Highlights of Sicily

Name: Highlights of Sicily
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.5 (73 reviews)

9 Days Excluding Flights From

9 Days from

~~£ 2279~~ £ 2099

4.5/5 from

Culture

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Culture

Group Size :

6 - 18

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

ADZ

Carbon Footprint :

14kg CO2e per person per day

Uncover one of Europe’s great cultural destinations, where a rich history meets Mediterranean beauty

Discover Sicily, the scenic Italian island forged over centuries by Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman and Spanish rulers. On this comprehensive adventure, we explore the very best bits, starting on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, before continuing to the towns of Syracuse, Agrigento, and Selinunte – all World Heritage sites. A day in Zingaro National Reserve offers magnificent views over the coast, while there’s also plenty of opportunities to discover the history and heritage of the biggest island in the Mediterranean.

Highlights

Discover the very best of Sicily: ancient history, World Heritage sites and coastal bliss
Hike the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna with an expert guide
Join a special wine and cheese tasting in a celebrated wine cellar
Dive into the ancient world at the archaeological sites of Siracusa, Agrigento and Selinunte
Walk trails on the cliffs and coast of Zingaro Nature Reserve with a chance to swim
Explore the culture-rich city of Palermo with free time to enjoy at your own pace

Key Information

Accommodation: 1 Superior night (hotel), 7 Classic nights (hotels)
Travel by private air-conditioned minibus
Group normally 6 to 18, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Combine this trip with Discover Malta & Gozo

Countries visited: Italy

What's Included

All breakfasts, one dinner and one wine tasting
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities, including guided tours in main Unesco sites and cities
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
Local city taxes (approx. €10-€15)

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

TRIP

ADZ - Highlights of Sicily

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

For flights call us on 0203 733 5948 or enquire when booking online

Regional flights available

Competitive flight prices

Specialist Flight Support

ATOL protected

Itinerary

Viagrande Taormina

Welcome to Viagrande, a traditional Catanian village with a privileged view of Mount Etna. From its lofty position above the sea, it offers views of Mount Etna. The current old town centre was founded in 1408 but the first settlement here was founded under Greek rule.

Around 6pm, say ciao to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner.

Want more time in Sicily? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Villa Itria (or similar)
Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included: Dinner

Enjoy a spectacular guided walk on Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, hiking on hilly, steep terrain of dried lava, rocky ash and sand. We pass several old lava flows to be rewarded with a dramatic panorama of the volcanic landscape and old craters (one to two hours’ walking, 3.1mi/5km).

If you’d prefer to skip the walk, you can ascend the central crater (see Extra Expenses for prices), first by cableway to the terminal, before a 4×4 ride and walk with a volcanology guide. You are strongly advised to take a waterproof/windproof jacket, a warm top and to wear long trousers (pants).

In the afternoon, we enjoy a wine-and-cheese tasting in one of the most-celebrated cellars in the area.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Villa Itria (or similar)
Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, we drive to Syracuse (approximately 1hr 15min drive), the most powerful city-state in the ancient Greek world and briefly the capital of the Byzantine empire. Here, we visit the superb Neapolis Archeological Park, home to a spectacular Greek theatre and well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, accompanied by a local guide. We also visit Ortygia, where we have an exploration with the tour leader and free time to rest or explore some more.

In the afternoon, we drive to our next destination, the World Heritage site of Noto (approximately 45 minutes), a beautiful town built in the Sicilian baroque style using honey-coloured stone.

Accommodation: Hotel Flora (or similar)
Upgrade to a junior suite with terrace today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast we drive to the hilltop town of Ragusa Ibla (approximately 90 minutes), a maze of winding streets with remarkable baroque churches, and continue on to Agrigento (2hr 30min). Here we enjoy a guided visit of the Valley of the Temples: the Temple of Juno; the Temple of Concorde, one of the most well-preserved doric temples in the ancient Greek world; the Temple of Hercules; and the Temple of Castor and Pollux.

Accommodation: Hotel Della Valle (or similar)
Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included: Breakfast

Start with a transfer (1hr 30min) to Selinunte to explore one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, set high overlooking the sea. We then drive (1hr 30min) to the mountaintop village of Erice. Here, we have time to stroll through the narrow streets − you may also like to try some of the best pastries on the island!

Head to Trapani, where we check into our hotel, then join the tour leader for an orientation tour around this city founded by the Elymians to serve as a port for Erice. Today, Trapani is famous for salt production and coral crafts.

Accommodation: B&B Trapani Crystal (or similar)
Upgrade to a deluxe room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included: Breakfast

Head to the coast this morning to explore the idyllic Mediterranean landscape on foot. Stretching along the coast for 4.3mi (7km) between the lovely village of Scopello in the east to San Vito Lo Capo in the west, the Zingaro Nature Reserve has walking trails with views out to the cliffs and the glistening sea, hidden coves and pristine beaches.

We take a leisurely walk for up to three hours (including stops) along beautiful coastal trails, with the opportunity of a quick swim before returning to the bus. If you’d prefer to opt out of the walk, you can rest at the visitor centre.

In the afternoon, we head to Palermo (approximately 1hr 30min) where we can enjoy time at leisure to discover the vibrant historic centre and lively streets filled with restaurants and bars.

Accommodation: Hotel Posta (or similar)
Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included: Breakfast

After a short transfer to Monreale (approximately one hour), we visit its extraordinary cathedral, considered the greatest example of Norman architecture in the world. We then head to Palermo (approximately one hour) where our local guide will show us the most important sites in this beautiful city, including Quattro Canti, Pretoria Square, the cathedral and Marina Square. In the afternoon, we have free time in Palermo to enjoy this eclectic city at our own pace.

Accommodation: Hotel Posta (or similar)
Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning we drive to the fishing village of Cefalu (approximately 1hr 15min), where we visit the impressive cathedral, home to elaborate Byzantine mosaics, and the lovely historic centre with its winding medieval streets. Our tour ends in one of the most renowned treasures of Sicily: the charming town of Taormina (approximately 2hr 40min drive). We have time to visit its Greek theatre and enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Etna and the sea.

Accommodation: Hotel Villa Esperia (or similar)
Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy your final breakfast of this Sicilian adventure, a perfect opportunity to reflect on the many wonders of this Italian island. Once you’re full, it’s time to start your return journey home. Alternatively, if you’d like more time to explore this fascinating island, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Itinerary: This is a comprehensive itinerary, with a few long, busy days due to the distance we cover. There is gentle walking on most days during the sightseeing, but it won’t be strenuous.

Walks: There are also two excursions on foot included in this trip: on Mount Etna, we walk for up to two hours on hilly-to-steep terrain of old dried lava, rocky ash, and sand. A second walk will take place in the stunning Zingaro Nature Reserve, where we will walk for up to three hours (including stops) along the idyllic Mediterranean coast. Both of these walks are optional. Should you prefer not to join these walks, there is a café (Mount Etna) or seating area (Zingaro Nature Reserve) close to the trail where you can wait for the rest of the group.

Transport: All transfers are by private air-conditioned minibus allowing us to enjoy comfortable journeys. Due to traffic restrictions in the historic centres, you may have to carry your suitcase over cobbled pavements, although the bus will be leaving you as close as possible to your hotel.

Accommodation: Some hotels don’t have a lift.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Grand Hotel Villa Itria, Via Antonio Aniante, 3, 95029 Viagrande CT
Phone: +39 095 226 6111
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing around 6pm in the evening.
Airport: Catania (CTA)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 35 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take a group transfer

We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way

The start hotel is not easily accessible by public transport as there are no direct connections from either Catania Airport or the city centre, however you can reach the start hotel easily by taxi. A cab from the airport costs €55-€70. For information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport that’s scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Viagrande
Location end: Taormina

Vaccinations and Health

Italy

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, one dinner and a wine tasting on Mount Etna included.

Sicilian cuisine is a melting pot of all the cultures that have occupied the island, from the Arabs to the Normans. The island itself is incredibly fertile, enjoying a perfect climate for the cultivation of fresh produce such as olives, oranges, lemons, tomatoes, pistachios, almonds, grapes and more — not to mention all of the seafood, tuna and swordfish caught just off the coast. The result? A cuisine that’s fresh, varied and delicious. Sicilian wines, such as Marsala and Moscato, are superb and known to be strong and syrupy.

Weather

Sicily has a good year-round climate, with plenty of sunshine and warm/hot temperatures. The summer departures ought to have daily hot sunshine and temperatures can reach 35C (95F). The earlier and later departures are likely to be cooler with a slightly higher chance of rain. In late summer, there is the possibility of heavy thunderstorms, but these are usually short-lived.

TRIP

ADZ - Highlights of Sicily

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Three- and four-star hotels

On this cultural trip in Sicily, we use a varied selection of three- and four-star hotels. The places we stay are often near historic centres, allowing us to easily explore the towns in the evenings or during our free time. Below are the accommodations we typically use.

Rooms upgrades are available throughout the itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.

Viagrande: Grand Hotel Villa Itria (nights 1-2)

Highlights of Sicily

With an outdoor pool, restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes made with local ingredients, and a cocktail bar-lounge, Villa Itria is an excellent spot to ease ourselves into the trip. There’s also a wellness centre for an additional cost.

Noto: Hotel Flora (night 3)

Highlights of Sicily

Our time in Noto is spent at Hotel Flora, which is ideally located in the historic centre of town. Noto Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo are just a 10-minute walk away, while the hotel terrace, where we have breakfast, offers great views.

Agrigento: Hotel Della Valle (night 4)

Highlights of Sicily

Now well into the trip, Hotel Della Valle is a great place to relax as a group. When it’s hot, head to the swimming pool area, where you’ll find loungers, parasols and tables during summer, plus a Mediterranean garden with palms and pines. Alternatively, you may prefer to find a shady spot for a drink.

Trapani: B&B Trapani Crystal (night 5)

Highlights of Sicily

B&B Trapani Crystal is a contemporary retreat with an excellent location, just a short walk from the ancient wonders of the historic centre of Trapani.

Palermo: Hotel Posta (nights 6-7)

Highlights of Sicily

Hotel Posta has been run by the same family since 1921 and has an excellent location in the historic centre, just a five-minute walk from Teatro Massimo, plus there’s a sun terrace and bar.

Taormina: Hotel Villa Esperia (night 8)

Highlights of Sicily

Our final night is normally spent at Villa Esperia. Get the group together by the outdoor pool to toast the adventure and admire the sea views. Alternatively, a cable car to Taormina town centre is just 330ft (100m) from the front door. The hotel also has one restaurant: Bacio di Dama, which serves Sicilian dishes. On some departures, we use an alternative hotel, Hotel Ipanema.

Worth knowing

Some hotels require you to wear a swimming cap in the pool.

TRIP

ADZ - Highlights of Sicily

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Try and pack lighter as you are moving hotels most nights and sometimes the bus isn't able to park outside the hotel

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Highlights of Sicily

4.5/5 from

9 Days Excluding Flights From

9 Days from

~~£ 2279~~ £ 2099

Highlights of Sicily

Uncover one of Europe’s great cultural destinations, where a rich history meets Mediterranean beauty

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Your Group, Your Adventure

Itinerary

Viagrande Taormina

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Vaccinations and Health

Italy

Passport

Visa

Italy

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Three- and four-star hotels

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Trip Experts

Francesco Genzone

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

Temples Food and The Sea Coast!

Most Inspirational Moment

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There are many treasures that Sicily holds

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Interesting and captivating.

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Magic around every corner

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Outstanding trip!

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Thoughts on Group Leader

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An very well organised tour which included so much in a week

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Thoughts on Group Leader

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Treasures upon treasures

Most Inspirational Moment

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Best Exodus Tour Yet!

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Sept 2023

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Amazing Sicily!

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Advice for Potential Travellers

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Highlights of Sicily