Original
Explorer
Italy: Highlights of Sicily
8 days • 4.8
5
Excellent
37 reviews
8 days
Start
Catania, Italy
Finish
Palermo, Italy
Trip Code
ZMSL
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
7 breakfasts
Transport
Private vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
From £2,132(8 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Drive up towering Mt. Etna – one of the greatest natural beauties of the Mediterranean and Europe’s largest active volcano – and walk into an extinct crater.
Be swept away by Sicilian charm as you explore the backstreets and cobblestone alleys in the timeless old town of Syracuse, Noto and Ragusa.
Take a step back in time with a guided tour of Temple of the Valleys, which brings to life the full glory of ancient Greece and its myths, legends, gods and goddesses.
Join a special tour that showcases the anti-Mafia movement in Palermo, visiting sites and talking to people who played an important part in the turbulent history of the city.
Enjoy a perfect balance of free time and included activities for you to make your own discoveries, with your professional local leader helping you make the most of it.
Is this trip right for you?
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.
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 day pack/bag for daytrips.
Itinerary
Explore the heart of the Mediterranean on this Sicilian adventure
Calling all sun-seeking adventurers! Take an eight-day trip to Sicily and explore dramatic cliffside villages, soak in the Sicilian sunshine and take in the scenic views of clear waters (did we mention the deliciously fresh seafood?). From the volcanic valleys of Mt Etna to the timeworn streets of Syracuse and the Baroque wonders Ragusa, get ready to discover the varied sides of Sicily. Take a step back in time as you explore the ruins of the Valley of the Temples and learn of the rich anti-Mafia history in Palermo. Eat good food, drink local wines and learn about the region with a handy local by your side – there's a reason everybody loves Italy!
Inclusions
Meals
7 breakfasts
Transport
Private vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
Included activities
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
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
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Important notes
1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip. Availability is limited due to small properties we use. Please speak to your agent for further information.
Reviews (34)
5 stars
27
4 stars
7
Kingsley
May 09, 2025
A great introduction to the landscape, history, culture and People of Sicily with a bunch of fellow travellers
Helen
May 08, 2025
The Highlights of Sicily tour is a fantastic introduction to Sicily. I learned a lot in 8 days without feeling rushed. Our tour leader, Gabriella, was energetic and efficient. Definitely recommend this tour.
Gordon
May 04, 2025
Sicily is a great place to visit. Learning about the people and culture was great. Learned a lot about Sicily that I was previously unaware of. Well worth the effort to visit. You won’t regret it. Sitting Mt Etna was a highlight for myself. We even had blue sky with great photos taken.
Kate
May 01, 2025
Katia, our guide and the whole intrepid experience was great. It was truly a ‘Highlights of Sicily’ that introduces you to the glorious aspects of this part of Italy and gets you comfortable with what you might want to come back and explore more of. But that being said, I feel like I got a great overview and understanding of both the ancient and modern history of Sicily, and what a wonderful and diverse place it is
Noreen
Apr 17, 2025
What a wonderful trip to Sicily. We learned a lot about the island’s history, saw beautiful towns and landscapes - led by wonderful Serena. We recommend.
Taylor
Oct 29, 2024
The highlights of Sicily was a fantastic trip! We enjoyed unique experiences we wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else. The memories we made on this trip will be cherished forever. The travel and accommodations provided made this trip seamless and worry-free. Our tour leader Irene was FANTASTIC! So knowledgeable, communicative, caring and organized.
Catherine
Oct 29, 2024
This trip was wonderful! Our guide, Irene, went above and beyond, sharing her love for Sicily with us and making every stop memorable. As a first-time group traveler, I appreciated the chance to explore more of Sicily’s rich history than I could have solo. Highly recommended!
John
Oct 28, 2024
A visit to Sicily offers a different side to Italy. It has a most interesting history and good scenery.
Nicola
Oct 24, 2024
Great trip, came away with a real taste and appreciation of the island and a desire to return. Everything was taken care of so that it was a relaxing experience.
BRIONY
Oct 23, 2024
The “highlights of Sicily” tour is just that - the highlights. You get to see a lot of amazing places and it will leave you wanting to come back. And I will! Travelling by private bus was great too
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