Jewish Tour of Sicily

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Palermo & Monreale, Agrigento & Agira, Noto with Syracuse, Ragusa, Catania & Mount Etna, Taormina & Messina

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 on the island.

Begin in Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital. During private touring, explore lively local markets, the old Arab quarter, and unique UNESCO-listed Arab-Norman architecture. Learn about local Jewish history at the site of the city's synagogue, and see remnants of Jewish culture at Zisa Palace and other sites with Jewish significance. Also, take a private excursion to the stunning Cathedral of Monreale, a masterpiece of Arab, Norman and Byzantine art.

Next, transfer to ancient Agrigento, where a sizeable Jewish community lived from the first century A.D. until the late 15th century, when Jews were expelled from Sicily. Visit the town's historic Jewish quarter, and see the sites of its synagogue and mikvah (ritual bath). Also enjoy tasting Sicilian pastries at a favorite local shop. Continue to the Valley of the Temples, an outstanding collection of Hellenistic ruins and early Christian site that's one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.

Next, 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. Also visit Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for some of the finest Roman mosaics in the world.

Continue to Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town filled with Baroque architecture. One day, enjoy a private excursion to Syracuse, a powerful city in antiquity. Learn about the area's Jewish history, walk through the former Giudecca (Jewish quarter) on the island of Ortygia, visit Europe's oldest mikvah and see a collection of medieval Jewish tombstones from the Jewish cemetery. Time permitting, also visit other cultural highlights of Syracuse such as the Greek theater, Roman amphitheater and the cave known as the Ear of Dionysius. Also tour Ragusa and the labyrinthine streets in the ancient hill town of neighboring Ragusa Ibla.

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. On Mount Etna, an active volcano and Sicily landmark, enjoy wine tasting at a renowned local winery, and learn how the volcanic soil benefits the mountain's farms and vineyards.

Continue to Taormina, a historic clifftop town overlooking the sea, for two nights. One day, enjoy a private excursion to Messina to see its ancient Jewish quarter, as well as Jewish artifacts at Palazzo Penso and the Archaeological Museum. Also, tour Taormina's historic Jewish quarter, beautiful gardens and Greek theater. There will also be time to enjoy the extensive facilities at your luxury resort overlooking the Bay of Naxos.

This tour can be fully customized to your interests and needs.