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Sicily Emotions - 8 Days Grand Tour from Catania

Discover Sicily on an **8-day guided tour from Catania**, exploring Mount Etna, Taormina, Syracuse, Baroque Noto, Ragusa and Modica. Experience ancient Greek temples, Palermo and Cefalù while enjoying authentic Sicilian traditions, local wines, chocolate tastings and regional cuisine.

Classic Sicily ToursArt & Culture Tours in Sicily

Highlights

  • Ancient Sicily & Baroque Treasures
  • Mount Etna & Beautiful Taormina
  • Sicilian Flavours & Local Traditions

Overview

Discover the beauty, history and authentic traditions of Sicily on an 8-day guided group tour starting and ending in Catania.

Begin your journey in eastern Sicily, exploring the ancient heritage of Syracuse and Ortigia, the magnificent Baroque architecture of Noto and Ragusa Ibla, and the chocolate-making traditions of Modica. Discover charming towns, picturesque fishing villages and the remarkable cultural diversity of the island.

Travel through Sicily's heartland to admire the extraordinary Roman mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale and the majestic Greek temples of Agrigento. Continue west to experience the medieval atmosphere of Erice, the wine traditions of Marsala, and the fascinating Norman and Arab heritage of Palermo and Monreale, before discovering beautiful Cefalù.

The journey culminates with the spectacular volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna and the timeless elegance of Taormina, offering breathtaking Mediterranean views.

Throughout the tour, enjoy a combination of cultural discoveries, traditional Sicilian cuisine, local tastings and memorable landscapes, with accommodation, guided visits and scheduled transportation organised as described in the programme.

An unforgettable journey through the many faces of Sicily, designed for travellers who want to experience the island's most remarkable destinations and authentic local traditions.

Day by day

  1. 1

    Day 1

    Arrival in Catania

    Welcome to Sicily!

    Upon arrival in Catania, make your own way to the designated hotel and check in.

    Arrival transfers are not included. Private transfers from Catania Fontanarossa Airport, the port or the railway station can be arranged upon request at an additional cost.

    Enjoy your first included dinner and overnight stay in Catania.

    Meals included: Dinner
    Overnight: Catania

    CataniaDinnerCatania area
  2. 2

    Day 2

    Catania, Syracuse, Ortigia & Noto

    After breakfast, meet your tour guide at the hotel in Catania and begin your journey through Sicily.

    Start with a visit to Catania's historic centre, discovering its magnificent Baroque architecture, lively streets and the famous Cathedral of Sant'Agata. Experience the atmosphere of the traditional Fish Market (La Pescheria), when operating, and admire the city's remarkable historic landmarks.

    Continue to Syracuse, one of the most fascinating ancient cities in the Mediterranean. Explore the impressive Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to the magnificent Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Latomia del Paradiso.

    Proceed to Ortigia, the enchanting historic heart of Syracuse, where Greek, Roman and Baroque influences come together. Stroll through its picturesque streets, discover the beautiful Fountain of Arethusa and admire the extraordinary Cathedral of Syracuse, built around the ancient Temple of Athena.

    Enjoy some free time for lunch at your own expense.

    In the afternoon, travel to Noto, one of Sicily's most celebrated Baroque towns and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto. Discover its elegant historic centre, admire the magnificent Cathedral of San Nicolò, the beautiful Church of San Carlo and the richly decorated palaces that make Noto a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque architecture.

    After the visit, transfer to your hotel in the Noto area, enjoy your included dinner and overnight stay.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
    Overnight: Noto area

    CataniaBreakfast, DinnerNoto area
  3. 3

    Day 3

    Ragusa Ibla & Modica

    After breakfast, depart for Ragusa Ibla, one of Sicily's most enchanting Baroque towns and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto.

    Explore its charming historic centre, wandering through narrow cobbled streets, picturesque squares and elegant Baroque buildings. Admire the magnificent Duomo di San Giorgio, one of the finest examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture, and discover the atmospheric locations associated with the famous Inspector Montalbano television series.

    Enjoy some time to explore the town at a relaxed pace, admire its beautiful architecture and experience the authentic atmosphere of this remarkable historic centre.

    Continue to Modica, another jewel of Sicily's Baroque heritage, renowned for its spectacular hillside setting, elegant architecture and centuries-old chocolate-making tradition.

    Discover its fascinating historic streets and admire the impressive Cathedral of San Giorgio, dramatically rising above the town.

    During your visit, enjoy an included tasting of traditional Modica chocolate at a local chocolatier, discovering the distinctive texture and authentic flavours of this celebrated Sicilian speciality.

    Enjoy free time for lunch at your own expense, with the opportunity to sample traditional Sicilian dishes at one of the town's local restaurants or trattorias.

    In the afternoon, enjoy additional time to explore Modica's historic centre, discover its artisan shops and appreciate the town's unique atmosphere before returning to your hotel in the Noto area.

    Enjoy your included dinner and overnight stay.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
    Overnight: Noto area

    NotoBreakfast, DinnerNoto area
  4. 4

    Day 4

    Piazza Armerina & Agrigento

    After breakfast, depart from the Noto area and travel through the beautiful countryside of central Sicily towards Piazza Armerina, home to the extraordinary Villa Romana del Casale, one of Sicily's most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

    Discover this magnificent ancient Roman villa, renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved Roman mosaics, depicting fascinating scenes of daily life, mythology, hunting and nature. The extraordinary artistic detail and craftsmanship make this archaeological site one of the most impressive examples of Roman heritage in the Mediterranean.

    After the visit, enjoy an included traditional Sicilian lunch at a local agriturismo, where you can experience authentic regional cuisine and the warm hospitality of the Sicilian countryside.

    In the afternoon, continue towards Agrigento to explore the magnificent Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily's most celebrated archaeological treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Discover the extraordinary remains of ancient Akragas, admiring the majestic Temple of Concordia, one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, together with the impressive Temple of Heracles and other monumental structures that reflect the grandeur of ancient Greek civilisation.

    After the visit, proceed to your hotel in Agrigento, enjoy your included dinner and overnight stay.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Overnight: Agrigento

    AgrigentoBreakfast, DinnerAgrigento area
  5. 5

    Day 5

    Selinunte, Erice & Palermo

    After breakfast, depart from Agrigento and travel along Sicily's southwestern coast towards Selinunte, home to one of the largest and most impressive archaeological parks in the Mediterranean.

    Discover the extraordinary remains of the ancient Greek city of Selinunte, once one of the most important settlements of Magna Graecia. Explore its magnificent archaeological landscape, admire the monumental Greek temples and discover the fascinating ruins of a civilisation that flourished more than 2,500 years ago.

    Enjoy free time for lunch at your own expense in the Selinunte area, with the opportunity to discover local restaurants and traditional Sicilian specialities.

    In the afternoon, continue towards Erice, a charming medieval hilltop town overlooking the western Sicilian coastline.

    Wander through its picturesque cobbled streets, admire the beautiful stone buildings and historic churches, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea.

    During your visit, enjoy an included tasting of traditional Erice almond sweets, discovering one of the town's most celebrated culinary traditions.

    After some free time to explore Erice's charming historic centre, continue to Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital.

    Upon arrival, check in at your hotel, enjoy your included dinner and overnight stay.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
    Overnight: Palermo

    EriceBreakfast, DinnerPalermo
  6. 6

    Day 6

    Palermo, Cefalù, and Mount Etna area

    After breakfast, discover Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital, where centuries of Arab, Norman and Baroque influences have created an extraordinary cultural heritage.

    Explore the fascinating historic centre of Palermo, admiring the magnificent Palermo Cathedral, one of the city's most iconic landmarks, and the beautiful Church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (La Martorana), celebrated for its remarkable Byzantine mosaics.

    Continue through the historic streets, discovering the impressive Piazza Pretoria, with its monumental fountain, and the magnificent Teatro Massimo, one of Europe's largest opera houses.

    Experience the lively atmosphere of Palermo's traditional markets, where colourful stalls, local aromas and vibrant street life reveal the city's authentic character.

    During the visit, enjoy an included Sicilian street food tasting, discovering some of Palermo's traditional savoury specialities.

    Continue towards Cefalù, one of Sicily's most picturesque seaside towns, renowned for its charming medieval streets, beautiful sandy beach and spectacular Mediterranean setting.

    Explore the historic centre and admire the magnificent Norman Cathedral of Cefalù, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics.

    Enjoy free time for lunch at your own expense, with the opportunity to discover local restaurants and traditional Sicilian specialities.

    Depending on the season, enjoy an included tasting of traditional Sicilian granita with brioche or a local sweet speciality.

    In the afternoon, continue along Sicily's northern coastline towards the beautiful Mount Etna area, surrounded by volcanic landscapes and charming countryside.

    Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy an included dinner at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay in the Mount Etna area.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
    Overnight: Mount Etna area

    CefalùBreakfast, DinnerEtna area
  7. 7

    Day 7

    Etna and Taormina

    After breakfast, depart for Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano and one of Sicily's most extraordinary natural attractions, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Explore the fascinating volcanic landscapes around Rifugio Sapienza and the famous Silvestri Craters, surrounded by impressive lava formations and breathtaking views of the Sicilian countryside and coastline.

    During the excursion, enjoy an included tasting of local honey and traditional Sicilian products, discovering the authentic flavours and agricultural traditions of the Etna region.

    Continue to Taormina, one of Sicily's most beautiful and renowned towns, celebrated for its spectacular Mediterranean setting, elegant atmosphere and extraordinary historical heritage.

    Discover the magnificent Ancient Theatre of Taormina (Teatro Antico), one of the island's most iconic archaeological landmarks, offering unforgettable panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.

    Stroll through the charming historic centre, exploring its picturesque streets, elegant squares, artisan boutiques and beautiful panoramic terraces.

    Enjoy free time for lunch at your own expense, with the opportunity to discover traditional Sicilian cuisine at one of Taormina's restaurants or trattorias.

    In the afternoon, enjoy some additional free time in Taormina before returning to the Mount Etna area.

    Enjoy your final included dinner at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
    Overnight: Mount Etna area

    Etna \ TaorminaBreakfast, DinnerEtna area
  8. 8

    Day 8

    Transfer and End of Services

    After your final breakfast at the hotel, check out and board the coach for the included group transfer to Catania Fontanarossa Airport.

    Upon arrival at the airport, the 8-day Sicily Emotions tour officially comes to an end.

    Guests travelling onward to the Port of Catania, Catania Centrale Railway Station or other destinations can independently arrange their onward journey using the available public transport connections or taxi services.

    The group transfer operates at one scheduled departure time, which will be communicated before the end of the tour.

    Meals included: Breakfast

    End of services at Catania Fontanarossa Airport.

    CataniaBreakfast

Accommodation

  • Catania

    Hotel Agatae 3* or similar · 3*

    Night 1 · BB

    Accommodation in a selected hotel of the indicated category or similar, subject to availability.

    Breakfast is included. Dinner is provided separately as part of the tour programme. Final hotel details will be confirmed before departure.

  • Noto

    Hotel Villa Sofia 4*  or similar · 4*

    Nights 2–3 · HB

    Accommodation in a selected hotel of the indicated category or similar, subject to availability.

    Breakfast is included. Dinner is provided separately as part of the tour programme. Final hotel details will be confirmed before departure.

  • Agrigento

    Hotel Baia di Ulisse 4* or similar

    Night 4

    Accommodation in a selected hotel of the indicated category or similar, subject to availability.

    Breakfast is included. Dinner is provided separately as part of the tour programme. Final hotel details will be confirmed before departure.

  • Palermo

    Hotel Garibaldi 4* or similar · 4*

    Night 5 · BB

    Accommodation in a selected hotel of the indicated category or similar, subject to availability.

    Breakfast is included. Dinner is provided separately as part of the tour programme. Final hotel details will be confirmed before departure.

  • Zafferana Etnea

    Hotel Primavera dell'Etna · 3*

    Nights 6–7 · HB

    Accommodation in a selected hotel of the indicated category or similar, subject to availability.

    Breakfast is included. Dinner is provided separately as part of the tour programme. Final hotel details will be confirmed before departure.

Included

  • 7 nights' accommodation in selected 3- and 4-star hotels or similar, as specified in the programme.
  • Air-conditioned grand touring coach for scheduled excursions and transfers from Day 2 to Day 7.
  • Tour guide services from the morning of Day 2 until the end of the scheduled programme on Day 7.
  • Licensed local guides for selected visits, where applicable according to the programme.
  • Radio-guide system for scheduled guided visits.
  • 7 breakfasts at the hotels.
  • 7 dinners throughout the tour, served at selected hotels or local restaurants as specified in the itinerary.
  • 1 traditional Sicilian lunch at a local agriturismo in the Piazza Armerina area on Day 4.
  • Traditional Modica chocolate tasting at a local chocolatier.
  • Traditional almond sweets tasting in Erice.
  • Authentic Sicilian street food tasting in Palermo.
  • Traditional Sicilian granita with brioche or a seasonal local sweet speciality in Cefalù.
  • Local honey and regional products tasting on Mount Etna.
  • Half Board accommodation in the Mount Etna area, including dinner and breakfast, as specified in the itinerary.
  • One scheduled group transfer from the hotel in the Mount Etna area to Catania Fontanarossa Airport on Day 8.

Not included

  • Arrival transfers from Catania Fontanarossa Airport, the Port of Catania or Catania Centrale Railway Station to the hotel. Private transfers are available upon request at an additional cost.
  • Individual airport transfers outside the scheduled group transfer on Day 8.
  • Onward transportation from Catania Fontanarossa Airport to the Port of Catania, Catania Centrale Railway Station or other destinations.
  • Lunches, except for the included agriturismo lunch on Day 4, and any other meals not expressly mentioned in the programme.
  • Beverages during meals, unless expressly included.
  • Entrance tickets to archaeological parks, monuments, churches, museums and other ticketed attractions, as detailed in the entrance information.
  • Optional Mount Etna cable-car, 4x4 and high-altitude excursions.
  • City taxes, where applicable, payable locally.
  • Flights and other transportation to or from Sicily.
  • Personal expenses, optional activities and any services not expressly listed under "What's Included".

Entrance fees & tickets

  • Neapolis Archaeological Park, Syracuse.
  • Syracuse Cathedral, Ortigia (where applicable).
  • Villa Romana del Casale, Piazza Armerina
  • Valley of the Temples, Agrigento.
  • Selinunte Archaeological Park.
  • Palermo Cathedral
  • Church of La Martorana, Palermo.
  • Cefalù Cathedral
  • Ancient Theatre of Taormina.

Good to know

Insider tip
Experience Sicily through its authentic local flavours: enjoy traditional Modica chocolate, almond sweets in Erice, Sicilian street food in Palermo and honey tasting on Mount Etna.

Take your time to explore the charming historic streets of Ragusa Ibla and Taormina, where some of the most memorable discoveries are found away from the main squares.

Don't forget your camera: the ancient temples of Selinunte and Agrigento, together with the spectacular volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna, offer unforgettable photographic opportunities.
Accessibility
The programme includes archaeological parks, historic town centres, cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, steps and walking visits.

Some attractions, particularly Mount Etna and archaeological sites, may present accessibility challenges for guests with reduced mobility.

Hotel accessibility, transport arrangements and specific assistance requirements must be verified individually before booking.

Full accessibility of the complete itinerary has not been confirmed. Guests with mobility requirements are encouraged to contact us in advance to discuss suitable arrangements.
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, a small day bag, drinking water, sun protection and clothing suitable for visits to churches and religious sites.

Bring a warm layer and a windproof jacket for Mount Etna, where temperatures can be considerably cooler and weather conditions may change quickly, even during summer.

A light rain jacket is also recommended, particularly during spring and autumn departures.
Important information
An 8-day / 7-night guided shared-group tour, starting in Catania and ending at Catania Fontanarossa Airport, with scheduled departures in 2027.

The tour accommodates 2 to 50 participants, subject to confirmed departure arrangements.

Arrival transfers are not included. Guests must make their own way to the designated hotel in Catania. Private transfers are available upon request at an additional cost.

Tour guide and scheduled coach services operate from Day 2 to Day 7.

The package includes 7 breakfasts, 1 traditional Sicilian lunch at an agriturismo and 7 dinners, together with the tastings specified in the itinerary.

On Day 8, one scheduled group transfer from the hotel in the Mount Etna area to Catania Fontanarossa Airport is included. Individual transfers and onward transportation to other destinations are not included.

Entrance tickets to archaeological sites, monuments, museums and churches are not included.

Final hotel details, meeting arrangements, guiding language and the scheduled airport transfer time will be communicated before departure. Guests should ensure their return travel arrangements are compatible with the group transfer schedule.