Current as of: February 23, 2026 - 17:35
Highlights of Sicily Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: Italy
- Programmes: Culture
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
- 9 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: ADZ
- Carbon Footprint: 14kg CO2e
Trip Overview
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 street food tour in Palermo and special wine and cheese tasting in a celebrated wine cellar allow us to dive deep into the cuisine, while there’s also plenty of opportunities to discover the history and heritage of the biggest island in the Mediterranean.
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.
Hiking: We hike up Mount Etna on this trip, a two-hour hike on hilly-to-steep terrain of old dried lava, rocky ash, and sand. Should you prefer not to join, there is a cafe 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.
Water safety: This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Group
A tour leader is available throughout the week to help with your orientation and to make sure everything runs smoothly. However, due to Italian legislation, tour leaders are not allowed to guide groups in cities, museums and churches. Local licenced guides accompany the group in Siracusa, Agrigento, Palermo and Monreale. Our tour leader, also accompanies the group on the Mount Etna hike. You will be free to sightsee at your own pace in Noto, Ragusa Ibla, Selinunte and Erice.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 18
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Viagrande
- End City: Taormina
Land Only Itinerary
Adventure starts in Viagrande
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.
Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Villa Itria (or similar)
Guided hike on Mount Etna • Afternoon wine-and-cheese tasting
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). We hike on hilly, steep terrain of dried lava, rocky ash and sand, so there is some moderate challenge involved with this walk. 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.
Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Villa Itria (or similar)
Drive to Syracuse to visit its archeological site • To the baroque town of Noto
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.
Upgrade to a junior suite with terrace today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Accommodation: Hotel Flora (or similar)
Visit the hilltop town of Ragusa Ibla • To Agrigento's Valley of the Temples
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.
Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Accommodation: Hotel Della Valle (or similar)
Visit the ancient ruins of Selinunte • Explore the hilltop village of Erice • Orientation tour around Trapani
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.
Upgrade to a deluxe room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Accommodation: B&B Trapani Crystal (or similar)
To Palermo for a foodie street food tour • Free afternoon to explore the capital
Bid farewell to our hotel this morning and transfer (1hr 30min) to Palermo, the capital of Sicily, where we delve into the secrets of Sicilian street cuisine. Guided by our tour leader, we have a short foodie tour, wandering the historic centre and ancient market, with a chance to sample some local specialities, such as panelle (fried chickpea pancake) and crocchette (fried potato balls).
In the afternoon, enjoy free time in the city to discover the vibrant historic centre and lively streets filled with restaurants and bars.
Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Accommodation: Hotel Posta (or similar)
Morning visit to Monreale Cathedral • Guided tour of Palermo and free time
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.
Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Accommodation: Hotel Posta (or similar)
Visit the Norman cathedral of Cefalu • To charming Taormina • Free time to explore
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.
Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Esperia (or similar)
Adventure ends in Taormina
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.
Accommodation
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)
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)
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. Rooms might be located in different buildings at this property.
Agrigento: Hotel Della Valle (night 4)
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)
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)
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)
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.
Single supplement from £ 455
Food & Drink
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.
Transport
We use a private air-conditioned minibus for all transfers and excursions allowing us to enjoy comfortable, flexible and stress-free journeys. Some of the areas visited are not connected by motorway which can result in slower travel between destinations – journey’s will be broken up by adequate stops.
Weather & Seasonality
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.
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. 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 chosen flight. 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
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Small backpack for camera
- Guidebook
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproofs
- For the walking excursion on Mount Etna you will need: long trousers, waterproofs, closed walking shoes/boots with sturdy soles
- Water: The tap water in Sicily is not drinkable and there are limited water fountains on our route. To reduce plastic we recommend taking a suitable filtered water bottle so that you can easily refill your water and stay hydrated.
Optional Equipment
- Swimwear
- Walking poles
- Swimming cap (often a requirement for swimming in hotel pools)
- Reusable lunch box and cutlery (to reduce plastic waste when lunches are purchased from local delis and bakeries)
Practical Information
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.
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.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Local Time
Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +01:00)
Electricity
Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
ATMs are available in all major towns. Credit cards are accepted in large supermarkets and at the hotels in Palermo and in Taormina.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
For the meals not included, allow €25 for lunch and €40 for dinner. The exact amount spent depends entirely on the type of restaurant visited and the menu chosen.
Optional excursions
- Etna summit craters by cable car (or snow cat if required due to the weather): €80 (or €95 by snow cat)
- Greek theatre in Taormina (including cable car): €16 entrance ticket plus €6 each way for the cable car
- Visit to Selinunte by golf cart: €8
Local taxes: many Italian cities have recently introduced a tourist tax for non‐residents. The local administration is in charge of the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check‐in or check‐out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €1 and €4 per person per night. For this trip, please allow approximately €15 for the week.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid fairly for their work. Most wish to tip their guides in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received. For this trip we recommend a starting point of €5 per person per day.
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.
Important Information
Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
Travel Safety
For additional information please have a look at the travel safety advice page on our website.
How to Book
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
- Check availability: our website shows real-time availability of our guided group tours, or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
- Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space on any guided group tour to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
- Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.
- Where free transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.
- Where group arrival and departure transfers are available, these operate at fixed times. You will need to arrive in time to meet the scheduled transfer. If the timings don’t align with your travel plans, our team can arrange private transfers once they receive your flight schedule.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
