Sicily Tour Route Starting from İzmir

4 Nights, 5 Days

Tour details

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT
This tour is organized with a minimum participation requirement of 25 people. If sufficient participation is not reached, the final cancellation notice date is 20 days before the tour start date. The tour canceled due to insufficient participation will be notified to you through our agency.

VISA and PASSPORT

Regular Passport  Visa required

Green Passport  Visa not required

Service Passport  Visa not required

You must have a passport that is valid for 6 months from the end date of travel and not older than 10 years.

For destinations requiring a visa, the visa application must be made with the documents specified in the “Documents Required for Visa” list that your agency will provide to you for the visa application. In order to avoid any problems with customs police at the border gate of the country to be visited due to torn, worn, wet and/or similarly damaged passports; such passports must be renewed, and if it is a country that applies a visa to Turkish Republic citizens, the relevant visa must be on the new passport. Otherwise, the responsibility belongs to the passenger. Since our guests under 18 traveling alone or with only one parent may be asked by the police officer at the country’s entry/exit points for a document showing the mutual consent of the parents; we recommend that our guests under 18 and their parents be sensitive on this matter.

*Having a valid passport and/or having obtained a visa (for a visa-required destination/passport) does not mean that entry into the country is guaranteed. The passport police have the authority to refuse entry. Our agency is not responsible for this situation; responsibility belongs to the passenger.

CURRENCY

The currency used in European countries is the Euro. It is recommended that you carry small amounts of Euro with you.

TIME ZONE

Europe is 1 hour behind Turkey during daylight saving time and 2 hours behind during standard time.

For example, when it is 18:30 in Turkey in the summer, it is 17:30 in Europe.

FOOD CULTURE

In Sicilian cuisine, which has a cuisine we will not find too unfamiliar, you should also experience distinctive flavors such as arancini, Pasta alla Norma with eggplant, caponata, and swordfish. For desserts, the world-famous cannoli, cassata, and lemon granita must be tried. In addition, Bronte pistachio products and local Nero d’Avola wines are among the important flavors that complete the region’s gastronomic identity.

ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

Electrical outlets are the same as in Turkey.

TOURS & OPTIONAL TOURS and ACTIVITIES

All City and Cultural Tours written in the program are included in the price.

*If there are clearly specified program options such as optional activities or boat trips in the program, they are organized with a minimum participation requirement of 15 people and participation is not mandatory. If the required number is not reached, the trips cannot be carried out, or the prices, content, and vehicle used for optional tours/activities may vary according to the number of participants. In addition, the days and times of the extra tours/activities may be changed by the guide depending on the opening/closing status of the museums, ruins, or venues in the places to be visited and weather conditions.

*The agency reserves the right to change the route of the tour, if necessary, provided that the content remains the same.

*Excursions or tours that are not permitted to be visited or entered by local authorities or for various reasons are not carried out. The Agency cannot be held responsible for the inability to carry out such excursions or tours.

ACCOMMODATION

During periods such as fairs, congresses, concerts, events, sports tournaments, etc., hotels may be used farther than the specified kilometers.

*Triple rooms may be provided depending on hotel availability, and the bed offered to the 3rd person in such rooms may be smaller than standard beds. Triple rooms consist of 1 large bed and 1 extra bed. Since extra beds are foldable or coach beds, guests making reservations for a 3rd person and/or child are deemed to have accepted the possible cramped conditions in the rooms and the bed type.

*Child discounts are valid for children staying with 2 adults and matching the age group specified in the pricing section.

*Breakfasts taken at hotels among the services included in the tour program are served according to the breakfast culture of the country where you are staying.

*In the event of possible disruptions arising from technical problems reported to us by hotel management, our agency reserves the right to change hotel names, provided that the hotel category remains the same.

CLOTHING and ESSENTIAL ITEMS

For the summer season, we recommend bringing T-shirts that can be easily put on and taken off, short- and long-sleeved shirts, cotton trousers, shorts, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket and a thin sweater for the evenings. In addition, we recommend that you bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, earplugs for possible noise, a camera, a video camera and their chargers, spare memory cards, and chargers. For the autumn and winter seasons, we recommend comfortable clothes that will keep you warm, an umbrella, and a thin raincoat.

LOSSES, OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS, PASSPORT AND ID LOSSES

*When leaving the hotels you stay at during your trip, please make sure that you have taken all your belongings. If lost items are found, the expenses incurred in delivering them to the country and/or person belong to the owner of the item.

*In the event that your passport is lost or stolen, since our Agency representative/guide must continue the Tour Program for the other traveling guests as promised by the agency, they should know that they will act on their own responsibility regarding all organization related to passport procedures, return, or joining the tour in the country where the loss/theft occurred. Our Agency accepts no responsibility for any difficulties or problems that may arise in this regard.

*The Agency is not responsible for items forgotten, lost, or stolen during the tour

FLIGHT DURATIONS
Izmir ✈︎ Istanbul ✈︎ Catania ⏱︎ 3 hr 35 min

Palermo ✈︎ Istanbul ✈︎ Izmir ⏱︎ 3 hr 55 min

ABOUT AIR TICKETS and FLIGHTS

*Flight times and airline ticket reservation number information are shared by our agency before the tour date. Due to group reservation, you can complete your baggage and customs procedures at the specified time and counter with only your passport, even without your ticket. Check-in procedures are carried out by our agency.

*During registration, the name, date of birth, passport, and ID number as stated in the passport must be entered into the system. Airline tickets are issued according to this information. Cancellation or changes to airline tickets resulting from incorrect information will result in the no-show fee being charged to the guests.

*Our agency is not responsible for losses arising from your inability to participate due to missing the flight or not being able to catch the plane for reasons related to your own circumstances.

*Our agency is an intermediary between the airline and the passenger and is subject to the 28.09.1955 Hague Protocol. There may be delays on scheduled and special flights, or times may change before the current trip and flight. Routes may vary depending on the city where the plane lands. All times must be confirmed 48 hours before the departure dates. Our agency is obliged to report these changes as soon as possible. Our passengers have purchased the tour knowing and accepting that flight details may change.

*Children between 0 and 2 years of age do not pay airport tax and airport service fees.

HEALTH

We do not think that there will be any problem threatening your health in meals taken at the region’s good restaurants and hotels. However, when you are not with the group, we recommend that you be careful about food and drink, definitely consume bottled water, avoid ice, milk and dairy products, eat meat and fish products that you are sure are well cooked, and choose fruits such as bananas and pineapples that can be peeled.

We strongly recommend that, in the event of health problems or injuries that may occur due to reasons beyond your control, you obtain a report and invoice from the health institutions where you receive treatment. It will be beneficial for insurance-related procedures if needed.

TRANSPORTATION and LOCAL TRANSPORT SERVICES

*Seat belts must be fastened during travel. For our passengers aged 0-4, it is mandatory to bring a “vehicle baby seat.” If the rules are not followed, our agency cannot be held responsible for any traffic fines or penalties that may be applied.

*Even if the vehicle seat numbers provided in the countries to be visited are as purchased, their direction, location, or position may differ. Placement is made according to the vehicle conditions of the respective country.

*All vehicles provided by local vehicle service providers for transportation and transfer services are inspected in accordance with European Union rules and conditions. Vehicles that pass inspection provide service if they are comfortable and flawless, regardless of their model or age.

*Including the tours specified in the program, in cases where, on the day and time of the tour, local authorities do not permit visiting or entering, or where the tour becomes impossible due to closed roads because of any event or due to weather conditions, our Agency is not responsible for the inability to carry out the mentioned tours. Some tours may be conducted by public transportation or on foot, where possible, at closed roads or points where vehicle entry is not allowed.

*During your trip, seat numbers are assigned and fixed according to the order of reservation. Even if the seat numbers given are the same in numbering, their direction, location, or position may differ. Placement is made according to the vehicle conditions of the respective country.

TRAVEL HEALTH and CANCELLATION COVER

The insurance arranged by our Agency for this trip covers the Professional Liability Insurance required by the Turkish Association of Travel Agencies for agencies and the Travel Health coverage that will protect you in terms of travel health. Travel Health coverage is valid for ages 0-65. Our guests over 65 must purchase insurance by paying a surcharge. We recommend that you always obtain Travel and Health Insurance for every trip to ensure your protection.

*However, it should be known that this insurance does not cover unconditional cancellations; in the event of force majeure, non-chronic and sudden illnesses, accidents, and cases involving a first-degree relative, the reports to be obtained are submitted to the relevant insurance company for evaluation and are covered under cancellation terms. These evaluations are carried out by the relevant Health and Insurance Company’s health institutions and are outside the scope of our agency’s responsibility.

What's included

Round-trip flight tickets and airport taxes with Turkish Airlines on the Izmir-Istanbul-Catania/Palermo-Istanbul-Izmir route
All city and cultural tours explicitly stated
2 nights accommodation with bed and breakfast at our 4* hotel in Catania
1 night accommodation with bed and breakfast at our 4* hotel in Messina
1 night accommodation with bed and breakfast at our 4* hotel in Palermo
1 dinner to be taken at a restaurant in Syracuse
Mount Etna tour – entrance fees & vehicle service
Catania-Modica-Syracuse-Taormina-Savoca-Messina-Cefalu-Palermo excursions
Tickets for the mini train ride in Modica
Visit to the Cappuccini Catacombs and entrance fee
All city entrance fees, tourist accommodation taxes, all highway check-point (Ztl) and parking fees
All transportation services by local bus
Professional Turkish-speaking guiding and local guiding services
Professional liability and travel health cancellation insurance (An additional premium is charged for travelers over 65.)

Not included

Exit Fee for Leaving the Country. (Can be obtained by guests via the Mobile App, relevant banks, or the airport.)
Food and beverages taken during breaks, all kinds of hotel extras, and beverages taken during meals
Museum, archaeological site, and national park entrance fees that individuals may wish to visit personally on their own within the program

Tour Program

Izmir - Istanbul - Modica - Syracuse - Catania

We meet our valued guests at the domestic terminal check-in counters of Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport at the specified time after midnight. Then we arrive at Istanbul Airport on a Turkish Airlines flight. Upon our arrival at the specified time, we proceed through the Istanbul Airport International Terminal, complete our baggage, passport, and check-in procedures, and depart on a Turkish Airlines flight to Catania Airport, the Mediterranean city living in the shadow of the famous Mount Etna. After our pleasant flight, we arrive at local time. We board our waiting vehicle and head to Modica, one of the late Baroque cities of Val di Noto and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Modica, with its stone houses spread across both sides of the valley, magnificent baroque churches, and historic streets, is considered one of the most impressive cities in Sicily. The most remarkable feature of Modica is that the city is built on two different levels. These sections, known as Upper Modica (Modica Alta) and Lower Modica (Modica Bassa), are connected by narrow stairways, terraced houses, and baroque churches. In particular, San Giorgio Cathedral in Modica is considered the symbol of the city with its long staircase and impressive baroque façade. After our walking tour in this beautiful and unique city, which we will explore with our guide’s explanations, we begin from the central Corso Umberto and enjoy an approximately 40-minute pleasant mini-train ride through San Pietro Church, Upper Modica (Modica Alta), San Giorgio Cathedral, and the Baroque streets. (Included in the price!) In the continuation of our program, we have the opportunity to get acquainted with the famous Modica chocolates, which hold great gastronomic value and are prepared using an ancient technique passed down from the Aztecs, where we can learn about the production stages and taste them. After our delightful train ride through the stone streets that take us back centuries and offer wonderful photo opportunities, and after some free time, we turn our direction to Siracusa (Syracuse), another city on the UNESCO World Heritage List and considered one of the most impressive ancient cities in Sicily. This historic city, which has hosted famous film shootings such as The Godfather and Malena, is among Sicily’s historic cities and was one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean during the Ancient Greek period. It is also known as the birthplace of the famous scientist Archimedes. Upon arrival in the city, we see the Temple of Apollo, whose foundations date back to an ancient Doric-order temple and which has been used throughout history as a Byzantine church, an Islamic mosque, a Norman church, and a Spanish barracks, and we witness the history of this ancient city with our guide’s explanations. We then continue our tour on Ortigia Island, the heart of Syracuse, which has hosted different civilizations for centuries and is enchanting with its narrow stone streets, baroque squares, and views opening to the Mediterranean. We begin our walk on this historic island, famous for its Archedes Monument, built to honor the renowned mathematician and scientist Archimedes. Continuing our walk, after seeing the Fountain of Artemis, which stands out with its mythological figures, we visit the Santa Lucia (Siracusa) Cathedral, one of Ortigia’s most magnificent structures, built on a former Greek temple and distinguished by its Baroque architecture. At the end of our tour, we head to the mythical freshwater spring Fonte Aretusa and, at this beautiful spot on the Mediterranean coast, enjoy our dinner included in the price at restaurants there, with a special menu featuring selected examples of Sicilian cuisine and rich seafood. After our delightful dinner, we preserve the memories of the day and head to our hotel in Catania, where we will stay overnight.

Mount Etna - Catania

After breakfast at our hotel, we head to see Mount Etna, the volcano that has recently been burning everything in its path, spewing lava, and reminding us of its presence with occasional activity. Along the way, we see houses whose roofs have been covered in ash, heaps of coal-colored soil, and landscapes that send chills down our spine. You will be amazed to learn that, alongside the damage caused by nature’s tremendous power, there are also its miracles, such as the flowers that have bloomed and the black lava fields. With our private vehicle, which will give us the opportunity to see the volcano up close with you, our valued guests, we first ascend to an altitude of 1,900 meters and have the chance to take remarkable photos. On the way back, we allow free time for lunch with an Etna view at the foot of the famous volcano. After the free time, we go to Piazza del Duomo to see the Cathedral of Saint Agatha, which has become the symbol of the city and is considered the heart of Catania, where the Elephant Statue is located. In our walking tour, which will begin with our guide’s explanations, Piazza Università, a palace-like square surrounded by Baroque-style buildings and full of cafés and ice cream shops, is one of the next places we will see. After taking photos here, we head to Palazzo Biscari, which was built in the 18th century for the Princes of Biscari and, after surviving a severe earthquake and being rebuilt, combines Rococo and Baroque architecture, and has become known as perhaps the most beautiful palace in Catania with its hand-painted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and marble staircases. The palace still belongs to the Biscari family today and can be visited in certain sections if permission is granted. After seeing this beautiful structure, which is only open to visitors with limited permission because it is still in use, we go to Sicily’s most famous and most authentic Fish Market. After a short break here, we spend free time on Via Etnea, the city’s most popular avenue, where shopping opportunities abound and there are many lovely cafés, then return to our hotel to rest and prepare for the next day’s route full of discoveries.

Taormina - Savoca - Messina

On the last day of our stay in this city, after having breakfast and checking out of our rooms, we head to see and explore the towns of Taormina, Savoca, and Forza d’Agrò, where films shot in Sicily and remembered by the whole world for their fascinating storyline—Baba—were filmed and sets were built. Our first stop is the town of Taormina. Among the places we will see are the Palazzo Badia Vecchia, which contains archaeological remains from the Roman period; the Odeon Theater, which in history was attended only by important people; the Taormina Gardens; Corvaja Palace; and the Church of Santa Caterina d’Alessandra. During our free time, we enjoy spending time on Corso Umberto Street, where there are souvenir shops, pastry shops with the atmosphere of works of art, and magnificent restaurants. Here we give free time for lunch, and then we head to see the villages of Forza d’Agrò and Savoca, where the world-famous Godfather film was shot. After our guided tour of the towns, where the wedding scenes were filmed and where the famous Bar Vitelli is located, with the souvenir photos we take, we make our way to Messina, an important port city established on the northeastern coast of Sicily Island, on the Strait of Messina that separates mainland Italy from Sicily. Upon our arrival in the city, which was founded in Ancient Greek times and has throughout history been one of the important centers of Mediterranean trade routes, we begin our tour. The Messina Astronomical Clock, built in the 12th century and attracting tourists with its moving figures and ringing bell every day at noon, is known as one of the largest mechanical clocks in the world. The Fountain of Orion, one of the 16th-century works of the Italian Renaissance period, is among the other important structures we will see. After completing our Messina tour, when the free time we give comes to an end, we check into our hotel.

Cefalu - Palermo - Marsala

After breakfast at our hotel, we head to Cefalù, a humble fishing town built on rocks, with its magical, unforgettable architecture and natural beauty. Upon arrival, among the places we will visit are the Duomo di Cefalù Cathedral, whose construction began in 1131; the Temple of Diana on Rocca, a favorite getaway spot for young lovers; and the Mandralisca Museum, famous for housing a library and manuscript archives. After some free time to explore Cefalù, we depart for Palermo, the capital of Sicily, where Arab-Norman, Spanish, and Italian cultures blend together. In particular, Arab-Norman architecture is one of the city’s most distinctive features, and many of Palermo’s structures are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Upon arrival in the city, we visit the Norman Palace, one of Palermo’s most important historical buildings and the king’s residence; the Palatine Chapel, considered one of Sicily’s most impressive works of art with its golden mosaics; Teatro Massimo, considered the largest opera house in Italy and even in Europe; Teatro Garibaldi, located in Palermo’s historic center, built in the 19th century and playing an important role in the city’s artistic and cultural life, named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, regarded as a hero of Italian unification; and Politeama Square in front of it. Afterwards, we enjoy free time in the central square, considered Palermo’s hub for shopping, strolling, and cafés. We then meet again at the time arranged with our guide and head to Marsala, where the cellars of the Florio family—the setting of the famous story written by Stefania Auci, The Lions of Sicily, which was released as an 8-episode series in 2023—are located. Overnight accommodation will be at our hotel in Marsala.

Palermo - Istanbul

On our last day in Sicily, we will have breakfast at our hotel and then visit the Cappuccini Catacombs (Included in the price!), one of the largest mummy collections in Europe. This museum, where 8,000 mummies are preserved and displayed, includes the mummified noblemen, clergy, and wealthy families of Palermo from the 16th century onward. Displayed in a truly lifelike way in their own clothes, this catacomb was created by the Capuchin monks in 1599 to preserve their own monks. Over time, with the burial of aristocrats as well, it has been preserved to this day and has maintained its originality. Its most famous mummy is the little girl who died in 1920 (Rosalia Lombardo—the Sleeping Beauty), considered the most well-preserved mummy in the world. After our visit here, we head to the city center to bid farewell to the city and Sicily, and we will have free time to shop and pick up souvenirs, as well as freely enjoy any foods that caught your attention and that you may wish to taste, other than the meals and tasting experiences included in the price throughout the tour. At the time specified by our guide, we meet and depart with our Turkish Airlines flight, which will take us back to our country, first arriving at Istanbul Airport.

Istanbul - Izmir

After our arrival in local time, when the calendar showed the next day, we arrive at Adnan Menderes Airport on our Turkish Airlines flight and say goodbye, until we meet again in another tour program.