Classical Sicily

About this trip

Exactly what you do each day, where you sleep, and how it flows — written by us, from the real itinerary.

1. 1
   Day 1 · CataniaWelcome to Catania

   

   Arrive independently at your hotel in Catania; private transfer available for a fee if needed. The evening is yours to spend as you like, with an overnight stay at the hotel.

2. 2
   Day 2 · SyracuseExploring Syracuse and Noto

   

   Head to Syracuse to explore the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, where you'll see the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, Latomie of Paradise and the Ear of Dionysius. Then move to Ortigia's historic centre to visit the Cathedral with its Sicilian-Baroque facade (built over a former Doric temple) and Arethusa's Fountain from Piazza Duomo. Lunch is on your own before continuing to Noto, the Sicilian Baroque capital, with its 18th-century UNESCO-listed buildings.

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   Day 3 · RagusaRagusa Ibla, Modica, Piazza Armerina Adventure

   

   Explore Ragusa Ibla's Baroque heart, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Inspector Montalbano filming location with over 50 churches. Visit the Cathedral in Dome Square and Giardino Ibleo at 383 metres above sea level. Then head to Modica, another UNESCO site, to wander narrow streets and visit Sabadì, a celebrated chocolate maker known for prize-winning Modica chocolate.

4. 4
   Day 4 · AgrigentoAgrigento to Marsala: Temples, Wines & Salt Road

   

   Start at Agrigento's Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO site with 5th-century Doric temples including the Temple of Hera, Temple of Concordia and Temple of Heracles, set among almond trees. Drive to Marsala, where Garibaldi landed in 1860, then explore the Florio Cellars with their 19th-century giant vats.

5. 5
   Day 5 · MonrealeExploring Monreale and Palermo

   Visit Monreale's Norman Cathedral, called the Eighth Wonder of the World, and its Arab-Norman Cloister with intricate art and semi-precious stone inlay. Then head to Palermo, a multicultural city on a bay beneath Mount Pellegrino, where Baroque, Art Nouveau villas and historic squares reflect centuries of layered history.

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   Day 6 · CefaluCefalù - Norman Dome - Catania

   Transfer to Cefalù, a medieval town on Sicily's north coast, to explore its Norman Dome and visit the Mandralisca Museum in your free time. Lunch is on your own. In Catania, discover the UNESCO-listed historical centre with Baroque architecture built from black lava stone, then walk the Duomo square featuring the Cathedral.

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   Day 7 · CataniaEtna & Taormina Expedition

   

   Start at Catania's fish market, Pescheria, then head to Mount Etna, Europe's highest volcano at approximately 3350 metres. Explore the UNESCO-protected regional park covering 59,000 hectares and visit Rifugio Sapienza to walk through the inactive Crateri Silvestri surrounded by ancient lava flows, with views across Sicily, the Aeolian islands and Calabria.

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   Day 8 · CataniaDeparture Day - Catania

   Breakfast at your hotel and services end. You can book an extra night in Catania if desired.

What's included

• Guide: Multilingual Tour leader and professional travel guide* (English, Italian or Spanish) for the whole tour (from the 2nd day to the evening of the 7th day), local guides or audio audio-guides where necessary.
• Meals: - 7 international breakfast, 5 lunches in famous restaurants and 2 dinners in hotels to have a taste of Sicilian traditional cuisine
• Activities: Visit of the main suggestive Unesco World Heritage Sites: Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Piazza Armerina, Agrigento, Monreale, Palermo, Cefalù, Catania city centre, Etna. - Tasting of Sicilian typical products: Modica (day 3): visit of the well well-known chocolate manufacturers Sabadì with tasting; Marsala (day 4): visit of the famous Florio wine cellar and wine tasting; Catania (day 6): tasting of Sicilian granita & brioche ”; Etna (day 7): visit of a beekeeping honey company and honey tasting.
• Transport: Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
• Accommodation: Accommodation in charming 4 stars hotels mostly located in the city centre, international breakfast included: Catania city centre : Il Principe Hotel 4*/ Romano House Hotel 4* or similar — Acitrezza: I Malavoglia Hotel 4* / I Faraglioni Hotel 4* or similar Ragusa city centre : Mediterraneo Palace Hotel 4* or similar Agrigento: Baia di Ulisse Wellness &SPA 4* or similar Palermo city centre : Mercure Palermo Centro 4* / Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal 4* or similar

How travellers rate it

Your free day in Catania

Landing early, staying on, or filling free time? The best-rated day experiences in Catania — you book on Viator (we may earn a commission).

5Young crowd

Sailing cruise with lunch

7hfrom £78

5

Etna Trekking Tour

6hfrom £87

5

Mount Etna Sunset with sicilian tasting

6hfrom £52

5

Mount Etna tour with Sicilian tasting

5hfrom £52

Common questions