Buried Italy Series
The Lost Worlds of Sicily
Overview
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Journey: Temples, Mosaics & Ancient Flavours
Destinations: Taormina, Erice, Palermo and Siracusa
Discover Sicily’s lost civilisations
For more than 3,000 years, Sicily has stood at the crossroads of the Mediterranean. Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards have all left their mark on this extraordinary island, creating a rich heritage of ancient cities, sacred sites and remarkable architecture.
This eight-day journey uncovers the fascinating stories behind Sicily’s many civilisations. Discover Greek temples rising from the countryside, explore the remains of a Phoenician settlement reached by boat, admire the magnificent mosaics of Norman Palermo and uncover a Roman villa that lay hidden for centuries.
Visit places where different cultures have left their imprint on the same landscape, from historic cathedrals incorporating ancient temples to archaeological treasures that reveal Sicily’s remarkable past.
Led by Italy history expert Joseph Walker, this journey takes you beyond the familiar tourist trail to explore the extraordinary stories, monuments and flavours of Sicily.
Expedition itinerary
Day 1 — Welcome to Palermo: A Thousand Years of History
Begin in Palermo, a fascinating city shaped by successive civilisations, where different architectural styles and cultural traditions tell the story of Sicily’s past.
Day 2 — Three Civilisations and the Tombs of Kings
Discover the remarkable artistic treasures of Norman Palermo, including its celebrated mosaics and royal heritage.
Day 3 — Norman Castles and Two Golden Cathedrals
Explore the historic settings of Caccamo and Cefalù before discovering the extraordinary cathedral mosaics of Monreale.
Day 4 — An Arab Bath and an Unfinished Temple
Uncover traces of Sicily’s diverse past at Cefalà Diana and admire the impressive ancient Greek temple at Segesta.
Day 5 — The Phoenician Island and the Charioteer
Discover the hilltop town of Erice, the coastal salt pans and Mozia, an island with a remarkable Phoenician heritage.
Day 6 — The Golden City and the Buried Palace
Explore the monumental Greek remains of the Valley of the Temples and the extraordinary Roman mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale.
Day 7 — A Temple Within a Cathedral and a Theatre Beneath a Volcano
Discover the historic island of Ortigia and the heritage of Siracusa, then experience Taormina and the dramatic landscape of Mount Etna.
Day 8 — Arrivederci, Sicilia
Conclude your Sicilian adventure with lasting memories of its ancient civilisations, extraordinary monuments and cultural treasures.
Departure dates
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On Request
Availability and tour details
For current availability, accommodation, inclusions, exclusions and important travel information, enquire by email using the details below.
An exclusive offer from Gateway Travel
Save 5% on your tour
Use code GATEWAY5 (Valid until 31st December, 2027)
Gateway Travel is pleased to offer travellers an exclusive 5% discount on An Italian Mosaic: Emperors, Myths & Buried Cities.
To access this offer and request full tour details, email:
Quote GATEWAY5 in your email. Tour information, availability and booking arrangements are provided directly by Historian Joseph Walker and his team.
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