Palermo &
The 7 Sisters
Welcome to the northern coast of Sicily, from Palermo to the seven beautiful Aeolian Islands both recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Also referred to as the "seven pearls of the Mediterranean", these islands will capture your heart and surprise you in so many rich ways.
Vibrant and chaotic Palermo will welcome you to sun-soaked Sicily. Fairytale islands home of Eolo the Greek God of the winds and 'shaken' by two active volcanoes, Stromboli and Vulcano will offer you an authentic experience.
Come aboard and get ready to see some fireworks!
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Highlights:
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E-bike tour of Palermo with a private guide
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Private boat rides to the various islands of the archipelago with day-trip to see Stromboli's eruptions
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Wine tasting at a local winery in Lipari island
11 DAYS & 10 NIGHTS
Starting from €4,995
DAY 1
Palermo
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You’ve Arrived!
Meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel in the historic city center of Palermo. The approximate travel time is 30 minutes. Freshen up and enjoy some free time before the welcoming dinner where we will talk about the highlights of our upcoming journey and get acquainted with your travel companions.
DAY 2
Palermo and Cefalù
Strolling the Magical Streets
After a hearty breakfast in your hotel we embark on an E-bike tour of Palermo, with our private guide, to have a first glance of the wonders that the city reveals.  You'll be enchanted by Palermo's traditional Sicilian Old Quarter, and baroque palaces, visiting the city's main sights, including the Norman section, Quattro Canti di Citta' (the Four Corners of the City), Palermo's extravagant baroque square and the 12th-century Cathedral of Palermo. Street food lunch at Bar Massaro home of the best "arancino" in town. In the afternoon you head to Cefalu' where our private guide will lead you through the alleys of the historical center and visit the majestic Arab/Normann Cathedral. Conclude your day at the hotel.
DAY 3
Halaesa Archeological Park - S. Stefano di Camastra - Lipari island
Lipari here we come!
Take a journey through time as you visit Halaesa, a 2 thousand years old Roman village, and be amazed by the beautiful view of the Aeolian Islands. Lunch in S. Stefano di Camastra. Afterwards spend some time with a local ceramist who will show you how the ceramics are designed and painted. In the afternoon you'll depart for Milazzo to catch the hydrofoil to Lipari Island. Enjoy the view of Lipari's main harbour from your hotel's room and then stroll into town and enjoy your dinner at a local restaurant known for the freshness of their locally caught fish. Conclude your day with a stroll down the old port of Marina Corta before heading back to your hotel.
DAY 4
Lipari and Salina
Salina the green island
Enjoy a day-long excursion to the second-largest island in the archipelago: Salina. Along the way, swim in the clear blue water and visit the main village of Santa Marina and Lingua. If the sea is too rough...never fear, we can hike the old roads of Lipari to discover the Mediterranean flora and the amazing views with your private nature guide. In the evening savor a sophisticated dinner at Kasbah where the old world meets the new. Conclude your day at the hotel.
DAY 5
Lipari and Vulcano
Volcano, the God Of Fire
Have you ever stared into the mouth of a volcano? On Vulcano island, this semi-easy hike will take you atop this amazing active sulphuric volcano. This hike is best done early in the morning so that you can have some beach time or shopping time before returning to Lipari to relax by the pool. Dinner at Angolo del Pesce to eat their delicious Spaghetti with clam and pistachios. Stroll around town on your way back to your hotel.
DAY 6
Lipari, Panarea and Stromboli
Iddu... His Majesty Stromboli
You are not done with volcanoes yet! From the old port of Marina Corta a private boat will take you and your private guide, to see the first island on today's schedule, Panarea, the smallest of the seven sisters, for a tour around the island. You then cruise towards the second largest active volcano in Europe (Mt. Etna is the first but you'll get to see that if you book our "Heart of Sicily Tour!!), with its micro explosions that occur every 10/20 minutes depending on its mood of the day..... Wander around the small white alleys, get a bird's-eye view of the island from the main piazza and admire Strombolicchio,  the solidified volcanic chimney of an ancient volcano. You won't want to miss the explosions so an early dinner in a local's home restaurant awaits you. Back on board and get ready to see some fireworks at "La Sciara":  where the lapillus falls when being erupted and the name comes from the Arab word for "street"-  Wrap up your adventures day back at your hotel.
DAY 7
Lipari
Time to cook!
Today you will meet a local Chef and Sommelier from Milan but has her heart set in Lipari. Meet the fishermen and the farmers that will provide you with the delicacies to cook at her beautiful villa in the countryside of the island.
At sunset, at a local winery, enjoy a glass of their world-renowned red wine. After your full day of experience return to your hotel with a private driver.
DAY 8
Lipari, Alicudi and Filicudi
Last but not Least!
After breakfast, meet your private guide at the old port of Marina Corta and board your private boat to reach the last two islands of the "7 sisters". Alicudi is the island of the thousand steps but, rest assured you won't have to climb them all as we circumnavigate this cone shaped island. Afterwards we head to Filicudi and your private guide will explain the main attraction of the island being the prehistoric landmark where antique millstones still await to be transported to the mainland. Dinner this time will be in a trendy cafe in the piazza by the old port. Conclude your day at your hotel.
DAY 9
Lipari
Almost time to say goodbye...
Now that you have seen all of the islands, today we slow down the pace and give you time to enjoy what your heart desires. You may rent a scooter in Lipari or Salina and tour the island or hike through one of the many paths around the Lipari to discover some breathtaking views of the Mediterranean sea or you may even visit the Archeological Museum home of the largest collection of Roman amphoras in Europe or maybe a good old shopping spree in the various artisanal shops. Farewell dinner at your hotel.
DAY 10
Lipari
Until next time
Depart from Lipari with the first hydrofoil for the mainland and your private driver will pick you up in Milazzo and take you back to Palermo for your return flight.
One last thing: We can book a hotel in Palermo or Catania if need be!
Details
DATES
All our tours depart on Tuesdays and end on Thursdays
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2023
Nov 7 - Nov 16
2024
March 26 - Apr 4
April 23 - May 2
May 21 - May 30
July 2 - July 11
Sept 3 - Sept 12
INCLUDED
10 breakfasts
7 dinners
2 lunches
2 snacks or aperitif with food
Deluxe or superior accommodations
All park entry fees (unless noted)
All admission fees to historic sites
Experienced guides
Transportation during the trip, whether by bus, boat or other
NOT INCLUDED
Air and land transportation to and from the trip
Beverages other than water
Non-scheduled visits and activities
The Heart of Sicily tour is for those who don’t “do" a trip but for those who dream of immersing themselves in the culture of a place.
~FEDERICA DE DONNO