Original
Explorer
Italy: Highlights of Sicily
8 days • 4.8
5
Excellent
circle37 reviews
location_on 8 days
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Start
Catania, Italy
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Finish
Palermo, Italy
tour
Trip Code
ZMSL
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Min Age
15
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Trip Size
1 - 12
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Physical Rating
restaurant_menu
Meals
7 breakfasts
airport_shuttle
Transport
Private vehicle
bed
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
From £2,132(8 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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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.
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Be swept away by Sicilian charm as you explore the backstreets and cobblestone alleys in the timeless old town of Syracuse, Noto and Ragusa.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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!
- DAY 1Day 1 • Catania
- DAY 2Day 2 • Syracuse
- DAY 3Day 3 • Syracuse
- DAY 4Day 4 • Noto/Ragusa/Agrigento
- DAY 5Day 5 • Valley of the Temples/Marsala
- DAY 6Day 6 • Erice/Palermo
- DAY 7Day 7 • Palermo
- DAY 8Day 8 • Palermo
Inclusions
restaurant_menu Meals
7 breakfasts
airport_shuttle Transport
Private vehicle
bed Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
festival Included activities
circleMt Etna - Day Trip
circleSiracusa - Leader-led Orientation Walk
circleNoto & Ragusa - Day Trip
circleAgrigento - Guided visit Valley of the Temples
circleErice - local sweets tasting
circlePalermo - Anti-Mafia Movement Tour
museum Optional activities
circleSiracusa - Castello Maniace - EUR5
circleSiracusa - Cathedral - EUR2
circleSiracusa - Archaeological Museum - EUR14
circleSiracusa - Neapolis Archaeological Park - EUR17
circleMonreale - Cathedral & Cloister - EUR13
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
Monday Jun 02, 2025
Monday Jun 09, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 2 spaces left
£2,948£2,358
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Monday Jun 16, 2025
Monday Jun 23, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jul 07, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 3 spaces left
£2,954£2,363
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Monday Jul 07, 2025
Monday Jul 14, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 8 spaces left
£2,508£2,132
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Monday Jul 21, 2025
Monday Jul 28, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 6 spaces left
£2,525£2,146
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Monday Jul 28, 2025
Monday Aug 04, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 8 spaces left
£2,508£2,132
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Monday Sep 01, 2025
Monday Sep 08, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left
£2,607£2,346
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Monday Sep 08, 2025
Monday Sep 15, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Monday Sep 15, 2025
Monday Sep 22, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Thursday Sep 18, 2025
Thursday Sep 25, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 8 spaces left
£2,607£2,346
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Monday Sep 22, 2025
Monday Sep 29, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Thursday Sep 25, 2025
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 1 space left
£2,657£2,391
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Monday Sep 29, 2025
Monday Oct 06, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 9 spaces left
£2,640£2,508
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Important notes
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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
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Kingsley
May 09, 2025
A great introduction to the landscape, history, culture and People of Sicily with a bunch of fellow travellers
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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!
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John
Oct 28, 2024
A visit to Sicily offers a different side to Italy. It has a most interesting history and good scenery.
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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.
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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