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On this tour, you’ll visit Palermo, Cefalù, Siracusa, Catania and the surrounding areas to experience a program that is diversified in content and rich in cultural activities — together, we’ll explore Italian and Sicilian traditions together with art, architecture, history and gastronomic experiences (this is very much a foodie tour!). Presented in a format that is accessible and designed to be barrier-free, this tour provides the perfect opportunity to experience authentic Sicily!
Trip Itinerary
I have crafted this engaging accessible trip itinerary while bringing together a variety of local and regional partners, experts in accessible tourism who have the knowledge, equipment and staff to ensure that our needs are met.
The benefit of this accessible group tour to Italy is that it opens the country up in a way that would be very difficult or cost-prohibitive to accomplish on a solo trip — through this group tour, we are able to account for everyone’s needs by preparing the way for wheelchair users and travelers with disabilities, while offering a truly memorable experience at an affordable price. There is truly no better way to explore Sicily with a wheelchair!
Day 1 (October 1, 2026): Arrival in Palermo
Myself and our driver will be waiting for you at the Falcone Borsellino Palermo International Airport (PMO), and you will be transported in a wheelchair accessible vehicle to the hotel for check-in.
Take the afternoon to rest or explore the local area on your own, before meeting the group for a tour orientation and dinner at a local restaurant. We will describe the tour itinerary in detail, and I will be available to answer any questions you have.
Included meals: Dinner
Day 2 (October 2, 2026): Palermo's Old Town
After breakfast, we will meet our local guide and start the day with a panoramic bus tour of areas outside the Old Town.
We will stop near the famous Quattro Canti Square and visit the pedestrianized area of Palermo. We will enjoy a street food lunch at the famous street market “Il Capo.”
Following lunch, we will visit one of the iconic puppet theaters for a show of approximately 45 minutes before returning to the hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch (street food)
Day 3 (October 3, 2026): Monreale + Cooking Class
Today, we will meet our local guide and drive to Monreale for a guided visit of the famous Cathedral of Monreale; this is not just a church but also a real museum of history of art where the Normans and the Arabs mixed their architecture with golden Byzantine mosaics.
There will be free time in Monreale for lunch — alternatively, you may take the time to explore the town or enjoy a coffee or gelato before we return to Palermo.
In Palermo, we will enjoy a Sicilian cooking class: Sicilian cuisine is a vibrant blend of Mediterranean flavors, shaped by the island's history of diverse cultural influences, including Arab, Greek and Spanish. It is characterized by fresh, locally sourced ingredients like vegetables (eggplants, tomatoes, artichokes), seafood (sardines, swordfish, tuna), and a reliance on olive oil. Sweet and savory combinations, the use of fresh herbs, and the prominence of ricotta cheese are also hallmarks of Sicilian food. Following our class, we will enjoy dinner at the restaurant.
Included meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 (October 4, 2026): Castelbuono and Cefalù
In the morning, we will travel to Castelbuono, a small medieval village with a delightful historic centre that captivates from the first moment. Strolling through its streets is like entering a fairytale.
As in any self-respecting fairytale, the town is built around the imposing Ventimiglia Castle. Built by the powerful Count Francesco I Ventimiglia in 1317 on a pre-existing 12th-century watchtower, it housed the court of one of the most influential families in Sicilian history, who were even more powerful than the viceroys!
Meet a local representative at the town hall that will host us and share the work being done to make Castelbuono a more accessible town.
Castelbuono panettone, produced by the renowned Fiasconaro confectionery, is an artisanal dessert known for its quality and use of Sicilian ingredients. Its uniqueness lies in the use of manna, Modica chocolate and Sicilian candied fruit, and its production takes place in the heart of the Madonie Park. You will taste this special dessert before we enjoy lunch in the city center.
After lunch transfer to Cefalù for a free visit of this lovely town by the sea. Don’t miss the chance to go around the quiet narrow streets of Cefalù and to stop by the sea to admire the Sicilian cost out from the bustling town.
In the late afternoon transfer back to Palermo.
Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5 (October 5, 2026): Agrigento and Arrival in Catania
Today, we drive to Agrigento: As well as being one of the oldest Sicilian cities, it is also remarkable for having risen again from the ashes several times. Its showpiece is undoubtedly the Valley of the Temples which displays one of the city’s most fascinating sides. The city, founded in 581 BC by Greek colonists from Rhodes and Crete, became Akràgas in the following century. In 1997, UNESCO placed the Archaeological Area of Agrigento on its list of world heritage sites.
During your visit you will learn about the Greek presence in Sicily and the incredible story of those temples. You will admire the Concordia temple, the best preserved temple of the Greek world.
We will enjoy lunch at the Casa Diodoros, commonly referred ti as the "headquarters" of Diodoros. The rustic house is located 150 meters from the Temple of Concord.
At the end of your lunch in this special venue, transfer to Catania and check-in at your new hotel for a six-night stay. After check-in, we will enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 (October 6, 2026): Introduction to Catania
Following breakfast, we will drive to the city center of Catania — our first stop today will be the World War II museum: The Museum of the Landing in Sicily - 1943 is dedicated to the operation that set Sicily and all of Italy on the road to liberation from German occupation.
After touring the museum, we will transfer to Piazza Duomo, where we will see its Baroque stuccoes (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the lava black of the Liotru, the elephant sculpted from basalt.
Enjoy free time for lunch.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 7 (October 7, 2026): Free Day in Catania
After breakfast, we will drive again to the city center of Catania — today, you will enjoy time to shop and explore the beautiful city on your own. and time at leisure to enjoy the town on your own.
I will share some of my favorite sights, and you will also be able to receive recommendations from our tour guide — a local expert! In the late afternoon, we will return to our hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8 (October 8, 2026): Siracusa
Today, we will travel to Siracusa (or Syracuse), where we will discover a thousand-year-old city whose origins lie in the remote past, but which remains eternally splendid.
We will visit Ortigia, the historical heart of Syracuse — the small island is brimming with ancient wonders, Baroque splendor, and vibrant local life. Our first stop on Ortigia will be the Temple of Apollo, one of the oldest Doric temples in Sicily, dating back to the 6th century BC. Though now in ruins, its imposing presence provides a powerful glimpse into the island's Greek origins.
Next, we will visit Piazza Archimede, home to the stunning Fountain of Diana. This Baroque masterpiece, depicting the goddess Diana and her nymphs, is a beautiful focal point and a great spot to enjoy a coffee at one of the surrounding cafes.
Finally, we will make our way to the magnificent Piazza Duomo, arguably one of Italy's most beautiful squares. Here stands the majestic Duomo di Siracusa (Syracuse Cathedral), a UNESCO World Heritage site. What makes this cathedral truly unique is its history: it was built upon the remains of a 5th-century BC Greek Temple of Athena, whose original Doric columns are still visible within its walls.
After our tour concludes, we will enjoy lunch in the countryside before returning to our hotel in Catania.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 9 (October 9, 2026): Taormina
We will enjoy a day trip to Taormina, Sicily's most picturesque town, which is perched on the cliffs overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Buckle up for a day filled with ancient history, breathtaking views, lush gardens and sophisticated charm!
Our tour will begin at the Ancient Theatre of Taormina (Teatro Antico di Taormina), a remarkably preserved Greco-Roman amphitheater that dates back to the 3rd century BC. Its spectacular backdrop — the shimmering Ionian Sea and the snow-capped peak of Mount Etna — is the ultimate photo opportunity.
From the theatre, we will make our way along the elegant Corso Umberto I, Taormina's main pedestrian street. Lined with charming boutiques, artisan shops, cafes, and restaurants, this bustling artery is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Stop at the Piazza IX Aprile, a panoramic terrace that offers stunning views of the coast, Mount Etna, and the vibrant town below. This is an ideal spot for a coffee or a refreshing granita while people-watching and admiring the scenery.
As we continue along Corso Umberto, we will encounter the Duomo di San Nicola (Cathedral of Taormina). This fortified medieval church, with its simple yet imposing facade and beautiful interior, stands in contrast to the more ornate Baroque styles found elsewhere.
Enjoy lunch on your own and some free time before we return to Catania.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 10 (October 10, 2026): Mount Etna
Today, we make our way towards the natural wonder that will have appeared in so many of our photos. Mount Etna, or "Mongibello" as the locals affectionately call it, is not merely a mountain; it is a living, breathing titan that dominates the eastern horizon of Sicily. As Europe's most active stratovolcano and one of the most continuously active volcanoes in the world, Etna is a force of nature that commands respect and inspires awe.
The landscape surrounding Etna is a testament to its restless power, a stark and captivating panorama of old lava flows, black volcanic rock, and fertile slopes where vineyards and orchards miraculously thrive, nourished by the mineral-rich soil. It is in this habitat that we will stop for lunch and a wine tasting at a local winery.
Following our wine tasting, we will transfer back to Catania and enjoy our farewell dinner as a group.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 (October 11, 2026): Departure from Catania Airport
Transfer from the hotel to the Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) to meet your departing flight.
Included meals: Breakfast
Trip Costs and Inclusions
The costs of the 2026 Wheelchair Travel Group Tour to Sicily are as follows:
- $6,950 USD per person based on double occupancy
- $9,750 USD per person for single occupancy
The preferred method of payment is via check or bank transfer (domestic wire, Zelle, etc.), however credit and debit card transactions are accepted with a 3.5% processing fee (4.5% for those residing outside of the United States).
Here’s a rundown of what is included in the trip costs:
- Accommodation in wheelchair accessible 4-star hotels
- 5 nights in Palermo
- 5 nights in Catania
- Transportation in a wheelchair accessible vehicle with four-point securement straps and a seatbelt
- Including transfers between Palermo Airport and the hotel on arrival and the hotel and Catania Airport on departure
- Tours according to our trip itinerary
- Admission to museums, monuments and attractions listed in the program
- 18 meals (10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners)
- All breakfasts are provided at the hotel
- Driver expenses
The trip cost does not include the following:
- Airfare
- Beverages at the included meals
- Other meals not mentioned in the program
- Tours not mentioned in the program
- Personal expenses
- Personal care assistants
- Personal travel insurance (strongly recommended) — Here are some providers to consider: Allianz Travel Insurance
- Tips/gratuities
- Other services not mentioned in the program
How to reserve your spot
A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required to secure your spot, with the remaining balance due on July 3, 2026, 90 days prior to the tour’s start date. Please note that your space will not be secured until the deposit has been received.
To begin the process of registering for this group trip, please complete the form below. I’ll reach out to you within 24 hours to confirm. If you have any questions, feel free to send an e-mail to grouptrips@wheelchairtravel.org.
Tour Reservation/Interest Form
All Wheelchair Travel Group Trips are sold by Wheelchair Travel Tours, LLC, 1123 Locust Street #137, Saint Louis, MO 63101.