Highlights of Calabria & Sicily

Intrepid Travel · 16 days

4.0

2 Reviews

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Duration

16 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

See a lesser-known part of Italy on this 16-day adventure, all with a handy local leader by your side. From the fresh waters and fortifications of Tropea, all the way to the volcanoes of the Aeolian Islands, you’ll stray off Italy’s beaten path.

Highlights

Get up close to the active volcanoes that are scattered across the Aeolian Islands and maybe even take a dip in one of the Sulphur springs.
See Mt. Etna – surrounded by dramatic valleys and craters set in a lunar-like landscape, towering Mt. Etna is one of the greatest natural beauties of the Mediterranean, and Europe’s largest active volcano!
Take a half daytrip to the hilltop seaside town of Taormina and enjoy an aperatif on your private boat tour, exploring the groves and bays and maybe jumping into the water for a swim.
Encounter the crumbling facades of Syracuse and unearth hundreds of years of Greco-Roman history with a local leader by your side.
Treat yourself to super fresh cuisine, local delights and delicious desserts in one of the region's most known for its food – hello Italia!

Trip Details

Duration

16 days

Transportation

Train,Public bus,Private vehicle,Ferry

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Naples, Italy

Finishes

Palermo, Italy

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Naples

Ciao! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in Naples – the vibrant city celebrated as the birthplace of pizza. Naples is also known for its rich history and is home to many narrow, winding streets and ancient churches. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, perhaps stroll along the coast and find a little eatery for a pizza dinner, a glass of local wine and a view of the Gulf of Naples.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Civita

This morning, you’ll travel to Civita by boat, train and private vehicle. Founded by Albanian refugees in the Middle Ages, Civita is recognised by the Italian government as home to an ethnic minority. The Civitesi speak Arberesh, a unique blend of Italian and Albanian, found only here and in parts of Sicily. Explore this fascinating village on foot, visit a local shop to sample regional delights or take a scenic walk in the hills.

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Civita

Make sure you get a good breakfast this morning as you have the option to hike up Mount Sellaro – one of the peaks of Pollino National Park. On the way to the mountain, stop by Cerchiara di Calabria – a little town in the National Park best known for its bread. Maybe stock up on some of the tasty local produce, then continue to a remote sanctuary built by Byzantine monks, on the rocky hillside. The hike path begins just beyond the sanctuary – although it's a reasonably long trek, it’s well worth the summit views of the Achaean coast. If you decide the hike isn’t for you, you can still enjoy the National Park. With sheer cliffs, narrow canyons and a diverse range of wildlife – including the peregrine falcon, eagle owl and the recently reintroduced Egyptian vulture – this area is a wildlife lover’s paradise.

Included Activities:

Civita - Nature based hike

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Tropea

After breakfast this morning, transfer from Civita to Paola, then take the train to Tropea. Known for the faded buildings and iconic fortifications that line the city’s cliffs, Tropea feels timeless. Explore the town on an orientation walk with your leader, then maybe visit the local Norman cathedral, the Duomo, which houses an icon of Madonna of Romania – the town’s revered protectress. Next to the Duomo, there’s the Museo Diocesano – a small museum in the Palazzo Vescovile full of religious art and wooden statues. If you’d prefer some time by the water, head to the beach and see the impressive structures on the nearby cliffs.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Tropea / Stromboli

If the weather permits, you’ll set out on a boat trip to the island of Stromboli this morning. When you arrive, visit San Vincenzo, where you can swim in the blue sea of the Aeolian Islands, shop along the main street or dine at a local restaurant. Depending on the season, you’ll depart Stromboli in the evening and cruise to the Sciara del Fuoco (Steam of Fire) to see the path of lava that flows during Stromboli's eruptions.

Included Activities:

Tropea - Stromboli by Night

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Reggio Calabria

Take a train to Reggio Calabria – the gateway to Sicily. The city is in a major earthquake zone and has experienced much destruction over the years, leaving fewer historical sites compared to the rest of Italy. However, this has resulted in a unique mix of old buildings and modern structures, which you’ll see on an orientation walk. Visit the renowned National Archaeological Museum of Reggio – this museum is home to a collection of exhibits from Greek-influenced sites across Calabria, including the Bronzi di Riace (two giant bronze statues found on the seafloor in the 1970s). Tonight, maybe hunt down one of the city's best restaurants for local dishes like grilled swordfish or pasta with cauliflower and broccoli.

Included Activities:

Reggio Calabria - Archaeological Museum

Optional Activities:

Reggio Calabria - Aragonese Castle (5 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Taormina/Catania

This morning, drive to Taormina on the east coast for a private boat excursion. Sailing along the Sicilian coast, you’ll check out the bays and caves of Taormina, characterised by the imposing rocks that surround them. Soak up the sunshine, enjoy an aperitif with snacks and learn about the village from your skipper. Maybe even stop for a swim to cool off before continuing on to Catania. When you arrive, you have a free night to explore the city’s bar culture and find a good spot for dinner.

Included Activities:

Taormina - private boat excursion
Taormina - leader led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Catania

Wake up in Catania this morning and head out for an orientation walk with your leader to see the city. Wander through the grand piazzas and wide streets, then be treated to a granita tasting (a semi-frozen dessert made with sugar, water and various flavours). Then, maybe see the UNESCO World Heritage site of Val di Noto, famed for its Late Baroque architecture or head out with your group for a farewell dinner. Wherever you end up tonight, make sure to toast to a trip well travelled.

Included Activities:

Catania - leader led orientation walk
Catania - local granita tasting

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Catania

Enjoy a free day in the charming Catania. Maybe walk through the cobblestone laneways with the Mt Etna volcano towering above and visit the Piazza del Duomo. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet the new travellers joining you. After, maybe head out for dinner with your group and get to know each other.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Syracuse

Come face-to-face with the volcano that towered over you yesterday, with a daytrip to Mt Etna – Europe’s largest active volcano. At an altitude of approximately 2000 m on the northern side, you’ll visit a lava cave with helmets and torches and walk into the centre of extinct craters on the Sartorius Mountains. 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)

Day 11: Syracuse

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)

Day 12: Noto/Ragusa/Agrigento

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)

Day 13: Valley of the Temples/Marsala

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)

Day 14: Erice/Palermo

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)

Day 15: Palermo

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)

Day 16: Palermo

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.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $7,825

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 16 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 19 Jul 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

4.0

Mary

Traveled, July 2023

09/11/2023

A wonderful trip exploring small towns like Civita and experiencing the trip on the Felucca. Veronica was an amazing leader who taught us so much and took us to fantastic restaurants to enjoy local food.

4.0

leslie

Traveled, June 2023

07/05/2023

leslie · Traveled June 2023 In short our 17 days with Intrepid in Calabria and Sicily were fun, full of varied activities. We learned so much about the history and culture of this part of Italy in a relatively short time. The pace of the trip felt brisk, but there were several periods of down-time, which gave all of us chances to pursue other places and activities; for example, we took one afternoon to tour the impressive regional museum in Catania, about the Allied Invasion of Sicily in 1943. Others in our party did other things that day, like shopping and swimming. These free periods helped as breathers, after being cooped up on a train or bus. Gabriele became aware of our personal interests and would often sidle up to us to explain a finer point. No question stumped out great guide Gabriele. The expert guides are one prime reason why we chose Intrepid for our foreign trips.

Tour Operator

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

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