8 Days • 7 Nights
Sicily Explorer
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll browse the raucous markets of Palermo, stand among the best-preserved Greek temples outside Greece at Agrigento, wander the baroque streets of Siracusa and Noto, gaze up at smouldering Mount Etna, and take in the impossible clifftop beauty of Taormina. Cannoli, arancini and Nero d'Avola season the journey.
With comfortable hotels and expert guides, it is a rich, sun-soaked immersion in Italy's most fascinating island.
Trip Highlights
- The markets, mosaics and cathedrals of Palermo
- The Norman mosaics of Monreale
- The Valley of the Temples at Agrigento
- Baroque Siracusa, Ortigia and nearby Noto
- Smouldering Mount Etna, Europe's greatest volcano
- Clifftop Taormina and its Greek theatre
- Seven nights around the island
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Sicilian feast lunch
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Arrive in Sicily's vibrant capital and settle in. A welcome dinner introduces the island's extraordinary street food and wines.
A guided day through Palermo's markets, cathedral and palaces, and the golden Norman mosaics of Monreale on the hill above the city.
Travel south to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples, a line of honey-gold Greek temples among the almond trees, overnighting nearby.
Cross the island to Siracusa, once mightier than Athens. A guided walk through the island of Ortigia and the Greek theatre, with a Sicilian feast lunch.
Explore the honey-stone baroque town of Noto, rebuilt in glorious style after an earthquake, with time to enjoy Siracusa's seafront.
Ascend the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe's greatest active volcano, past old lava flows and vineyards, then continue to clifftop Taormina.
A day in beautiful Taormina — its ancient Greek theatre with Etna beyond, its gardens and its coastline, at a relaxed pace.
A final Sicilian breakfast before your transfer to Catania airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private arrival and departure transfers
- 7 nights across Palermo, Agrigento, Siracusa and Taormina
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Sicilian feast lunch
- A guided Palermo tour and the Monreale mosaics
- The Valley of the Temples at Agrigento with entry
- A guided Siracusa and Ortigia tour and a visit to Noto
- A Mount Etna excursion and clifftop Taormina
- Local guides and a comfortable touring vehicle
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Italy
- Schengen visa or ETIAS fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- City tourist tax (tassa di soggiorno), payable at your hotels
- Optional excursions, experiences and upgrades
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Non-EU visitors generally need a Schengen visa, and many visa-exempt nationalities will need the EU's ETIAS travel authorisation. Your passport should be valid at least three months beyond your stay — we can advise
- Language: The language is Italian, and a warm buongiorno and grazie are always appreciated. English is widely understood in hotels and tourist areas
- Currency: The currency is the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for small cafes, markets and tips
- Tipping: A cover charge (coperto) often applies at restaurants, so tipping is not expected — rounding up for good service is plenty
- Best seasons: Italy is wonderful year-round. Spring and autumn are ideal for touring, summer is hot and busy in the cities, and the Amalfi Coast and Sicily shine from May to October
- Dress code: Churches such as St Peter's and the Duomo require covered shoulders and knees, so carry a light scarf. Smart-casual is ideal for dinner
- Getting around: Italy's Frecciarossa high-speed trains link the cities beautifully, and some legs of your tour may travel by comfortable, scenic rail
- Opening times: Many sites close one day a week and some shops pause midday; the Vatican Museums close on Sundays (except the last of the month). Your itinerary is arranged around this
- Driving zones: Historic city centres have restricted traffic zones (ZTL). We use trains and licensed drivers so you never risk a fine
- Safety: Italy is very safe, but as at any major attraction keep an eye on your belongings on busy transport and in crowded squares
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific lunches and dinners named in the itinerary, such as a Tuscan wine lunch or an Amalfi seafood dinner. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Italy's wonderful trattorias and gelaterias.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your sightseeing, transfers and day tours are arranged with local guides, so there is nothing to organise on the ground.
Do I need a visa for Italy?
Most non-EU visitors need a Schengen visa or the ETIAS authorisation. We can guide you to the right one for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal, with pleasant weather and thinner crowds. The Amalfi Coast and Sicily are loveliest from May to October.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can extend your stay or combine regions. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between cities?
Depending on the route, you travel by comfortable private vehicle or by Italy's superb Frecciarossa high-speed trains, all arranged for you.
Can we go up Etna?
Yes — the excursion takes you onto Etna's slopes among the craters and lava fields; higher summit access depends on volcanic activity and is arranged safely with local guides.
Is Sicily good for food lovers?
Exceptionally — Sicilian cuisine is one of Italy's most distinctive, from street-food arancini and cannoli to fresh seafood and Etna wines, all woven through the trip.
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