October 10 – October 23, 2026
Starting from $7,049 per person
14 Days, 13 Nights, 20 Meals
Activity Level: Tour level 3
Trip Highlights
Palermo, Monreale, Cooking class and wine pairing lunch, Marsala, Stagnone Salt Pans and lagoon sailing, Olive oil farm, Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, Cefalù, Isle of Salina, Caper farm, Taormina, Mount Etna off-road excursion.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Saturday, October 10, 2026 – Overnight Flight
You’re on your way to Sicily – an island paradise nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Look past the Italy you think you know and see how this coastal farmland balances ancient traditions and modern comforts.
Day 2: Sunday, October 11, 2026 – Palermo, Italy
Arrive in Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital city. As travelers’ arrival times will vary, we have not included any sightseeing. Spend the day exploring independently, taking in Palermo’s gritty, unshakable spirit and captivating energy. Late this afternoon, we meet for a briefing about the journey ahead; tonight come to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner. (Dinner)
Day 3: Monday, October 12, 2026- Palermo
Begin your adventure tasting your way through Palermo’s lively markets on a walking tour unveiling the city’s historical center and introducing you to traditional Sicilian street food. Palermo’s culinary heritage layers Arab and Norman influences with local produce such as wild fennel, olives, and spices. This afternoon, head to Monreale Cathedral, ascending on foot to see its majestic Byzantine mosaics. Then, it’s your choice! Explore the cathedral’s cloisters, taking in their serene atmosphere of the monastic complex -OR- ascend the southern tower to the panoramic terraces for a bird’s-eye view over Palermo. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 4: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 – Palermo – Marsala
Make your way to a family-owned winery deeply nestled in Sicily’s largest wine-producing region. Venture off the beaten path and meet a local winemaker. Learn about the local types of grapes and production techniques, before joining a hands-on cooking class. Share the meal you prepared for lunch, paired with the farm’s own wines. Late this afternoon, settle into your hotel in coastal Marsala for a three-night stay. Perhaps you’ll take a sunset walk along the waterfront before heading out for an evening at leisure. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 5: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 – Marsala
Discover the ancient craft of sea-salt harvesting during a guided visit to the salt pans of the Stagnone Lagoon, once at the confluence of Phoenician, Greek, and Roman civilizations. Hop on a local boat* and take in the views of the lagoon and surrounding, low-laying islands before returning to Marsala for an afternoon at leisure. (Breakfast)
Day 6: Thursday, October 15, 2026 – Marsala
The day is yours to explore Marsala as you please. Perhaps you’ll visit one of the city’s numerous wineries, noted for producing the eponymous fortified wine. Or you may join a full-day optional excursion to Favignana. A short waterjet ride* from Sicily’s mainland, Favignana island is part of the Egadi archipelago. Once famous for its tuna fish production, this small island boasts crystal clear waters and enchanting gardens. (Breakfast)
Day 7: Friday, October 16, 2026 – Marsala – Agrigento
This morning, experience an Impact Moment when you visit an olive oil maker who uses ethical farming methods to produce EVOO. Hear this local man’s story, his dedication to sustainable farming, and how he stands up against the rules that the Mafia tries to impose on local farmers. Explore the olive groves on foot and pause for a rustic picnic-style lunch before continuing to Agrigento’s seaside. Settle in for a one-night stay and dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 8: Saturday, October 17, 2026 – Agrigento – Cefalù Coast
In company of an expert guide, wander through the imposing Greek ruins of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples. Discover the myths enshrouding the foundation of ancient Akragas, and watch history come alive. Then, relax aboard your motorcoach during a full afternoon transfer to Sicily’s northern coast. As the sun sets, acquaint yourself with the extensive grounds of your cliffside resort. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 9: Sunday, October 18, 2026 – Cefalù Coast
Today, set off for the seaside town of Cefalù on Sicily’s northern coast. Stroll the medieval streets and enjoy ample free time to explore on your own. Perhaps you’ll peek into the city’s impressive cathedral showcasing Norman architecture, or take in Sicilian medieval art at the Mandralisca museum. Return to your coastal resort mid-afternoon. You will have time to venture down to the resort’s private beach and dip your feet in the Mediterranean, if you choose. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 10: Monday, October 19, 2026 – Cefalù Coast – Ferry to Aeolian Islands – Isle of Salina
Grab your bags** and hop on a ferry in Milazzo. Sail by Vulcano and Lipari on your way to Salina, a far-flung isle surrounded by vibrant blue waters and dark volcanic rock. Somewhat off the beaten path, Salina is one of the less-traveled Aeolian Islands, preserved as a vacation getaway for Italians. Start your 2-night stay and slow your rhythm to the gentle pace of this small island. (Breakfast)
**Travelers are responsible for handling their own luggage when getting on and off the ferry. Guests have the option of storing their larger suitcases on the bus for 3 days until they return to Sicily mainland, bringing a small carry-on with them on the island.
Day 11: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 – Salina
Dramatic landscapes of rocky cliffs and vibrant vineyards pass you by on your way to nearby Pollara, famous for its traditional caper cultivation. Wander through the fields, tasting the salted flower buds accompanied by a glass of Malvasia, a locally produced dessert wine. The afternoon is yours to do as you please. Perhaps you’ll find a café by the sea and soak in the local life while sampling their every flavor of granita ice-slush. (Breakfast)
Day 12: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 – Salina – Ferry to Sicily – Taormina
Early this morning, ferry* back to mainland Sicilia. Journey along the Ionian Coast to Taormina, a seaside hub of ancient Greek theaters and hilly walkways. Discover its well-preserved Greek theatre in company of a local guide. Walk in the footsteps of ancient attendees and take in an unparalleled viewpoint of the adjacent sea. Spend the evening on your own. Perhaps you’ll grab a bite to eat at a sidewalk café, or peruse the local boutiques for handcrafted souvenirs. (Breakfast)
*All included and optional boat and ferry rides are weather dependent. In the case of adverse sea and/or wind conditions, some or all ferry and boat rides may be delayed or cancelled. In particular, the boat to the Isle of Salina may be delayed or cancelled resulting in partial reduction of your time on the isle (or cancellation of the visit).
Day 13: Thursday, October 22, 2026 – Taormina – Mount Etna – Taormina
See Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna. Stare up at the iconic peak as your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe’s largest active volcano. Spend the morning exploring this legendary giant, passing by lava formations and basalt rocks before returning to Taormina for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, toast to your Sicilian sojourn at dinner, surrounded by local musicians. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 14: Friday, October 23, 2026 – Taormina – Tour Ends
Your journey through Sicily comes to a close today. Return home with memories of Italy’s favorite island. (Breakfast)
Experience It! Sicily and its Isles
Explore Sicily – an island paradise nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Sample specialties in Palermo’s colorful food market. Taste organic olive oil and learn how sustainable production methods support opposing the Mafia. Explore Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples (UNESCO) with a guide. Enjoy two nights on the Isle of Salina and visit a traditional caper farm. Spend two nights in Taormina, perched above the Ionian Sea. See Mount Etna from a different perspective on an off-road excursion. Discover how ancient traditions blend into modern society as you travel along Sicily and two of its beloved isles.
Payment
- Double $7,049
- Single $7,949
Included in Price
Round trip group transportation to/from AAA Hudson Valley to Newark Intl Airport, round trip air from Newark Intl Airport, Air taxes and fees/surcharges, hotel transfers.
Not Included in Price
Cancellation waiver and insurance of $599 per person.
Deposit
A deposit of $698 per person is due upon reservation. Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis. Reservations made after the seat reduction date of March 04, 2026 are based upon availability. Final payment due by July 12, 2026. Deposits are refundable up until March 11, 2026.
Upgrade your in-flight experience with Elite Airfare
Additional rate of $4,990 for Business Class.
Elite Airfare pricing (Premium Economy, Business Class or First Class) is valid until 8 months prior to departure, after which rates are subject to change and will be quoted based upon availability.
Refer to the reservation form to choose your upgrade option.
Important Conditions
Your price is guaranteed once deposit is received and booking confirmed by AAA Vacations®. Your price is not subject to increase after the deposit is received and booking confirmed, except for charges resulting from increases in government-imposed taxes or fees. See reservation form for consent.
Tour Information
The overall activity level of this tour is a level 3. This means you’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal. A moderately paced two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc). You can climb three flights of stairs easily and handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Expect some longer days with early mornings or late nights balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. This level is not a fit for travelers who require mobility assistance devices.
If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at time of reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your attention.
In order to access the archeological sites of Agrigento and Taormina, you will be required to negotiate steep inclines, tall steps, and walk over cobblestones of uneven paths with loose gravel
The hotels in Palermo, Marsala, Salina, and Taormina are not motor coach accessible and require walking 0.1 to 0.3 miles (50 to 450 meters) each way to the bus pick-up point.
Most of the sightseeing activities require accessing locations that restrict motor coaches, especially in the historic areas of Palermo, Monreale, Marsala, Cefalù, and Taormina. When arriving by motor coach, it will drop you off at a mandated location, situated approximately 0.5 to 0.8 miles (800 meters to 1.2 kilometers) from the starting point of the actual sightseeing tour. these towns require walking up and down hills with narrow, cobblestone streets, and stairs without handrails
Sightseeing is entirely on foot and requires the ability to alternate walking and standing for up to 20 minutes at a time, as there are no benches.
The accommodations and included activities and not suitable for travelers using motorized scooters, wheelchairs, walkers, or Zimmer-frames.
There are 4 days with long bus transfers. The longest driving daily includes 4 hours of driving time (with stops every 90-120 minutes)
You should expect large crowds in Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento, Cefalù, and Taormina. Anticipate walking and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other people and be prepared to wait in line even when you have a reservation.
Museum visit and shopping may be affected by the observance of religious or local holidays
The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour.
Most shops and businesses in Italy are closed on Sundays and national/religious holidays.
Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Single rate subject to change based on availability.
To complete your tour, we include round-trip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing our airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
Our return transfers will depart from Taormina to Catania airport. Our air travelers will depart from Catania airport
Breakfast boxes are not available on the final day for travelers departing before the hotel’s breakfast service opens. This policy supports our commitment to improve sustainability and consistent service of standards. travelers with early flights may purchase breakfast options onsite or at the airport at their own expense.
For air-inclusive reservations, the name provided at time of booking must match your government-issued ID that will be used during travel. Name changes are subject to penalties.
Prepaid tipping is not available on our tours therefore payment of customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, and cruise ship wait staff should be handled individually when applicable during the course of your tour.
Economy air rate and schedule are applicable for groups of 10 or more traveling on the same flights and dates.
Travel Requirements
Identification
Passports are required for this tour at your expense. Certain countries require that your passport be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of your travel. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.
IMPORTANT: We recommend that travelers take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visas. We also recommend leaving a copy with your emergency contact.
AAA member Choice Vacations ® will provide all necessary information, updates, and supporting documents for your travel requirements, including visa and Electronic travel Authorization (ETAs), if required, approximately 60-90 days prior to our departures.
ETIAS visa waiver requirements are anticipated to begin during the last quarter of 2026, for a fee, when visiting a Schengen Area Country. to identify Schengen Area Countries and to complete the ETIAS application, please visit https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is not included in the tour price?
The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end of trip gratuities for your tour manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
Can AAA Member Choice Vacations book our airline reservations?
We are happy to assist you in accommodating your flight needs. Due to tour scheduling and limited availability you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of our air packages. We are not responsible for air arrangements you have made on your own. On occasion, it is necessary to change tour dates. In this case, we can only protect air reservations booked through AAA Member Choice Vacations. For all air reservations, it is strongly recommended to reconfirm flights before departure, in the event that the airline has an unexpected schedule change. We cannot assume responsibility for schedule changes, route alterations or flight cancellations involving the airlines.
Do I need a passport?
A valid Passport is required for trips outside the USA. We strongly recommend that you have a valid passport (with six month validity) for all travel outside the United States. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for additional details.
What is the difference between a twin room and a double room?
A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
Are airport and hotel transfers available?
Roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers are provided FREE for all passengers who purchase airfare through AAA Member Choice Vacations. These transfers are available on the first and last day of the tour and do not apply to pre and post night stays.
Do you rotate seats on tours?
Seats are rotated onboard the coach for all our tours under the direction of the tour manager. So that we do not show partiality among passengers, exceptions cannot be made.
Can I extend my tour to see more of a region?
Yes! You may enhance your tour with either an extension – offered on select tours – or by purchasing pre/post hotel stays.
Would my tour date ever be changed?
AAA Member Choice Vacations reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason. Should this happen, we will make every effort to put you on another departure date. If an alternate cannot be found, a full refund will be made. Air booked through AAA Member Choice Vacations will be protected. We cannot be held responsible for other air arrangements.
Should you decide to change your reservation after initial booking, a $25 handling fee will be charged for any alteration made to a reservation (including name changes). Revisions to air tickets are subject to the rules and regulations of the airline, and fare type purchased and rates vary. A change of tour date or tour itinerary within the guidelines of the cancellation policy will be treated as a cancellation and regular cancellation fees may apply.
See Cancellation Policy.
Where do I meet my tour manager?
Your tour will begin at your first hotel. The tour manager will make contact with you at the hotel and will provide details relating to your tour. The hotel address and phone number will be included in your documents.
How can I be best prepared for the pacing and physical requirements on tour?
Tour pacing varies by itinerary, and each destination’s sightseeing and activities are unique. Pacing is subject to personal interpretation. At AAA MCV, we do include the best a destination has to offer, enhancing your overall tour experience. For overnight pacing of a tour, please refer to the “Accommodations” section on each tour page and on the tour map. These describe the number of nights you will stay in each hotel during your tour. The day-by-day descriptions will provide additional detail about the number of activities included in each day.
The Tour Activity Level Ranking is featured on each tour itinerary in a circle. The definition of each activity level is listed here. If you have additional questions regarding a specific tour, please inquire at time of reservation. For your comfort, we recommend packing comfortable walking shoes so you can fully enjoy every aspect of your tour.
Level 1: You’re a leisurely traveler. You typically take it easy and discover the energy of a new place by people-watching or soaking in the atmosphere at a local cafe. You can climb at least one flight of stairs, board a coach, and walk unassisted at a relaxed pace for up to 60 minutes without difficulty. You can easily handle altitudes up to 5,000 feet.
Level 2: You like a balanced approach to travel. Walking two to three miles over the course of a day is no problem for you. You can partake in a two-hour leisurely walking tour, covering up to two miles (with included breaks). You can handle a variety of terrains, from cobblestone streets to moderate hills with relative ease and without assistance. You can climb two flights of stairs with ease. There may be 1 to 2 days on this tour when walking tours can cover 3 to 4 miles over uneven terrain. You can handle altitudes up to 6,000 feet.
Level 3: You’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal. A moderately paced two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.). You can climb three flights of stairs easily and handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. This level is not a fit for travelers who require mobility assistance devices.
Level 4: You’re ready to seize the day, whatever it may bring. You lead an active life at home (walking, biking, and half or full day hikes are things you may enjoy) and 10,000 steps a day is normal for you. You can handle longer walking tours (more than 3 hours covering 3+ miles at a steady clip) and activities that involve traversing uneven terrain, steep slopes, standing for periods of time, and varying altitudes and temperatures. You don’t mind being on the go with some early starts, late-nights, and full days. You can handle altitudes of 9,000 feet or higher with little to no issue. This level is not appropriate for travelers who use wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility assistance devices.
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