THE BEAUTY OF THE ISLAMIC HERITAGE OF SICILY
Ard Isqilliya — Ziarat Ardu Al Awliyaa wa Ardu Shuhada
7 Days 6 Nights
TOUR OVERVIEW
A spiritual discovery tour to revive the lost soul and Islamic history of a lost kingdom. Sicily was conquered in 831 by the Islamic Abbasid Empire and remained under Muslim rule for almost 300 years, transforming the island into one of the most prosperous and culturally advanced regions in the Mediterranean. Discover the magnificent heritage from Palermo's Quranic inscriptions to the last Grand Mosque ruins of Segesta, from the Arab-Norman UNESCO World Heritage sites to the Berber villages and Islamic castles that dot this extraordinary island.
Day 1: PALERMO AIRPORT - PALERMO
Exclusive Breakfast arrangements Only
After arrival at Palermo International Airport, we begin our discovery of Islamic Sicily in its capital. We visit the Cathedral of Palermo, known in Arabic as Al Jamm'e Al Akbar (The Grand Mosque), which still bears Quranic inscriptions from the Surah Ya-Sin on its columns, a testament to its origins as the island's greatest mosque under Muslim rule. We explore the ruins of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, built on the foundations of an earlier mosque, with its distinctive red domes reflecting Arab architectural influence. We visit the local Mosque and Islamic community of Palermo.
Day 2: PALERMO - SEGESTA - MARSALA - MAZARA DEL VALLO - ERICE - PALERMO
Exclusive Breakfast arrangements Only
A journey through western Sicily's Islamic heritage. We visit Calatafimi Segesta, home to the ruins of the last Grand Mosque of Sicily, a powerful reminder of the island's Islamic past. We continue to Marsala, whose name derives from the Arabic 'Marsa Allah' (Port of God), a major port during Muslim rule. We explore Mazara del Vallo and its historic Kasbah, the best-preserved Arab quarter in Sicily, where the narrow winding streets and architecture are virtually unchanged since the Islamic period. We ascend to the mountain fortress of Erice to visit the Al Jafar castle, before returning to Palermo.
Day 3: PALERMO - MONREALE - CEFALU - CORLEONE - ENNA
Exclusive Breakfast arrangements Only
We explore the magnificent Arab-Norman UNESCO World Heritage sites that represent the unique fusion of Islamic and Christian culture in Sicily. We visit the Cathedral of Monreale, whose stunning gold mosaics and architectural design were created by Muslim artisans brought from North Africa. We continue along the coast to Cefalu and its remarkable cathedral, another masterpiece of Arab-Norman architecture. We visit Corleone, which has deep Islamic historical roots predating its modern fame, before transferring to the central Sicilian city of Enna for overnight.
Day 4: ENNA - CALASCIBETTA - AGRIGENTO - REALMONTE - ENNA
Exclusive Breakfast arrangements Only
We begin at Enna, known in Arabic as 'Kasr Al Jannah' (Castle of Paradise) for its stunning hilltop position in the heart of Sicily. We visit the Muslim Berber village of Calascibetta, founded by North African Berber settlers during the Islamic conquest, perched dramatically on a hillside facing Enna. We descend to Agrigento to explore the Valle dei Templi, the ancient Greek temple complex that served as a thriving Muslim settlement during the Islamic period. We visit the spectacular Scala dei Turchi (Staircase of the Turks), the stunning white limestone cliffs on the Mediterranean coast, named after the Ottoman and Arab seafarers who sheltered in its coves.
Day 5: ENNA - VOLCANO ETNA - TAORMINA - CATANIA
Exclusive Breakfast arrangements Only
We travel east to the mighty Mount Etna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Europe's most active volcano, which the Arab geographers documented extensively in their writings. We continue to the stunning hilltop town of Taormina to visit the Arab-Norman Castle, perched high above the Ionian Sea with breathtaking views of Etna and the coastline. We descend to Catania, known in Arabic as 'Qataaniyya', a city that flourished under Muslim rule as a major center of trade and learning in the eastern Mediterranean.
Day 6: CATANIA - CALTAGIRONE - CATANIA
Exclusive Breakfast arrangements Only
We visit the hilltop town of Caltagirone, world-famous for its ceramic heritage that was profoundly influenced by Arab artisans who introduced advanced glazing techniques and geometric designs to Sicily. The town's iconic Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte, decorated with hand-painted ceramic tiles, reflects centuries of this Arab-influenced tradition. We return to Catania to explore the Historical Old City, with its baroque architecture built upon layers of Arab and Norman foundations, the vibrant fish market, and the Elephant Fountain in Piazza del Duomo.
Day 7: CATANIA AIRPORT
Exclusive Breakfast arrangements Only
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Catania International Airport for your departure flight. End of our spiritual discovery journey through the Islamic heritage of Sicily.
What's Included
- ✓ Meet and assist at the Airport (Arriving & Departure)
- ✓ 4**** Hotels based on double occupancy
- ✓ Breakfast arrangements (Halal Lunch & Dinner at certified restaurants)
- ✓ Private transportation
- ✓ 24 hours full religious and personal assistance
- ✓ All local transport and hotel tourism taxes
- ✓ Personal and group security during the journey
- ✓ Senior bilingual Islamic staff throughout the journey
- ✓ Tax free refund assistance during shopping
- ✓ Prayer facilities at local mosques
- ✓ All religious & cultural city highlights visits
- ✓ Maqaams and Mosque visits
Not Included
- ✗ Air fare ticket
- ✗ Lunches & Dinners
- ✗ Beverages
- ✗ Tips
- ✗ Personal expenses and travel insurance