tours of italy sicily

THE 10 BEST Sicily Tours & Excursions

Sicily tours.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Boat Tour in Mondello Bay in Sicily

2. Tour Etna & Wine Tasting

3. At Casa Di Cilla

4. Palermo Original Street Food Walking Tour by Streaty

5. Cooking Class with Seaview & Taormina's Market with Chef Mimmo

6. Etna Morning Trip

7. Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina

8. Excursion of the Alcantara Gorges and Etna by Quad

9. Boat excursion Taormina Giardini Naxos

10. Cooking Class with Seaview with Chef Mimmo

11. Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Palermo Private Tour

12. Etna Countryside Food and Wine Lovers Tour (Small Group)

13. Messina and Taormina City Tour from Messina - Private tour

14. Taormina and Isola Bella Day Tour Including Boat Tour

15. Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making

16. Cooking Class Taormina with Local Food Market Tour

17. Markets and monuments: walking tour and street food in Palermo

18. Tour of the island of Ortigia and exploration of sea caves with baths.

19. The Pearl of Sicily: Private Taormina Walking Tour

20. Mt. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania

21. The Godfather and Taormina Tour from Messina

22. Sunset on a boat in Palermo with Palermo by boat

23. Etna excursion 3000 meters with 4x4 cable car and Trekking

24. Boat tour with typical lunch and snorkeling in Syracuse

25. Sicilian Cooking Class

26. Private 6-Hour Tour of Three Etna Wineries with food and wine Tasting

27. Boat Tour Egadi Day to discover Favignana and Levanzo

28. Boat tour Giardini Naxos Taormina Isola Bella Blue Grotto

29. Palermo Street Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience

30. Half Day Private Guided Boat Tour in Taormina

What travelers are saying.

• Palermo Original Street Food Walking Tour by Streaty
• Etna Morning Trip
• Cooking Class with Seaview & Taormina's Market with Chef Mimmo
• Mt. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania
• Palermo No Mafia walking tour: discover the Anti-mafia culture in Sicily
• Circumetnea Railway
• Egadilandia
• Trenino Turistico
• Treno Barocco
• Treno di Montalbano
• Perla del Mare
• Nino Paranzoto Gite in Barca
• In Barca con Jonas Favignana
• Escursioni San Vito Lo Capo di Leonardo Gianquinto
• Tourist Lines
• Marlin Tour Privati
• Egadi Boating Experience
• Mare and More
• Barca Flavia
• Barca Liliana
• Atlantide Escursioni Isole Eolie
• Passione Blu
• Dolci Escursioni
• Sea Spirit Diving Resort

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Experience sicily with collette.

If Sicily or Malta is calling you, we’ve got your answer: go guided with Collette! Go off-roading on Mt. Etna. Drink some local wine. Follow your curiosity. It all starts now!

Your Sicily Experience with Collette

Designed for travellers.

With a maximum of 24 travellers, make friends, form connections, and immerse yourself in the destination.

Unique Accommodation

Your accommodation keep you in the heart of it all – from the countryside to the waterfront or right in town.

Led by Experts

Enjoy a travel experience from a local’s point of view, backed by a century of expertise as a tour operator.

Beyond the Guidebook

Check off the must-see sights as well as countless moments you couldn't find in any guidebook.

By Travellers, For Travellers: Savour the Collette Difference in Sicily

The Road Less Travelled

Sometimes, reinventing the wheel is amazing . On the Old World Sicily & Malta tour, see Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna (UNESCO). Stare up at the iconic peak as your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe’s largest active volcano.

Closer to Culture

Get to know the world-renowned Sicilian hospitality firsthand on our Southern Italy and Sicily tour. You’ll journey to a family-owned farmhouse, meet the owners, and discover what a typical day on a Sicilian farm is like. Learn how ricotta cheese is made and tuck into a hearty farm-to-table dinner, made with family recipes.

Tough Truths

On our Sicily and Its Isles tour, get to know Addiopizzo . This anti-Mafia not-for-profit supports locals who refuse to pay the Mafia’s protection fees. Travellers will be on location where some turning-point Mafia attacks happened, and you’ll meet people directly affected by the Mafia’s despicable actions.

FEATURED TOURS

SMALL GROUP EXPLORATIONS

Old World Sicily & Malta

11 days | 16 meals.

Sicily and Its Isles

13 days | 20 meals.

14 days | 23 meals

Southern Italy & Sicily

12 days | 20 meals.

*Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy, tour inclusions and available options may vary based on departure date.

Amunì! (Let’s go!)

Get a Taste of Sicily from our Local Experts

New podcast episode behind the tour: savouring sicily.

Shannon Levi designs our Italian tours. As an Italian herself, she’s so passionate about her culture. In the latest episode of our podcast, she shared the distinction of Travelling to Sicily versus destinations in Northern and Central Italy.

Plus, she talked about eating gelato for breakfast. This is a must-listen for sure. Catch the latest episode of our Travel Unpacked podcast now!

Collette Playlist

Sicilians have a reputation for their deep sense of community. And that community is deeply animated. Get a taste of the lively music of this region. Dancing shoes are recommended.

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Stepping into culture in sicily, get a taste of sicilian street food, the wines of sicily, find a travel agency.

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Best of Sicily - 8 Days (Small Group Tour)

• Fully Guided

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 Welcome to Sicily - Transfer service from Catania airport to your hotel - Evening Taormina Food and Wine Tour experience
• Day 2 Discover Small Antique villages: Savoca & Forza d’Agro with lunch & Evening Taormina walking tour and Magnificent Greek Theatre visit
• Day 3 Mount Etna Adventure Trip - Panoramic Winery & Etna Winery and Lunch
• Day 4 Magnificent Noto walking tour - Sicilian fisherman's village Marzamemi with Lunch - Charming Syracuse
• Day 5 Walking tour of Island Ortigia, Syracuse’s old town - Apollo Temple
• Day 6 Agrigento guided visit in the UNESCO heritage site Temple Valley - Taverna fresh seasonal Lunch - Palermo the Sicilian Capital
• Day 7 Discover Palermo the Sicilian Capital - Authentic Palermitan area - Typical Palermo wine
• Day 8 Departure day and transfer service to Palermo airport

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Customer photos.

Operated by Click Tours

Click Tours are a great company to travel with. They offer a selection of more than 200 itineraries that explore destinations across Europe and the Middle East. The experienced team provide carefully planned tours, as well as personalised tailor-made trips! See the wide selection of tours and start planning your next adventure.

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Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.6
• Itinerary Excellent 4.6
• Guide Excellent 4.9
• Transport Excellent 4.6
• Accommodation Excellent 4.3
• Food Excellent 4.6
• Tour Operator Click Tours 3.9
• Most Recent
• Most Popular
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• Lowest First
• NK Nina · 16th April 2024 Lovely tour. Great guides, nice hotels, perfect itunerary. Trip date: April 2024

• AR Anita · 30th June 2023 I took the Best of Sicily Tour with TourRadar. We had a small group of 5. It was fantastic. We had a different tour guide each day but one. They were all very knowledgeable, well educated in their fields of study, and answered all our questions and... Show more Trip date: June 2023

• JS Joette · 29th May 2023 The tour was truly a taste to Sicily. The tour guides were knowledgeable and thorough from Taormina to Palermo. The hotels and the choice of meals were very good especially the wine tasting at Etna having the most inventive cuisine. Trip date: May 2023
• WN Walter · 24th May 2023 Automatically translated. View in English Rate this translation Automatic translation available in English. View in English We were a group of 3 couples who took this trip together. With the exception of problems with airport pickup and... Show more Trip date: May 2023
• DB David · 10th May 2023 This tour and company far exceeded expectations. The organized meals were some of the finest I've ever enjoyed. The guides were friendly and helpful and extremely knowledgeable about the history and culture. The accommodations were all great, some... Show more Trip date: April 2023
• A Anonymous · 9th May 2023 Great tour hotel in taoromina not senior citizen friendly though centrally placed Trip date: April 2023
• CH Chrystal · 8th May 2023 This was my first experience with a tour and this one was excellent. All planned events were interesting and tour guides were excellent. There was a good balance between planned activities and free time. Trip date: April 2023

Dates & Availability

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• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• Friday 3 May, 2024 Friday 10 May, 2024 English Sold Out €4,342 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Wednesday 8 May, 2024 Wednesday 15 May, 2024 English Sold Out €4,342 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• 1 Other Unavailable Departure
• -34% Friday 10 May, 2024 Friday 17 May, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €4,160 €2,745 Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 15 May, 2024 Wednesday 22 May, 2024 English Sold Out €4,160 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• -34% Friday 17 May, 2024 Friday 24 May, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Multiple Room Types €4,342 €2,865 Confirm Dates
• Saturday 18 May, 2024 Saturday 25 May, 2024 English Sold Out €4,342 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Wednesday 22 May, 2024 Wednesday 29 May, 2024 English Sold Out €4,342 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Friday 24 May, 2024 Friday 31 May, 2024 English Sold Out €4,342 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Wednesday 29 May, 2024 Wednesday 5 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out €4,342 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• 3 Other Unavailable Departures
• -34% Get Instant Confirmation Friday 31 May, 2024 Friday 7 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €4,160 €2,745 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• -34% Get Instant Confirmation Wednesday 5 Jun, 2024 Wednesday 12 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €4,045 €2,670 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• -34% Get Instant Confirmation Friday 7 Jun, 2024 Friday 14 Jun, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €4,399 €2,903 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h

Frequently Asked Questions

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As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, L.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 4th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 4th July 2024, a minimum payment of 25% is required to confirm your booking with Click Tours. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Click Tours will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Click Tours" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Click Tours. Please familiarise yourself with the Click Tours payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Sicily tours

Sicily will spoil you with some of the best the Mediterranean has to offer. From excellent cuisine to rich history and breathtaking views, discover this multicultural island on our trips to Sicily.

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What travelers say about their trips to Sicily

Travel tips for sicily trips.

During your free time on one of our Sicily trips you can:

• Stroll along Corso Umberto in Taormina.  This is the area’s main shopping street, where you’ll find many shops, cafes, and restaurants. A stop in Piazza IX Aprile offers more stunning sea views. Check out our guide for how to spend  free time in Taormina .
• Stop by the Scala dei Turchi near Agrigento.  The Stair of the Turks is a unique geological formation on the seaside, where white cliffs create a stunning contrast with the azure water.
• Visit the village of Noto.  Along with its multidimensional culture that ties back to Greek, Roman, Arabic, and Norman influence, an earthquake that struck in 1693 further molded Noto’s intricate history. As you stroll down Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the main street, you’ll see the Baroque style that designers added during its reconstruction. The intricate architecture has earned the village and its cathedral UNESCO status. Learn more about it in our  Noto excursion spotlight .
• Explore the Island of Ortygia.  This island is the historic center of Syracuse, known for its picturesque and quiet atmosphere. You can even visit the Cathedral of Syracuse in the main square or wander through the small streets along the waterfront.
• Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo.  Palermo’s Catacombs feature years of incredibly preserved history. These catacombs became a symbol of status, where local luminaries would ask to be preserved in certain clothes, or even have their clothes changed at regular intervals. Relatives would even visit to pray for the deceased and to maintain the body in presentable condition.

Looking for more interesting things to do on our Sicily tour packages? Read our  Sicily Travel Guide .

If you’re planning a trip to Sicily, these are the must-visit spots:

• Greek Theater in Syracuse.  Sicily’s rich history can be seen through this incredibly well-preserved site, which is still used for performances today.
• Ear of Dionysius in Syracuse.  Under the theater, you’ll be able to visit the Ear of Dionysius and learn about its legends while marveling at the ancient stone caves around you.
• Ballarò Market in Palermo.  This is a favorite on all of our Sicily tours. You’ll find some of the best street food in Italy here—as well as unique architecture influenced by Arab and Norman rule.
• Experience Mount Etna.  ​​Sicily’s second-largest city, Catania, sits at the foot of Mount Etna, an active volcano. Here, you can enjoy views of the mountain from afar or get a closer look by venturing all the way to the summit. In the winter, you may have the unique opportunity to witness snowfall, volcanic smoke, and the Mediterranean Sea all at once.
• Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.  Here, you’ll find incredibly preserved Greek temples surrounded by fields and almond trees. If you go on one of our guided tours to Sicily in March, you’ll get to experience Agrigento’s Almond Blossom Festival, which marks the beginning of spring. See the pink and white almond blossoms and sing and dance within the explosion of colors, music, and costumes.

There is no bad time to travel on one of our Sicily tours! Here’s what you’ll find in each season:

• Spring :  While Sicily can sometimes see spring rain, don’t let this discourage you from considering  Sicily tours during the off-season . You’ll see fields of wildflowers divided by low, hand-built stone walls as you travel between cities. And with fewer crowds, it’s a great time to visit any of Sicily’s outdoor archeological sites. In May, Noto also blankets its city’s streets with flowers to celebrate the Baroque Spring Festival.
• Summer : The Mediterranean is a popular summer destination. Sicily’s coastal cities offer plenty of opportunities to relax on some truly unique beaches. 
• Fall : This is also considered the off-season for Sicily guided tours. If you visit in October,  you’ll arrive in time for olive harvest season. And with Sicily’s numerous olive groves, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for an olive oil tasting. The cooler weather is also perfect for hiking up Mount Etna.
• Winter : Apart from fewer crowds, lower prices, and cooler weather, winter trips to Sicily are simply magical! You’ll still be able to swim in the Mediterranean, but you might even get to see some snow—especially on Mount Etna. You can even ski on the active volcano!

Summer trips to Sicily call for lighter clothing, while  off-season travel  requires packing layers. Even Sicily’s coastal cities can get quite hot, so you’ll want to be prepared for beach weather. Read our  Sicily Travel Guide  for a more detailed list of what to pack for your trip. 

One of the best things to do on any trip to Sicily is eat the incredible food! Here are some must-try dishes:

• All the seafood . It’s what this island is known for! Explore the fish markets or order any dish in any restaurant for the freshest seafood.
• Gelato . Okay, it’s not a dish. But it could be, if you eat it during every meal on your trip!
• Granita . This summertime shaved ice gelato is unique to Sicily. While you may find attempts to recreate it elsewhere in  Italy , an authentic Sicilian granita cannot be beat. It’s even sometimes eaten as a summer breakfast served with a brioche roll and fresh whipped cream!
• Arancini . These cone-shaped, fried risotto snacks are a must-try in Sicily. They’re typically filled with ragù or prosciutto and cheese, and they’re absolutely delicious.
• Pasta alla Norma . Native to Catania, this dish is known for a simple but exquisite combination of flavors. Eggplant, tomatoes, ricotta salata (salted, pressed ricotta cheese), and basil make for a perfect pasta dish.
• Cannoli . You’ve definitely heard of these before, but you haven’t had a real one until you’ve tried one on our Sicily tours.
• Orange salad . Peeled, sliced oranges are dressed with olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s healthy, refreshing, and incredibly tasty.

The most important thing to know before any Sicily trip is to be prepared for a lot of walking—including hills. Sicily’s hills provide the most stunning views. Just remember to pack a couple pairs of sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, some sunscreen, and some water to keep hydrated!

Lastly, don’t forget about siestas! Most shops and restaurants close down between 1pm and 5pm, so plan accordingly.

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Ways to Travel with us

Comprehensive set of services that allow you to discover Sicily in an independent, safe and comfortable way.  Learn  More>

10 days and 12 days Food, Wine and Art: Sicily  is the set of all the Mediterranean culinary traditions concentrated in a small island!   Learn  More>

Choose to travel even more comfortably with our Semi Private scheduled departures, capped at just 7 travellers.  Learn  More>

Custom-created Tours: we do not just create luxury vacations in Sicily, but rather extraordinary and unique life experiences.  Learn  More>

STRAIGHT Transfer or Transfer with STOP?

Sicily top private day tours.

390+ activities, tours, sailing and experiences found

Awe-inspiring culture in all the seasons

A great island to spend your all-seasons vacations.

With its scorching summers, warm springs and falls and very mild winters, Sicily is an amazing year-round destination

Sicily in winter is amazing. Travel to Sicily to enjoy exclusive and awe semi-private tour of Sicily to explore the most important local highlights in 6 days!

Winter is officially gone and spring in Sicily is a lovely season: the mild climate allows locals and tourists to finally spend the day outside, enjoying the scents of Sicily and some fresh air while – good news! – it’s not too warm and, above all, cities are not so crowded as they are during the summer months!

A destination that can satisfy everyone: holidays dedicated to relaxation, nature, and excursions. This is the famous Trinacria, as the ancient Greeks called it. And where to go to spend an unforgettable summer in Sicily?

Once again, we’re here to tell you that Sicily is a perfect destination for fall-break tours: the atmosphere is more intimate and romantic, temperatures are still very pleasant and even the most touristic sights are less crowded and therefore more enjoyable!

One Day Tours chosen for you

A great way to see the most important sicilian highlights in just one day.

Whether it's joining a group for a day tour, or assemble several day tours, regular day tours can be a really fun way to travel. From social to cultural benefits, there are many different reasons why signing up for a guided tour makes more sense than trying to go it alone.

Exclusive Private Day Trips customized according to your wishes and needs! Offer yourself the vacation you need avoiding crowded groups and standardized tours. Experience the true beauty of Sicily!

While molecular-gastronomy trends are tempting, the truth is that the best food is still usually found at home. Explore with us the reasons why dine at home is different compared with dine in a local restaurant!

A Selection of Transfer with possibility to include sightseeing along the itinerary to optimize the time during your independent tour of Sicily.

Our Shore Excursions are the best solution to visit the most outstanding spots of Sicily reachable from your port of call, in a private form and with the convenience of a fixed package price!

Leave the Cookie Cutter Tours Behind and enjoy our special active experience to the hight european volcano: hike to the summit, quad bike, off-road, climbing, jeep, water trekking, body rafting and more!

We offer a transfer service with an Italian-speaking driver who will fulfil all your needs. Our vehicles are equipped with air conditioning system and ensure a smooth, comfortable and secure trip to the passenger.

If you are looking for a unique experience during your trip in Sicily, flying over the active craters at the summit of Mount Etna or at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento or at the Greek Roman Theatre in Taormina ... will surely meet your desires.

Tour of Sicily gives you the opportunity to live incredible boat experiences along the wonderful coasts of Sicily, jewel of the Mediterranean Sea.

Discovering a living legacy over generations. In Sicily the existence of genealogical records and the use of a surname in a specific family over many centuries often permits a lineage to be traced, generation by generation, to circa 1500!

Hoist the sails and go! Wind and Sea help us to begin our adventure to Protectd Sea Nature Parks next to Palermo, the amazing Ortigia island from Syracusa; Isola Bella snorkeling experience from Taormina; the Zingaro Park, Scopello and San Vito lo Capo from Trapani ... Get ready to discover the sailing world of Sicily and beyond!

Our top 4 things to do in Sicily

It’s the moments of quiet stillness that take your breath away on a Tour through Sicily. 

Siracusa and Ortigia

Charming taormina, palermo and monreale, etna volcano experience, one day shore trips: italy, sicily and malta.

What’s not to love about Italy? The food, the wine, the history—it’s no wonder people can’t get enough of la bella Italia. Discover the best that these Italy cruise ports have to offer, like renaissance art and culture in Tuscany, the ruins of a fallen empire in Rome, the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast, and one of the most beautiful cities in the world such as Venice.

Lying off the coast of southwestern Italy, this captivating island offers stunning sea views, quaint medieval hill towns, Greek and Roman Temples and Theatres, amazing mosaics and Arab monuments, rustic cuisine and fine wine. Make the most of your time by booking a Sicily shore trips from Palermo, Catania, Taormina, Trapani and Messina!

The tiny Mediterranean nation of Malta boasts a wealth of stunning architecture, history and beautiful beaches. Begin your trip in Malta’s tiny yet stunning capital city. UNESCO described this charming city as ‘one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.’

GET READY TO GO ACTIVE: hiking, walking, biking and multi-adventure!

Our Sicily Bike Tours are designed for individual travellers and small groups with a flexible level of assistance. Cycling Sicily Bike tours and bike rental specialist in Sicily.

Climb into the incredible culture, mediterranean terrain, and unbelievable beauty of volcano, mountains, necropolis, archeological sites, valleys and forests on a hiking tour and walking holiday in Sicily!

River trekking consists of walking stretches of streams and rivers, diving into pools of crystal clear water and swimming or letting yourself be carried away by the current. It is therefore a fun, exciting and suitable activity for everyone, ideal for fully experiencing nature!

Go on an adventure among hidden underwater landscapes and treasures and discover Sicily’s underwater treasures!

Europe’s highest Volcano, Mount Etna is one of most active of the world. Its impressive size ( more than 3327 meters high with an average basal diameter of 40 km) overlooks the whole region.

Add to your wish list this fantastic adventure and sign up for a day of excitement, participating in a truffle hunt alongside beautiful hunting dogs. Accompanied by a professional guide with his trained dogs, you can share a wonderful experience in searching for truffle and later, enjoy a delicious lunch ...

Volcanic landscapes, turquoise waters, picturesque fisherman’s villages: joining one of our yacht tours in Sicily you’ll discover all these things and much more aboard a boat equipped for maximum comfort!

Are you a golf lover? Have you have ever thought about playing golf in the shadow of a volcano, or close to the amazing shore of Mediterranean Sea? Tour of Sicily makes it possible!

Walking Tours are tailored for people who like to focus on the destinations and cities they are visiting. Most of our walking tours are operated with licensed local guide and offer the great opportunity to visit the town and learn as much as possible of the history of the place..

Jump and swim a spectacular stretch of Etna Alcantara Gorges! The Alcantara Gorges are a real spectacle of nature and experience to do for visitors that come to Sicily. It's the ideal place for an authentic breathtaking Etna adventure. Enjoy this crazy experience with us!

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Private customized tours, cooking class, food and wine, special events - mice, yacht charter and sailing, luxury holidays, private driver, helicopter tours, sicily genealogy, self drive holidays.

We offer a comprehensive set of Self Drive Holidays that allow you to discover Sicily in an independent, safe and comfortable way.  It’s often said that Sicily feels like a country of its own. And, with so much on offer, it might as well be.  One moment you could be relaxing on white-sand beaches and the next wandering through the wonders of the ancient world.

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Uniquely Tauck

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TAUCK EXCLUSIVES – Private lunch at a Baron's palazzo in Siracusa with a wine tasting from the family vineyard and dinner and an art tour with the son of a baroness at their private villa in Palermo

Tauck Value Includes

Visit to Palermo's grand Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele, the largest opera house in Italy

Visits to the Sicilian Baroque UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Noto and Ragusa Ibla

Enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Along Europe's Scenic "Yellow Roads"

Discover cultural footprints forever present... O ver the centuries, the island of Sicily was colonized by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Muslims, Normans and assorted others before becoming part of Spain, then the Bourbon Kingdom, and finally part of Italy. And today...

Private tour of palermo's teatro massimo, behind-the-scenes at italy's largest opera house, palermo's teatro massimo vittorio emanuele.

The largest theatre in Italy and Europe's third-largest opera house, Palermo's Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele opened in 1897 – 22 years after construction began – with a production of Verdi's "Falstaff." Its neoclassical exterior was inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture, while its auditorium reflects the style of the Renaissance and features excellent acoustics, as you'll see (and hear) on your guided tour of this grand venue. Closed for 23 years starting in the 1970s, the Teatro Massimo – the location where the final scenes of "The Godfather, Part III" were filmed – was restored and reopened in time for its centennial in 1997.

Reception and dinner at a private villa

An exclusive reception, dinner and art tour hosted by a family member at a private villa in palermo.

Built in the 18th century for the King of Naples, Ferdinand I and Queen Maria Carolina of Borbone (an older sister of Queen Marie Antoinette of France) during their exile in Sicily, Villa Chiaramonte Bordonaro is still home to the Barons Chiaramonte Bordonaro today, and its gardens rank among the most beautiful parks in Palermo. The villa's current owners often open up their home for special events… like your exclusive private visit and gala dinner, to which you are welcomed by the son of the current Baroness, who hosts a tour of his family's villa and their private art collection housed in a building designed by Ernesto Basile, the architect of the Teatro Massimo.

Verdura Golf & Spa Resort

Nights 3 and 4

An alluring Sicilian escape....

An irresistible destination boasting miles of private Mediterranean coastline, Verdura Golf & Spa Resort is a place where your room will seem woven subtly into the Sicilian landscape... where you'll enjoy a true sense of space and uninterrupted views of the azure waters from your private terrace.

Sicily is an island of wild beauty and history, with a culture that dates back to antiquity. The tour encapsulated the passion and pride of a Sicily one must experience.

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Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

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Overnight Accommodations

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Grand hotel ortigia.

Siracusa, Sicily, Italy

Eremo Della Giubiliana

Ragusa, Sicily, Italy

Verdura Resort

Sciacca, Sicily

Grand Hotel et des Palmes

Palermo, Italy

Grand Hotel Timeo

Taormina, Sicily, Italy

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Italy; however, you do not need a visa for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy or consulate of Italy to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $600 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $559  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

60 days or more before departure = $600 per person

59-8 days before departure = $900 per person

7-1 days before departure = $1500 per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

If you are a resident of the U.S. traveling internationally, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Italy. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country traveling internationally, please contact an embassy or consulate of Italy to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

A Sicilian Odyssey is an active and extensive tour. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. Sicily is home to innumerable historic buildings and sites, some dating from antiquity. Therefore, roads, walkways and architecture will present challenges for you if you have difficulty walking independently and, therefore, we do not recommend this tour if you have such difficulty. You will encounter cobblestone streets, narrow passageways, and steep and winding hill town roads. The amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your sole discretion; you may remain on the coach during any of these walking excursions.

Examples of our walking itinerary:

• Agrigento 2 hours of walking over mainly even terrain
• Noto - cobblestoned but flat walkways
• Siracusa - uneven terrain at Archaeological Park
• Taormina - steep walkways throughout city center

In addition, coach travel along the many "Yellow Roads" on this tour are very windy and may cause you some discomfort if you are prone to motion sickness. If you are, we advise bringing motion sickness remedies or medication with you.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

Sicily has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild and wet winters and hot, dry summers. Summer temperatures are often above 90°F (32°C) during the day and drop to about 70°F (21°C) at night. In the fall the temperatures range from 60 to 80°F (16 to 27°C). Rainfall can occur anytime throughout the year, though the summer months are the driest.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

When packing for your trip to Sicily, it is important to keep in mind the time of year you are traveling and the current weather conditions for that time. The weather in Italy is temperate and unpredictable. Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.

In Europe, especially in finer restaurants, it is customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket for men are acceptable dining attire. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but certainly be comfortable.

Most Catholic churches in Italy require that your knees and shoulders be covered when you enter, even during the hot days of summer.

You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. By law in Italy, irons and ironing boards are not made available to guests at the hotels. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to Italy:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

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Explore the Stunning Island of Sicily During an 8-Day Guided Tour of Italy

See every slice of Sicily during this 8-day guided tour. Take off to Paradise Quarry in Syracuse with a Local Expert, who will show you its Ear of Dionysius, an ear-shaped limestone grotto: call out to your fellow travellers here, and your voice may echo as many as 16 times. Visit the Palatine Chapel to marvel at the glittering gold mosaics for a stunning sight. Travel to the quaint fishing town of Cefalú and stroll to the Porta Marina for a picture-perfect view of the harbour. In Taormina, perched above the Ionian Sea, join a Local Expert at the city’s cliffside Greek theatre, from which you can see Mount Etna, the island’s active stratovolcano.

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Start Giardini Naxos, Italy. End Catania, Italy.

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Choose to travel in a Classic or Small Group, and and why not extend to explore the beautiful Mediterranean country of Malta?

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With 6 Days Malta Option Classic Group

This tour version spends an additional 6 days exploring picturesque Malta and has a maximum of 40 guests.

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With 6 Days Malta Option Small Group

This tour version spends an additional 6 days exploring picturesque Malta and has a maximum of 24 guests.

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You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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• Places and cities
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• LIVING SICILY
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SICILY authentic emotion

• Where to go? Everywhere Acireale Agrigento Aidone Alcara Li Fusi Avola Bagheria Borgo Parrini Bronte Buccheri Burgio Butera Caccamo Calascibetta Calatafimi Segesta Caltagirone Caltanissetta Capo d’Orlando Castelbuono Castellammare del Golfo Castelmola Castelvetrano Castiglione di Sicilia Castroreale Catania Cefalù Cinisi Egadi Enna Eolie Erice Etna Favara Ferla Gangi Gela Geraci Siculo Giardini Naxos Giarre Gibellina Grammichele Gratteri Ispica Lampedusa & Linosa Licata Marsala Marzamemi Mazara del Vallo Messina Milazzo Militello in Val di Catania Modica Mondello Monreale Montalbano Elicona Monterosso Almo Naro Nicosia Noto Novara di Sicilia Paceco Pachino Palazzolo Acreide Palermo Pantelleria Parco Archeologico di Selinunte Patti Petralia Soprana Piana degli Albanesi Piazza Armerina Porto Empedocle Ragusa Randazzo Realmonte Salemi Sambuca di Sicilia San Cono San Marco d’Alunzio San Vito lo Capo Santo Stefano Quisquina Savoca Sciacca Scicli Siracusa Sperlinga Sutera Taormina Terme Vigliatore Termini Imerese Terrasini Trapani Troina Tusa Ustica Zafferana Etnea
• What's your interests? All interests Art and Culture    Archaeological Sicily    Art in Sicily    Handicraft    Living Traditions    Places of Culture    Sicily and Cinema    UNESCO Event    Christmas    Cinema and shows    Conventions and congresses    Exhibitions    Festival    Festivals, fairs and markets    Folklore and traditional festivals    Major Events    Music    Other events    Sport and adventure    Theater Families and Children Inland Outdoors    By Bike    By Motorbike    Sport and Adventure    Trekking and Outdoor Sea in Sicily Spa and Wellness Spirituality    Religious Tourism    Sacred Routes Territory Tourism Commitment Traveling you learn Unmissable flavors Villages Xmas in Sicily

HIGH LIGHTS

Discover unique proposals to consult on the fly

STATES-GENERAL OF CINEMA IN SICILY

The “States General of Cinema” will take place from 12 to 14 April 2024 at the Maniace Castle in Syracuse, on the island of Ortigia.

Event Sport and adventure

Water Festival

Three days of sun, sea, sport, fun, music and relaxation. In Mondello, at the Ombelico del Mondo, from 3 to [...]

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EXPERIENCES TO BE LIVED

How many times have you yearned to enjoy a fully relaxing holiday, to contemplate a beautiful landscape while breathing in clean air and sipping a good glass of Etna DOC?

To stroll through a piazza with open-air bars and get lost in a maze of narrow streets, with your nose in the air, wandering between flowery windowsills and bell towers, noble palaces and rounded balconies, peering into courtyards?

Dreams and desires can come true: it’s time to visit Sicily’s beautiful villages.

These small towns by the sea, surrounded by greenery, nestled in the hinterland or perched on the mountains will offer you what you are looking for, with small curiosities and new discoveries, such as houses carved out of the rock that were inhabited until the last century, or the most famous film set of all time.

In each of the nine Sicilian provinces, you will find the right village for you and, nearby, many other places that may be less renowned but will remain forever in your heart.

These people-friendly places and holidays can be experienced in company and in safety, where the watchword is “unspoiled”, just like your chosen village.

Unmissable flavors

The flavours, shapes, scents and colours of Sicilian food have become symbols of overwhelming pleasure all over the world.

The outstanding desserts include cannolo   and cassata , which bring out the freshness and authenticity of local ricotta. Granita , which does not include ice here, reveals itself in all its creaminess. It can be difficult to choose between the many flavours and it is so delicious it can even give the best homemade ice cream a run for its money. Never alone: it should be accompanied by an aromatic hot brioche , and strictly with a “tuppo” (nobble).

Almonds , another of the island’s points of pride, are used to make the paste that is often chosen as a sweet souvenir by those visiting a distant friend. It is also the basis for a thirst-quenching and sumptuous milk and the choreographic creations of martorana fruit , which add life to the windows of the pastry shops and amuse tourists and passers-by.

In Sicily there are many delicacies rooted in tradition and faith , which become beloved symbols before they being consumed.

Bridging sweet and savoury, the juiciest red oranges  come from the countryside most beloved by the sun, while the most famous pistachios , those from Bronte, now dominate the culinary scene thanks to their gastronomic flexibility, which ranges from their use as sweet cream in desserts to the intense pestos that bring together ancient grains [link to Sicilian Ancient Grains] in the form of inimitable first courses.

A treasure trove of flavours: from Bronte’s green gold to the finest red gold , Saffron , which seduces the palate and inspires you to dream. And digging in the undergrowth, precious jewels and nuggets emerge: mushrooms and truffles .

An icon of Sicilianness, arancin*  has a name that divides people but its taste brings everyone together: it is a rice-based wonder, an essential fried delicacy and the pinnacle of Sicilian street food .

Sicily is the cradle of the Mediterranean diet , which has always been the healthiest and most varied approach to food. It also brings out the best of fish and vegetables through caponata and parmigiana , as well as pickles and infinite speciality dishes, in which the Pachino tomato reigns supreme .

In Sicily, the dinner table becomes a “stage” for exhilarating flavours: one case in point is pasta alla Norma , made with tomato sauce and fried aubergines, and so named because it is considered sublime like the work of the same name by the “Swan”, the composer Vincenzo Bellini.

Meat from historic farms, such as the Nebrodi black pig, rounds off rich and surprisingly impeccable menus.

The price of Sicilian wines is rising rapidly, as the product becomes increasingly sincere, intoxicating and versatile. It serves as an invitation to savour this island in small sips, with a glass in your hand and lightness in your heart.

Walking along the nostalgic paths of taste  you will find that even dipping bread in oil  proves why you will never have enough of Sicily.

Visiting the local markets will be the best way to deeply discover the tasty, spicy and most authentic flavours of Sicilian street food. Sicilian street food is among the most celebrated, and its main symbol is the arancin * of contention, which is loved and appreciated all over the world.

Sicily is the cradle of the Mediterranean diet and will surprise you witha thousand combinations of poor ingredients that enrich vegetarian menus.

And if you are wondering whether Sicily is the right destination for you, you will find the answer in a glass of local wine .

Discover all the flavours of your happy island.

Traveling you learn

In Sicily, you can visit the majestic volcano Etna , the Valley of the Temples , the Greek Theatre of Taormina and the one of Syracuse . You can learn more about Quasimodo, Verga, Il Gattopardo and the Rape of Persephone . Close your geography, science and art history books. Forget everything you learned at school and get ready to live a new experience.

You can follow the verses and passages of the greatest writers in world literature, from Sciascia to Camilleri, from Tomasi di Lampedusa to Pirandello . Travel along the literary routes that will lead you to discover an unusual side of Sicily.

Discover the roots of the fascinating myths and legends . These stories take inspiration from an extraordinary nature whose shapes and colours influenced the course of history itself. All tales reveal one truth: Sicily has always been a place loved by the Gods .

Travelling through Sicily, you can learn what rare botanical wonders live around the island. You can visit corners of paradise such as the Bioparco di Sicilia , or you can choose to follow the footsteps of Charles V around Sicily’s most beautiful cities . Spend some time watching hundreds of colourful kites soar through the sky, then taste and discover the history of real Aztec chocolate .

Travelling is the best way to learn something new and unique about Sicily.

Tourism Commitment

There are stories of men , perspectives, voices and hands that come together and, with commitment, give life to new hopes. They are the symbols of a Sicily that rises from its ashes.

Discover the Sicily that doesn’t give up.

The part of Sicily that does not want to be forgotten creates memorials. Palermo Ecomuseum promotes projects related to shared social responsibility, participatory care of the territory and sustainable tourism. The local community plans cultural, touristic and educational initiatives.

A terrible earthquake destroyed the town of Gibellina . Today its existence echoes through the work of its rebirth: Burri’s Cretto . There is a part of Sicily that shouldn’t be forgotten and abandoned. In Favara , from the greyness of a neighbourhood destined to decay, Florinda and Antonio created the Farm Cultural Park . Today it is one of the world’s most vibrant cultural centres. With Fiumara d’Arte, Antonio Presti has proclaimed the salvific power of beauty, creating one of the largest and most evocative land art parks in Europe. The inhabitants of the small and enchanting Borgo Parrini transformed the town into one of the most evocative places on the island, a virtuous example of urban regeneration.

There is another part of Sicily that does not surrender to fate. It pursues its dreams and reaches for the stars. One example is the shepherd poet Lorenzo Reina , who shapes the Andromeda Theatre in Santo Stefano Quisquina with his bare hands.

We cannot mention the part of Sicily that does not surrender to the Mafia . With infinite gratitude for the men who gave their lives to protect their land, it keeps their memory alive and educates the new generations to fight with messages of peace.

Discover the beautiful stories that Sicily has to tell. Prepare yourself for an exciting journey that will enrich your soul: this is what committed tourism is all about.

Sicily is the perfect and unique destination for those who want to spend a holiday surrounded by art, history and culture.

Let’s discover the cities and small towns of Sicily. Noto is the capital of Sicilian Baroque. In Caltagirone , we will be surprised by the blaze of colours of its ceramics. Syracuse is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a walk through its streets will take you back in time. In Modica , the Duomo di San Giorgio’s great beauty (the Baroque icon in Sicily) will leave you speechless. In Marsala , you can admire the most beautiful sunset in the world, which makes the atmosphere of the Stagnone surreal. We then arrive in Piana degli Albanesi , a tiny Albania in the heart of Sicily, ready to welcome you with its lake teeming with life.

You will get to know such a wide and varied territory that you may wonder whether you are still in the same Region. Sicily seems to be the gateway to another dimension. Heaven and hell make peace in the Etnean landscape. Gods and nymphs weave love stories, unbridled passions and jealousies through forests, rivers and springs. But don’t forget to visit the smaller islands.

In Lipari , you can taste the worldwide famous Malvasia. Panarea is the most exclusive and popular destination. You can explore the Island of Alicudi on the back of a donkey. Don’t miss visiting the characteristic Island of Vulcano , renowned for its mud baths. Stromboli is pyrotechnical, while, in Salina , you can see the home of the poet Neruda, set of Massimo Troisi’s unforgettable movie “ Il Postino ”.

Then there are the Egadi Islands , Pantelleria , Ustica , Linosa and Lampedusa . They are all surrounded by a wonderful sea, and each Island has its palette of reflections, from deep blue to the turquoise sky. You will be completely captivated by the colours and atmosphere of these places.

There is too much to see, and it is hard to choose where to start. Do not waste time then: get ready to go. Sicily is waiting for you!

Spirituality

There is increasing demand for holidays that take us away from crowded places and daily stress, where the body and mind can find rest and meditation.

Excursions lead us to places where nature and silence reign, with monasteries, hermitages and shrines where it is possible to find religious devotion by retracing the paths of Saints and beatified people, as well as a secular moment of serenity.

The Sacred Paths are routes that have been travelled by pilgrims since ancient times, and have now become itineraries with great attraction for tourists. Some are a few dozen kilometres long, others hundreds. Discover the itineraries along the ancient roads of the Via Francigena or along the most beaten religious paths, and get ready to walk through the most enchanting places in Sicily.

Sicily is ready to offer an interesting network of religious routes that allow you to discover bright gems that are still little known, alone or with the help of local nature associations.

Spa and Wellness

Sicily offers a wide range of natural treatments to regenerate the body and mind.

If relaxation, sensory well-being and immersive pleasure are your top travel priorities, when you visit Sicily, you will discover that it is an amazing open-air spa .

It is not a matter of destination or length of your holiday: you will find out that the simplest and most natural things have extraordinary power over your health.

Breathe deeply and find your balance using the wisdom of the centuries-old forests and the energy of the frozen waterfalls . Surround yourself with sunshine and beauty. Relax on the salt crust in the unique setting of the Stagnone . Explore and rest in the natural caves , places of the Gods in the minor islands .

To treat yourself to some relaxation, spend a day in Vulcano’s mud baths . They are a true elixir of life. The thermal waters scattered throughout Sicily supply some of the best facilities in Italy .

Let your wellness journey begin. You deserve the best: you deserve Sicily.

Sea in Sicily

A quick look at the beaches, lidos and coves on the wonderful Sicily sea, with surprising transparency and richness of colours.

We’ll start from the coast on the south of this incredible island, going from Capo Passero in Syracuse to Capo Granitola in Trapani , which proudly reveals its golden sand with an exotic flair.

Marina di Ragusa, Pozzallo, Punta Secca in the territory of Ragusa , the Torre Salsa Reserve near Sciacca, the island of Lampedusa and the Scala dei Turchi in Agrigento have very long beaches that are usually not crowded, and which blend the “off-grid” harmony and relaxation we all seek.

This sandy coast extends to Mazara del Vallo and Marsala and continues with the Via del Sale, the Stagnone Reserve and Mozia in Trapani . Here we find out how salt is produced in the museums dedicated to it. Riserva dello Zingaro and the white, fine sandy beach of San Vito lo Capoe need no introduction and open up to the Tyrrhenian coast, characterised by a succession of beaches and cliffs.

The island of Ustica , Cefalù and Mondello in the Palermo area, the Aeolian Islands , Capo d’Orlando and Tindari in the province of Messina and the Egadi Islands in the Trapani region all overlook the Tyrrhenian Sea, where the blue of the sea is intense and snorkelling is very enjoyable.

The eastern coast starts after Messina with the lava rocks and pebble beaches of Taormina and Giardini Naxos, the Acireale Timpa Nature Reserve and the cliffs of Aci Trezza. The sand then returns in the Gulf of Catania , Syracuse , the Vendicari Reserve , going up to Marzamemi and the Isola delle Correnti, the precise point where the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea meet.

Also discover the child-friendly beaches and those that have been awarded the blue flag in 2023 !

The climate and landscapes allow you to pursue many outdoor sports activities in Sicily, combining wellness and fun: you will be spoilt for choice.

If you love the sea, you can dive and snorkel, experiencing the thrill of contact with the most awe-inspiring fauna and flora and discovering the “Divers’ paradise” on the bottom of Ustica, in the heart of Italy’s first marine reserve. You will behold images and colour combinations that you thought were pure science fiction with your own eyes.

On the surface, however, the sea works together with the wind to playfully push you towards kitesurfing: try it in the beautiful setting of Stagnone in Marsala!

The Sicilian natural scenery offers an original and fully comprehensive solutions for any level of fatigue, for all ages and for previous background of physical activity, from those who want to get fit to those who want to push their limits. Choose between a walk with your children   and the extremes of climbing and ski mountaineering. There are challenges with a very wide range of difficulty levels, from golf, which you can play in both the west and east of Sicily, to a highly evocative bike trip, from a day spent feeling truly free on a sailing boat to a horseback ride on Etna or crossing the Argimusco.

The hinterland of Sicily is the heart of the island, it is a little-known area. Here time flows naturally, and the contact with the locals is wonderful. It is a land rich in cultural expressions, millenary traditions, archaeological, architectural and naturalistic treasures. Many places make you want to stay forever.

Let’s discover the slopes of Mount Etna or the Simeto Nature Reserve : this area is rich in lava caves, waterfalls, rapids and small lakes. The Piana degli Albanesi Lake , on the other hand, is an area teeming with life. From the Bosco Della Ficuzza , we find ourselves in the heart of the Parco delle Madonie , dotted with small towns where time flows slowly and quietly.

Enna is the highest town in Italy, and from here you can enjoy a panoramic view over the whole island. Caltanissetta has a historical centre full of Renaissance and Baroque monuments.

Sutera is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The Teatro di Andromeda in Santo Stefano Quisquina is a magical place surrounded by the pastoral landscape of the Monti Sicani .

Despite being in the centre of Sicily, far from the coast, you can enjoy the incredible and unique view of the Aeolian Islands . You will feel like you have just completed a journey into the most unusual and authentic Sicily.

Families and Children

Sicily is the perfect place to spend a carefree and fun holiday with your family and children.

Here you can travel and walk with children in total comfort and safety , discovering beautiful and unexpected natural settings . You can travel on foot, by bicycle or on the back of friendly donkeys . There are many ways to discover a land rich in hidden treasures, observing fauna and flora of rare beauty.

We recommend the best beaches to enjoy the wonderful Sicilian sea and spend your days among sandcastles, velvet seabeds and curious little fish. If you are lucky enough, you may even see a specimen of Caretta Caretta turtle !

In the Valley of the Temples , children can become budding archaeologists. They will be provided with the right equipment and guided by experts in discovering ancient remains. The Ludum is the first science museum in Sicily where you can learn what laws regulate the Universe.

You can discover the rare botanical wonders hidden around the island together with your family. You can visit corners of paradise such as the Bioparco di Sicilia . Or you can test your courage in the Adventure Parks , suspended in the air amidst the greenery.

Another unforgettable experience is driving along the writers’ road . Follow in the footsteps of Charles V on a historical route. Have fun with the children by flying colourful kites and tasting Aztec chocolate . Be inspired and choose the experience that perfectly suits you and your family.

Art and Culture

Some treasures do not need to be touched to perceive their rarity. However, in this triangular and evocative region, you will constantly come across the signs left by history, the passage of man and his creativity.

Get ready to discover how Sicily can amaze you. Sicily will surprise you when you least expect it. As you stroll along the streets, you will come across the works of contemporary street art : it is intense, immediate and universal. Looking out, over the infinity of the Sicilian hinterland, from the Andromeda Theatre, you will see a mystical and ancestral place. You will feel like floating in sidereal space. You have the chance to visit artisan’s workshops , guardians of traditions handed down from father to son.

Some customs are very ancient, such as the working of obsidian or the unique and precious Mediterranean coral . These traditions keep alive arts and knowledge of inestimable value, they are World Heritage Site. This heritage also includes the Sicilian puppets , protagonists of the Opera dei Pupi . Or the art of dry stone walls that embellish landscapes with their ancient beauty.

And what about archaeological sites ? Of Sicily’s 7 UNESCO sites , some are among the most beautiful archaeological sites of all time. Examples, Pantalica , the Valley of the Temples  and the magnificent Theatre of Taormina . They all bear witness to a glorious past in bright colours just waiting to be discovered. In Sicily, you will find countless places of culture , beautiful theatres and museums, artistic routes and endless opportunities to breathe in art en plein air. You will cherish this journey in the depths of your heart, along with your most precious memories.

DISCOVER THE  AREA

Things not to be missed

Grammichele

Porto empedocle, 80th anniversary of the allied invasion of sicily.

SICILY, UNIQUE IN THE WORLD

to the discovery of an immense and always surprising heritage

EXPERIENCES AND  ITINERARIES

Travel tips and advice

Tour of Western Sicily

La via dei castelli dell’etna, castles in central sicily, archaeological parks in the syracuse area, the friars walk, following the bluefin tuna on their route from favignana to mondello, eastern sicily and places not to be missed, a journey into trapani’s street art.

UNESCO HERITAGE IN SICILY

From the seven wonders of the ancient world to the seven diamonds

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Eternal crossroads of the Mediterranean, the gorgeous island of Sicily continues to seduce travellers with its dazzling diversity of landscapes and cultural treasures.

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Experience the real Sicily. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

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Villa Romana del Casale

Central Sicily

Villa Romana del Casale is sumptuous, even by decadent Roman standards, and is thought to have been the country retreat of Marcus Aurelius Maximianus,…

Valley of the Temples

Sicily's most enthralling archaeological site encompasses the ruined ancient city of Akragas, highlighted by the stunningly well-preserved Tempio della…

Cattedrale di Monreale

Palermo Region

Inspired by a vision of the Virgin and determined to outdo his grandfather Roger II, who was responsible for the cathedral in Cefalù and the Cappella…

Cappella Palatina

Designed by Roger II in 1130, this extraordinary chapel is Palermo's top tourist attraction. Located on the middle level of Palazzo dei Normanni's three…

Stromboli Crater

For nature lovers, climbing Stromboli is one of Sicily's not-to-be-missed experiences. Since 2005 access has been strictly regulated: you can walk freely…

Tempio della Concordia

One of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in existence, the Temple of Concordia has survived almost entirely intact since it was constructed in 430…

Palazzo dei Normanni

Home to Sicily's regional parliament, this venerable palace dates back to the 9th century. However, it owes its current look (and name) to a major Norman…

Quattrocchi

Lipari's best coastal views are from a celebrated viewpoint known as Quattrocchi (Four Eyes), 3km west of town. Follow the road for Pianoconte and look on…

Top picks from our travel experts

9 things you cannot miss on your next trip to sicily.

Ruins of Segesta

Western Sicily

One of western Sicily's must-see attractions, the ruins of Segesta straddle a lonely hilltop less than an hour from Palermo and Trapani. The…

Duomo di Cefalù

Cefalù's cathedral is one of the jewels in Sicily's Arab-Norman crown, only equalled in magnificence by the Cattedrale di Monreale and Palermo's Cappella…

Teatro Massimo

Taking over 20 years to complete, Palermo's neoclassical opera house is the largest in Italy and the second-largest in Europe. The closing scene of The…

Giardino dell'Impossibile

To get under the skin – quite literally – of the island of Favignana, take an eye-opening stroll around these unusual botanical gardens, created by owner…

Parco Archeologico della Neapolis

For the classicist, Syracuse's real attraction is this archaeological park, home to the pearly Teatro Greco. Constructed in the 5th century BC and rebuilt…

Grotta del Genovese

Between 6000 and 10,000 years old, the Upper Palaeolithic wall paintings and Neolithic incised drawings at the Genovese Cave were discovered in 1949 by…

Parco Archeologico di Selinunte

The ancient Greek metropolis of Selinunte was built in the 7th century BC on a promontory overlooking the sea, and over two and a half centuries became…

The best free things to do in Sicily: from stunning churches to sumptuous art

Duomo di San Giorgio

The high point of a trip to Modica – quite literally as it's up in Modica Alta – is the Duomo di San Giorgio, one of Sicily's most extraordinary baroque…

Castello di Lombardia

One of Sicily's most formidable castles guards Enna's highest point, at the easternmost edge of the historic centre. The original castle was built by the…

Rocche del Crasto

Tyrrhenian Coast

Jutting dramatically out of the high mountain pastures at the northern edge of the Nebrodi park, these pinnacles of rock are a favourite hiking…

At the top end of the sloping Piazza Duomo is the town's pride and joy, the mid-18th-century cathedral with a magnificent neoclassical dome and stained…

Ragusa Ibla

Ragusa Ibla is a joy to wander, its labyrinthine lanes weaving through rock-grey palazzi to open onto beautiful, sun-drenched piazzas. It's easy to get…

Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte

Caltagirone's most evocative sight is this monumental staircase, which rises from Piazza Municipio to Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte. Built in the early…

Mercato del Capo

Running the length of Via Sant'Agostino, Capo's street market is a seething mass of colourful activity during the day, with vendors peddling fruit,…

Mercato di Ballarò

Snaking for several city blocks southeast of Palazzo dei Normanni is Palermo's busiest street market, which throbs with activity well into the early…

Necropoli di Pantalica

Southeastern Sicily

On a huge plateau above the Valle dell'Anapo is the site of Sicily's most important Iron and Bronze Age necropolis, the Necropoli di Pantalica, with more…

Planning Tools

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Best Things to Do

Sicily astounds with its abundance of architecture, hiking, and glorious food scene. Here are 15 of our favorite things to do during your next vacation.

Things to Know

Sicily is one of the most beautiful places in Italy, but the island has its own distinct culture. Here’s what you need to know before your trip.

Transportation

From how to find a taxi to tips on train travel and accessible transportation, here’s all you need to know about how to get around sensational Sicily.

Money and Costs

Sicily can seem like an expensive destination at first but these budget travel tips and daily costs will help you plan a trip that doesn’t break the bank.

Traveling with Kids

Here's how to experience the best of Sicily when traveling as a family.

Best Road Trips

Hilltop villages, ancient ruins and baroque cities await your discovery on the best road trips in Sicily.

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Tours in Sicily

15 Tours Found

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Authentic Pizza Making Class in Taormina

Learn the secrets to assembling the perfect pizza, taught by a master chef!

Sicilian Cooking Class with a Local Chef in Taormina

Visit a local market and learn the secrets to making a traditional, 3-course Sicilian meal

Classic Palermo Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class

Learn to craft three iconic Italian delicacies from a professional chef and sample premium wines

Syracuse, Ortigia and Catania Day Trip from Taormina

Explore three of Sicily’s most breathtaking Baroque cities on this full day tour

Exclusive Palazzo dei Normanni and Cappella Palatina Tour in Palermo

Visit the regal Royal Palace of Palermo and the historic Palatine Chapel

Half-Day Cruise to Isola Bella From Giardini Naxos with Snorkeling

Snorkel, sunbathe, and soak in views of Sicily from the Bay of Naxos near Taormina

Social Cooking & Dine with locals in Palermo

Learn to make a delicious 4-course meal and dine with a small group

Full Day Mount Etna Trekking Tour From Taormina

Explore Europe's highest volcano alongside an expert guide, complemented by Sicilian lunch

Flavors of Palermo: Guided Street Food and Markets Tour

Indulge in authentic Sicilian culinary heritage like a local alongside a knowledgeable foodie guide

Erice and Marsala Full Day Tour From Palermo

Travel along the Marsala Salt Route and indulge in traditional Sicilian food and wine

Ultimate Palermo Food and Wine Night Tour

Experience the flavors of Sicilian street cuisine alongside a local guide

Thrilling Mount Etna Jeep Tour from Taormina with Lunch Included

Adventure abounds when you explore the north side of Sicily on this off-road experience

Small Group Palermo Highlights Walking Tour

Join our expert guide to discover Sicily's largest city

Small Group Tour of Agrigento Valley of the Temples at Sunset

Behold Temple of Concordia, Heracles Temple and more in the landscapes of Sicily with a local guide

Palermo Market Tour and Cooking Class

Choose your ingredients at Mercato del Capo and learn to make a 3-course Sicilian meal with a chef!

Things to do in Sicily

Palermo Tours | Mt Etna Tours | Taormina Tours & Activities | Giardini Naxos Tours | Sicily Tours

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Doge's Palace Tours | Rome Tours | Colosseum Tours | Vatican Tours | Colosseum Underground Tours | Colosseum Arena Floor Tours | St. Peter's Basilica Dome Tours | Pompeii Tours from Rome | Rome Catacombs Tours | Palatine Hill Tours Rome | Rome Forum Tours | Trevi Fountain Tours | St Mark's Square Tours | St Mark's Basilica Tours | Murano & Burano Island Tours | Trastevere Rome Tours | Pompeii Tours | Capri Tours | Amalfi Coast Tours & Activities | Cinque Terre Tours | Accademia Tours | Florence Duomo Tours (Santa Maria Del Fiore) | Statue of David Tours | Pisa Tours | Florence Dome Climb Tours | Uffizi Gallery Tours | The Last Supper Tours | Milan Duomo Tours | Lake Como Tours | Florence Cooking Classes | Florence Food Tours | Mt Etna Tours | Sicily Tours | Raphael Rooms Tours | Sistine Chapel Tours | Golf Cart Tours Rome |

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Rome in a day tour with colosseum and vatican museums.

Explore the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!

Ultimate Palace of Versailles Tour from Paris

Breeze past the lines for the palace and gardens with a friendly English speaking guide

Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms, Creation of Man, and St. Peter's Basilica

Venice in a Day Tour with Gondola Ride

Visit St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, Rialto Bridge, and hidden areas of Venice

Florence in a Day Combo Tour with David and Uffizi

Explore Accademia Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Florence Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and so much more

Paris in a Day Tour with Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Seine River Cruise

See the Mona Lisa, Sacre-Coeur, and Moulin Rouge with organized transportation and an expert guide

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets

Skip the line and gain quicker access to the Vatican so you can explore at your leisure

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Where to visit in Sicily: 9 best places for beaches, architecture and Italian charm

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Thanks in part to the ‘ White Lotus effect ’ (the country featured in season two of the hit show), Sicily has become increasingly popular with travellers over the past few years. As the largest Mediterranean island, located just off the main peninsula of Italy , the country is home to beautiful beaches , quaint hilltop towns, and impressive Baroque architecture.

The summer months can get very hot – July and August are probably best spent sipping an Aperol spritz by the beach – while the less stifling temperatures in the low seasons are ideal for visiting festivals, exploring the many archeological sites and maybe even taking a hike up Mount Etna.

Europe’s tallest active volcano Mount Etna is one of seven Unesco sites, which also include Roman palace Villa Romana del Casale near central town Piazza Armerina, and the eight late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto in the southeast.

Planning a Sicilian holiday soon? We’ve rounded up the best places to visit and where to stay during your Sicily trip.

Capital city Palermo is a diverse destination with architectural nods to the Phoenicians, Normans, Turks, Egyptians, Arabs, and Spaniards, who have all inhabited the area throughout its history. One of these buildings is Palermo Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century. Ballaro market and Vucciria market are both popular for street food, and there are various culinary-based walking tours where you can tuck into gelato , arancini , and cannoli .

The city is home to impressive street, including a wall near Ballaro market, in the Albergheria district, where you’ll see a tiny hummingbird picking up a huge rock with its wings. There are theatres and cinemas in industrial area Cantieri Culturali della Zisa, and the Old Town is a hub for nightlife with Piazza Rivoluzione and Piazza Sant’anna both offering a buzzy atmosphere. For a more relaxing outing, head to Mondello Bay to take a boat tour.

Where to stay

Mercure Palermo Centro is situated in the centre of Palermo, only 350 metres from the Teatro Politeama theatre, a 10-minute walk from the harbour and a 15-minute walk from Palermo Cathedral. It has a bar, restaurant, 24-hour front desk and private parking. Family rooms are available, too.

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Southwest Sicilian city Agrigento is built on a hilltop and is home to the archeological wonder that is the Valley of the Temples. The ruins are an impressive site to behold. Excavations uncovered a network of aqueducts below the area, and there are also thought to be further areas of unexcavated archaeological significance in the fields below the Valley of the Temples. The Petro Griffo Archaeological Museum is in modern Agrigento, where you can view Hellenistic and Roman artefacts, ancient coins, and Attic and Italiot pottery dating back to 430 BC.

Just a 25-minute drive from the city you’ll find Scala dei Turchi – dramatic white, rocky cliff overlooking a sandy beach where you can soak up some sunshine and swim in the azure waters.

Colleverde Park Hotel is a 15-minute walk from the Valley of the Temples. Amenities include a fitness centre, airport shuttle and a bar.

Read more on Europe travel :

• Best destinations in Italy for a city break
• Best hotels in Europe 2024
• Best budget European city break destinations

Castellammare del Golfo

Castellammare del Golfo translates into English as ‘sea fortress on the gulf’ because it is built around an Arab fortress constructed in the 11th century (and later futher developed by the Normans). This history makes the coastal destination an incredibly interesting place to explore. Further appeal lies in it being a relatively quiet coastal town known for its pretty harbour filled with restaurants offering a picturesque view.

There are two sandy beaches nearby, while nature reserve Lo Zingaro is just a 15-minute drive. For boat trips and watersports, head to Scopello, a coastal town 12km away.

Hotel Cetarium is close to the town’s fortress and just a short walk to a sandy beach. It has a terrace and outdoor pool for enjoying the scenery from, too.

Medieval town Erice is in the province of Travani, and is best known for its Norman castle and ancient temple. The town is set 750 metres above sea level on Mount San Giuliano, and the ruins of the Venus Erycina temple suggest that the town was a tribute to the Roman goddess of love, Venus. Along the quaint cobbled streets there are craft shops and bakeries selling the sweet pastries cannoli. Tourists can visit medieval church Chiesa Madre, which was built in 1312, and overlooks the main square.

For those seeking an even better view, a cable car links Erice with nearby city Travani.

Former monastery Il Carmine Dimora Storica is unique accommodation situated beside the town walls, with airport shuttle and family rooms available. Most rooms have their own balcony.

A city located in southeast Sicily, Modica is set within the Hyblaean Mountains. It’s one of the eight Val di Noto Baroque towns with Unesco World Heritage Site status and was originally all carved into rock. The city boasts classic Sicilian charm, with narrow, winding streets and stairs. This means the climb to main section Upper Modica is a steep one – or you can catch a bus.

You’ll find boutique shops and 19th century theatre Teatro Garibaldi on Corso Umberto. Meanwhile, nearby museum Museo Civico is situated in Palazzo della Cultura and is home to archaeological pieces from the neolithic period. The town is also known for its chocolate, made using a traditional Sicilian technique where ingredients are never warmed to more than 45C, meaning the sugar doesn’t dissolve so it has a unique taste.

Pietre Nere Resort & Spa is a luxurious hotel on the outskirts of Modica, and nearby beach Cava di Ispica can be reached by car in less than five minutes. Spa facilities include a fitness centre, saunsa, sensory showers, Turkish bath and relaxation room.

Taormina is a coastal hilltop town in the east of Sicily. One of it’s most impressive attractions is the ancient Greek and Roman theatre, Teatro Antico di Taormina, which is carved into rock – as well as being a tourist attraction, the venue still hosts performances, including concerts and festivals. From the theatre, there’s a view across to active volcano Mount Etna, which is just 56 kilometres away.

Mazzaro Funivia is a cable car running down to Isola Bella Beach, a strip of pebbled beach linked to the Isola Bella nature reserve that is particularly popular with Instagrammers. Meanwhile, Mazzaro Beach on the other side of Isola Bella Beach is a small bay with sand and shingle, close to bars and restaurants.

Well-located Hotel Ariston and Palazzo Santa Caterina is situated near the city centre, main bus terminal and just beside a cable car taking you to the beach. The hotel has a swimming pool, garden and two restaurants.

Catania is an ideal base for making a trip to Mount Etna and you’ll find plenty of choice for guided tours up to the volcano. Other tourist attractions include the Cathedral of Saint Agatha, which features Baroque details. It has been rebuilt several times since being originally constructed in the 11th century, courtesy of earthquakes and eruptions.

Like other Sicilian towns you can expect to find delicious street food on offer. Fish market La Pescheria is a weekly event known just as much for being a fun and rowdy spectacle as it is for supplying seafood to nearby restaurants.

Katane Palace Hotel is situated close to the train station and features classic Sicilian decor. It’s just a 20-minute walk from the cathedral, and trips to Mount Etna can be arranged with the hotel, too.

Golden Noto, a Baroque city in southeastern Sicily, has airy aristocratic squares laden with carved gargoyles, opulent palaces and elegant alleyways. Noto’s reconstructed 18th century cathedral dominates the skyline with its elaborate domes and facades – visit during the annual feast of San Corrado in February to attend mass alongside a lively procession through the city.

Visit the king of pastries, Caffè Sicilia, opposite the cathedral on Corso Vittorio Emanuele for famed sweet Sicilian classics including  cannolo  ricotta pastry tubes and  cassata  marzipan cake.

At Seven Rooms Villadorata on the 18th century Palazzo Nicolaci, soaring ceilings, chandeliers and Baroque frescoes greet guests. There are also tasty buffet breakfasts of cakes, eggs and almond brittle, all just a 15-minute drive from the fine sands of Lido di Noto.

On the northern coast, medieval Cefalù balances some of Sicily’s finest sands with impressive Baroque architecture. Celebrated for its Unesco-listed Arab-Norman cathedral, the antiquities of Mandralisca Museum and laid-back beach culture on  spiaggias  Mazzaforno and Settefrati, Cefalù rivals Palermo for a Sicilian holiday.

Try local delicacy  pasta a taianu  (pasta in a pan) for flavours of aubergine, meat and pecorino cheese served in an earthenware pot, or hike to the mountaintop ruins at Rocca di Cefalù for views over the sparkling Tyrrhenian coast.

Coastal hotel Le Calette is just a shuttle bus away from the sandy swathes of Cefalù. With whitewashed Sicilian-style rooms, a restaurant serving sea urchin spaghetti and five rocky coves complete with a beach club, it’s a dream for swimming and tasting sumptuous local cuisine.

Read more on why you should wait until the off season to visit Venice

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Travel to italy like an insider with the best local experts.

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A trip to Italy is too special to get wrong. Here's how to do it right. (San Gimignano, Tuscany)

I absolutely love Italy, for many different reasons. But I hate the way in which many Americans go about planning trips there. Survey after survey shows it is the number one dream destination for U.S. leisure travelers, but the way those travelers get their information and advice gives me nightmares.

Throughout the years I’ve heard people say over and over that “I was told to do this in Italy,” or “I was told not to do this in Italy.” By who? “A friend.” I have close friends who recently planned their entire 12-day trip on the basis of another couple they knew who gave them advice—after their first visit. I’ve heard of many people who skipped Rome because “we heard it was too busy, just another big city.” Or passed on Venice, one of the world’s most magical destinations, because, “I heard it was touristy.”

There are American tourists who say you should skip Venice. They are wrong.

It goes on and on, but suffice to say, I have been to Italy in the neighborhood of two dozen times, summer and winter, for food, wine, skiing, golf, hiking, cycling and more food, from north to south and east to west and islands too, and I know a lot about Italian cuisine, but I still ask real experts for advice every time I go. I specifically ask for advice on where to eat, what to see, and who to choose as guides. And by experts, I mean people how live in Italy, specialize in particular areas of travel, and know their subject matter.

“We get multiple guests a year who want to wing it,” says Cherrye Moore, owner of My Bella Vita travel. Moore moved to Calabria two decades ago after falling in love with the region on a visit, and opened a bed and breakfast, learning about what her visitors were looking for. Her company now specializes in planning trips—especially foodie and ancestry trips—to the area in Southern Italy where many Italian Americans trace their heritage. “They say, ‘My neighbor just showed up in their family’s hometown and it went great for them,’ or, ‘Our friends went to Italy last year and said we don't need a driver.’ It’s true that you can rent a car and drive to your family’s hometown, but that experience is vastly different from having a dedicated driver and a heritage specialist who has done research on your family’s history, who has already identified the home your grandfather was born in, and who has arranged meetings with locals upon your arrival.”

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Anyone can tour the Vatican, but only the right guides can get you a private visit.

I just got back from an exploration of Turin followed by a weeklong hiking trip in surrounding Piemonte, Italy’s most prestigious wine region, which included multiple winery visits. For restaurants and guides and sightseeing in Turin I used an Italian-based travel specialist that is the choice of many of the best luxury travel agents/advisors in this country (the best travel agents are savvy enough to know what they do not know and regularly rely on local experts). For the hiking trip, I used an Italy-based active travel specialist that does nothing else, and does it with a food-centric spin. It was another fantastic Italy trip, one amazing day after another, featuring many meals, wineries and experiences I never would have found by myself, especially by asking random friends or watching You Tube influencer videos by people with far less Italy experience than myself.

“We don’t focus on stars or diamonds, we focus on really special one-of-a-kind experiences and lodging that lets you discover our Italy,” said Heather Dowd, who lives in Turin and along with her Italian husband Beppe Salerno. They run Tourissimo , the active travel company we used. We had several friends hiking with us who were on either their very first or second trip to Italy, and when we reviewed our experiences at the end for the trip, one place we stayed, an 18 th century castle turned boutique hotel, was the overwhelming favorite. It did not have whirlpool tubs or Frette linens, it did not have a concierge or room service, but it had excellent food and beautiful gardens in which we had an epic dinner. It had cooking classes, a great location, a fun aperitivo evening cocktail session, and most of all, incredible charm..

Everyone wants the perfect meal in Italy, but not everyone knows where the locals go to find it.

It was exactly what my first timers dreamed Italy would be like, and it was a place we never would have found online. It was perfect, and even in Italy not every place is, but the reality is that Heather and Beppe and their guides spend a lot of time behind the scenes visiting small hotels and vetting them, way more time than the people who rate their stays on booking websites. One of my friends was so impressed he is already planning an extended family hiking trip to Sicily with Tourissimo next year.

If you want to have an insider experience in Italy, and see the places locals go, you need a local insider to help you out.

“Our goal is for guests to experience Calabria like we do, so we’ve built experiences that aren’t available online,” said My Bella Vita’s Moore. “Nowhere else can you find a multi-course lunch hosted at Zia Pina’s or a picnic prepared and delivered by Signora Francesca. Lunch in the home of our friend, Chef Massimo, isn’t available on Google. When creating or reviewing experiences I always think of my sister in Texas. If she were visiting, would I take her here? If that answer is yes, I know we have a winner.” That is exactly the standard by which I’d like my Italy travels to be judged.

A trip to Italy is a beautiful, special, and almost sacred experience, so don’t screw it up by taking bad advice. I do not know every local specialist—and I hope to keep finding more—but I know several experts I would recommend for different kinds of travel. Or use a good travel advisor, something I recommend for all travel (Read my article Why You Need A Travel Agent More Than Ever here at Forbes ), and communicate with them to ensure they are on the same page in terms of sourcing these kinds of local experts. If they are good, they will already be familiar with several of these companies.

Active Travel

All of Tourissimo's cycling and hiking trips in Italy emphasize food and wine, which is how it ... [+] should be.

Italy has long been the dream destination of cyclists, with Tuscany atop the Bucket List for global road riding destinations. But for the past few years the fastest growing sector of cycling has been “gravel grinding,” and with hundreds of miles of its stunning unpaved “white roads,” Tuscany has also emerged as the world’s top travel spot for gravel lovers. There are also plenty of other amazing places to ride in Italy, including Piemonte, Sardinia, Puglia, the Lakes region, and many other areas. World class hiking abounds, especially the stunning Dolomites—a UNESCO World Heritage Site of beauty unmatched by most other mountain regions on earth. Beyond this there are the Alps in the east, the Cinque Terre, Sardinia, and many other great options.

Italy is so well known for cycling and hiking that every major active travel company in the world runs trips there. But for my last two active trips, one hiking and one biking, I chose a tour operator that is actually based there, founded by an Italian with a passion for cycling and food. Tourissimo may be Italian, but they cater to the American market, and founder Beppe Salerno worked for am American cycling company as a guide before realizing he could do the real Italy better himself—to me, the perfect startup rationale. Over the years since, Tourissimo has grown its library of offerings, with both with an array of scheduled group trips and private custom options. While they do mostly road riding, they are notably one of the only tour operators scheduling gravel trips, and can also arrange custom mountain biking itineraries, with years of expertise in cycling and hiking.

Superstar Chef Mary Sue Milliken has led about galf a dozen Chef's Cycling Tours in Italy for ... [+] Tourissimo.

In addition, Tourissimo has also been a pioneer in “Active Culinary Travel,” a hot new category I have written about here at Forbes (and for other magazines and newspapers). They offer an annual series of six group rides (and a hike) each hosted by an acclaimed chef like Mary Sue Milliken, an award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author (five!) and co-host of the popular PBS cooking show Two Hot Tamales . She is also an avid cyclist and has led the Tourissimo Chef Bike Tours for several years, along with other big names. These trips are a unique option for serious foodies who also ride, while the other trips cater to just about anyone. Otherwise they offer several styles of trips, from Bici Basics for new riders to Ambitious Tours for the more hard core.

Tourissimo puts a focus on local, choosing small and often historic hotels that they have curated and vetted (like the castle I just stayed at in Piemonte), places that you would never be able to distinguish from hundreds of other non-chain options online. Same for restaurants, wineries, and all the other ways they take you behind the scenes and into their real Italy. Their Mission Statement? “We don't want to be the biggest adventure travel company. We want to design and run the best tours in Italy. We strive to be the most authentic and the most beneficial to local communities.” Fantastico!

Bellagio on Lake Como is one of the most famous destinations in Italy — and the perfect place for a ... [+] food-centric bike tour!

Bike It! Bellagio offers another insider biking experience on a much different scale, providing a great one-day experience for visitors to Italy’s most famous lake town. This bike shop on Lake Como is run by a former pro racer and his wife. They rent bikes (road, mountain and e-bikes) out, but also offer one-day guided tours with multiple food and drink stops. Given that the owner grew up here and knows everyone, it’s not surprising that the food and drink spots are insider picks. The shop sits near the iconic Madonna del Ghisallo climb, the most famous in the Giro di Lombardia, a race more than a century old, and several days a week the shop offers guided group rides with a climb of the pass, on road or e-bikes—Bianchi bikes of course!

There are scheduled tours Monday through Saturday, as well as wide range of customizable private tours. These are often taken by families with mixed ages, but for more aggressive riders they offer longer road tours, mountain biking and gravel riding, along with a wide range of less demanding e-bike tours, including some even more focused on food and wine. They also offer a handful of multi-day tours and can put these together as custom on demand, usually for groups, including an iconic coast to coast traverse of Italy. If you are a guest of one of the many stunning (and pricey) ultra-luxury hotels around Bellagio, and ask the concierge to arrange a bike tour, they are likely going to call this shop anyway (and mark it up) so just do it yourself.

Luxury Travel in Italy

From planning your entire itinerary with flights, hotels, and transfers to just booking the best tours, guides and VIP access (often to non-public highlights), it pays to use a top local specialist.

Last year I attended the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, which has been called “the Oscars of the travel industry.” Virtuoso is the leading global luxury travel consortium, and many of the best travel advisors on earth belong, So does just about every top hotel, resort, safari lodge, cruise line, and luxury tour operator. Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch was explaining the many advantages of using a travel advisor (I wholeheartedly agree) and something he said really stuck with me. He explained that with all of the new online tour booking companies, it was easier than ever to book a tour or guide in just about any destination on earth, but harder than ever to judge the quality. The caveat was that, “you can book a guide, but you can’t book my guide.”

One of Italy's greatest hidden gems, Turin was the nation's first capital and a Winter Olympic host. ... [+] It's worth getting a good guide if you visit.

The Vatican is the Vatican and the Colosseum is the Colosseum, so when you opt for a guided tour, what really matters and makes it a good, bad or great experience is the guide—and their special access, like a tour of the Vatican when no one else is there.

For my recent trip to Turin, I called Imago Artis Travel , an Italy-based luxury travel specialist. They are what is known in the travel industry as a destination management company or DMC, the same companies luxury travel agents call to arrange local details for their clients. There are great DMCs all over the world, and local knowledge is valuable everywhere, but many of them do not deal directly with travelers, while in Italy the best ones do.

I wanted a private day tour of Turin and its surrounding attractions for my wife and I, most importantly the Reggia di Venaria Reale, aka the “Italian Versailles” (one of two places in Italy with this lofty but accurate nickname). The guide they got for me was a licensed guide, and lifelong resident of Turin, and spoke excellent English, which was all good, but she was also an architect, which was great in a city where so much is driven by architecture. That’s not so easy to find on global tour aggregator website. Imago Artis also gave me a list of their favorite restaurant recommendations, which were spot on, then made my reservations for me. At a minimum this eliminates the language barrier of calling or the technology barrier of booking through often tricky (or non-functional) Italian restaurant reservation websites, but in many cases it also gets you a better table and instant VIP treatment—which definitely does not happen when I book myself.

Italy is rich in world-class crafts, and companies like Imago Artis can take you behind the scenes ... [+] to meet the makers.

Imago Artis Travel is a Virtuoso member, which means when you book through them, if you book your luxury hotel, you get extras like room upgrades, late checkout, spa credits etc., one of the big advantages of working with Virtuoso travel advisors. If you have a bigger budget than I do, they can handle all sorts of luxury transport, private jets, helicopters, boat charters, and also offer VIP Meet and Greet services at just about every airport in Italy. They can even arrange private security details. On a more accessible luxury level, they specialize in exclusive experiences, unlocking historic buildings and art collections not open to the public, and taking you behind the scenes with many artisans of Italy, from custom shoemakers to sculptors to jewelry designers. They know food, they know the guides, and I especially like their mission statement, “Our mission is simple: Getting You to the Heart of Italy.” That’s what it is all about.

Another top luxury DMC that is also a member of Virtuoso that I have used in the past with great success is IC Bellagio . They offer a similar array of luxury services and are very well connected, but they also specialize in Villa rentals as well as 5-Star hotels. Differentiating villas in Italy may be the single biggest challenge, more so than restaurants, with so many options and so few valid reviews. IC Bellagio has also boldly acknowledged the overtourism problems some of the most popular parts of Italy face, and are pushing “Slow Season Travel,” which varies in each of the country’s 20 regions but is something they are expert in. Last winter I went to Venice in the off-season, and it was spectacular, and I just traveled in a slow season to Piemonte. It was much, much better than fighting the crowds.

Skiing in Italy is awesome, and it's the best place in the world to stay in mountain rifugios — but ... [+] you need help for the perfect trip.

Skiing in Italy remains a bit under the radar for Europe, especially compared to France and Switzerland. Well, let the crowds go to other countries, because Italy has two different major ski regions, both of which have hosted the Winter Olympics, and the Games are returning to Milan and Cortina in 2026. The interconnected Dolomiti SuperSki lift and trail network in the Dolomites is arguably the largest “ski resort” in the world, and inarguably one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes on the planet. The towns are charming, the food is great, there are spectacular hotels from non-chain independent hidden gems to world-class luxury (Aman, Mandarin Oriental, Relais & Chateaux, etc.) and it’s cheaper than much of the rest of Europe. Did I mention the food?

I first went to the Dolomites to go hiking, and was so wowed I thought, “I have to come back and ski here.” I came back the next winter and skied, and the following year I got a group of friends together and went back. I have skied all over the U.S., and all over the world and never had the same compulsion to return to the same place immediately. That’s how good skiing in Italy is ( read much more in my Italy skiing piece here at Forbes ).

I’ve only used one company for ski travel in Italy and see no reason to switch gears, especially since the local logistics (a great guide/instructor, transfers, the best on-mountain meals and staying a couple of nights in the region’s unique on-mountain rifugios) is very hard to organize on your own. The company is Dolomite Mountains , a specialist in both resort ski vacations and backcountry touring trips (using skins and alpine touring or AT gear). They too are a U.S. facing company with mainly American clientele.

Like many active travel companies, they offer both group trip scheduled departure options and private custom trips to fit whatever you want. The group option is called the Dolomites Ski Safari and is a 7-day trip mixing stays in amazing rifugios with in-town hotels (4 and 5-stars on the Italian system) and includes all breakfasts and dinners, a full-time guide, ski pass, luggage transfers and more. Custom options include the same kind of trip for your own group, or anything you want, and while its name suggests local expertise—quite true—Dolomite Mountains also handles ski trips in the rest of Italy, like Courmayeur, and connected border regions of France, Switzerland and Austria, as many lift systems here know no national boundaries (ski with your passport!). They are also a Virtuoso member.

Calabria & Southern Italy

Many Italian Americans trace their ancestry to Southern Italy's Calabria, and if you want to visit, ... [+] make sure you do it right.

My Bella Vita travel focuses on this area, including both small group trips and custom privates. Their specialties include “Heritage Tours” for those interested in their ancestry, and a food focus for the rest of us. For instance, Taste of the South is a 12-day gastronomic journey through Calabria, Basilicata and Naples—the birthplace of pizza! Food & Wine of Calabria is an 11-daty trip and just what it sounds like.

These are some of the scheduled small group tours offered, but the rest of their business is private trip planning and custom options.

“Italy is deceivingly large, and travelers think two weeks is enough time to see everything. It isn’t,” insists Moore. “You can’t even experience all of Calabria in two weeks. Our team collectively spends about six months a year scouting new hotels, restaurants, and experiences in Calabria and we are constantly re-evaluating and tweaking our recommendations.”

There are some other Italy specialists I have not personally experienced, but that come highly recommended by some of my other experts:

My Bella Vita’s Cherrye Moore says, “ In Sicily, I recommend Lucia Davies of Sicily Tour , one of a trio of British expats who have lived in Siracusa, Sicily for decades.” A family-owned tour-guiding company based in Siracusa, they have nearly 40 years of experience on the island and create trips fostering cultural exchange between Italy and English-speaking visitors, specializing in small group and custom tours.

Food & Wine

Life is too short to go to Italy and not eat well.

Beppe and Heather Dowd of Tourissimo recommend Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures , a company that has also earned kudos from other travel industry folks I know. Owner Francesca Montillo grew up in Southern Italy where her father was greengrocer. An Italian-American cookbook author, she launched the company a decade ago, and she personally leads the tours. She does numerous scheduled tours to different regions each year, and also offers custom private itineraries.

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15 Day Italy and Sicily Tour from Palermo to Venice

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Explore Palermo, Agrigento, Pompeii, Capri, Rome, Assisi, Cinque Terre and Florence with a Local Specialist

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Visit the Norman Cathedral at Monreale, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Isle of Capri, the excavations at Pompeii, the amazing Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and a glassblowing factory in Venice

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Podcast episodes , Sicily

Episode #221: magical marsala – the sweet taste of sicilian wine.

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Listen to “Magical Marsala: The Sweet Taste of Sicilian Wine” on Spreaker.

Western Sicily, home to Marsala wine and the salt pans, is lesser known and visited than the East, with a very different and contrasting rugged beauty. This region’s unique climate and soil is home to vineyards producing the renowned Marsala wine, which is much more than the sweet cooking wine that might spring to mind – with dry and well as sweet versions. Alongside its famed vineyards, we’ll discover the enchanting salt pans and iconic windmills that pepper this landscape and coastline. 

Join us on tour in sicily

In the next in our series on Italian wine with Untold Italy’s Olivia Windsor and her partner Andrea Mitti Rua from Italian Wine Tales , we continue our focus on individual wine regions. Australian Liv has been living in Italy for 5 years and hosts our Untold Italy Tours all over Italy. She is an Italian food and wine expert and both she and her soon-to-be husband Andrea, who is from Piedmont, are currently studying to be qualified sommeliers in Italy. Italian Wine Tales is their online resource on Italian wine and for wine tours or winery recommendations. Sign up for the Italian Wine Tales newsletter here . Their previous episodes introduced us to the famous reds Brunello di Montalcino (episode 213 ), Barolo (episode 206 ) and Tuscan red (episode 196 ), about white wines in general (episode 189 ) and some sparkling wines (episode 179 ).

DISCOVER: Untold Italy’s unique small group Tour of Western Sicily .

What you’ll learn in this episode

• Australian Liv and Italian Andrea run Italian Wine Tales – an online resource where you can learn more about Italian wine in a fun and approachable way. Liv also leads many of our Untold Italy Tours , which include tours of Western Sicily   (and Eastern Sicily too)
• Both Liv and Andrea, from the Northern Piedmont region, are set to become qualified sommeliers in Italy as well as to achieve become husband and wife this summer!
• They do a wonderful job educating people about the diversity of wine in Italy which has over 400 varieties. There are so many things to learn about the terroir and each grape is important and the many things which affect the taste and style of the different wines
• The area we are talking about for Marsala wines is the North Western corner of the island of Sicily which is definitely off the beaten path of most visitors
• We visit this area on our tours of Western Sicily and love how untouched and traditional this part of the island is. Here you’ll find the iconic salt pans and windmills and ancient ruins of Segesta and Selinute
• In Sicily, they’ve been producing wine for over 6,000 years, so a very long history of winemaking
• Sicily has the most vineyards planted in Italy and is the leading producer of organic vineyards in the country. It’s a big player when it comes to Italian wine

Marsala – that sweet wine?

• They do make the sweet Marsala wine, that you may think about, but you also get dry and semi-dry. There’s something for everyone if you are interested in trying Marsala
• There are only 21 wineries that produce Marsala, but back in the day when it was more popular, there were over 200 producers of Marsala
• Katy thinks back to when her parents had a bottle of Marsala at the back of the cupboard which would occasionally be brought out after dinner and many think of it only as a sweet cooking wine
• Like sherry in Spain, it has gained a bad reputation, but there is actually many different types of Marsala to try, with much more complicity and diversity than you might think
• The cooking version of Marsala wine is really cheap and has been aged for just a year. You will find versions, however, that like sherry and port, have been aged for 10-plus years so are really good
• Marsala wine is a fortified wine. It’s produced using, normally, the Grillo grape. Grillo is the symbol of the Trapanese wine region, which is where Marsala is produced
• They take a base wine like Grillo and they add a grape spirit, which is normally brandy, and that boosts its alcohol content – at around 15 to 20% alcohol content. Then it goes through an aging process, which can be anywhere from 1 year (for the cheap cooking stuff), at 2 years it gets a bit better – Superiore and then it gets really nice at around 4 or 5 years – that’s the Superiore Riserva.  All the really good wines will be 10-plus years age. So the different Marsalas that are produced vary greatly in quality and taste
• There’s also different colors – Amber and Gold and Ruby
• The Amber one is generally the sweeter one because they add caramelized grape must (mosto cotto) to it, which serves as a sweetener
• They can play around with the different sugar levels and the aging to produce dry, semi-dry, or sweet Marsala

Pairing different Marsala wines with food

• Dry Marsala is good to have for aperitivo if you want to have something different from your usual Spritz when you’re in Italy.
• Semi-dry will be perfect when paired with a dessert or with cheeses, like a nice blue cheese
• The sweet ones are good with chocolate
• You need to be careful (especially if having it as an aperitivo) as the alcohol content is quite high – between 50 and 20%. so drink in moderation and savor it
• With the tuna, famously from Western Sicily, you could pair it with a very dry Marsala – definitely not the sweet and this would be the tinned version – Liv and Andrea wouldn’t recommend it with the normal tuna because it’s like mini red meat, quite intense
• Italian tuna is nothing like what you probably get in North America/Australia. If you get the chance, to go to an Italian delicatessen and buy yourself a tin of tuna, and you will experience something very different. Katy had some homemade preserved tuna in oil that the lovely Pierpaolo from Joe Banana gave her and it was incredible

What can we see if we go visit Marsala?

• Liv and Andrea visited Western Sicily last year together, and then she was also in that region for our Untold Italy Western Sicily Tour and they find it utterly stunning
• It’s very different to the East Coast of Sicily. It has got more Arabic in feeling and generally feels more untouched – it is all about the nature and nature reserves. It’s not built up like the east part of Sicily
• There are the salt pans and windmills – which are iconic symbols around this area – around Trapani, which is just above the town of Marsala, and the region where this wine is produced
• It’s very beautiful and you have the coast, so you get the coast breeze and that marine salinity in the wines
• Liv was fascinating seeing the salt pans last year on the tour. She had never seen how salt was made and it was both interesting and absolutely stunning. The salt pans are flat areas where the salt is made with a layer of water that washes over the top from the sea and then they’ve got the big windmills. These look very striking in the distance, against the flatness
• It’s stunning at sunset or sunrise. The sky is often a beautiful shade of pink, with the blue of the sea and these stunning windmills. Very picturesque
• During the Untold Italy, they visit both Marsala for the tasting and the salt pan. It’s a perfect combination – and nothing beats enjoying a glass of Marsala whilst watching the sunset
• Katy is pondering how she is involved in creating these incredible tours but that she hasn’t gotten to go on them all. She very much wants to go on this one and experience this – as it is an area of Sicily that she would really love to visit and which is pretty undiscovered for the most part by most English-speaking travelers

Where else to visit in Western Sicily

• Back up towards Palermo, there’s the beautiful medieval hilltop town of Erice – Liv’s favorite spot along the West Coast
• It’s tiny and when you go up to it, it’s a complete temperature change – definitely pack a jacket. They often have what Liv likes to call the mists of Avalon descend upon the area. When she and Andrea visited last year, it was very misty and mysterious looking. When she then went on the Untold Italy tour, it was a beautiful, bright, sunny day. It is nice for her to have had both, contrasting experiences
• There is a famous pastry shop in Erice that they go to on the tour and have a special experience learning to make traditional pastries with the Sicilian owner of the shop. She’s in her 90s now, and she still comes to the shop every day. Her whole family works in the shop as well, so you get to meet everyone in this traditional family business
• Another town along the West coast that Liv visits with the Untold Italy tour and she and Andre also went to last year, is Scopello. They’re really famous for tuna fishing. Although that doesn’t happen anymore, this was where a lot of their industry was, and a lot of money came in from. They have Tonnari – the fishing area you can visit. You can do a tour there and learn all about it and it is a stunning place. There’s the beach and the Faraglioni rocks in the distance, making for a really stunning view
• The water is beautiful and there are some great restaurants in town
• Katy says when she first saw it, she actually gasped. She thinks it looks a little like the Amalfi Coast, but a bit more undiscovered of course
• On the tour, they head south down from Marsala and stop at Menfi for a few nights. Near to Menfi, if the incredible temple sight of Selinunte
• It is Greek as there was a big Greek influence in the area
• It’s centuries old, but it’s still very, very well preserved – one of the best preserved
• A stunning place to see and particularly at sunset, you’ve got the view of the temple, the sun going down behind it
• Going further south, driving another 2 hours or so, you get to Agrigento , known as the Valley of Temples
• It’s a little bit of an effort to get there, but it is very much worth it. It is not only stunning but these temples have been there here for over 2,000 years – nearly 2,500 years
• When Liv was on the tour of Salinente, the guide was fantastic at bringing it all to life
• What was interesting to hear about was the ancient temple and more modern history cooling as they were shown bullet holes in the temple from the Second World War

Recommended Wineries/Enoteca

• The are 2 very historical and famous wineries in Sicily – Florio and Pellegrino. They’re going to speak English at those and you can book online
• An important thing to consider when you go and visit is that they’re not generally open on a weekend. Sunday is a definite no, Saturday mornings are a maybe, but your best bet is Monday to Friday
• Florio is a very important family in Sicily. It was an industrial family in Sicily that helped Sicily to grow
• There is an interesting series of books which are called The Lions of Sicily , telling the story of the Florio family from the beginning to when they became rich – which his all linked to Marsala
• They originally came from Calabria, the region that borders Sicily, in the 1700s. They moved to Palermo, originally and had a spice shop there. From there, they grew into exporting spice all over Europe and began to grow into other sectors, including wine. It’s a very beautiful and interesting read

Getting around

• The area around Marsala is a good two-hour drive from Palermo
• As a side note, when it says 2 hours on Google Maps, it probably means 2 and a half to 3. These are not well-managed roads, and the signage and the correctness of Google Maps situation can be a little challenging
• Don’t consume much alcohol if you’re driving because firstly, the drink driving laws in Italy have recently gotten very strict, but you also really need your wits about you on these roads
• This is definitely an advantage of taking a tour. On our tour, we visit a lot of wineries, and you have no restriction on your indulgence. You can feel free to snooze on the bus as we make our way to the next destination. No car or wits required

So much to see

• It is astounding that Sicily has so much to see and do in a relatively small patch area
• If you look at it on a map, it might seem like you could see most in a week, but having been there a few times, Katy laughed at herself that she once thought that a remote possibility
• You ideally need more than a few weeks on this beautiful island to do it justice

Other wines to try

• Grillo is the symbol of the Trapanesi wine region. It’s a white wine and is quite fruity. You can think of it a little bit like a full-of-bodied version of a Pinot Grigio. It has flavors of lemon, apple and nuttiness
• Contessa Entellina is a small winery and DOC (that we go to on the Western Sicily tour ). Created in 1993 it has red, white and rosé (Katy is quite rosé obsessed a the moment)
• There is the famous Nero d’Avola red wine which is quite popular down in the south 
• They’ve got a lot of international grape varieties there. The winery that we go to on tour also has some indigenous varieties that you won’t find anywhere else, with the name literally translates to something like Antique Grape

More on Italian wine from Andrea and Liv

The website for Liv and Andrea’s fantastic online wine resource is www.italianwinetales.com . You can follow them too on Instagram @italianwinetales , or join their Facebook group ItalianWineLovers . They are also preparing to launch a podcast of their own that later on in the year. You can also connect with Liv on @livguine , or meet her in person on one of our Untold Italy Tours . 

SUBSCRIBE: To the Italian Wine Tales newsletter here .

Untold Italy’s Sicily Tours

There’s a saying by German poet Goethe – “To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything.” You are unlikely to meet anyone who regrets their time in Sicily.

If you are one of our lucky tour guests joining us on one of our tours to Sicily, exploring Marsala, Mount Etna, and other wines from the island, you can take advantage of Liv’s expertise, as well as that of our other tour host, to help you order wines to send back home. Liv is also in charge of choosing the wineries we visit and is very particular about where we go.

We have 2 amazing week-long tour itineraries in Sicily. The Western Sicily Tour departs from Palermo and visits Erice, Scopello, Cefalu, and (of course!) Marsala and the salt pans. The Eastern Sicily Tour starts in Catania and explores the Baroque Val di Noto, Taormina, and Ortigia. There is plenty of wine tasting and food exploration too. A glass of sweet marsala wine sounds like the perfect accompaniment to a delicious cannolo. If you would like to learn more about these trips head on over to the Untold Italy Tours website where you will find a complete day-by-day itinerary and more.

About our guests – Olivia Windsor and Andrea Mitti Rua

Olivia writes a blog called Livguine, named after her love for pasta and her nickname Liv.  She has explored the country south to north, working in agriturismi and organic wineries before settling in Turin, Piedmont for a time after meeting a local Piemontese Andrea. They are both now based in Rome and Olivia hosts various Untold Italy Tours throughout the year in Piedmont , Liguria , Tuscany Capri and Puglia.

You can find Liv and Andrea on these channels:

• Website : Italian Wine Tales
• Instagram: @italianwinetales
• Facebook group:  Italian Wine Lovers
• Liv’s Website: livguine.com
• Instagram: @livguine
• Sign up: Liv’s Newsletter

Untold Italy Tours

Join Liv on one of the many Untold Italy Tours she hosts around Italy. Untold Italy Tours helps you discover your authentic Italy and discover the Italian places, faces, stories, and tastes whose memories linger for years to come.

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Places mentioned in the show

• Marsala –  coastal town in western Sicily
• Trapani – the capital city of the province, found in western Sicily with a crescent-shaped coastline
• Erice – ancient town in North Western Sicily on the top of Monte San Giuliano 
• Scopello – a village on the North West coast of Sicily
• Tonnara di Scopello – the old tuna fishing factory
• Menfi – town that lies between the rivers Belice and Carboj
• Selinunte – archaeological park with amazing temples
• Arigento, Valley of the temples – another amazing archaeological site with temples

Recommended wine/wine makers

• Florio – famous, winery with a family with a fascinating and important history in Sicily
• Pellegrino – traditional winery specializing in marsala wines

Food & Drink

• Pedro Ximenez – famous sherry from Spain
• Grillo – wine grape widely used in Sicily and for making Marsala
• The Lions of Sicily – series of books about the history of the Florio family

Resources from Untold Italy

• Join Untold Italy on tour in Sicily – details here
• Read our  Sicily guide , reasons to  Visit Sicily , the  Best places to visit in Sicily ,  Off the Beaten path Sicilian towns , our guides to the Best places to stay in Sicily , Things to do in Palermo , Agrigento – Valley of the temples ,  Best things to do in Catania and Where to stay in Catania , as well as our favorite Sicilian desserts  
• Listen: to our other episodes with Liv and Andrea on wine in Episode #213 Wines of Southern Tuscany , Episode #206 Barolo – King of wines , Episode #196 Beyond Chianti – the wonderful world of Italian red wine , Episode 189 Pour yourself a glass – Discovering Italian white wines and Episode #179 Italian sparkling wine – Toasting the best from Prosecco to Franciacorta , on Italian wine in Episode #144 Sip your way through the wine bars of Florence ,  Episode #92 Wine windows of Florence , Episode #19 Wine and wandering in Umbria and Episode #13 Introduction to Italian wine   On Sicily in Episode #186 Captivating Catania – Sicilian city of charm ,  Episode #107 Tastes of Sicily ,  Episode #69 Discovering Sicily’s Aeolian Islands ,  Episode #43 Excursions from Palermo ,  Episode #36 Palermo – not what you expect  and  Episode #31 Exploring the Val di Noto
• How to plan a trip to Italy – our article that takes you step-by-step through trip planning so you can avoid our mistakes
• Italy Travel Planning – our FREE online community where you can ask questions and get inspiration for planning your trip
• Travel shop where you’ll find items mentioned in the show

Planning a trip to Italy?

We love travel in Italy and sharing our knowledge. Read our Italy trip planning guide or join our FREE Italy travel planning community . Our 140,000+ members are happy to answer questions about your itinerary, how to get from place to place, the best places to stay and fun things to do.

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Prefer to read along as you listen? You can download a PDF version of the full transcript of this episode.

7 of the best places to cruise in Italy

F ew countries can compete with Italy’s tourist appeal . Anyone who visits can enjoy fantastic cities, quaint villages, a string of picture-perfect coastlines, amazing cuisine and a fascinating history.

Alhough skiing , city breaks or a trip to one of the Italian lakes all have their own merits, there is a way to get a taste of several different parts of the country in one whirlwind trip.

Cruises around the Bel Paese give passengers the opportunity to see Italy ’s full range of sights. You can start with the romance of Venice and wind around to the rugged island beauty of Sicily and Sardinia, or begin surrounded by the stark coastal beauty of the Cinque Terre and end in hectic, characterful Naples , via the enchanting capital of Rome .

Whether you just want to see one destination or a handful, there’s likely a cruise to suit you; we’ve rounded up some of the best below.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast contains a little bit of everything that has made Italy so famous: beautiful coastlines, golden sands, picturesque towns, ancient historic sites and a hearty slice of la dolce vita .

The main towns along this coast include Amalfi, Sorrento and Positano , each renowned for offering a taste of the highlife in often luxurious surroundings, whether that be laid-back beaches or grandiose hotels. Pompeii lies close to these towns, offering an incredible insight into a famous bit of world history, while driving part of the Amalfi Coast’s winding roads is the best way to get amazing views while taking in some delightful towns.

How to do it

See both Sicily and the Amalfi Coast with the ‘ Amalfi & Sicily ’ seven-night package offered by Star Clippers. It starts in Civitavecchia, taking you to Amalfi and Sorrento before moving on to Messina and circling back to Rome.

Prices from £3,629pp including seven nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and select entertainment. Departing 6 July 2024.

Read more on the best hotels on the Amalfi coast

The capital is a beautiful fusion of historic and contemporary Italian life, from the modern cuisine and nightlife of Monti to the old houses and trattorias of Trastevere or Parione.

The Eternal City is also Europe’s most landmark-filled destination , with everything from Roman ruins to 18th-century fountains. The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon are the undoubtably highlights, as are the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. The Vatican City is also contained within Rome, and you don’t want to miss the Sistine Chapel or St Peter’s Basilica.

Most cruises to this part of the country actually dock at nearby Civitavecchia, which is roughly one hour from the capital. Rome is often a starting point for cruises too, as passengers can head north to the Cinque Terre, east to Sardinia and south to Naples and Sicily.

The  Italian Treasures  cruise offered by Atlas Ocean Voyages begins in Valletta , the historic Maltese capital, but after departing very much focuses on the eastern Italian coast. It stops for a night in both Syracuse and Giardini Naxos (on Sicily), before departing to the Amalfi Coast and Capri and then finishing in the capital, where you can explore at your leisure before flying home.

Prices from £2,946pp including eight nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and onshore excursions. The company is currently running a promotion where the ‘second guest sails free’, so it is possible to get the entire package for just £2,946. Departing 1 September 2024.

Read more on the best hotels in Rome

Venice is perhaps the most beautiful of all Italian cities, situated on a vast lagoon and criss-crossed by dozens of bridges that hang over its canals. Its waterways are lined with the colourful facades of centuries-old buildings, many of which carry a Venetian style that is unique to the city, making for an eclectic cityscape.

A gondola trip, a stroll around St Mark’s Square, a walk over the Ponte Rialto and a visit to the Doge’s Palace are customary for those seeing the city for the first time, though for many the real attraction is getting lost in the sea of mazy alleys and historic bridges .

Many cruises start and end in Venice too, though due to its location at the top of the Adriatic, it can take a while to cruise down to other popular destinations like Bari, Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. If you’re visiting on a cruise, chances are it’ll be a longer one, or that it’ll stop in destinations in northern Croatia , Dubrovnik or northern Greece .

Azmara Cruises’ ‘ Italy Intensive Voyage ’ takes passengers all the way from Rome to Venice. It begins by going north to Florence , then turning back on itself and going south to the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. After a brief stop in Kotor, Montenegro , you’ll finish in Venice, with the opportunity to explore at your leisure before flying home.

Prices from £2,060pp including 10 nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks, evening entertainment and select onshore excursions. Departing 10 April 2024.

Read more on the best hotels in Venice

Sicily is another of Italy’s famous islands, sharing a part of the Mediterranean with neighbouring Sardinia. It is equally as charming as Sardinia, and filled with similarly beguiling towns, a variety of natural landscapes and some of the finest culture and history that the country has to offer.

Tradition is paramount here, something that is reflected in a proud local populace. It is also visible in towns and cities like Palermo, and the timeless beauty of Syracuse, as well as on the olive groves and vineyards that dot the slopes of Mount Etna. It makes Sicily a great place to come if you want to see modern-day Italian living with a dose of outdoor adventure, in places like the Parco dell’Etna, along with historic charm (such as that at Syracuse).

Windstar Cruises’ ‘ Sicilian Spendours ’ cruise begins and ends in the Italian capital, but as the name suggests, this trip very much focuses on the largest island in the Mediterranean. It begins by heading to the Amalfi Coast, but then moves on to three Sicilian towns – Trapani, Porto Empedocle and Catania, via Gozo and Malta .

Prices from £3,105pp including 10 nights’ accommodation, meals and onboard entertainment. Departing 28 May 2024.

Read more on the best hotels in Sicily

Sardinia, which sits off the eastern coast around six hours from Civitavecchia by ferry, is one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations. A favourite among both tourists and Italians, it is home to a slew of great beaches – including Cala Goloritzé and the Costa Smerelda – and so is a good choice for days spent flitting between water sports and lying in the sun.

Though it’s understandable if you want to spend most of your time here on the sands, it would be remiss not to visit some of the pastel-hued towns and verdant national parks that lie inland and on the coast. Places like Alghero, Bosa and San Teodoro contain plenty of history throughout their cobbled streets, while Asinara and Gennargentu are two of the most picturesque natural areas.

Sardinia’s southerly location means that cruises that stop here often carry on to Sicily and Malta, and may go further on to the Balearics, Greek islands or even Tunisia .

The ‘ Enchanting Italian Coastlines ’ tour from Emerald Cruises covers both Sardinia and the eastern coast over a period of seven nights. It begins in the capital, moving first to Sorrento and Amalfi and then crossing the Mediterranean to Sardinia and Corsica before looping back.

Prices from £3,379pp including seven nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and airport transfers. Departing 27 April 2024.

Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre competes with the Amalfi Coast for the title of Italy’s most famous coastal area, but the Italian Riviera offers a different kind of beauty in its emerald waters and pastel-coloured towns. The region is part of Liguria, and consists of five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. 

Each one has an abundance of old Italian charm, from the faded colours that come alive at sunset to the mazes of alleys leading up from tiny harbours. Only Monterosso has a proper beach, but this village quintet isn’t the place for solely a beach holiday, despite the coastlines. Instead, wander aimlessly through the villages, enjoy a laid-back meal or take to any of the surrounding hiking paths.

These once isolated villages are now tourist hotspots in their own right, with the Cinque Terre Express one of the best ways to get between them. Most cruises dock at La Spezia, the province’s main city, which lies just 20 minutes from the nearest Cinque Terre village, Riomaggiore.

The Cinque Terre is a less frequented destination on longer cruises, so the best bet is to visit as part of a multi-country cruise. Celebrity Cruises offers one such option with their ‘ Italian Riviera & France ’ package, which departs from Rome and initially heads south to Naples before circling around to La Spezia and Santa Margherita. After some time spent enjoying the Italian Riviera, you move on to the French one, seeing Cannes and Marseille before finishing in Barcelona.

Prices from £1,209pp including nine nights’ accommodation, return flights, all meals, daily activities and entertainment. Departing 4 June 2024.

Naples is a fascinating city, buoyed by a vibrant and chaotic energy and blessed with beautiful surroundings – including Mount Vesuvius and an azure bay – and an eclectic blend of architecture.

The city itself has a wealth of culture and history, from the recent and immaterial – such as its devotion to pizza or its football club – to the ancient and pertinent, including the Duomo cathedral and a large collection of Greco-Roman artefacts at the National Archaeological Museum. Be sure to talk a walk around the Spanish Quarter, Centro Storico and Spaccanapoli (the city’s main thoroughfare) to get a real sense of how life is lived in this hectic city.

Naples is the closest major city to the Amalfi Coast, and as such many trips here are combined with a visit to towns like Sorrento or Positano.

You’re spoilt for choice when including Naples in a cruise itinerary, and many cruises that stop here also include visits to parts of Greece and Croatia. A seven-day Mediterranean cruise from Norwegian Cruise Line takes advantage of these stops, taking guests from Rome to Venice via Valletta, Split and Corfu. Nevertheless, the focus is still on Italy, taking in the historic capital, the romantic canals of Venice and all of Naples’ characterful chaos (with an added stop in Messina, Sicily).

Prices from £1,573pp including seven nights’ accommodation, all meals and drinks and onboard entertainment. Departing 14 August 2024.

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Palermo (Sicily Italy)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Mediterranean - Black Sea

Local Time 2024-04-30 14:45

Port Palermo cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Palermo, Sicily Italy. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Palermo is a port city located on the northwestern coast of Sicily Island (Italy). This is Sicily's biggest city (population around 0,68 million, metro over 1,3 million) and the island's principal/main seaport, together with Messina .

Fincantieri (one of world's largest shipbuilding companies ) owns the merchant shipbuilding yards Monfalcone (near Trieste ), Marghera ( Venice ), Sestri Ponente ( Genoa ), Ancona , Castellammare di Stabia (near Naples ) and Palermo. The company also owns the naval shipyards Riva Trigoso (Genoa) and Muggiano ( La Spezia ).

Port Palermo (officially Porto di Palermo/locode ITPMO) is one of the major Mediterranean cruise ports serving the passenger shipping traffic mainly between Italy and France (Western Mediterranean itineraries) and Greece (Eastern Mediterranean itineraries). The port is located near the ancient port Cala. Statistics show that the port handles annually around 7 million tons of cargo and ~2,3 million passengers (ferry and cruise). In 2014, the port handled around 200 ship calls and nearly 0,5 million cruise passengers.

Regularly scheduled cruiseferries (Ro-Pax ships carrying passengers and wheeled cargoes) link Palermo to major Mediterranean cities and carry a total of nearly 2 million passengers annually. Palermo is an important cruise port and cargo port, with annual traffic volumes ~80,000 TEU-containers and ~5 million tonnes of cargo. The port has island links to minor Sicilian isles like Ustica and Aeolian Islands (via Cefalu in summer). Inside the port is the "tourist marina" serving yachts and catamarans.

Palermo ferry services (provided by the companies GNV-Grandi Navi Veloci, Grimaldi Lines, Liberty Lines Fast Ferries, Tirrenia, Siremar) connect to the Italian ports Civitavecchia-Rome, Genoa, Naples, Livorno, Salerno, Cagliari Sardinia, Sicily ( Milazzo , Messina ), as well as to Tunisia (Tunis).

LIBERTY Lines (1993-founded, Trapani Sicily -based passenger shipping company with a fleet of hydrofoils/fast ferries) provides regularly scheduled daily crossings linking Palermo with Sicily's Aeolian Islands (Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari, Panarea, Rinella, Salina, Stromboli, Vulcano) and Ustica Island.

Palermo was established by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC. It was a Carthaginian colony until 254 BC when it was taken by the Romans. Subsequently, Palermo passed into the hands of the Goths (AD 440), Byzantines (535), Saracens (831), Normans (1072), and Holy Roman Emperors (1194).

Lots of the oldest buildings in Palermo date from the period when Sicily was a Norman kingdom and show Byzantine, Norman, Spanish and Arab influences. Outstanding examples include the cathedral (1169-1185), Palatine Chapel (1140), the church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti (1132). Inland cruisers can visit Monreale, with its beautiful Norman cathedral containing extraordinary mosaics, or the splendid Villa Igeia.

Palermo cruise terminal

Port Palermo cruise terminal serves both ferry and cruise ship passengers. The facility is located at around 5-min walking distance from the downtown.

(new) Palermo cruise terminal

In March 2014, during the Cruise Shipping Miami conference, Palermo port authority presented a plan for constructing a new cruise ship terminal facility that would serve exclusively cruise tourists.

The plan is to make Sicily's largest port a most comfortable stopover for liners and their guests. The new facility will have a modern design and amenities (including shopping and dining venues), and also will provide new services (logistics, brokerage, ship husbandry).

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