Sicily: Vino & Volcanoes

Activity Level

Easy

Activity

Culture

Overview

Uncover the hidden gems and must-see sights of Eastern Sicily.

As one of our Independent Tours, Sicily’s Vino & Volcanoes encompasses the must-see sights and tastes of this spectacular Italian island. Explore at your own pace, taking time to savour the local delicacies and pausing to create those moments that last a lifetime. As the name suggests, this exclusive tour includes a tasting of local wine, a boat tour from Ortigia island, and a guided group walk on the flanks of mighty Mount Etna, the most active stratovolcano in the world.

Your island journey begins in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ragusa Ibla, an important city of the arts in Italy. The historic centre is brimming with architectural treasures dating back to the 17th century, with stunning churches and baroque style mansions perched on their own hilltop. Your next stop is Noto, another baroque beauty that’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll enjoy wine tasting at a local enoteca and have two nights to discover Noto’s famous buildings, some of the finest examples of Sicilian baroque style, not to mention the city’s famous frozen granita – perfectly refreshing on a summer’s day!

Continue onwards to Syracuse, an exquisite coastal city where you’ll stay for two nights on its small island of Ortigia. Wander the labyrinth of charming medieval streets, packed with history and an incredible local market bursting with colour, scents, and authentic Sicilian flavours; the ideal opportunity to sample homegrown produce.

Your Italian adventure concludes on the northern tip of Eastern Sicily in the unmissable hilltop town of Taormina. Overlooking the beautiful bay below with Mount Etna commanding attention in the distance, Taormina is home to a remarkably well-preserved Greek Theatre from the 3rd century which we highly recommend visiting. Don’t miss the small village of Castelmola, famous for its medieval castle, local almond wine, and panoramic views across Etna. From the coast, you can enjoy hidden coves and sandy beaches, rent kayaks, snorkels, or embark on a boat tour across the glistening Mediterranean.

No trip to Sicily would be complete without visiting Mount Etna; we have included a guided group tour to this iconic volcano (includes return transfers) where you’ll benefit from insider knowledge as you explore Etna’s craters and lava flows – the highlight of your Sicilian Tour.

Key Information

Trip Code: T07SI
Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Countries: Italy

What's Included

7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3* and 4* hotels
All breakfasts and lunch on day 7
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Luggage transfers between hotels
Private car transfers between hotels
Wine tasting in Noto
Boat tour from Ortigia Island (1hr)
Guided group tour of Mount Etna (return transfers from Taormina included)

Highlights

Journey across Sicily exploring UNESCO sites, baroque architecture & historic monuments
Wander the ancient streets of Ragusa, Noto, Syracuse, and the spectacular coast of Taormina
Embark on a guided tour of the iconic Mount Etna
Savour the island flavours of traditional arancini, sweet cannoli, and frozen granita

Itinerary

First Destination: Catania
Next Destination: Catania

Meals included:None

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Catania
Next Destination: Catania

Arrive at your first hotel in the centre of old town Ragusa Ibla. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, Ragusa Ibla is an important city of the arts in Italy with a legacy dating back thousands of years.

Overnight Hotel Barocco 3*, Ragusa Ibla.

Take your time exploring Ragusa Ibla, adorned with architectural treasures including the Duomo di San Giorgio. The city of Ragusa is divided into two large districts: Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla of which the latter sits high on the hilltop, home to ruins of the old city. Wander the original medieval streets and historic centre, home to more than 50 churches and baroque style mansions.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred from Ragusa Ibla to Noto, growing ever closer to the spectacular Sicilian coastline.

Overnight in Palazzo Landolina in Noto.

Meals included:Breakfast

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Noto is a Baroque beauty with much to offer its visitors. This sun-drenched corner of Sicily is home to the magnificent Church of San Domenico and the inspiring Fountain of Hercules. Enjoy an icy glass of granita or the famous ice cream as you amble along the cobbled streets with a new treasure discovered around every corner.

Later in the day, we have arranged a wine tasting for you in a local enoteca with a sommelier. This includes 4 wines paired with 4 tasty Sicilian tapas.

Overnight in Palazzo Landolina.

Meals included:Breakfast

Spend the morning exploring more of Noto before you’re transferred to your next Sicilian destination – Syracuse. Your base is the small island of Ortigia, located in the historical centre of Syracuse. The old town of Ortigia is a labyrinth of charming medieval streets packed with over 2,500 years of history. The wider area of Syracuse is home to the spectacular Greek Theatre, the popular archaeological park and the mythological Ear of Dionysios, a cave with a peculiar shape resembling an ear with fantastic acoustics – the story goes that Dionysius used this cave to listen to the cries of his prisoners!

Overnight Hotel Gran Bretagna 3*, Syracuse.

Meals included:Breakfast

On the island of Ortigia, we recommend visiting the Temple of Apollo dating back to the 6th century, the Piazza Archimede and the Fountain of Diana, the Roman goddess. The Piazza Duomo is dominated by the fascinating Cathedral of Syracuse, built around the ancient Temple of Athena. Ortigia plays host to an incredible market where you’ll be greeted with a feast of colours, scents, and authentic flavours of the island.

We have also arranged a morning boat tour from Ortigia Island (approx. 1hr) to see the beautiful coastline from a different perspective.

Overnight Hotel Gran Bretagna 3*, Syracuse.

Meals included:Breakfast

Take some more time in Syracuse or head over to Taormina in the morning on our included transfer. Spectacularly perched on the side of the mountain, Taormina is an unmissable destination on Sicily. Your hotel is centrally located in the heart of the town, making it very easy to explore the pedestrianised centre.

Make your way to one of the best viewpoints in Taormina, the Piazza IX Aprile home to a huge panoramic terrace overlooking the bay below and Mount Etna in the distance. Perhaps the most famous monument of Taormina is its Greek theatre dating from the 3rd century, yet remarkably well preserved. Another treasure is the tiny island of Isola Bella which is well within walking distance. Here, you’ll find beautiful coves and beaches where you can enjoy boat tours, kayaking and snorkelling should you wish.

Alternatively, catch the local bus up to the small village of Castelmola, famous for its ruined medieval castle and home to some of the best viewpoints of the valley and across Etna. The local speciality of the village is almond wine should you wish to try some.

Overnight Hotel Isabella 3*, Taormina.

Meals included:Breakfast

What better way to end your trip to Sicily than venturing onto Mount Etna. It’s the highest Mediterranean island mountain and the most active stratovolcano in the world. We have included a guided group tour of Mount Etna, where we explore the volcano’s diverse and accessible range of features such as craters, lava flows and caves with an expert guide. The tour comprises of a short walk (2 hours) and lunch as well as transfers to/from your hotel in Taormina are included.

Overnight Hotel Isabella 3*, Taormina.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Call us on 1 844 462 4317

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Accommodation

Hotels

Our accommodation is small 3*-4* and all individually charming. In Ragusa, stay in the small and intimate Hotel Barocca, in the heart of historic Ragusa Ibla, while in Noto, Palazzo Landolina boasts lovely period rooms within an ancient noble palace. In Siracuse, your comfortable 3* accommodation is in the centre of Ortigia and you are just steps away from the Greek-Roman theatre at your 3* hotel in the pedestrianised centre of Taormina.

Essential Information

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.

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