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
We were bike fitted with very comfortable bikes which we enjoyed riding. The GPS was excellent although we did misplace ourselves now and then. The rides went through very beautiful Tuscan country and lovely villages. My favourite was Lucca. Thanks for providing great equipment we enjoyed this week of our holiday in Italy.
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
From the Baroque splendour of Lecce, to the unique 'trulli' style houses of Alberobello and the cave houses (Sassi) in neighbouring Matera, this self-guided walking trip allows you to discover the beauty of the region at your own relaxed pace. There is plenty of time to appreciate the magnificent coastline and trulli strewn landscapes, and to spend lingering afternoons savouring the traditional cuisine.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Matera, Lecce, Otranto, Ostuni
Matera, Lecce, Otranto, Ostuni, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Gravina
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
This is not just a cycling holiday it is an immersion into local Tuscan life, from wine and oil sampling to hot thermal spa baths and the chance to taste local wines and olive oils. Sample the Vino Nobile of Monepulciano, rich Pecorino cheese in Pienza or take a bath in Roman Bagno Vignoni.
Get ready for the magic of Christmas on this pre-holiday cruise in Italy and Sicily Naples has historical monuments and archaeological sites, while the Aeolian Islands are in a league of their own. This romantic cruise includes visits to the ancient theater in Taormina, with Mount Etna as the backdrop, Calabria "the toe of the boot" and the Amalfi Coast. And we can't forget the legendary Isle of Capri with its panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples. Italian Christmas traditions are in the spotlight on this cruise! Discover the famous Neapolitan nativity art and magnificent scenes exposed in small boutiques and workshops in the city's older neighborhoods. Each hand-crafted figure is one-of-a-kind. Christmas charm reigns in the shops all year round.
Journey through Trani's seaside charm, the spiritual heights of Monte Sant'Angelo, and the sanctity of San Giovanni Rotondo. Explore the coastal beauty of Vieste, and immerse yourself in the historical allure of Barletta and the vibrant city life of Bari. Unearth the secrets of the Castellana Caves, wander among the iconic trulli houses in Alberobello, and experience the timeless charm of Ostuni. Admire the baroque elegance of Lecce, explore the historical richness of Otranto, and marvel at the ancient wonders of Matera
The overall experience was a lot of fun. We were busy the entire time, and with the great organization managed to see a whole lot of Northern Italy within such a small amount of time. We were very nicely taken care of by our CEO. She was extremely responsive and helpful when any questions came her way, and she absolutely loved when people asked questions about Italy and it's storied history. Great trip!
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
Dreamy beaches, inspiring architecture and ancient wonders come together on an eight-day Premium adventure through Italy’s Puglia region. Understated and unbelievably beautiful, this lesser-visited corner of Italy delivers in historical, cultural and natural sights. Begin in the coastal town of Bari, admire unusual trulli buildings in Alberobello, stay in a former palace in Nardo, explore ancient sassi homes in Matera and discover the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. With a local leader by your side and expert guides joining you along the way, you’ll really get a kick out of this adventure.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
