16 Days | Discover the secrets of Italy’s vibrant south on a journey through Calabria and Sicily.
From the pristine waters and the stalwart fortifications of Tropea, all the way to the smoke gently floating from the volcanoes of the Aeolian Islands – Calabria is a hidden gem for those who stray off Italy’s beaten path. Discover this less-visited part of the country before delving into the spectacular sights of bustling Sicily, volcanic valleys of Mt. Etna, timeworn streets of Syracuse, the Baroque wonders of Ragusa and rich anti-mafia history of Palermo. Starring dramatic cliffside villages, clear waters and delicious seafood, this is a chance to experience the highlights of southern Italy.
Trip overview
- Start
- Naples, Italy
- Finish
- Palermo, Italy
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Italy
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- ZMSKC
- Get up close and personal with the active volcanoes scattered across the Aeolian Islands and perhaps take a dip in one of the sulphur springs
- Surrounded by dramatic valleys and craters set in a lunar-like landscape, towering Mt. Etna is one of the greatest natural beauties of the Mediterranean, and Europe’s largest active volcano
- Search crumbling Greek and Roman ruins in the charming seaside town of Taormina
- Encounter the crumbling facades of Syracuse and unearth hundreds of years of Greco-Roman history
- Due to the terrain the means of transportation on this trip is a mix of local trains, private vehicles and public buses. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. Trains are comfortable and all have toilets, however can often be quite busy, especially in peak summer season. Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information.
- Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Many hotel rooms in Europe are not equipped with air-conditioning, and the cooling system on local trains can be broken on a regular basis. Note also that during peak holiday season beaches can be quite busy. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
- Hotel rooms in Europe can seem rather small by American or Australian standards and often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. Please also note that often hotels offer shared bathrooms rather than en-suite facilities.
- On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
- If you have more time to explore the region you can extend your trip and see more of Italy by starting your travels in Rome. Check out our trip 'Rome to Sicily' (trip code ZMSFC). Most departure dates are designed to create this perfect combination trip.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
Inclusions
14 breakfasts
Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Ferry
Hotel (13 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights)
- Civita - Nature based hike
- Tropea - Stromboli by Night
- Reggio Calabria - Archaeological Museum
- Messina - traditional boat sailing
- Taormina - Day Trip
- Mt Etna - Day Trip
- Siracusa - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Noto & Ragusa - Day Trip
- Agrigento - Guided visit Valley of the Temples
- Erice - local sweets tasting
- Palermo - Anti-Mafia Movement Tour
- Reggio Calabria - Aragonese Castle - EUR5
- Taormina - Greek Theatre - EUR10
- Siracusa - Castello Maniace - EUR4
- Siracusa - Cathedral - EUR2
- Siracusa - Archaeological Museum - EUR14
- Siracusa - Neapolis Archaeological Park - EUR13
- Monreale - Cathedral & Cloister - EUR13
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding Days 2,3 (Guesthouse). Availability is limited due to small properties we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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