Italy: Highlights of Sicily

Explore the heart of the Mediterranean on this Sicilian adventure

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!

Trip code: ZMSL

Start: Catania, Italy

End: Palermo, Italy


Duration
8 days
Group size
1 to 12
Minimum age
15 years old
Style

Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders

Original
Theme

Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.

Explorer
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


From
USD $2,344

Why you'll love this trip

  • Drive up towering Mt. Etna – one of the greatest natural beauties of the Mediterranean and Europe’s largest active volcano – and walk into an extinct crater.
  • Be swept away by Sicilian charm as you explore the backstreets and cobblestone alleys in the timeless old town of Syracuse, Noto and Ragusa.
  • Take a step back in time with a guided tour of Temple of the Valleys, which brings to life the full glory of ancient Greece and its myths, legends, gods and goddesses.
  • Join a special tour that showcases the anti-Mafia movement in Palermo, visiting sites and talking to people who played an important part in the turbulent history of the city.
  • Enjoy a perfect balance of free time and included activities for you to make your own discoveries, with your professional local leader helping you make the most of it.
This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026

Itinerary

Map of Italy: Highlights Of Sicily including Italy

Inclusions and activities

Destinations
Italy
Meals

7 breakfasts

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Included activities
  • 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

Optional activities
  • Siracusa - Castello Maniace - EUR5
  • Siracusa - Cathedral - EUR2
  • Siracusa - Archaeological Museum - EUR14
  • Siracusa - Neapolis Archaeological Park - EUR17
  • Monreale - Cathedral & Cloister - EUR13

This trip generates 17 kg of CO2-e per person per day

We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.

Is this trip right for you?

  • 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.
  • 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 15 kg (33 lb). 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 for daytrips.
  • 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.
  • 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 15 kg (33 lb). 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 for daytrips.

Dates and prices

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip. Availability is limited due to small properties we use. Please speak to your agent for further information.

Essential Trip 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.

Reviews

4.8 . 43 reviews
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Jane
Traveled July 2025
Michael
Traveled June 2025
Robert
Traveled June 2025
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Traveled June 2025
Gillian
Traveled June 2025
Italy: Highlights of Sicily
From
USD $2,344