$6,295*
Price
9 Nights
Duration
20
Group Size
Moderate
Activity Level
*Per person based on double occupancy. Holiday sale price includes $200 off per person. Original price $6,495.
Deposit Deadline: December 15, 2025.
Program is limited to 20 travelers on a first-come, first-served basis. This will be the only custom-designed journey in 2026 for the USD Traveling Toreros.
This Traveling Toreros adventure, led by Professor Kevin Petti ’06 PhD, is a beautiful journey across Sicily's most spectacular sites! Travelers start their trip to Sicily with three nights in Palermo to dive into its vibrant markets, dazzling Norman mosaics, and historic architecture. Travelers will continue south to Agrigento, for a delicious wine tasting experience before exploring the colossal, well-preserved Greek temples in the Valley of the Temples. Next, the group will spend two nights in the historic center of Siracusa (Ortigia) to explore its vibrant markets, ancient Greek ruins, and the Basilica of Saint Lucy. The grand finale is three nights in the breathtaking seaside town of Taormina. Guests will take part in an unforgettable private excursion to the smoking peak of Mount Etna, complete with a special wine-paired lunch on the volcano's slopes. The group finishes their journey with a memorable farewell dinner in a very special location.
Dr. Kevin Petti ’06, professor, author, and dual U.S./Italian citizen, is the founder of Anatomia Italiana. He holds multiple academic degrees, including a doctorate from the University of San Diego. His expertise and unique focus on the historical link between science and Renaissance art have led him to lecture at international conferences, museums, and universities across North America and Europe.
Dr. Petti leads educationally oriented programs across Europe, with a specialty in Italy. These programs explore the connection between the genesis of anatomical science and its influence on the Renaissance Masters. His custom tours are open to anyone interested in the intersections of art, anatomy, history, language, and religion.
It is my pleasure to serve as your alumni host for a visit to beautiful Sicily, the crossroads of civilizations for millennia! Explore a land of unparalleled allure and a cuisine unique to all of Italy. Join me as we explore Ancient Greek Temples, stroll the bustling markets of Palermo, and bathe in the seaside splendor of Taormina.
- May 17, 2026 (Arrival): Arrive at Palermo Airport (PMO)
- May 17–19, 2026 (3 Nights): Palermo
- May 20, 2026 (1 Night): Agrigento
- May 21–22, 2026 (2 Nights): Siracusa
- May 23–25, 2026 (3 Nights): Taormina
- May 26, 2026 (Departure): Depart from Catania Airport (CTA)
- Palermo's Cappella Palatina: Experiencing the dazzling golden Byzantine mosaics inside the Norman Palace (Palazzo dei Normanni), described as one of the greatest surviving examples of Norman architecture.
- Monreale: Daytrip to the majestic hilltop town of Monreale. Private tour of the magnificent Monreale Cathedral - one of the greatest surviving examples of Norman architecture with incredible glittering golden mosaics.
- Valley of the Temples (Agrigento): A private guided tour through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which contains the largest and best-preserved collection of ancient Greek architecture outside of Greece.
- Villa Romana del Casale Mosaics: A guided tour of this UNESCO Site in Piazza Armerina, which is renowned for its vast and ornate Roman mosaics, followed by lunch and an olive oil tasting at a local agriturismo.
- Caravaggio's Masterpiece: A guided morning visit to the Basilica of Saint Lucy in Siracusa (Ortigia) to view the revered Caravaggio painting, The Burial of Saint Lucy.
- Taormina: Discover this charming town perched on a hilltop with stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.
- Mount Etna Excursion: A special trip to the highest active volcano in Europe, including a relatively easy walk along an ancient crater trail at 6,500 feet, and exploration of a typical lava cave.
- Etna Winery Lunch: Enjoying a tour and a special wine-pairing lunch at a local winery located on the slopes of Mount Etna, featuring regional products.
This program is rated Moderate in activity level.
Due to the Sicilian terrain/landscape and historical nature of cities, please take note of the following important details which may pose difficulties for travelers with physical limitations.
Guests must be able to:
- Walk up to three miles a day on varying terrain, including but not limited to: city streets, cobblestones, unpaved paths, hills.
- Climb stairs of varying heights, sometimes without a handrail.
- Stand for periods of time, during scheduled stops on walking tours.
- Climb on and off vehicles unassisted.
Please note that many Sicilian streets, paths, and structures encountered on this tour cannot accommodate wheelchairs, electric or motorized scooters.
By participating in this tour, you are assuming all risks and liability arising from your participation. Thank you for your understanding and assumption of these guidelines.
We’ve carefully chosen four-star deluxe accommodations that combine modern comfort with authentic local charm. Each of our accommodations has a unique story with rich historical character. Ideally located in the heart of each destination, they offer easy access to landmarks, restaurants, and local culture. Guests will enjoy delicious breakfasts featuring regional flavors.
Double occupancy rooms (2 guests per room). There are a very limited number of Single rooms available.
- A dedicated professional Tour Leader (English/Italian bi-lingual) will accompany the group, coordinate all activities and provide 24/7 onsite assistance for the entire experience.
- Historical insight and scientific expertise provided by Professor Kevin Petti ’06 PhD.
- 9-night accommodation (Palermo – 3 nights, Agrigento - 1 night, Siracusa – 2 nights, Taormina – 3 nights) at highly comfortable 4-star hotels (double occupancy).
- Welcome Drink reception (on arrival night in Palermo).
- Daily buffet breakfast at hotels with local products.
- 3 Wine and Food Tasting Experiences (Lunch): May 20, May 21, May 24.
- 3 Three-Course Dinners with wine: May 17, May 20, May 25.
- Private guided tours, as described in the itinerary.
- Entrance tickets to all venues and museums specified in the Itinerary, with skip-the-line reservations if available.
- Private transportation for all intercity travel (Palermo to Agrigento; Agrigento to Siracusa; Siracusa to Taormina).
- Private group transfers (with minimum of 2 program participants/vehicle) from Palermo Airport (PMO) to our hotel in Palermo on arrival day.
- Private transfers (with minimum of 6 program participants/vehicle) from our hotel in Taormina to Catania Airport (CTA) on departure day.
- City tax at all hotels and tax and tips for all services identified in the itinerary.
Trip price does not include:
- Flight tickets to/from Italy
- Travel insurance
- Fees for passports, and, if applicable, visas
- Meals, drinks or personal extras not explicitly stated in the ’Package Includes’ section above
- Excursions and any other activities not listed in the Itinerary
To protect your trip investment, the purchase of Travel Insurance is strongly recommended to cover unforeseen events such as trip cancellation and/or interruption, emergency medical expenses, loss of baggage or trip delay. Need help reviewing insurance plans and fees? Contact USI, USD’s preferred travel insurance provider. USI is ready to serve you, Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 7:00pm (EST). Connect online or on the phone: 1-800-937-1387.
Please see the USD Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability Form for the 2026 Traveling Toreros trip, Springtime in Sicily. This form is required for all participants attending USD events and/or trips. To finalize your trip registration, please read, sign, and return this completed form at your earliest convenience.
Note for Minors: If the participant is under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must also sign the form.
If you have questions or comments about this form, please contact:
Claudia Iracema Gonzales '99, '03 MA, CETP
Office of Alumni Relations
University of San Diego
claudia@sandiego.edu
Please do not make your flight reservations until you have received an email confirming the tour has reached the minimum number of required participants (anticipated in December). Further details will be provided, but please note that our tour begins and ends in 2 different cities, and therefore you’ll want to book your flights accordingly: arriving at Palermo airport, departing from Catania airport.
The USD Traveling Toreros program is proud to partner with Exclusively Italian as the trusted tour operator for the 2026 Springtime in Sicily journey. Exclusively Italian has been creating and leading customized, small group tours for over 15 years. A dedicated bilingual (Italian/English) Tour Leader from Exclusively Italian will accompany the group for the entire program duration, overseeing all logistics and ensuring everyone’s needs are met.
If you are currently employed by the University of San Diego, please contact Claudia Iracema Gonzales directly before booking your participation in this journey.
Claudia Iracema Gonzales '99, '03 MA, CETP
Office of Alumni Relations
University of San Diego
claudia@sandiego.edu
Contact Info
Michael Tuosto
Exclusively Italian - Travel By Design
Director of Operations
(619) 208-0902
michael@exclusivelyitalian.com
www.exclusivelyitalian.com