My frst trip with Explore and it didn’t disappoint. Massimo our guide was very good and all the events were excellent. I particularly loved the farm visit to see Mozzarella being made and the olive oil & wine tasting. I also loved the walks! The accomodation was ok but not always comfortable and I personally would have liked just a bit more time between activities as it seemed very rushed! I will certainly look at booking Explore again in the future!
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Short on time, but keen on Italy? This 8-day tour is everything you need; see Rome and Florence on foot with passionate local guides, explore Venice at your own pace on a free day, and marvel at the rolling hills of the Italian countryside and Tuscany’s beautiful Renaissance architecture. Experience Bologna, Siena and FlorenceTerre. From the Colosseum to the Venetian canals, we tick all those must-have boxes. In between, sip Italian wines, dine like the locals and live la bella vita. Bellissima!You can combine this itinerary with a tour of southern Italy.
Sicily and Eolic Islands invites mature travelers to discover the wonders of Palermo, Agrigento, Taormina, and Milazzo over 8 relaxed days. This guided city sightseeing tour provides all the comforts—accommodation, transport, and meals—so you can focus on sampling local delicacies and admiring ancient sites. For those seeking a serene Mediterranean getaway, the tour’s unique appeal lies in its combination of Sicily’s history with the tranquil beauty of the Eolic Islands.
The tour was expensive and we were in a mediocre hotel with flaky internet.
But the tour leader was exceptional in all areas. Her presentations were faultless, her interest beyond compare and nothing was ever too much trouble for her. An excellent part of the holiday
Would l travel with Explore again? Probably not they're too expensive. Without Lara's input l'd be asking for a refund.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Catania, Giardini Naxos, Mount E
Catania, Giardini Naxos, Mount Etna, Lipari, Taormina, Syracusa
About This Trip
On this unforgettable self-drive tour through the heart of Sicily witness the architectural wonders, ancient temples, charming villages, stunning beaches and create an unparalleled experience. Start in Palermo and admire its historical charm. Admire the Palermo Cathedral and immerse yourself in the vibrant street life. Then visit Monreale to marvel at the intricate mosaics adorning its cathedral. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Mondello Beach. Journey to Marsala Stagnone to witness the captivating salt pans. Continue to Erice, perched atop Monte San Giuliano and admire its medieval allure. Explore the archaeological site of Segesta, where the Doric temple stands as a testament to ancient history. Continue to Agrigento to witness the grandeur of the Valley of the Temples. Discover the Baroque beauty of Ragusa, wandering through its streets adorned with churches and palaces. Continuing to Modica and Noto, each boasting unique architectural marvels. Embark on an adventure to Mount Etna, the active volcano surrounded by diverse landscapes within Etna Park. Stroll through Taormina's charming streets, admiring Palazzo Corvaja and the Greco-Roman theatre. Conclude your journey in Palermo, soaking in its energetic ambiance and Baroque splendor. Perfect for those seeking immersive Italy vacations, this day-to-day self-drive itinerary offers a rich and varied experience, showcasing the historical, cultural, and natural treasures of each destination in Sicily.
Self-drive or vehicle rental
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Embark on an extraordinary self-drive tour and immerse yourself in the captivating wonders of Sicily. Your journey begins in Catania, where the fiery majesty of Mount Etna beckons. Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of Europe's most active volcano, a true marvel of nature. Move on to Taormina, where ancient ruins meet breathtaking views of the Azure Ionian Sea. Delight in the charm of the ancient Greco-Roman Theater, a testament to Sicily's grand past. Syracuse awaits, a living museum boasting well-preserved Greek ruins and the quaint allure of Ortigia Island. The Baroque towns of Ragusa, Modica, and Noto will enchant you with their architectural splendor and tantalizing culinary delights. Journey to Agrigento and stand in awe before the legendary Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, Palermo unfolds, revealing its architectural marvels and the breathtaking mosaics of Monreale Cathedral. Venture further to uncover the ancient secrets of Segesta's Greek temple and surrender to the serenity of San Vito Lo Capo's sun-kissed beaches and Scopello's coastal charm. Among many popular tours of Italy, Sicily is one of the highlights because its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and warm hospitality create an unparalleled experience, leaving your heart forever entwined with this magical island.
Self-drive or vehicle rental
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Palermo, Catania, Taormina, Syra
Palermo, Catania, Taormina, Syracuse, Noto, Agrigento, Monreale, Sicily
Sicily was absolutely stunning! The food, the history, and the warm hospitality made this one of our favorite trips ever. Taormina and Palermo were just magical!
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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?). From the volcanic valleys of Mt Etna to the timeworn streets of Syracuse and the Baroque wonders Ragusa, get ready to discover the varied sides of Sicily. Take a step back in time as you explore the ruins of the Valley of the Temples and learn of the rich anti-Mafia history in Palermo. Eat good food, drink local wines and learn about the region with a handy local by your side – there's a reason everybody loves Italy!
Art and architecture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
PRIVATE TOUR: Uncover the main highlights of central Italy on this private tour, travelling between Rome, Florence and Venice by train. Enjoy guided sightseeing in all three cities, visiting highlights such as the Vatican City, Colosseum, Galleria dell'Accademia and St Mark's Basilica. Enjoy an included gondola ride in Venice, taste regional wine in the Chianti region and enjoy lots of free time too, in which to explore at leisure.
From Rome to Palermo, the Beautiful of Puglia, Campania and Sicily tour offers seniors an 8-day journey through southern Italy’s most captivating regions. This group sightseeing trip covers Palermo, Salerno, and four additional locales, balancing cultural discovery with comfort and ease. Accommodations, meals, and transport are all included, letting you sit back and savor each destination’s unique flavor. The USP is the thoughtfully curated route, which showcases both Puglia’s rustic charm and Sicily’s storied landscapes in one convenient tour package.
I had an amazing time on this 9-day Italy trip! The itinerary was very well organized, covering so many highlights — from Rome’s Colosseum to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Positano, Sorrento, and Capri. It’s definitely an active trip with lots of walking, but such a great way to see and experience so much in a short time. The hotels were functional and well located, with the last one in Sorrento being especially beautiful with its sea views.
The absolute highlight, though, was our tour guide, Alessia. She went above and beyond every single day — knowledgeable, organized, enthusiastic, and always available if anyone needed something. You could tell she truly cared about making sure everyone had the best experience. The group itself was great, and thanks to Alessia, everything felt seamless and fun.
Highly recommend this trip if you want to see the highlights of Italy with a fantastic guide leading the way!
Experience the essence of Campania on a journey that unfolds the treasures of this mesmerizing Italian region. From the glamorous island of Capri to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the lemon-scented streets of Sorrento, the bustling city of Naples, the cliffside charm of Positano, the historical allure of Amalfi, the archaeological marvels of Paestum, and the grandeur of the Palace of Caserta – each destination promises a unique blend of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. This adventure is a celebration of Campania's diverse beauty and rich heritage
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.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Catania, Noto, Island Of Ortigia
Catania, Noto, Island Of Ortigia, Taormina, Mount Etna
