May 4 to 10, 2025
*arrival May 4, departure May 11
SPACES AVAILABLE
”Sicilians build things like they will live forever and eat like they will die tomorrow.
Plato
Sicily boasts millennia of history and heritage. In this six-day itinerary, we’ll trace the amazing island’s heritage from the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans to the Arabs, Normans, and Aragonese – through architecture, art, food and culture. With Sciacca and Palermo as our bases, we’ll explore well-preserved Greek temples in Agrigento, Selinunte and Segesta, and Roman cities along the coast, visit baroque hill towns, follow historic food and wine routes and taste the incredible flavors of the island, of course! We’ll tie it all together in the vibrant metropolis of Palermo.
Arrival – May 4
Welcome to Sicily, where your adventure begins!
We’ll arrange for a driver to pick you up from Palermo’s Punta Raisi Airport and take you to the charming town of Sciacca, just 90 minutes south of Palermo. In the early evening, we’ll gather for an aperitivo to chat about the exciting week ahead. We’ll dive into history, review maps, and share our favorite spots to eat and shop.
Meals Included: Welcome Dinner
Day 1 – May 5
Today, myths, legends, history, and culture come alive at the stunning Archaeological Park of Selinunte. As the largest archaeological park in Europe, this incredible site spans 270 hectares, filled with treasures from one of the Mediterranean’s most celebrated classical civilizations. Our journey kicks off with an exploration of Selinunte, blending the essence of Sicily through its rich mythological and culinary history. We’ll cap off the day with a delightful wine-tasting lunch at one of the island’s most historic vineyards.
Meals Included: Lunch and Wine Tasting
Day 2 – May 6
Get ready to be amazed by the remarkably well-preserved Greek temples in the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the most authentic ancient ruins you’ll find anywhere. The three main temples—Juno, Concordia, and Hercules—tower over the Via Sacra, offering breathtaking views and a profound connection to the past. After exploring these magnificent sites, we’ll enjoy a special picnic in this extraordinary setting.
Meals Included: Lunch
Day 3 – May 7
Today is a full day of discovery! We’ll journey to Mozia, a historic Phoenician island, where you’ll see the famous “Giovinetto di Mozia” statue, unearthed in 1979. After a very special visit and lunch with a historical twist, we’ll head to Marsala to explore its rich history, including the Chiesa del Purgatorio. We’ll also experience the multicultural atmosphere of Mazara del Vallo, a city shaped by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Normans, and Saracens.
Meals Included: Light Lunch
Day 5 – May 9
Welcome to Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital! This city is a captivating mix of history and culture, nestled between the Tyrrhenian Sea and lush mountains. Palermo is a vibrant city with an incredibleblend of architectural styles—from Moorish and Norman to Baroque and Art Nouveau—reflecting the city’s diverse influences. But what truly makes Palermo special is its people—warm, passionate, and deeply proud of their city. We’ll explore the sites and Immerse you in Palermo’s rich history, savor its flavors, and embrace its lively spirit.
Day 6 – May 10
We’ll wrap up our journey with a truly unforgettable experience at Monreale Cathedral. Imagine exploring this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site after hours, with the haunting melody of an organ echoing through the halls. Built in 1172, the Cathedral is adorned with breathtaking Byzantine mosaics, offering a unique glimpse into Italy’s cultural and religious heritage.
Meals Included: Goodbye Dinner
ABOUT YOUR HOST
Dr Darius Arya Ph.D.
Darius Arya is an archaeologist, scholar, lecturer and television host who has been immersed in Ancient Rome since childhood. He has a BA in Classical History from the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in Roman Archaeology from the University of Texas (Austin).
As a practicing field archaeologist, he has supervised excavations in the Rome Forum, Roman suburbs and Ostia Antica. Darius is the founder of Ancient Rome Live, a online educational platform showcasing history and pioneering archaeology, and director of the of 501(c)3 non-profit American Institute for Roman Culture. Immersive content is his passion and has led him to host more than 20 international documentaries for History Channel, PBS, Wondrium, RAI5, National Geographic and Discovery, as well YouTube channel @DariusArya.
Fellow of the UNC
Global Research Institute
Fellow of The Explorers Club
Fellow American Academy (2002)
Fulbright Scholar
Inclusions
- All meals and beverages, as detailed in the itinerary
- Hotel Accommodations
- All guided touring, admission fees, site transport and activities, as detailed in the itinerary
- Expert guides and drivers, including your host and the 24/7 support of Ancient Rome Live’s partners on the ground
- Expert travel team to plan all excursion details
- Custom trip planning for add-on travel is available; please inquire
- Participants can opt to receive educational credit for an added cost of $75 per person
Exclusions
- Meals not specified and premium or alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities and expenses
- All gratuities
- Travel insurance
Itineraries may be subject to change should there be any unforeseen events or closures. We do not accept liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control. We will be flexible and take advantage of our deep knowledge and network to provide the best possible experience. Uncompleted portions of the itinerary are not cause for refund.
$5400 USD per person (shared room*)
+$615 single room supplement
Payment: 50% non-refundable deposit.
Balance due in full by January 31, 2025
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this an academically credited course? Should I be prepared for testing?
No, this is not a credited course nor will there be testing. Credit is available upon request for additional fee. We will share our curated reading list before you arrive and after your visit, you will receive a Certificate of Participation.
What happens when I submit my deposit?
Darius will send you a Calendly link so that you can set up a private Google Meet to talk with him one-on-one about logistics, allergies, itinerary and more. FYI – we are happy to share our suggestions for hotels, transport, and more.
How many participants will there be?
Up to 14 guests, and you’ll meet them prior to your arrival in a group Google Meet. In October, Darius will host a 30-45 minute group chat to introduce everyone, discuss the week and field questions.
Are there any terms I should be aware of?
Yes, all Terms and Conditions can be found here.
