Jewish Tour of Sicily

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Palermo, Agrigento, Noto & Syracuse, Taormina & Mount Etna

This private luxury tour of Sicily focuses on the legacy of the island's Jewish population. It includes in-depth private cultural touring that emphasizes Jewish influences on Sicilian art, architecture, cuisine and history, as well as accommodation at the top luxury hotels and resorts in Sicily.

Begin in Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily. During private touring, explore the city’s cultural and culinary highlights, including lively food markets, favorite Sicilian specialty shops, private museums, and UNESCO sites such as the Norman Palace and Cappella Palatina. Learn about local Jewish history and see remnants of Jewish culture at Zisa Palace and other sites with Jewish significance. Also take a private excursion to the UNESCO-listed Monreale Cathedral, a masterpiece of Arab, Norman, and Byzantine art and architecture. 

Next, you will be transferred to Agrigento, where a sizeable Jewish community lived from the first century until the late 15th century, when Jews were expelled from Sicily. During private touring, visit Agrigento’s historic Jewish quarter and see the sites of its synagogue and mikvah (ritual bath). Also tour the Valley of the Temples, an outstanding archaeological site of well-preserved ancient Greek ruins that has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and spend a night at a luxury hotel with incredible views of the ruins.

En route to Noto, see the exquisite mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the hill town of Agira to see the stone arch of a medieval aron hakodesh (Torah ark), a unique treasure that recalls the town's Jewish community.

Next, visit the UNESCO-inscribed Baroque town of Noto. During private touring, explore important architectural highlights, atmospheric backstreets, and renowned gelato and pastry shops. One day, enjoy a private excursion to Syracuse, one of the largest and most powerful cities in antiquity and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the area's Jewish history and explore the historic city center on the island of Ortygia, including the former Giudecca (Jewish quarter). Visit Europe's oldest mikvah and see a collection of medieval Jewish tombstones from the Jewish cemetery. Also see highlights such as the Greek theater, the Roman amphitheater and the cave known as the Ear of Dionysius.

Then, transfer to Taormina with touring en route. In Catania, visit the cathedral and the Castello Ursino, both of which have inscriptions related to local Jews. Continue to spectacular Taormina, an ancient clifftop town overlooking the sea. During private touring, explore Taormina’s historic Jewish quarter, and visit the Greek theater, beautiful gardens, bougainvillea-lined backstreets and upscale boutiques. One day, enjoy a private excursion to Mount Etna, an active volcano with fertile slopes that support vineyards, orchards and farms. Tour some of the most interesting volcanic sites on the mountain and enjoy a lunch that incorporates fresh local produce and wine. 

There will also be free time to enjoy Taormina and its wonderful shops, restaurants, gardens, views, and leisure facilities at your luxurious resort overlooking the Bay of Naxos.