Ancient Studies in sicily
9 Days | 8 Nights Tour
Experience the timeless beauty, rich archaeological heritage, and classical history of Sicily on this 9-day educational journey tailored for ancient studies enthusiasts. From the majestic ruins of Segesta and Selinunte to the vibrant culture of Palermo and Syracuse, this program offers students and faculty an immersive exploration of the island’s Greek, Roman, and Phoenician legacies. Curated visits to renowned museums, ancient temples, and historical towns are enriched by expert local guides, engaging commentary, and cultural experiences—creating an unforgettable learning experience in the heart of the Mediterranean.
4 Star Hotels
Coach
Year-Round
What's Included
- Explore ancient Greek and Roman ruins at Segesta, Selinunte, Morgantina, and Valley of the Temples.
- Private guided tour of Villa Romana del Casale, famous for its intricate mosaics.
- Walk through the Archaeological Park of Neapolis in Syracuse, featuring the Greek Theater and Roman Amphitheater.
- Visit the unique island settlement of Mozia, a key Phoenician archaeological site.
- Delve into Sicily’s cultural layers at the Antonio Salinas Museum and Palatine Chapel in Palermo.
- Experience Sicily’s scenic hill towns like Erice and Sciacca.
- Cruise the waters to Mozia and explore the Whitaker Museum.
- Enjoy local cuisine with group lunches and dinners in scenic towns like Trapani and Piazza Armerina.
- View artifacts and archaeological finds at the Pietro Griffo and Paolo Orsi Museums.
- Walk the ancient lanes of Ortygia Island, visiting temples, markets, and baroque architecture.
- Compressive sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary
- All transfers by private coach
- English-speaking drivers and guides
- Daily breakfast, three dinners, and two lunches
- Entrance fees to monuments as mentioned in the program
- Flight from Izmir to Ankara
The Experience
Upon arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO), meet your tour manager and transfer to the hotel. Depending on flight arrival times, begin the program with a guided walking tour of Ancient Rome including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Dinner included. Overnight in Rome.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Palermo. Upon arrival in Sicily, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel. Begin exploring central Palermo, including a visit to the Archaeological Museum Antonio Salinas, Norman Palace, Palatine Chapel, and Palermo Cathedral. Dinner and overnight in Palermo.
Travel to the stunning Monreale Cathedral, showcasing exquisite Norman-Byzantine mosaics. Continue to Segesta Archaeological Park to explore the well-preserved Doric temple and the ancient theatre. Stop for lunch in Trapani before heading up to Erice, a walled medieval town known for its hilltop views and historic charm. Transfer to Marsala for hotel check-in. Overnight in Marsala.
Take a short boat ride to Mozia Island, once a thriving Phoenician colony. Visit the Whitaker Museum and walk through the archaeological ruins. Return to Marsala for lunch, then visit the Regional Archaeological Museum of Lilybaeum and explore the Marsala Archaeological Park, known for its Roman mosaics and Punic remains. Overnight in Marsala.
Head south to Selinunte Archaeological Park, one of the most expansive sites in Europe, featuring ancient temples, city walls, and acropolis ruins. Visit the Antiquarium Baglio Florio for insight into the site’s excavation history. Lunch in Marinella di Selinunte. Proceed to Sciacca, a coastal town known for its ceramics and thermal baths. Dinner and overnight in Sciacca.
Drive along the southern coast to Heraclea Minoa, an ancient Greek city with cliffside views and remains of a Greek theatre. Continue to Agrigento to explore the world-famous Valley of the Temples, including Temple of Concordia, Temple of Juno, and others. Visit the Pietro Griffo Regional Archaeological Museum to view significant regional artifacts. Overnight in Agrigento.
Morning departure for Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its intricate Roman mosaics. Lunch locally before visiting the archaeological site of Morgantina, an ancient Greek city with a rich history of trade and culture. Arrive in Syracuse, check-in and enjoy dinner. Overnight in Syracuse.
Explore the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, featuring the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheater, Latomia del Paradiso, and the Ear of Dionysius. Visit the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum, one of Italy’s most important museums. In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour of Ortygia Island, including the Temple of Apollo, Piazza Duomo, and Syracuse Cathedral. Farewell dinner and overnight in Syracuse.
Transfer early to Catania Airport (CTA) for return flight to Rome and your onward journey.