Hidden Sicily & Aeolian Islands small group tour, from Catania – 12 days escorted tour

Independent arrival at your hotel in Catania, followed by check-in. Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner at the hotel before settling in for your overnight stay..

After a buffet breakfast, we depart for Syracuse to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Neapolis. Here, you’ll explore the famous Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie of Paradise, and the striking Ear of Dionysius.

The journey continues to the island of Ortigia, the charming baroque heart of Syracuse. Highlights include the magnificent Cathedral, built upon the ancient Doric Temple of Minerva, the legendary Fountain of Arethusa, and the Temple of Apollo.

In Ortigia, we’ll savour a light street food lunch in the historic centre, followed by free time in the afternoon to wander its enchanting streets, enjoy a leisurely stroll, or shop for local treasures.

We then return to Catania. The evening is yours to experience the city’s lively atmosphere and perhaps dine at one of its typical restaurants. Overnight stay in Catania.

We then return to Catania. The evening is yours to experience the city’s lively atmosphere and perhaps dine at one of its typical restaurants. Overnight stay in Catania.

After a buffet breakfast, we begin the day with a leisurely walk through Catania’s city centre, including a visit to the lively fish market “A Piscaria”, one of the largest in Sicily. As old as the city itself, this vibrant market offers a true immersion into Sicily’s rich fishing traditions and authentic daily life.

We then depart for Ragusa, a town renowned for its fine cheese production. Along the way, we’ll stop to enjoy a tasting of artisan cheeses and Sicilian specialties, served as a light lunch.

In the afternoon, we’ll take a charming panoramic tour of Ragusa Ibla, the historical baroque centre, aboard the “Baroque Train.” Here, you’ll marvel at magnificent palaces and churches that, along with seven other cities of the Val di Noto, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Afterwards, we continue to our reserved hotel, where you’ll have free time to relax by the swimming pool or unwind in the Spa. Dinner will be served at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay.

After a buffet breakfast, we depart for Agrigento, the hillside town celebrated for its magnificent Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The visit includes the Temple of Concordia, one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, along with the temples of Juno and Heracles. Free time will be available for lunch.

In the afternoon, we continue to Marsala, a charming coastal city renowned for its production of the famous Sicilian sweet wine. Our destination is Baglio Donnafranca, a beautifully restored 19th-century estate once owned by the noble Florio family, set in the Marsala countryside with sweeping views of the Egadi Islands.

Here, we’ll visit the wine cellar and discover the secrets of local winemaking. The experience concludes with a guided wine tasting and a light dinner at sunset, an unforgettable way to end the day. Overnight stay at the baglio.

After a buffet breakfast, we depart along the spectacular “Salt Route”, a scenic road lined with ancient salt pans, traditional windmills, and historic salt houses where sea salt is still harvested today, just as in Phoenician times.

We then arrive in Erice, a charming hilltop town overlooking Trapani and the Egadi Islands. Here, we’ll wander through its narrow lanes, hidden courtyards, and picturesque streets, pausing to enjoy a tasting of the town’s famous biscuits.

The journey continues toward Monreale, with a light lunch of local specialties en route. Perched on a hill just a few kilometres from Palermo, Monreale is home to the world-renowned Cathedral, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture. Inside, we’ll admire its extraordinary cycle of Byzantine mosaics, depicting stories from the Old and New Testaments in splendid Arab-Norman style.

We then proceed to Palermo for hotel accommodation. The evening is free to enjoy shopping or dinner at leisure. Overnight stay in Palermo.

After a buffet breakfast, we begin with a walking tour of Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily. Strolling along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, we reach the famous Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria, and Piazza Bellini. We’ll visit the majestic Cathedral, one of the city’s most important architectural treasures, before continuing to one of Palermo’s historic markets—an explosion of colours, aromas, and authenticity that truly captures the soul of the city.
Our journey then takes us to Cefalù, once a humble fishing village and now a picturesque coastal town. We’ll explore its charming centre, walk along the main street, and visit the stunning Arab-Norman Cathedral as well as the medieval washhouse carved into the rock. You will have free time to explore the town at your own pace, shop, or enjoy lunch on your own.
In the afternoon, we drive along the scenic coastal road to Taormina, passing through Messina, where we’ll admire the breathtaking views of the Strait of Messina. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy free time for dinner. Overnight stay in Taormina.

After a buffet breakfast, we set out on an excursion to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. We’ll ascend to 1,800 metres, reaching the Silvestri Craters, where a breathtaking panorama opens over the Ionian Sea.

On the eastern slopes of Etna, we’ll stop at a renowned winery for a guided visit to its prestigious cellar. Here, we’ll enjoy a tasting of fine local wines, paired with traditional cheeses and cured meats.

In the afternoon, we return to Taormina, often called “the Pearl of the Ionian Sea.” You’ll have free time to wander its charming narrow streets, shop for local treasures, or, if you wish, visit the famous Greek-Roman Theatre on your own. Dinner is at leisure, followed by an overnight stay in Taormina.

After a buffet breakfast, depart independently for Milazzo. From the port, board the hydrofoil to Lipari, the largest and most vibrant of the Aeolian Islands. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the charming village of Lipari at your own pace.
Lunch is at leisure. In the afternoon, a taxi tour will take you around the island, offering splendid views and insights into its unique landscapes. The evening is free for dinner, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel.

After a buffet breakfast, enjoy a morning at leisure and lunch on your own. Later in the morning, depart by boat for Panarea and Stromboli.

The first stop is Panarea, a charming island where you can take a pleasant walk through the village’s narrow streets, lined with the iconic white Aeolian-style houses. We then continue by boat to Stromboli, often called the wildest of the Aeolian Islands for its untamed beauty and its active volcano, affectionately known by locals as “Iddu.” You’ll have free time to explore the island at your own pace.

Back on the boat, we sail to the Sciara del Fuoco, a dramatic slope of the crater where lava flows into the sea. From the boat, you can witness the volcano’s spectacular eruptions, which occur at roughly fifteen-minute intervals, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Return to Lipari in the evening for an overnight stay.

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, depart by boat for Salina. Upon arrival, stop in the charming centre of Santa Marina, then continue by boat to circumnavigate the island, with the opportunity to swim at Pollara, the picturesque beach made famous by the film “Il Postino.”

Lunch is at leisure. In the afternoon, visit Lingua, home to a historic salt lake where salt was traditionally harvested—giving the island its name.

Return to Lipari later in the afternoon. The evening is free for shopping or enjoying dinner at your leisure. Overnight stay on Lipari.

After breakfast, transfer to the port of Lipari and board the hydrofoil to Milazzo. From there, continue by transfer to Catania and check in at your hotel.

Lunch and dinner are at your leisure, and the afternoon is free to explore Catania at your own pace. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After a buffet breakfast, your unforgettable journey comes to an end. Please let us know if you would like assistance with post tour arrangements in Sicily, elsewhere in Italy, or anywhere in the world.

Please note that the itinerary may be adjusted for organisational reasons or in cases of force majeure. Excursions in the Aeolian Islands are subject to confirmation depending on weather conditions.

Please be aware that the company cannot be held responsible for any disruptions caused by weather or sea conditions that affect hydrofoil and ferry crossings between the islands.