tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Original

Explorer

Highlights of Calabria & Sicily

16 days • 5

Excellent

2 reviews

16 days

Start

Naples, Italy

Finish

Palermo, Italy

Trip Code

ZMSKC

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 12

Physical Rating

Meals

14 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Ferry

Accommodation

Hotel (13 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights)

From £4,044(16 days)

Trip Informations

Why you’ll love this trip

Get up close to the active volcanoes that are scattered across the Aeolian Islands and maybe even take a dip in one of the Sulphur springs.

See Mt. Etna – surrounded by dramatic valleys and craters set in a lunar-like landscape, towering Mt. Etna is one of the greatest natural beauties of the Mediterranean, and Europe’s largest active volcano!

Take a half daytrip to the hilltop seaside town of Taormina and enjoy an aperatif on your private boat tour, exploring the groves and bays and maybe jumping into the water for a swim.

Encounter the crumbling facades of Syracuse and unearth hundreds of years of Greco-Roman history with a local leader by your side.

Treat yourself to super fresh cuisine, local delights and delicious desserts in one of the region's most known for its food – hello Italia!

Is this trip right for you?

Due to the terrain the means of transportation on this trip is a mix of local trains, private vehicles and public buses. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. Trains are comfortable and all have toilets, however can often be quite busy, especially in peak summer season. Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information.

Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Many hotel rooms in Europe are not equipped with air-conditioning, and the cooling system on local trains can be broken on a regular basis. Note also that during peak holiday season beaches can be quite busy. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

Hotel rooms in Europe can seem rather small by American or Australian standards and often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. Please also note that often hotels offer shared bathrooms rather than en-suite facilities.

On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15 kg (33 lb). Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a daypack/bag.

If you have more time to explore the region you can extend your trip and see more of Italy by starting your travels in Rome. Check out our trip 'Rome to Sicily' (trip code ZMSFC). Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.

Itinerary

Discover the secrets of Italy’s vibrant south on a journey through Calabria and Sicily

See a lesser-known part of Italy on this 16-day adventure, all with a handy local leader by your side. From the fresh waters and fortifications of Tropea, all the way to the volcanoes of the Aeolian Islands, you’ll stray off Italy’s beaten path. Discover this less-visited part of the country before delving into the spectacular sights of bustling Sicily, the volcanic valleys of Mt. Etna, timeworn streets of Syracuse, the Baroque wonders of Ragusa and the rich anti-Mafia history of Palermo. Starring dramatic cliffside villages, clear waters and delicious seafood, this is a chance to experience the highlights of this European gem.

DAY 1
Day 1 • Naples
Ciao! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in Naples – the vibrant city celebrated as the birthplace of pizza. Naples is also known for its rich history and is home to many narrow, winding streets and ancient churches. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, perhaps stroll along the coast and find a little eatery for a pizza dinner, a glass of local wine and a view of the Gulf of Naples.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Civita
This morning, you’ll travel to Civita by boat, train and private vehicle. Founded by Albanian refugees in the Middle Ages, Civita is recognised by the Italian government as home to an ethnic minority. The Civitesi speak Arberesh, a unique blend of Italian and Albanian, found only here and in parts of Sicily. Explore this fascinating village on foot, visit a local shop to sample regional delights or take a scenic walk in the hills.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
DAY 3
Day 3 • Civita
Make sure you get a good breakfast this morning as you have the option to hike up Mount Sellaro – one of the peaks of Pollino National Park. On the way to the mountain, stop by Cerchiara di Calabria – a little town in the National Park best known for its bread. Maybe stock up on some of the tasty local produce, then continue to a remote sanctuary built by Byzantine monks, on the rocky hillside. The hike path begins just beyond the sanctuary – although it's a reasonably long trek, it’s well worth the summit views of the Achaean coast. If you decide the hike isn’t for you, you can still enjoy the National Park. With sheer cliffs, narrow canyons and a diverse range of wildlife – including the peregrine falcon, eagle owl and the recently reintroduced Egyptian vulture – this area is a wildlife lover’s paradise.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Civita - Nature based hike
Special information
Your hiking time today will be approximately 2.5 hours or 4 to 6 km.
Please bring appropriate shoes for the walk. Be aware that temperatures can be high and that there may not be much shade along the way.
DAY 4
Day 4 • Tropea
After breakfast this morning, transfer from Civita to Paola, then take the train to Tropea. Known for the faded buildings and iconic fortifications that line the city’s cliffs, Tropea feels timeless. Explore the town on an orientation walk with your leader, then maybe visit the local Norman cathedral, the Duomo, which houses an icon of Madonna of Romania – the town’s revered protectress. Next to the Duomo, there’s the Museo Diocesano – a small museum in the Palazzo Vescovile full of religious art and wooden statues. If you’d prefer some time by the water, head to the beach and see the impressive structures on the nearby cliffs.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
DAY 5
Day 5 • Tropea / Stromboli
If the weather permits, you’ll set out on a boat trip to the island of Stromboli this morning. When you arrive, visit San Vincenzo, where you can swim in the blue sea of the Aeolian Islands, shop along the main street or dine at a local restaurant. Depending on the season, you’ll depart Stromboli in the evening and cruise to the Sciara del Fuoco (Steam of Fire) to see the path of lava that flows during Stromboli's eruptions.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Tropea - Stromboli by Night
Special information
The boat trip is subject to weather and may be cancelled at short notice if conditions are adverse. In this case, the leader will provide you with an alternative activity. Please note that today's trip will depart around 2 pm and return to Tropea around 10 pm.
DAY 6
Day 6 • Reggio Calabria
Take a train to Reggio Calabria – the gateway to Sicily. The city is in a major earthquake zone and has experienced much destruction over the years, leaving fewer historical sites compared to the rest of Italy. However, this has resulted in a unique mix of old buildings and modern structures, which you’ll see on an orientation walk. Visit the renowned National Archaeological Museum of Reggio – this museum is home to a collection of exhibits from Greek-influenced sites across Calabria, including the Bronzi di Riace (two giant bronze statues found on the seafloor in the 1970s). Tonight, maybe hunt down one of the city's best restaurants for local dishes like grilled swordfish or pasta with cauliflower and broccoli.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Reggio Calabria - Archaeological Museum
Optional activities
Reggio Calabria - Aragonese Castle - EUR5
DAY 7
Day 7 • Taormina/Catania
This morning, drive to Taormina on the east coast for a private boat excursion. Sailing along the Sicilian coast, you’ll check out the bays and caves of Taormina, characterised by the imposing rocks that surround them. Soak up the sunshine, enjoy an aperitif with snacks and learn about the village from your skipper. Maybe even stop for a swim to cool off before continuing on to Catania. When you arrive, you have a free night to explore the city’s bar culture and find a good spot for dinner.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Taormina - private boat excursion
Taormina - leader led orientation walk
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
DAY 8
Day 8 • Catania
Wake up in Catania this morning and head out for an orientation walk with your leader to see the city. Wander through the grand piazzas and wide streets, then be treated to a granita tasting (a semi-frozen dessert made with sugar, water and various flavours). Then, maybe see the UNESCO World Heritage site of Val di Noto, famed for its Late Baroque architecture or head out with your group for a farewell dinner. Wherever you end up tonight, make sure to toast to a trip well travelled.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Catania - leader led orientation walk
Catania - local granita tasting
DAY 9
Day 9 • Catania
Enjoy a free day in the charming Catania. Maybe walk through the cobblestone laneways with the Mt Etna volcano towering above and visit the Piazza del Duomo. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet the new travellers joining you. After, maybe head out for dinner with your group and get to know each other.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.
DAY 10
Day 10 • Syracuse
Come face-to-face with the volcano that towered over you yesterday, with a daytrip to Mt Etna – Europe’s largest active volcano. At an altitude of approximately 2000mt on the north side of the Etna, you’ll visit a lava cave with helmets and torches and walk into the centre of extinct craters on the Sartorius Mountains. After, hit the road to Syracuse where your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the most interesting parts of the city. The evening is yours to explore or chill out, as you wish.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Mt Etna - Day Trip
Siracusa - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
DAY 11
Day 11 • Syracuse
Wake up without an alarm today – you’ve got the day free to explore Syracuse however you like. Perhaps wander through the streets and check out the crumbling building facades and balconies supported for centuries by a host of stone lions, tigers, bears, dragons, moors, satyrs, devils, angels, kings, paupers, wenches and cherubs. Maybe take a boat trip around the island of Ortigia for a scenic view of the walled off cityscape or visit the Neapolis Archaeological Site. Alternately, fill your whole day just wandering aimlessly through the city, stopping by cafes, restaurants and grabbing a granita in the afternoon.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Siracusa - Castello Maniace - EUR5
Siracusa - Cathedral - EUR2
Siracusa - Archaeological Museum - EUR14
Siracusa - Neapolis Archaeological Park - EUR17
DAY 12
Day 12 • Noto/Ragusa/Agrigento
After breakfast today, head for the city of Agrigento. Along the way, stop at Noto – a small town with limestone buildings that dazzle on a sunlit afternoon. You’ll then see the ‘new’ baroque city of Ragusa that was completely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693, resulting in two vastly different sides to the same city. After exploring the tangled alleyways and baroque palazzi, travel on to Agrigento. Arrive late in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to maybe find the historic centre that extends up the Colle di Girgenti hill. Head to Via Atenea and Viale della Vittoria for a panoramic view over the valley (Valley of the Temples) and the sea for sunset and be sure to try the famous gelato pecorino in one of the local cafés or patisseries.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Noto & Ragusa - Day Trip
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
DAY 13
Day 13 • Valley of the Temples/Marsala
Take a step back in time today as you explore the nearby Valley of the Temples. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. Try to nab a window seat today, as along the way you’ll have great views of the sweeping landscape and Mediterranean Sea. After the guided tour in the Valley of the Temples, you’ll head on to Marsala – a coastal town in the west of Sicily.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Agrigento - Guided visit Valley of the Temples
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
DAY 14
Day 14 • Erice/Palermo
Today, set your sights on Palermo, making a few scenic stops along the way. First, you’ll explore the beautifully preserved medieval town of Erice. Despite being handed from one ruling army to the next, there are plenty of beautiful buildings in this town, each showcasing architectural styles from a varied history. Before you get back on the road, be sure to pick yourself up a Genovesi (a traditional Sicilian pastry filled with custard or ricotta cream). Then, make your way to the capital of Sicily, Palermo. When you arrive, you’ll have a free the afternoon to explore as you wish. You might like to wander the labyrinth of small alleyways, buzzing market squares and winding roads. Or, check out some of the main monuments like the 12th century cathedral in the old heart of the city.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Erice - local sweets tasting
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
DAY 15
Day 15 • Palermo
Take part in a walking tour with a local guide this morning and uncover symbolic places of rebellion and anti-Mafia racketeering. Places such as the Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria and Beati Paoli Square all have a rich history in civil mobilisation – plus, they are known to serve delicious street food. You’ll get a chance to meet shop owners who have had the courage to denounce their extortionists, then you have the option to visit nearby Monreale – situated in a panoramic position above Palermo with fantastic views over the city and the sea. Visit the cathedral here, described as one of the ‘wonders of the medieval world’, and climb to its roof. Alternately, you might like to wander the city of Palermo at your own will. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner and toast to a beautiful adventure.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Palermo - Anti-Mafia Movement Tour
Optional activities
Monreale - Cathedral & Cloister - EUR13
DAY 16
Day 16 • Palermo
Your adventures come to an end today after breakfast. If you’d like to stay and explore more in Palermo, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Meals
Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

14 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Ferry

Accommodation

Hotel (13 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights)

Included activities

Civita - Nature based hike

Tropea - Stromboli by Night

Reggio Calabria - Archaeological Museum

Taormina - private boat excursion

Taormina - leader led orientation walk

Catania - leader led orientation walk

Catania - local granita tasting

Mt Etna - Day Trip

Siracusa - Leader-led Orientation Walk

Noto & Ragusa - Day Trip

Agrigento - Guided visit Valley of the Temples

Erice - local sweets tasting

Palermo - Anti-Mafia Movement Tour

Optional activities

Reggio Calabria - Aragonese Castle - EUR5

Siracusa - Castello Maniace - EUR5

Siracusa - Cathedral - EUR2

Siracusa - Archaeological Museum - EUR14

Siracusa - Neapolis Archaeological Park - EUR17

Monreale - Cathedral & Cloister - EUR13

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Sunday Jun 22, 2025

Monday Jul 07, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out

Sunday Jun 29, 2025

Monday Jul 14, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£5,055

Sunday Jul 13, 2025

Monday Jul 28, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 9 spaces left

£5,055£4,044

Sunday Jul 20, 2025

Monday Aug 04, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left

£5,055

Sunday Aug 31, 2025

Monday Sep 15, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out

Sunday Sep 07, 2025

Monday Sep 22, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 2 spaces left

£5,517

Sunday Sep 14, 2025

Monday Sep 29, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out

Sunday Sep 21, 2025

Monday Oct 06, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out

Sunday Sep 28, 2025

Monday Oct 13, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 3 spaces left

£5,462

Sunday Oct 05, 2025

Monday Oct 20, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 5 spaces left

£5,055

Sunday Oct 12, 2025

Monday Oct 27, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 7 spaces left

£4,862

Sunday Apr 19, 2026

Monday May 04, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 7 spaces left

£5,104

Sunday May 03, 2026

Monday May 18, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£5,104

Sunday May 10, 2026

Monday May 25, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£5,308

Sunday May 17, 2026

Monday Jun 01, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left

£5,517

Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding Days 2,3 (Guesthouse). Availability is limited due to small properties we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Reviews (2)

5 stars

Mary

Sep 11, 2023

A wonderful trip exploring small towns like Civita and experiencing the trip on the Felucca. Veronica was an amazing leader who taught us so much and took us to fantastic restaurants to enjoy local food.

leslie

Jul 05, 2023

In short our 17 days with Intrepid in Calabria and Sicily were fun, full of varied activities. We learned so much about the history and culture of this part of Italy in a relatively short time. The pace of the trip felt brisk, but there were several periods of down-time, which gave all of us chances to pursue other places and activities; for example, we took one afternoon to tour the impressive regional museum in Catania, about the Allied Invasion of Sicily in 1943. Others in our party did other things that day, like shopping and swimming. These free periods helped as breathers, after being cooped up on a train or bus. Gabriele became aware of our personal interests and would often sidle up to us to explain a finer point. No question stumped out great guide Gabriele. The expert guides are one prime reason why we chose Intrepid for our foreign trips.

DAY 16
Day 16 • Palermo
Your adventures come to an end today after breakfast. If you’d like to stay and explore more in Palermo, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Meals
Breakfast

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DAY 16
Day 16 • Palermo
Your adventures come to an end today after breakfast. If you’d like to stay and explore more in Palermo, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Meals
Breakfast