Italy: Highlights of Sicily

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Italy: Highlights of Sicily
Italy: Highlights of Sicily
Italy: Highlights of Sicily
Italy: Highlights of Sicily
Italy: Highlights of Sicily
Italy: Highlights of Sicily
Italy: Highlights of Sicily
Italy: Highlights of Sicily
Italy: Highlights of Sicily
Italy: Highlights of Sicily
Italy: Highlights of Sicily
Italy: Highlights of Sicily
Italy: Highlights of Sicily
8 Days
From AUD $4020
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(16 reviews)

Italy: Highlights of Sicily

Italy: Highlights of Sicily

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

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?).

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

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Private vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Catania, Italy

Finishes

Palermo, Italy

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Catania
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)
2
Day 2: 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)
3
Day 3: 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)
4
Day 4: 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)
5
Day 5: 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)
6
Day 6: 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)
7
Day 7: 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)
8
Day 8: 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 $4,020
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

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?).

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 20 Apr 2026

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
Megan
Traveled, October 2023

10/25/2023

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.

4.5
Bethelle
Traveled, October 2023

10/23/2023

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

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