Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Favignana - Agrigento - Palermo
100% customisable for you
Your eight-day Sicilian sojourn begins with a flight to Palermo, which takes just under three hours from the UK. When you arrive, we’ll whisk you away to the ancient city of Agrigento by private transfer, a journey that takes around two hours.
Your accommodation for the next two nights will be one of the city’s charming hotels, situated close to the temples yet with all the comforts you need to relax back at base. This evening, enjoy your first Sicilian dinner, while toasting the start of a special trip.
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.
After your local history lesson, spend the remainder of the day as you please, before a memorable meal at one of the town’s excellent eateries.
After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, say arriverderci to Agrigento and get set for your boat crossing to Favignana. The private transfer to the pier takes around two-and-a-half hours, before a quick half-hour trip across the water to Favignana.
You’ll spend three nights here beside the crystal-clear waters of the coast, which leaves ample time to soak up the magical atmosphere and embrace the more leisurely pace of island life.
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 get to know Favignana on foot or by bike (or electric bike for easier pedalling).
On your first full day here, take a boat trip around the island, with stops to swim and snorkel in the sparkling waters, plus a delicious lunch on board. It’s a blissful introduction to this gem of an island, and you’ll get more of a flavour of Favignana this evening during a delicious dinner. As you’d expect, the seafood is especially good here.
You have the whole day today to explore the mesmerising Aegadian archipelago. We’ll arrange for transfers between each island, so all you need to do is relax and sample their charms. Marettimo is the furthest from Favignana, a wild and fascinating island that lies within a marine nature reserve. When you’re not snorkelling 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 peace, this is it.
As your island time draws to a close, say a fond farewell to Favignana and set your sights on Sicily’s capital, Palermo. The journey from the island to the city takes around half a day by boat and private transfer, so once you arrive at your hotel, take time to settle in and relax. We can recommend a selection of excellent restaurants for your first night here, before you retire to your room to recharge ahead of another busy day.
After breakfast, explore this fascinating city in the company of a private guide. Between its crumbling facades, Palermo is full of character, thanks in part to successive centuries of occupation: Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman and Italian influences all live on here. The Arab-Norman area of the city has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and your guide will share some of its highlights, including the Norman Palace and its chapel, the Zisa castle, the cathedral, the Capuchin Catacombs, Palazzo Abatellis and the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia.
Palermo is also famous for its street food, from sandwiches of golden fritters (panelle) to crisp arancini. If you like, you can explore aboard an Ape Calessino (a cute three-wheeled motorcycle) before stopping to sample some of the city’s best dishes. Along the way, you’ll see plenty more Palermitan sights, including the Massimo Theatre and the Quattro Canti.
Sadly, it’s time to leave Italy’s sun, sea and spectacular food behind and head back to the UK. Transfer to the airport where you’ll board your return flight, touching down a little under three hours later with a whole lot of happy holiday memories in tow.
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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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
