Highlights of Sicily From Catania - 10 days Tour by On The Go Tours

10 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

40 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Starts

Catania, Italy

Ends

Taormina, Italy

Highlights

Syracuse - Discover ancient wonders at the Archaeological Park of Neapolis and stroll through the historic island of Ortigia

Modica - Indulge in a unique chocolate tasting infused with Sicilian flavours at the acclaimed Sabadì workshop

Agrigento - Marvel at majestic Doric temples in the Valley of the Temples, set among almond trees

Marsala - Tour historic Florio Cellars and taste Marsala wine beneath soaring 19th-century barrel vaults

Palermo - Explore diverse landmarks including the Martorana Church, Cappella Palatina and the grand Cathedral

Catania - Stroll black lava-stone streets and sample granita with brioche in the UNESCO-listed city centre

Mount Etna - Experience the volcanic landscapes of Crateri Silvestri and taste regional specialities on Europe’s highest volcano

Taormina - View Mount Etna from the ancient Greek Theatre and enjoy the town’s elegant medieval charm

Catania - Stroll black lava-stone streets and sample granita with brioche in the UNESCO-listed city centre

Mount Etna - Experience the volcanic landscapes of Crateri Silvestri and taste regional specialities on Europe’s highest volcano

Taormina - View Mount Etna from the ancient Greek Theatre and enjoy the town’s elegant medieval charm

Itinerary

Take in the best of Sicily from Catania on this 10-day group tour, beginning in the ancient city of Syracuse, exploring its archaeological wonders and enchanting island of Ortigia, followed by the Baroque highlights of Noto and Ragusa. Take in the rich cultural heritage of Palermo and Monreale, and indulge in the flavours of renowned chocolate in Modica and Marsala wine cellars. Conclude your tour with the breathtaking views from Mount Etna, the charming atmosphere of Taormina, and visits to the picturesque villages like Savoca, famed for its "Godfather" film connections.

day 1 - Catania

Arrive individually at your hotel in Catania. Private transfers can be arranged upon request. Enjoy dinner at your leisure, then settle in for the night at your hotel.

Please note: This is a multi-lingual tour, and guiding will be in Italian and Spanish as well as English. Please also note that very occasionally on this tour, you will stay in the coastal seaside village of Acitrezza, instead of Catania. Our Reservations team will be able to confirm where you will be staying on any given departure.

OverNight:Catania

day 2 - Syracuse, Noto & Ragusa

Catania - Syracuse - Noto - Ragusa. After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Syracuse, the most significant Greek colony in Sicily and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our visit begins at the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to the remarkable Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise, and the captivating Ear of Dionysius.

We then explore the enchanting island of Ortigia, the historical heart of Syracuse. Here, you'll admire the impressive Cathedral, which dominates the square with its commanding Sicilian Baroque façade - a transformation from its original Doric temple structure. From Piazza Duomo, we stop at a spacious terrace overlooking the waterfront, featuring the renowned Arethusa’s Fountain, a famous freshwater source from the Greek era. You have free time for lunch here.

In the afternoon, we travel to Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its exquisite 18th-century architecture, Noto is a striking example of the "open city" concept, with its sun-kissed local limestone buildings. The town's Baroque architecture showcases elegant curves, floral designs, and theatrical perspectives, with stunning facades on its churches and monasteries. We will visit the Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata, an extraordinary Baroque noble residence. Afterwards, you have free time to stroll through the charming streets.

Our day concludes with a transfer to Ragusa, where we will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Ragusa

day 3 - Ragusa

Ragusa - Modica - Piazza Armerina - Agrigento. Today, we begin with a visit to Ragusa Ibla, the cradle of Sicilian Baroque architecture. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a filming location for the popular TV series Inspector Montalbano, Ragusa Ibla is a charming ancient town boasting over 50 churches and numerous Baroque treasures. We will explore its stunning Cathedral in Dome Square and wander through the “Giardino Ibleo”, the oldest of Ragusa's four main gardens. At 383 metres above sea level, this garden offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.

Our tour continues to Modica, another UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in Baroque architecture. As we stroll through its quaint streets, we will stop at Sabadì, a renowned chocolate manufacturer. Here, you can enjoy a multisensory chocolate tasting, featuring unique Sicilian flavours like nepitella (wild mint), orange blossom honey, raw PGI-quality Sicilian lemon, and PGI-quality Sicilian red orange.

Afterwards, relax with some local delicacies in the shade of the spectacular Orti di San Giorgio, a collection of seven gardens amidst light and beauty, providing a stunning backdrop for our lunch.

We then head to Piazza Armerina to visit the extraordinary Villa Romana del Casale, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This grand villa, once owned by a member of the Roman Senatorial aristocracy, houses remarkable polychrome mosaics depicting mythological and historical scenes, as well as hunting and entertainment activities. Finally, we depart for Agrigento, where dinner and an overnight stay await us at the hotel.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Agrigento

day 4 - Valley of the Temples, Marsala & Palermo

Agrigento - Marsala - Palermo. This morning, we will explore Agrigento, home to the renowned Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once praised by Pindar as "the most beautiful city of mortals," Agrigento was among the wealthiest ancient Greek cities. We will marvel at its magnificent 5th-century Doric temples nestled among almond trees, including the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, and the Temple of Heracles.

Next, we journey to Marsala, a charming town famous for being the landing site of Garibaldi in May 1860. After a leisurely walk through the city centre, we will enjoy a guided tour of the Florio Cellars. We'll start at the striking giant vats from the late 19th century, still used to refine Marsala wine. The tour continues through the three impressive barrel chambers, each stretching 165 metres under a series of 104 arches, housing approximately 5.5 million litres of wine. After a fascinating thirty-minute tour of these historic cellars, we will reach the Donna Franca and Duca Enrico tasting rooms for a light lunch and a memorable wine tasting experience.

Our day continues along the famous Salt Road, between Trapani and Marsala. This area is renowned for its ancient salt-extracting industry, one of the oldest in the world, and is now protected for its rich birdlife and industrial heritage. We then transfer to Palermo, where we check into the hotel.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Palermo

day 5 - Exploring Monreale & Palermo

Palermo - Monreale - Palermo. After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Monreale, where we'll explore the impressive Norman Cathedral and its exquisite Arab-Norman cloister.

We then return to Palermo, set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Pellegrino and praised by Goethe for its beauty. Palermo features a unique blend of architectural styles, from Baroque to Art Nouveau. The city's eclectic charm also includes Punic walls, stately residences, and elegant 17th-century squares. Our tour will take us to the remarkable Cathedral, the Martorana Church, and the exquisite Cappella Palatina.

We will pause during the day for a typical local lunch. As we continue, you will have the opportunity to admire the renowned Teatro Massimo and the controversial Pretoria Fountain, adorned with 16th-century sculptures, situated in the historic Kalsa area. The evening is yours to explore at your leisure.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Palermo

day 6 - Cefalu & Catania

Palermo - Cefalu - Catania. After breakfast, we transfer to Cefalu, a captivating medieval town on Sicily's northern coast. We'll explore its remarkable Norman Cathedral, after which you have free time to wander the charming streets or visit the well-known Mandralisca Museum. We then stop for lunch at a renowned restaurant before heading back to Catania.

In Catania, we'll explore the historical city centre, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Distinctive for its Baroque architecture and streets crafted from black lava stone, the city centre's striking black and dark grey buildings are accented by limestone details, creating an elegant effect. Our walking tour starts at the scenic Duomo Square, home to the magnificent Cathedral and the famous "Liotru", a centuries-old lava-stone elephant and the city’s symbol.

From here, we proceed to University Square and stroll down the splendid Via dei Crociferi, a quintessential 18th-century Baroque street. We’ll admire the renowned S. Benedict Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. During our visit, we'll pause at a historic bar in the city centre to sample the traditional "granita & brioche". After the tour, the rest of today is at leisure.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Catania

day 7 - Etna & Taormina

Catania - Taormina. This morning, we visit Catania's famous pescheria, an ancient fish market. Our journey then takes us to Mount Etna, Europe's highest volcano at approximately 3,350 metres, and one of the most active in the world. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Etna's regional park spans 59,000 hectares and is home to unique geology, diverse flora and fauna, as well as traditional practices in forestry, beekeeping, wine making, and craftsmanship.

As we head to Rifugio Sapienza, prepare to be captivated by the stunning landscapes. We will explore the Crateri Silvestri, small, inactive volcanic cones surrounded by ancient lava flows. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views extending across Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, and Calabria - a truly unparalleled sight.

You'll have the opportunity to sample local homemade honey and other regional specialties before we enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

Our tour continues to Taormina, which offers an iconic view of Mount Etna. We will visit Taormina’s remarkable Greek theatre, where you can admire the panoramic vistas over Giardini Naxos Bay and Mount Etna. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the picturesque medieval streets, shop for local handicrafts like coral jewellery, delicate lace, ceramics, and pastries, or simply take in the charming atmosphere. We return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Taormina

day 8 - Sicilian Villages

Taormina - Castelmola - Savoca - Taormina. After breakfast, we set off for Castelmola, near Taormina, a charming village offering stunning views over the Ionian Sea. Officially recognised as one of Italy's most beautiful villages, it boasts narrow medieval lanes, quaint squares, and ancient churches. We will walk from the main square, Piazza Sant’Antonino, adorned with a mosaic of local white and lava stone, to the ruins of Castello di Mola, dating back to Greek-Byzantine times.

Our journey continues to Savoca, another of Italy's most beautiful villages, nestled atop a rocky hill. Savoca is a treasure trove of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque heritage. Here, you can explore the famous open-air set of Francis Ford Coppola’s "The Godfather". Wander through charming alleys, pausing at the renowned Bar Vitelli, where you might imagine iconic scenes involving Al Pacino’s character. We'll also visit the church of Santa Lucia, famously used for the film's wedding scene.

We return to Taormina for a leisurely afternoon at your own pace. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Taormina

day 9 - Taormina at Leisure

You'll have a free day to explore Taormina, famously described by Goethe as a "paradise on earth". You can wander through the Medieval village, visit its historical monuments, or shop for unique local handicrafts. Alternatively, you may choose to relax by the sea, soaking in the vibrant colours and scents of the Mediterranean vegetation.

We recommend a visit to Isola Bella, one of Sicily's most captivating beaches, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean". Its unique setting and lush blend of tropical and local flora make it a must-see. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Taormina

day 10 - Taormina

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before check-out. There's no included transfer, so you can make your own way to the airport or your next destination.

Meals:1 Breakfast

Highlights of Sicily From Catania - 10 days

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What's Included

Accommodation

9 nights 4-star hotels

Meals

9 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 5 dinners

Transport

Transportation in a deluxe bus

Guide

Escorted by a multi-lingual tour leader (Italian, English & Spanish) with the services of local guides for some sightseeing and audio guidesLatest generation audio guide which transmits the guide's voice up to 150 metres away

Others

Guided sightseeing in Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Piazza Armerina, Agrigento, Monreale, Palermo, Cefalu, Catania & Mount EtnaTastings of Italian products: visit to a chocolate manufacturer and tasting in Modica on day 3, visit to a wine cellar and tasting in Marsala on day 4, tasting of Sicilian “granita & brioche” in Catania on day 6 and visit to a honey company and honey tasting near Mount Etna on day 7Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go Tours

What's Excluded

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