This was our first Rick Steves Tour. Sicily was a great choice for understanding how ancient up to modern history forms the present. This is essential in our world. Experiences were exceptional in local flavor. Swimming in the Tyrrhenian several times was a refreshing and relaxing treat. Others in our group were great travel companions, so much so that we may reconnect on future tours! Finally, Virginia our guide was an expert at what she does: Knowledge, Experience, Communication, Friendliness, Dedication to Rick Steves travel mission/philosophy, Leadership....Thank you!!!! Highlights: Mt. Etna with volcanologist, swimming in the Tyrrhenian, Summer solstice mark on Cancer zodiac inlay of the floor at The Cathedral of Palermo, the expertise of architects and engineers from ancient times, who used no modern design tools, produced structures standing thousands of years later -- Greek and Roman temples, etc.
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2255 posts
I took that tour several years ago, but I agree it is a fantastic tour. I loved seeing all the Greek ruins and a real, live volcano. I had a great guide, too. Alfio was our guide and he shows up in some of Rick's travel videos.
Posted by
1307 posts
Virginia was our guide! She was fantastic and we loved our tour!
Posted by
Wimauma, FL
16 posts
Looking forward to our Best of Sicily 11-Day Tour in November 2025 and will be posting the review here. I noted the new tour for 2026 is 12-Days and believe that was a good move on the RS tour company. However, I would not trade my up coming tour in November with my youngest daughter for all the tea in China. Individuals like myself thrive on reviews from others in hopes of getting an honest glimpse into the near future. I picked RS tours for Best in Sicily with having one past tour with the same company Best of Paris in 7-days and loved everything about it. The guide, tour, tour group, and the chosen hotel was awesome. Best of all no hidden fees, just wonderful surprises! Rick Steves Europe is a tour company that I know without a doubt to be dependable. When I looked over other tour companies I wasn't even sure if they really existed and basically felt uneasy about choosing anyone of them for that very reason. With Rick Steves I felt confident with ever aspect of the tour company from the beginning to the end of the tour. I have done additional extensive research on Sicily and with the help of RS Sicily guidebook hired a recommend driver, Salvatore Coppola, the first few days in Palermo. Adding additional days to the front and back-end of the tours is highly recommended for the few things that are not on the tour, to help dealing with jet-lag, or in case there are issues with flights. Also, you can arrange a tour within a tour. What is great about having a planned RS itinerary, it allowed me to book a tour on the second day of the RS Best of Sicily tour. Thereby, planning a private guide in Palermo to take a tour at night. The guide will pick us up at the hotel and drop us off at the hotel in Palermo. We are taking three different airplanes (two different airlines), just get to Sicily and the same on return. There are direct flights to get to Sicily from the United States, but those airlines end this route in September and October. I am still happy with our choice knowing in off season a few things maybe closed, a bit of rain, lower temperatures, less crowds, pickpockets still need to eat, however we will have a great time on our Rick Steves Best of Sicily 11-Day tour.
Posted by
Byron, IL, USA
8 posts
Marc, please do come back and give your review!