Overview
Read 2 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 14 Day Highlights of Sicily. Did you wish upon a star? Because this two-week adventure through Sicily’s north and south coasts is absolutely a dream come true. You’ll stroll through the seaside city of Cefalù, get immersed in the postcard-worthy scenery of the Aeolian Islands, and spot breathtaking volcanoes along the way. But oh no, the fun doesn’t stop here. You’ll then continue further south for a Sicilian cooking class, storied medieval villages, sunny seaside towns, and non-stop Italian history and culture. If this sounds like read more the Sicilian adventure you’ve always dreamed of, well, you’re 100% right.
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US$3,159 per person
Price shown based on twin share
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Trip Length
14 Days
Trip Starts
Palermo
Trip Ends
Palermo
Departures
Jun 2026 to Oct 2027
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
2 Trip Reviews
Avg. Rating: 4/5
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
EIHS
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. Tonight, meet your CEO and fellow travellers at the welcome meeting, then opt to head out for dinner and enjoy your first Sicilian meal.
Accommodation:
B&B Palermo Quattro Canti
Included Experiences
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Head out for an orientation walk of Palermo's historic city centre. Continue to Cefalú, often cited as one of Italy's most beautiful townships, and stroll through cobbled streets to a picturesque cove by the beach. With free time, observe local fisherman working on their boats, visit the 12th century Duomo di Cefalú, opt to enjoy an aperitivo with incredible views, or simply wander around this postcard-pretty town which director Giuseppe Tornatore chose to set parts of his much-loved film Cinema Paradiso.
Accommodation:
B&B Palermo Quattro Canti
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Palermo Orientation Walk: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO along the squares and the streets of Palermo, this city has been the crossroad of so many civilizations from Phoenicians to Byzantines, from Arabs to Normans and Spaniards. Walk around to see baroque and gothic façades, neoclassical theatres as Teatro Massimo, the biggest in Italy and one of the largest of Europe, very unusual squares as Quattro Canti, and the majestic Palermo Cathedral.
- Free Time: There's lots to see and do in this beautiful Sicilian town.
Optional Experiences
- Palermo food tour: There’s no better way to connect with a new city than by exploring the local food scene, so dive into Palermo with this street food and market tour. Set off on foot from Central Station and whet your palate with several popular street food options as you amble through Corso Vittorio Emanuele, toward towards Piazza Pretoria and its fabulous fountain. Explore Palermo as it is meant to be seen, off the beaten path. You’ll leave with a full belly and a greater understanding of what makes Palermo so special.
- Cefalù Beach Visit: Cefalù's crescent-shaped beach is one of the most popular along the whole Sicilian coast. Enjoy a quick dip in the waters, or simply lounge on the beach.
- Salita Saraceni Visit: The Salita Saraceni is an enormous staircase that winds up through three tiers of city walls. Spend 30 to 45 minutes heading up to the summit of La Rocca - from here, you'll have wonderful views of the town below.
- Duomo di Cefalù: Have an aperitivo in Piazza Duomo and visit Cefalù's cathedral, one of the jewels in Sicily's Arab-Norman crown. Opt to climb the towers themselves for great views of the area.
Travel to the Aeolian Islands, a small archipelago of volcanic lands known as "the pearls of Italy" for their intriguing natural formations. Named after Aeolus, the god of the winds, spend the next few days exploring pockets of this coastal paradise. Take a car and ferry to reach Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore. Opt to visit a local beach, or take another short ferry to see Vulcano's active crater.
Accommodation:
Hotel Oriente Lipari
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
- Free Time: Explore the beautiful island of Lipari with a free afternoon.
Optional Experiences
- Town Centre Visit: One of Lipari's great pleasures is simply going for a passeggiate (afternoon stroll) around the island's streets, taking in its laid-back atmosphere. Head to Corso Vittorio Emanuele - the liveliest street in town - and visit one of its many inviting bars, cafes and restaurants.
- Spiaggia di Canneto Beach Visit: Head to the island's most popular swimming spot - the long, pebbly strip at Canneto - and spend a day on the beach like a local.
- Ferry to Vulcano Island: Take a 10 min ferry ride to nearby Vulcano, a small volcanic island, visited since ancient Roman times. Opt to take an hour-long crater hike.
Enjoy a free morning in Lipari. Later, head out for an excursion to explore the beautiful islands of Panarea and Stromboli by boat. Swim in the turquoise waters of Cala Junco, stroll through Panarea's scenic whitewashed village, and explore the town of Stromboli before taking an unforgettable sunset cruise. In the night breeze of the open sea, witness active Mount Stromboli's spectacular eruptions.
Accommodation:
Hotel Oriente Lipari
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Take the morning to relax or leisurely wander through town.
- Panarea & Stromboli Islands Boat Excursion: Set sail for a journey through the stunning Aeolian Islands, stopping at Panarea and Stromboli. On Panarea, visit Cala Junco beach and wander through the village, then see Basiluzzo - the smallest of the Aeolian Islands. Continue to Stromboli and enjoy free time to explore local shops in town. As sunset approaches, cruise back to the islet of Stombolicchio to arrive, just as it starts to get dark, under the Scara del Fuoco - considered the best spot for viewing Mount Stromboli's eruptions. This is the last stop and for many, the most awaited. (Please note: this activity begins at 2pm and ends at 10pm. We recommend bringing a sweater as the evening breeze gets chilly aboard the boat!)
Say goodbye to the Aeolian Islands and ferry back to the mainland, then continue to Taormina, one of Sicily's most visited destinations. After a short orientation walk, enjoy free time to visit the stunning Teatro Greco, an ancient Roman amphitheatre with commanding views of Mount Etna. Travel onwards to Catania for the evening.
Accommodation:
Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
- Taormina Orientation Walk: Join your CEO for a brief introduction to this beautifully situated hilltop town, once part of the "Grand Tour" many affluent Europeans took in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Optional Experiences
- Catania Orientation Walk: Head out with your CEO for an introduction to this elegant and lively city.
- Teatro Greco Taormina: Built in the 3rd century BC and still in use today, Teatro Greco is one of the most dramatically situated Greek theatres in the world.
- Corso Umberto I Visit: Taormina's chief delight is wandering this pedestrian-friendly, boutique-lined thoroughfare.
- Villa Comunale Gardens: Created by Englishwoman Florence Trevelyan in the late 19th century, these beautiful public gardens offer breathtaking views of the coast and Mt Etna.
Enjoy a CEO led orientation walk to get your bearings in Catania. Afterwards, you'll have free time to continue exploring this town and all of its museums and historic attractions. Maybe visit La Pescheria market or walk the Via Etnea.
Accommodation:
Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- CEO Led Orientation Walk: Your CEO will take you around Catania so you can get your bearings and see some of the city's main sites. Full of heritage and culture there's no shortage of interesting structures and museums to see. Best part? If something catches your eye, there will plenty of opportunity for you to go and see it on your own during your free time after this walk.
- Free Time: Enjoy a full free day to explore.
Optional Experiences
- Catania Food Tour: Head out on the town with a local expert, discovering the culinary delights of Catania’s vibrant food scene. Stroll through picturesque alleyways and marvel at the iconic landmarks while sampling classic treats like arancini, cannoli, fried fish, and flavourful cipollina. You’re sure to be captivated by the colours, aromas, and lively energy found in the historic Pescheria Market, as your guide uncovers Catania’s rich, local history. This is, quite possibly, the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
- Mt. Etna Excursion & Wine Tasting Tour: Take a guided tour of Mount Etna and learn about the history of this ancient volcano from local naturalist guides. Walk through old growth forests, unique lava formations, and a volcanic cave (weather permitting). After, continue to a vineyard and enjoy a late lunch of cheeses, salami, olives and bread, paired with excellent local wines.
- La Pescheria Visit: Catania's raucous fish market, which takes over the streets behind Piazza del Duomo every weekday morning, is pure street theatre. Open from 7am-2pm.
- Piazza del Duomo: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Catania's central piazza is a set piece of contrasting lava and limestone, surrounded by buildings in the unique local baroque style and crowned by the grand Cattedrale di Sant'Agata.
- Via Etnea Walk: Stroll through Catania's main shopping street, which runs straight from Piazza del Duomo to the foothills below Etna. Visit the Giardino Bellini gardens and watch local unfold.
Spend another whole free day in Catania. Choose to visit Mt. Etna, Catania's cathedral located in the centre of the old town, or the Piazza Del Duomo just near the port area in the heart of the city. Later in day perhaps head out with the group for a delicious Sicilian meal.
Accommodation:
Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Spend a free day in the second largest city on the Italian island of Sicily. Catania also happens to be an important economic hub for the country. Located on the eastern coast, directly between Pachino in the south and Messina in the north. This city maintains a huge amount of its heritage and culture within its museums like the Basilica Sant’Agata and the Museo Civici. Catania is also in close proximity to the legendary Mount Eta there are plenty of opportunities for day trips an outdoor excursions.
Optional Experiences
- Via Etnea Walk: Stroll through Catania's main shopping street, which runs straight from Piazza del Duomo to the foothills below Etna. Visit the Giardino Bellini gardens and watch local unfold.
- Mt. Etna Excursion & Wine Tasting Tour: Take a guided tour of Mount Etna and learn about the history of this ancient volcano from local naturalist guides. Walk through old growth forests, unique lava formations, and a volcanic cave (weather permitting). After, continue to a vineyard and enjoy a late lunch of cheeses, salami, olives and bread, paired with excellent local wines.
- La Pescheria Visit: Catania's raucous fish market, which takes over the streets behind Piazza del Duomo every weekday morning, is pure street theatre. Open from 7am-2pm.
- Piazza del Duomo: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Catania's central piazza is a set piece of contrasting lava and limestone, surrounded by buildings in the unique local baroque style and crowned by the grand Cattedrale di Sant'Agata.
Travel to Syracuse, an enchanting city by the Ionian Sea that was once at the centre of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Take a cooking class on arrival and learn how to make Arancini — an iconic Sicilian specialty — to enjoy as a light lunch! Later, explore the old town's baroque piazzas and medieval side streets with a CEO-led orientation walk.
Accommodation:
Hotel Gran Bretagna Siracusa
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
- Arancini Cooking Class: Learn how to prepare a delicious snack enjoyed beyond the borders of Sicily: deep-fried arancini, a ball of creamy risotto rice typically filled with a savoury cheese or meat filling.
Enjoy a full free day in Syracuse. Opt to visit the impressive Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, or travel to nearby Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage listed city renowned for its baroque architecture built with a unique golden limestone.
Accommodation:
Hotel Gran Bretagna Siracusa
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: There's lots to see and do. Get out and explore!
Optional Experiences
- Noto Visit: Take a local bus to Noto, about an hour southwest of Syracuse. Home to one of Sicily's most beautiful historic centres, stroll through the Arco di Trionfo to reach Corso Vittorio Emanuele and visit the majestic 18th century Noto Cathedral.
- Parco Archeologico della Neapolis Visit: Uncover the city's ancient past at the Parco Archeologico della Neapoli, home to Syracuse's sprawling Teatro Greco. First constructed in the 5th century BC, today visitors can wander the grounds and imagine what 2nd century gladiator combats and horse races at the Anfiteatro Romano may have looked like.
Travel to the baroque city of Ragusa before heading to the medieval hilltop town of Piazza Armerina. Visit the world's most varied collection of Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale. Known for their incredibly well-preserved state "in situ", or in their original location, observe ancient scenes of hunting, fishing and athletics depicted beautifully in mosaic tile. Continue to Agrigento.
Accommodation:
Colleverde Park Hotel
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Ragusa Visit: Enjoy some free time to explore the alleyways and the squares of this hilltop city, rich with baroque architecture.
- Villa Romana del Casale Visit: Admire the finest Roman floor mosaics in existence at Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 4th century, the villa's exquisitely preserved mosaics and frescoes are outstanding examples of early Roman art. To get even more out of your visit to the luxury countryside villa, opt to upgrade to a guided tour.
Take a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily's best-known attractions. Learn the history of this magnificent site as you explore the ruins of its seven temples, nestled on a ridge below Agrigento. Continue to Trapani, stopping en route in Marsala to see some of Europe's oldest salt marshes.
Accommodation:
B&B Hotel Trapani Crystal
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Valley of the Temples Guided Tour: Regarded as the best example of ancient Hellenic architecture in Sicily, the Valley of the Temples' oldest structures date back to the 5th century. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Concordia, with its majestic columns, and learn about the site's history from a local guide.
- Marsala Salt Marshes: Visit some of Europe's oldest traditional salt marshes, where sea salt is still harvested in the same way it's been for hundreds of years.
Enjoy a free day to explore the charms of Trapani and its nearby towns. Opt to cruise the idyllic Egadi Islands, spend the day hiking at a nature reserve filled with local flora and fauna, or hop on a funicular to explore the walled town of Erice.
Accommodation:
B&B Hotel Trapani Crystal
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Take the day to explore Trapani at your leisure.
Optional Experiences
- Egadi Islands Excursion (Full-Day): The crystal-clear seas off western Sicily are home to the idyllic Aegadian islands of Favignana and Levanzo. Cruise through the coastal waters and drop anchor in beautiful spots around the islands. (50-75 EUR per person)
- Erice Excursion (Half-Day): Head to the medieval hilltop town of Erice, a walled 12th century village perched high above the sea. Take a cable car from Trapani's city centre to reach Erice and spend a few hours wandering its picturesque streets.
- Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro Excursion (Full-Day): Visit the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, Sicily's first nature reserve located about an hour from Trapani. Perfect for nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, spend the day hiking on spectacular trails that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. (50-70 EUR per person)
Travel to Monreale to visit the 11th century Monreale Cathedral, intricately decorated with thousands of gold mosaic tiles. Admire panoramic views of the Conca d'Oro (Golden Valley) and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Continue to Palermo and enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk upon arrival.
Accommodation:
B&B Palermo Quattro Canti
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Monreale Cathedral Visit: Visit the World Heritage–listed Cattedrale di Monreale, or Monreale Cathedral, considered one of Europe's greatest examples of Norman architecture with a heavy Moorish and Byzantine influence.
- Palermo Orientation Walk: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO along the squares and the streets of Palermo, this city has been the crossroad of so many civilizations from Phoenicians to Byzantines, from Arabs to Normans and Spaniards. Walk around to see baroque and gothic façades, neoclassical theatres as Teatro Massimo, the biggest in Italy and one of the largest of Europe, very unusual squares as Quattro Canti, and the majestic Palermo Cathedral.
Depart at any time.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Optional Experiences
- Palermo food tour: There’s no better way to connect with a new city than by exploring the local food scene, so dive into Palermo with this street food and market tour. Set off on foot from Central Station and whet your palate with several popular street food options as you amble through Corso Vittorio Emanuele, toward towards Piazza Pretoria and its fabulous fountain. Explore Palermo as it is meant to be seen, off the beaten path. You’ll leave with a full belly and a greater understanding of what makes Palermo so special.
Trip Inclusions
- Soak up Sicilian culture in Cefalù.
- Cruise the Aeolian Islands.
- Watch the Stromboli volcano erupt aboard a sunset boat tour.
- Take a cooking class and learn how to make iconic Sicilian dishes.
- Wander the narrow streets of Ortigia.
- Admire one of the most well-preserved multicoloured floor mosaics from Roman times.
- Visit the cathedral in Monreale and witness the finest example of Norman architecture in Sicily.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Hands-On Moment: Arancini Cooking Class, Syracuse
- Orientation walks in Palermo, Taormina, Catania and Syracuse
- Panarea & Stromboli Islands Boat Excursion
- Visit to Ragusa
- Villa Romana del Casale Visit
- Valley of the Temples Guided Tour
- Monreale Cathedral Visit
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private vehicle, ferry, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- Local guide at the Valley of Temples
- Hotels (13 Nights)
- On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
- Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
- 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Trip Reviews (2)
Highlights of Sicily October 2023 2
Rhonda and Dennis, VIC, Australia, Oct 2023
Our CEO was very personable and friendly and it was an interesting mixed group. Most were quite experienced travelers. There was a wide age range from a range of mostly English speaking countries. Everyone was very pleasant and showed up on time for activities. Lipari and Stromboli were highlights and good activities were arranged for these days. The read more visit to Taormina was too brief. The time spent in Catania with two free days was too long particularly if you did not do the Mt Etna excursion which was not suitable for all members. Syracuse was another highlight as was the Roman villa at Piazza Armerina and the provision of a guide was appreciated. Most of the group found the visit to the Marsala salt marshes uninspiring. Our main concerns were that we were given very little guidance as to what was available in the town for the days that were free and the introductory walks and information was rushed and fairly minimal. The times available at each stop and departure times could have been communicated more efficiently. I suggest handouts or provision of links for each of the towns in which we stayed so that we had the key addresses for self guided walks and visits and suggestions for places to eat.
Sicily has much to offer! Natural beauty, excellent seafood, beautiful towns/cities and natural wonders, like Mt Etna and Stromboli. This was a fabulous 2 week tour of Sicily. There were many highlights, some of which are visiting Mt Stromboli and Mt Etna, visiting Taormina, Erice and Palermo, the Valley of the Temples and the Arincini cooking class. read more The one little issue were the hotels, not all of them were great and many were not centrally located. This often added expense as you needed a taxi to get into town to enjoy the free time.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Sunday
03 May 2026
03 May 26
Palermo
Saturday
16 May 2026
16 May 26
Palermo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,519
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Wednesday
06 May 2026
06 May 26
Palermo
Tuesday
19 May 2026
19 May 26
Palermo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,519
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday
10 May 2026
10 May 26
Palermo
Saturday
23 May 2026
23 May 26
Palermo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,519
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday
17 May 2026
17 May 26
Palermo
Saturday
30 May 2026
30 May 26
Palermo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,519
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Wednesday
20 May 2026
20 May 26
Palermo
Tuesday
02 Jun 2026
02 Jun 26
Palermo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,519
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday
24 May 2026
24 May 26
Palermo
Saturday
06 Jun 2026
06 Jun 26
Palermo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,519
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday
31 May 2026
31 May 26
Palermo
Saturday
13 Jun 2026
13 Jun 26
Palermo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,519
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
