Riviera Travel Western Sicily, Palermo And The Aeolian Islands

– 7nts in 4* accommodation
– Return flights and transfers
– Programme of daily tours & visits
– Daily breakfast & 4 dinners
– Services of expert tour manager
– Checked luggage

– Full day touring Lipari and the Aeolian Islands
– Tour a winery in Marsala
– See the intriguing cave dwelling at Grotta Mangiapane

Day 1 – Arrive in Trapani
Fly to Palermo from where you’ll transfer to your hotel near the historic centre of Trapani

Day 2 – Erice & Grotta Mangiapane
Discover the hill-top village of Erice, home to a collection of beautifully decorated buildings and a Norman castle which you can see on your guided tour. After lunch, visit Grotta Mangiapane, where cave dwellings were found in the 1800s. Later on, return to Trapani where the rest of the day is at leisure

Day 3 – Segesta & Marsala
Take a short drive to Segesta. This archaeological site is home to one of Europe’s finest ancient Doric temples which you’ll see while here. This afternoon in Marsala, learn about the creation of the dessert wine that bears the town’s name. Visit one of Marsala’s finest produces and enjoy a tasting. Afterwards, visit a family-run museum where you’ll learn about the ancient craft of salt panning.

Day 4 – Palermo
Enjoy a scenic drive eastwards along the coast, enjoying views of bright blue waters and the island’s mountainous landscape. Arrive in the island’s capital, Palermo. Have a guided tour, seeing some incredible monuments, including brilliantly decorated churches, and Norman palace. During the visit, see the palace’s royal church.

Drive further along the coast to the town of Cefalu where you’ll stay for the rest of the tour.

Day 5 – Cefalu
This morning, take a short orientation walk of this coastal town before having the rest of the day free to explore.

Day 6 – The Aeolian Islands
Drive along the coast, then cruise across the astonishing Aeolian Islands. First, pass Vulcano, before landing at Lipari. Explore this fishing port independently before returning to the hotel.

Day 7 – Madonie Natural Park & Castelbuono
Head into the mountains behind Cefalu to discover the Madonie Natural Park, home to wolves, eagles and wildcats. After enjoying the landscape, head to the medieval village of Castelbuono. Explore its restaurants and shops before heading back to Cefalu for a final dinner.

Day 8 – Return flight

At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport for your flight home

Punta Tipa Hotel, Trapani

The 4* Punta Tipa hotel is a brand-new hotel located on the seafront, just over a mile from Trapani’s characterful old town, approx. a 30-minute stroll along the seafront.

Alberi del Paradiso, Cefalu

Alberi del Paradiso set just behind Cefalù on a small hill affording wonderful views of the town and sea beyond, with the beach and historic centre just a mile away. Originally two water mills now this superbly designed hotel is split over two harmonious levels, set within its two acres of wonderful mature landscaped gardens of fragrant shrubs and tall palm trees.

Fact File

• Currency: Euro
• Flight time: Approx. 2 hrs 50 mins
• Language: Italian
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Country: Italy

Visa Information

UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter Italy however must have a valid passport.

Weather in the Aeolian Islands

Occasionally bad weather prevents travel to the Aeolian Islands for safety reasons; however, Riviera Travel will endeavour to reschedule this visit to an alternative day.

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic