civilizations. On the way, we’ll sail next to a submerged Roman road, once traversed on foot. Then, we’ll explore Mozia with a guide, visiting the ruins of its ancient port, and a museum featuring impressive Greek statuary. Later, we’ll continue to Marsala, heading down into a cellar for a sampling of its renowned wines paired with a tasting of locally produced foods. Then, you’re in for a very exclusive treat! We’ll head to Erice where we can meander through the historic streets after which we’ll head to Maria Grammatico’s Bakery, (a renowned pastry chef and author whose life story is dictated in the novel Bitter Almonds). There, you’ll learn to prepare two almond pastry recipes and learn about history behind the iconic Sicilian cannoli. Once you finally taste the fruits of your labor, you’ll understand why Sicilian pastries are so loved around the world. (B, L) Hotel: Mulini Resort Trapani
This morning, we’ll take in the rugged landscape of the Belice Valley scarred by the 1968 earthquake, which transformed the humble village of Gibellina into a sprawling piece of contemporary land-art. We’ll then head to an award-winning olive grove and learn about the Slow Food movement, which supports local cultures and preserves traditions. You’ll be able to try their unique olive oil at lunch before departing for Agrigento, where ancient roots and medieval buildings blend into modernity. Later, we’ll wander through the Valley of the Temples (UNESCO) with a guide. (B, L, D) Hotel: Baia Di Ulisse
This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll make our way to Ragusa (UNESCO), an ancient city perched upon a hill. We’ll meander through its Baroque neighborhood with an expert guide, passing by winding lanes, cobblestone streets, and wrought iron balconies. Make the most of a free afternoon to explore on your own. As the sun sets, we’ll retreat to our countryside resort just outside the city. (B, D) Hotel: Poggio Del Sole
After breakfast, we’re going to journey to Sicily’s Baroque Valley, known for its ornate historic architecture. You’ll be able to discover UNESCO World Heritage sites in Scicli and Modica. The town of Scicli dates back to the 3rd century BC, home to a number of centuries-old churches. We’re going to visit a local farm for brunch to learn about two local specialties: ricotta cheese and sausage. The hilly city of Modica, dating back to the 2nd century BC, is renowned for its baroque architecture and breathtakingly detailed facades. Taste Modica’s historically rooted artisanal chocolate, based on flavorful Aztec recipes of millennia ago. This full day will immerse you in the alluring culture and history of the Baroque Valley.(B, L, D) Hotel: Poggio Del Sole
Today, we’re headed to the Aeolian Islands to the Isle of Salina! Grab your bags and hop on our ferry in Milazzo. We’ll sail by Vulcano and Lipari on our way to Salina, a far-flung isle surrounded by vibrant blue waters and dark volcanic rock. Salina is one of the less-traveled Aeolian islands (a bit off the beaten path) and has been preserved as a vacation getaway for Italians. We’ll settle into the hamlet of Lingua for a 2-night stay. (B) Hotel: Hotel La Salina Borgo Di Mare
Today, after breakfast, we’ll pass dramatic landscapes of rocky cliffs and vibrant vineyards on our way to nearby Pollara, famous for its traditional caper cultivation. We’ll wander through the fields, tasting the salted flower buds accompanied by a glass of Malvasia, a locally produced dessert wine.
This afternoon and evening, we’ll take in the sights on a leisurely sunset sail around the legendary Stromboli Volcano, called “the Lighthouse of the Mediterranean.” Our private boat will anchor for an opportunity to swim in beautiful waters (weather permitting). You’ll be able to watch the skyline for puffs of smoke, emitting from the island’s active volcano. In the intimate dining space, we’ll indulge in a rustic dinner of local Aeolian specialties and regional wines. As the sun sets, be on the lookout for glowing hues of red and orange and perhaps some small lava flows in the drama of the dusk sky. This incomparable dinner cruise will leave you with lasting memories of Southern Italy. (B, L, D) Hotel: Hotel La Salina Borgo Di Mare
After a relaxing morning, we’ll ferry back to mainland Sicilia. We’ll journey along the Ionian Coast to Taormina, a seaside hub of Ancient Greek theaters and hilly walkways. We’ll settle into our new home for the next three nights. This evening, we’ll have free time to independently explore and have dinner on our own. (B) Hotel: Nh Collection Taormina
Today, we’ll discover Taormina with a local guide who will lead us to the city’s Duomo, public gardens, and the well-preserved Greek theater. We will walk in the footsteps of ancient attendees and take in an unparalleled viewpoint of the adjacent ocean. The afternoon is free for us to spend on our own. Perhaps you’ll grab a bite to eat at a sidewalk café, or peruse the local boutiques for handcrafted souvenirs. (B) Hotel: Nh Collection Taormina
This morning we can 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. This evening, we’re going to toast to our Sicily sojourn at dinner, surrounded by local musicians. (B, D) Hotel: Nh Collection Taormina
Sadly, our tour comes to a close this morning. We’ll be transported back to the airport for our flights home. (B)
This is a moderately paced itinerary that involves some longer days and more activities. Expect some early hotel departures, and limited time for day time rest and rejuvenation as the itineraries are designed to ensure that you see as much as possible in these wonderful destinations. This may include longer coach journeys and guests should be able to join a walking tour lasting 1-2 hours with stops possibly over uneven terrain. Guests should have reasonable health and mobility and be comfortable with standing for longer periods of time with no difficulty.