Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

A Serene Sicilian Escape
Palermo and the Aegadian Islands

Favignana - Agrigento - Palermo

Starting from between £1,980 to £2,900 per person for 8 days depending on the time of year, type of accomodation and activities

Itinerary Highlights

  • Spend three days relaxing in the idyllic Aegadian Islands.
  • Snorkel and swim in turquoise waters during a private boat trip.
  • Marvel at the magnificent Valley of the Temples.
  • Uncover the secrets of Sicily’s vibrant capital during a private tour of Palermo.
You’ve heard of Sicily; maybe you’ve even been there. And you might well wonder if there’s anything new to discover about this popular holiday destination. But a few miles west and not far from Marsala, you’ll find three magical islands known as the Aegadian Archipelago. With turquoise waters, secret coves and tranquil villages, they’re straight out of a dream.

Favignana is the largest and liveliest of the three, and it’s where you’ll spend three nights during your eight-day trip to Italy. Only locals can drive here, so peaceful strolls and bike rides down quiet roads are the name of the game. While you’re here, enjoy a boat trip around the island for snorkelling and swimming, and trips to explore the neighbouring islands of Levanzo and Marettimo, each with their own kind of island magic. Back in Sicily, you’ll take a private tour of one of its must-sees: The Valley of the Temples, five incredible Doric structures that comprise some of the greatest examples of the architecture of Magna Graecia. Your journey ends in Palermo, Sicily’s regional capital which is vibrant, surprising and bursting with character. Think weathered facades, timeless palaces and unbeatable street food. Throughout your journey, we’ll take care of all the details including transfers and private tours. And, as always, our Concierge will be on hand to help with setbacks or recommendations, like where best to enjoy a glass of citrussy Sicilian wine…
Favignana © ignacio brosa - unsplash
Favignana © ignacio brosa - unsplash
Favignana © spumador - stock.adobe.com
Favignana © spumador - stock.adobe.com
Sicily - Italy © Nuria Val/Coke Bartrina
Sicily - Italy © Nuria Val/Coke Bartrina
Agrigento - Sicily - Italy © Studio Moreno Maggi/Villa Athena
Agrigento - Sicily - Italy © Studio Moreno Maggi/Villa Athena
Sicily - Italy © Nuria Val/Coke Bartrina
Sicily - Italy © Nuria Val/Coke Bartrina
Italy © Cecilia Renard
Italy © Cecilia Renard
Italy © Ana Kutija
Italy © Ana Kutija
Italy © Lucy Laucht
Italy © Lucy Laucht
Sicily - Italy © Roberto Gennaro/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Sicily - Italy © Roberto Gennaro/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Palermo - Sicily - Italy © Sergio Amiti/Getty Images
Palermo - Sicily - Italy © Sergio Amiti/Getty Images
Favignana beach © ignacio brosa - unsplash
Favignana beach © ignacio brosa - unsplash

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

DAY 1 Arrive in Italy

Your eight-day Sicilian escape begins with a flight to Palermo, which takes just under three hours. When you arrive, we’ll whisk you away to the pier by private transfer for your hydrofoil crossing to the island of Favignana. You’ll spend three nights here beside the crystal-clear waters of the coast, which leaves you ample time to soak up the magical atmosphere and take cooling dips in the swimming pool.

Favignana is the largest and liveliest of the Aegadian archipelago’s three islands, which sit off the coast of Trapani and Marsala. Its acres of fragrant vegetation are surrounded by dazzling beaches, coves and tufos (natural swimming pools dug into the limestone). Only locals are allowed to have cars on the island, so while you’re here, you’ll get to know Favignana on foot, by bike or electric bike.

On your first full day here, we’ll arrange for you to take a boat trip around the island, with stops to swim and snorkel in the sparkling waters, plus a delicious lunch on board.

You have the whole day today to explore the mesmerising Aegadian archipelago. Marettimo is the furthest from Favignana, a wild and fascinating island that lies within a marine nature reserve. When you’re not diving or swimming, wander through the village between pale houses with blue shutters, and stop at a traditional restaurant for a lunch of lobster soup with cinnamon and chopped almonds.

Over on Levanzo, life moves at a wonderfully slow speed. Cats laze on sunny steps, elders converse on benches, and in the only village on the island, around 30 immaculate houses cling to the hillside. There are no cars here, and everything looks pristine, from the craggy white cliffs to the turquoise waters that surround them. If you’re searching for a pocket of piece, this is it.

Today, you’ll say goodbye to the Aegadian Islands and hello to Agrigento, an ancient city which is the ideal base for discovering the famous Valley of the Temples. After a boat crossing, you’ll be privately transferred to your accommodation, an 18th-century villa that’s been converted into a charming hotel. You’re close to the temples here, but when you’re not out exploring, you can cool off in the swimming pool or head up to the terrace restaurant where you’ll have a great view of your surroundings.

Step back in time today as you immerse yourself in ancient history during a visit to the Valley of the Temples. Accompanied by a private guide, explore the remains of these five superb Doric temples that once dominated the powerful city. While there’s still plenty left to excavate, these magnificent remains provide an important insight into the city and are one of the most incredible examples of the architecture of Magna Graecia.

Afterwards, you’ll be privately transferred to the Sicilian capital of Palermo, where you’ll spend the next three nights. Your base here is a centrally located hotel that’s perfect for exploring the city, and even more perfect for stealing away to the rooftop for a drink above the hustle and bustle.

We’ll arrange for you to explore this fascinating city in private while you’re here. Between its crumbling facades, Palermo is full of character, thanks in part to successive centuries of occupation whose influences live on: Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman and Italian. The Arab-Norman area of the city has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and you’ll discover some of its highlights in the company of a private guide, including the Norman Palace and its chapel, the Zisa castle, the cathedral, the Capuchin Catacombs, Palazzo Abatellis and the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia. If you’re all cultured out, you can also simply stroll through the city between lively markets and bustling bars.

Along with its eclectic architecture, Palermo is famous for its street food, from sandwiches of golden fritters (panelle) to crisp arancini. If you like, we can arrange for you to explore the city aboard an Ape Calessino (a cute three-wheeled motorcycle) before stopping for a culinary stroll to sample some of the city’s best dishes. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of Palermitan sights including the narrow streets of the historic centre, the Massimo Theatre and the Quattro Canti.

DAY 8 Flight home

Sadly, it’s time to leave Italy’s sun, sea and spectacular food behind and head back to the UK. You’ll be transferred to the airport where you’ll board your return flight.

Why visit Italy with Original Travel

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

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A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Italy

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

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A rough idea of the price

Depending on the time of year, type of accommodation and activities

The cost for this trip starts from £1,980 to £2,900 per person.

The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost varies according to several factors, which include the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote.

The average starting price for this trip is £2,300 per person.

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