Italy: Highlights of Sicily
Experience Overview
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!
Highlights
- 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3249
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Public bus,Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMSL
Starts: Catania, Italy
Finishes: Palermo, Italy
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7),Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,790 ($474 /day)
Itinerary
Benvenuto! Welcome to Sicily. Your adventure will begin in the ancient port city of Catania on Sicily’s east coast. Your trip will officially kick off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your fellow travellers and group leader. If you arrive early, why not wander around the city at your own pace. Catania sits at the foot of Mount Etna which can be seen from well over half of the city – maybe walk through the cobblestone laneways with the volcano towering above and visit the Piazza del Duomo. Tonight after your meeting, maybe head out for dinner with your group and get to know each other.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Come face-to-face with the volcano that towered over you yesterday, with a daytrip to Mt Etna – Europe’s largest active volcano. Drive up the northern flank and strap on your walking shoes for an easy walk through the Valle del Bove (Ox Valley) – a valley formed when the original crater of Etna collapsed. This is Etna’s largest valley, where many lava flows can be seen. At an altitude of approximately 2000 m, you’ll walk into the centre of an extinct crater and visit a lava cave with helmets and torches. Walk among the cold lava streams of Piano Provenzana – a former ski resort that was destroyed during the last big eruption of 2002. 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.
Included Activities:
- Mt Etna - Day Trip
- Siracusa - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Siracusa - Castello Maniace (5 EUR)
- Siracusa - Cathedral (2 EUR)
- Siracusa - Archaeological Museum (14 EUR)
- Siracusa - Neapolis Archaeological Park (17 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Noto & Ragusa - Day Trip
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Agrigento - Guided visit Valley of the Temples
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Erice - local sweets tasting
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Palermo - Anti-Mafia Movement Tour
Optional Activities:
- Monreale - Cathedral & Cloister (13 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Megan - Traveled, October 2023
A great introduction to Sicily. Etna, Erice and Valley of the Temples were highlights. Interesting contrast of places visited in history, architecture and food with some longer travel days.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2023
Bethelle - Traveled, October 2023
Sicily is a fabulous place to visit - wonderful history and the food is delicious. The tour was great - took in all the places of interest - historical ruins; small medieval towns; swimming spots. All just wonderful
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2023
Cate - Traveled, October 2023
From Catania to Palermo, Sicily this Intrepid trip was terrific - our tour leader Katia Sparta was well organised and her knowledge , along with information provided by local tour guides made this trip memorable for us
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Benny - Traveled, October 2023
This tour gives a great overview of Sicily in a week. It offers a mix of organised activity and free time. I would now like to return to Sicily and spend more exploring it in more detail.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2023
Abi - Traveled, July 2023
Sicily is beautiful. However I would check beforehand the age range of other tour participants. Going a slower speed to accomodate an older age range can really damped things for a 20-something year old. Otherwise Sicily is stunning, and a must-see location for anyone going to Italy.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/24/2023
Mary - Traveled, July 2023
I found the tour around Sicily very interesting and I learnt so much about the history and culture of this amazing island. We were very lucky to have Veronica as our guide, a proud Sicilian woman who was able to share with us her knowledge of the history and culture of Sicily and also knew great places to get delicious local food. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
Wayne - Traveled, June 2023
Vincenzo our tour leader went above and beyond to ensure that all group members were given the best opportunity to get the most out the areas/cities we visited which made a tour highly enjoyable. Highly recommend Intrepid to anyone that wants to be a traveller.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
Ebony - Traveled, July 2024
A great trip for those eager to get a taste of Sicily. Small group size meant we were able to comfortably travel in a mini van from destination to destination, soaking in the beautiful Sicilian Country side. My only feedback would be that I wish it was a couple days longer to see some more of the coastal towns!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2024
Michelle - Traveled, June 2024
Highlights of Sicily is a great way to see this island from coast to coast, visiting some beautiful cities, coastal villages and ancient ruins along the way. I recommend doing this tour along with Intrepid Malta as its just a short flight away. May is a really good time to visit, just before the summer heat.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2024
Lisa - Traveled, June 2024
I loved learning about Sicilian history, food and culture on this trip from our local leader Gabriella. There is so much to explore and experience with Etna, the Valley of the Temples and anti mafia movement tour highlights - alongside the granita and arancine!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Louise - Traveled, June 2024
A great introduction to Sicily with Gabriella, a wonderful tour leader, and a lovely group. This tour had the perfect mix of free time and organised tours. Highlights include the anti-mafia tour in Palermo, the Valley of the Temples and Siracusa to name but a few. A suggestion is to reduce the length of the Mount Etna "lava tour" to max 3 hours or less, and have longer for lunch.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/04/2024
Marc - Traveled, May 2024
Great trip! Good places, great food and drink, good travelers, and great tour guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2024
Pamela - Traveled, May 2024
Intrepid has always presented great tour leaders who are knowledgeable, respectful, who communicate well and manage all aspects of the our without hassle and fuss.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/16/2024
Maria Cecilia - Traveled, May 2024
The tour to Sicily will raise your awareness of the Etna Volcano, the Marsala and Nero D'Avola wine, the greek and then roman civilization along with Baroque and Norman. You will travel through history while enjoying good food, great conversation and unforgettable views.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/16/2024
John - Traveled, May 2024
This was my first trip with Intrepid and would definitely use them again. In fact when I plan future trips, I will contact them first.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2024
Chris - Traveled, April 2024
This isn’t a public transport trip. Distances are long and this short holiday can only skim the surface of Sicily -which it does well - but as there is so much history to enjoy, lots inevitably missed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/07/2024
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