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Map of Sicily's East Coast in Depth including Italy

Ancient histories between the sun-kissed coast and mighty Mt Etna

Experience the splendour of Sicily’s East Coast on a six-day Intrepid adventure covering its hotspots. Sip granitas overlooking the beaches of Taormina, climb high above the Ionian Sea on a private Mt Etna tour, travel by train to the ancient alleys of Siracusa (Syracuse) and be enlightened by a traditional way of swordfishing from two sisters in Messina. Basing yourself in Catania, and with a great balance struck between inclusions and free time, your Sicilian adventure covers all the important bits, at a pace that suits you. Sicily is laidback Italy – a match made in heaven, and the best combination while on holiday.

Start
Catania, Italy
Finish
Catania, Italy
Destination
Italy
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
ZLKS
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Many parts of Catania are a hive with activity, and none more so than its renowned fish market. Stroll through the bustle and chaos, stopping by some local street vendors for a fresh and tasty snack.

  • Experience the mighty Mt Etna up close and personal on a private tour to its summit area. You’ll travel by cable car and 4x4 Unimog, plus have the chance to head deep into a lava cave!

  • Join two sisters on their traditional felucca boat as you learn about a more traditional way of swordfish fishing in Messina. Part of a fish cooperative, these women will provide all the nautical know-how.

  • Take the train to the ancient town of Siracusa (Syracuse) and stroll the historic streets with your leader. You’ll also have the chance to see the cavea of Siracusa’s Greek Theatre in all its open-air splendour.

  • So much to see in Sicily calls for time to choose your own adventure. With plenty of free time included in Catania, Siracusa and Taormina, you’ll be seeing the things that matter to you.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Please ensure you consult your local government’s advice regarding travel prior to booking this trip.

  • Just as a heads up before you book: this trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

ZLKS - Italy - Sicily - Fish Stall in Catania
ZLKS - Street view of alley in Siracusa Old Town
ZLKS - Sicily - Couple Walking in alley, Siracusa
ZLKS - Scenic coastal view of Messina Italy
ZLKS - Woman standing in front of Mt Etna Volcano
ZLKS - Coastal view of Taormina Italy during sunset

Itinerary
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Benvenuto! Welcome to the atmospheric and lively city of Catania, on Sicily’s southeast coast. With no activities planned for today, you’re free to arrive at any time. Keep in mind that there’s a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers joining you on this adventure. Until then, perhaps go out and explore the wide roads and grand piazzas of the city. If you do have time, one of the fabled ‘Late Baroque’ towns – World Heritage-listed site Val di Noto – is definitely worth a visit. After your all-important briefing, why not get a group of you together and head to a trattoria in town – your leader will know of some delicious eateries.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Get exploring in Catania this morning with a guided city tour. You’ll pass some of the highlights of the city, and stop by the bustling fish market for a fresh snack to keep you going. Getting your bearings in a city like this is super important from the outset, so you’ll know where’s where, and what’s what. That’s lucky – because the rest of the day is yours to explore. You might want to retrace your steps or take up some of the recommendations your local guide mentioned on what to do around town. Better yet, you try some Sicilian food favourites as your stroll the city. Caponata, granita and cannoli all originated from here, so be sure to taste these and other local specialties.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Catania - Fish Market Visit & Snack
  • Catania - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

See that thing looming on the horizon to your northwest? That’s Mt Etna, and you’re going to get up close and personal with Europe’s largest active volcano today. Your group will reach up to 3000 metres above sea level as you climb to the summit area by cable car and a special 4x4 Unimog vehicle. Fingers crossed for a clear day, because from here – the ‘Torre del Filosofo’ area – you can often see the wondrous blue of the Ionian Sea. Take a short hike to one of the hot and smoking craters of Mt Etna, then return for a traditional Sicilian lunch nearby. Your private tour guide will explain to you the geology and history of the volcano, as well as equip you all with helmets and flashlights as you head deep into a volcano lava cave! After an exciting day exploring Sicily’s most famous natural feature, head back to Catania for a night at leisure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mt Etna - Cable Car & Truck to Mt Etna's Summit
  • Mt Etna - Day Trip with Vulcanological Guide
  • Mt Etna - Lava Caves Exploration
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

This morning, board a regional train to Siracusa (Syracuse), where you’ll have the day to explore the streets of this ancient city. On arrival, join your group leader for an orientation walk around the Old Town, passing crumbling facades, secret courtyards and a whole host of mythical stone creatures. During the day, you’ll also have the chance to visit Siracusa’s Greek Theatre – part of the Neopolis Archaeological Site. Stroll through the open-air cavea (auditorium), and admire all the ancient Roman-era architecture. Depending on how much time you’ve got free, perhaps book in on a boat trip around the island of Ortigia for another angle to view the walled-off cityscape. In the afternoon, board your private vehicle and return with your leader and travel crew to Catania.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Siracusa - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Siracusa - Day Trip by Local Train
  • Siracusa - Greek Theatre Archaeological Site Visit
Optional Activities
  • Siracusa - Neapolis Archaeological Park - EUR10
  • Siracusa - Castello Maniace - EUR4
  • Siracusa - Cathedral - EUR2
  • Siracusa - Archaeological Museum - EUR8
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Yesterday, you headed south along the Sicilian coast. Today, it’s time to head north! Transfer to Ganzirri – a fishing village closest to the Italian mainland – for a unique fishing experience. You’ll meet with two sisters who have founded a sustainable fish cooperative, and they will show you the ropes on a traditional way of catching the giants of the sea. Join them on their fishing boat and head out for a spot of coastal fishing. It’s definitely not the usual way to throw out a line, but is an ideal activity to learn the local trade and see some of the coastline along the way. Back on shore enjoy a delicious seafood lunch prepared by your hosts - it doesn’t get more fresh than that! Afterwards, continue to the popular coastal holiday spot of Taormina. Start things off with an orientation walk – noticing the Greek-inspired architecture – then forge your own path with some free time, perhaps visiting the Greek theatre and cathedral, or simply lazing on the beach. Maybe have a celebratory drink in the Mediterranean sun, or enjoy a plate of Sicilian pasta with your travel pals, before returning to Catania for the night.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Taormina - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Messina - Boat Trip & Sustainable Fishing Experience with Lunch
Optional Activities
  • Taormina - Greek Theatre - EUR10
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave your accommodation in Catania any time after breakfast. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in Sicily, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

5 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

Private vehicle, Local Train, Cable Car, 4x4 truck

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights)

Included activities

  • Catania - Fish Market Visit & Snack
  • Catania - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Mt Etna - Cable Car & Truck to Mt Etna's Summit
  • Mt Etna - Day Trip with Vulcanological Guide
  • Mt Etna - Lava Caves Exploration
  • Siracusa - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Siracusa - Day Trip by Local Train
  • Siracusa - Greek Theatre Archaeological Site Visit
  • Taormina - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Messina - Boat Trip & Sustainable Fishing Experience with Lunch

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

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Essential trip information

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