Compare Sicily Grand Tour by Exodus Travels vs Walking in Eastern Sicily by Esplora

Day 1 Start in Catania

We begin our Sicilian adventure in Catania, the second-largest city on the island. There are no planned activities today, so take time to settle in and enjoy the hotel facilities. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening. Accommodation: Dimora De Mauro (or similar)

Day 2 Excursion on Mount Etna; afternoon wine tasting

After breakfast, we enjoy a spectacular guided walk on Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. We hike up, past several old lava flows, to be rewarded with a panoramic view of the volcanic landscape (one to two hours’ walking, approximately 3mi/5km). We strongly advise you to take a waterproof/windproof jacket, a warm top and to wear long trousers. In the afternoon, we enjoy a delicious wine and cheese tasting in a wine cellar. We stay overnight in Catania. Accommodation: Dimora De Mauro (or similar)

Day 3 Morning sightseeing tour of Catania; afternoon drive to Syracuse and visit archaeological park

Day 4 Free day in Syracuse

The day is free to explore the lovely island of Ortygia, the historical heart of Syracuse. We recommend starting from the Piazza del Duomo, a delightful pedestrian square and home to a wonderful cathedral. The island measures just 124 acres (50ha) and can be easily explored on foot. Restaurants, trattorias and bars abound; it is  particularly lovely to sit out on the western side, warmed by the sun and with a sea view. The afternoon is free for further independent exploration. We recommend visiting the great archaeological museum Paolo Orsi, which has an extensive collection from the pre-Greek to Roman eras. Close to the museum are the Catacombs of San Giovanni, a maze of tunnels niched with early Christian tombs hidden beneath the flower-filled ruins of a Norman church. Accommodation: Gran Bretagna Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Visit the Unesco-listed baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa

In the morning, we leave Syracuse and head to the town of Noto (approximately 45 minutes), which has been part of a Unesco World Heritage site, Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto, since 2002. The striking architecture is a result of a major earthquake in 1693, in which the old town was almost destroyed. It was reconstructed with a design intended to be functional and harmonious. We explore the small town on foot, wandering around the narrow streets, admiring the golden stone buildings and the fantastical façades and balconies. After lunch, we drive to the town of Ragusa (approximately one hour), a Unesco-listed baroque town and considered one of the most picturesque in Sicily. Ragusa became particularly well-known in recent years as one of the main filming locations for the Sicilian detective drama Inspector Montalbano. The town is split into two parts, and while the upper section offers some noteworthy architectural delights, it is the smaller Ragusa Ibla below that really draws visitors. The historic centre is compact, making it easy to explore on foot in a few hours. Accommodation: Hotel Mediterraneo or Hotel Barocco (or similar)

Day 6 Explore town of Modica; transfer and overnight in Piazza Armerina

We start our day with a visit to Modica, another Unesco-listed baroque town with fine architecture, picturesque views and historic lanes. The chocolate made here is one of the most famous products in Sicily. We have the chance to sample some during a visit to the main chocolate shop in town. In the afternoon, we drive north (approximately two hours) to Piazza Armerina, a historic town in the heart of Sicily, to enjoy a pleasant stroll in its charming centre. Accommodation: Suite d'Autore (or similar)

Day 7 Morning guided visit in Piazza Armerina; see the Unesco-protected mosaics collection of Villa Romana del Casale

Today starts with a guided tour of Piazza Armerina and continues with a visit to the Unesco-listed Villa Romana del Casale, considered the top heritage site in Sicily by many visitors. This is one of the best-preserved villas built during the Roman Empire, with extensive and almost intact mosaics spread over 37,670sqft (3,500sqm). These vivid mosaics, probably produced by North African artisans, portray scenes of daily life, including a well-known tableau of girls exercising in swimwear. We return to Piazza Armerina in the afternoon. If you wish to explore more, we recommend a visit to the impressive archaeological site of Morgantina, approximately 40 minutes’ drive from the hotel (optional, payable locally). The fascinating ruins of Morgantina, an ancient Greek city which continued to thrive in Roman times, still preserve major Greek structures, including the sanctuary in the agora, the public grain store and the theatre. Accommodation: Suite d'Autore (or similar)

Day 8 Visit the Valley of Temples in Agrigento and archaeological site of Selinunte

Today is one of the longest travel days as we make our way south, first stopping in Agrigento (approximately two hours’ transfer) and then continuing to Selinunte (approximately a 1hr 20min drive) where we stay the night. In Agrigento, we visit the Valley of the Temples. A guided tour will allow us to discover and learn the history of this splendid archaeological park, which consists of eight temples (and various other remains) built between approximately 510 BCE and 430 BCE. In the afternoon, we explore Selinunte, one of the great Greek archaeological sites in Sicily. In the southwest corner of the island, the park incorporates Greek temples, ancient town walls, the ruins of residential and commercial buildings, countryside paths and zones yet to be excavated. Accommodation: Hotel Admeto (or similar)

Day 9 Explore the island of Mozia by ferry and drive to the hilltop town of Erice

An hour’s drive north and a short boat ride bring us to the island of Mozia, an interesting archaeological site in western Sicily, between the towns of Trapani and Marsala. The site was once an important colony of Carthage, the Phoenician-founded city in North Africa, with a small museum and extensive ruins to visit. In the afternoon, we continue (approximately a one-hour drive) to the picturesque medieval hilltop town of Erice, set in a stunning location approximately 2,625ft (800m) above sea level. Thanks to its strategic position, Erice was occupied by many civilisations, including the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs and the Normans. We enjoy free time to explore the narrow town lanes on foot, and perhaps enjoy down time and a drink in one of the panoramic terraces at sunset. We overnight in the Trapani area. Accommodation: Baglio Fontana or B&B Hotel Crystal Trapani (or similar)

Day 10 Half-day walk in Zingaro Nature Reserve; visit Segesta ruins and drive to Palermo

This morning, we take a break from the cultural highlights of the island and head to the coast to explore one of the best examples of idyllic Mediterranean coastline on foot. Stretching along the coast for 4mi (7km) between the lovely village of Scopello in the east to San Vito Lo Capo in the west, the Zingaro Nature Reserve has stunning walking trails with views out to  the azure sea, cliffs, coves and pristine beaches. We take a leisurely walk for up to three hours (including stops) along beautiful coastal trails with the opportunity for a quick swim before returning to the bus. In the afternoon, we head to Palermo, but not before stopping in the ancient city of Segesta (40 minutes’ drive), founded around 1200 BCE by the mysterious Elymians. Here we visit the Greek theatre and the well-preserved fifth-century BCE doric temple, set on top of a hill and surrounded by mountains. Accommodation: Ibis Cristal Palermo or Hotel B&B Quattro Canti (or similar)

Day 11 Morning tour of Monreale and the ‘duomo’; afternoon guided visit to Palermo

We start with a half-day excursion to Monreale (30 minutes’ drive each way) to visit the cathedral, considered the greatest example of Norman architecture in the world. An extensive area of the interior is covered in gleaming gold mosaics and features a fascinatingcombination of Norman, Byzantine and Islamic art. Later in the afternoon, a local expert guide will take us on a walking tour around the historic centre of Palermo, revealing some of the city’s landmarks, including Quattro Canti, Pretoria Square and Marina Square. Accommodation: Ibis Cristal Palermo or Hotel B&B Quattro Canti (or similar)

Day 12 Free day in Palermo for individual sightseeing; drive to the picturesque port town of Cefalù

The day is free for further individual exploration of the historic centre. A great way to spend the morning is by heading to one or two of the main street markets (Ballarò, Capo or Vucciria) where the legacy of Palermo’s past as a commercial port continues to manifest itself. Palermo’s Muslim history has made an imprint on the bazaars of the town: bustling, crowded and full of treasures. A morning at the markets is without doubt the best way to connect with the real lifestyle of the locals. Later in the afternoon, we transfer to the seaside town of Cefalù (approximately 1hr 15min). Accommodation: Hotel Tourist or Villa Cerniglia (or similar)

Day 13 Free day in Cefalù

Today is free to soak up the charming atmosphere of Cefalù. We recommend starting the day with a visit to the impressive Norman cathedral, home to elaborate Byzantine mosaics, and a restored 12th-century cloister. Continue with a stroll through the winding medieval streets of the historic centre and stop for lunch near the picturesque harbour. In the afternoon, you can relax at the sandy beach, take a walk to the hilltop Rocca to visit the ruins of a Norman castle and enjoy superb views, or visit the town museum, the Museo Mandralisca. Accommodation: Hotel Tourist or Villa Cerniglia (or similar)

Day 14 Transfer to Taormina, visit Greek theatre and free time

This morning, we drive to Taormina (approximately 2hr 40min). On arrival, we enjoy a short orientation tour through picture-perfect alleys followed by a visit to the third-century BCE Greek theatre, from which you can enjoy splendid coastal views. The remainder of the day is free for optional activities. If you are looking for a break from the crowds, head to the lovely public gardens. You can also take a walk (two-hour round trip) or a bus to the neighbouring hamlet of Castelmola. If you prefer to relax in the sunshine, visit Isola Bella, a tiny island in a small bay just below Taormina. Activities such as cooking classes may be available on request. Accommodation: Villa Esperia (or similar)

Day 15 End Taormina

The tour ends in Taormina after breakfast. You can begin your return journey home, but if you’d like more time to explore this magnificent island, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Day 1: Arrival and onward to Milazzo

We rendezvous at Catania airport in the afternoon and transfer by minibus on a short drive (2 hours) to our hotel in Milazzo.

We eat a fine sea-food dinner in one of Milazzo’s more intriguing trattorie.

Day 2: Walking in The Peloritani Mountains

The Peloritani Mountains are the spine of the triangle of land which makes up the North East corner of Sicily. They are thickly wooded and sparsely inhabited, with deep gorges and pine and oak forests.

We drive via Messina to Dinnammare, the highest point of the Peloritani accessible by vehicle, with its stunning views north over the Tyrrhenian sea and the Aeolian islands and south over the Straits of Messina and the Aspromonte mountains in Calabria.

From there we walk along a well-marked track with some stunning views as far as Etna and the Capo Milazzo. In the Spring and Autumn, we often get fabulous views of large flocks of migrating birds – particularly Honey Buzzards as they cross over the Straits of Messina.

In the late afternoon we return to Milazzo and there is time to visit the castle before supper before we head out to eat in a nearby trattoria.

Day 3: Lipari and the Aeolian islands

We get up early to catch the hydrofoil to Lipari. We make a short walk on the island with some spectacular views over to Vulcano and Salina. There will be time to visit the archaeological museum (one of the best in Sicily) in Lipari town before we catch the return hydrofoil to Milazzo.

On return to Milazzo we transfer to Castelmola for evening meal and overnight.

Day 4: Monte Santa Venere and Savoca – in the steps of the Godfather

Overnight and evening meal in Castelmola.

In the morning we walk to the top of Monte Venere with beautiful views over Etna.

After lunch we drive a short distance to Savoca. This small hilltop town, close to Taormina, provided the locations for some of the Sicilian scenes in the Godfather movies. Although ostensibly set in Corleone, Corleone was considered too developed by the time Coppola was filming for them to be considered as locations for his films. Both towns have remained almost untouched and are a stirring location even for someone left otherwise unmoved by the iconic seventies mafia movies.

We make sure too, that we stop for a granita at the famouse “Bar Vitelli”.

Day 5: Mt. Etna – the largest Volcano in Europe

Evening meal and overnight in Siracusa.

This morning we drive to Etna (1 hour). There will be a chance to see the Chestnut tree “of the hundred horses” – reputedly 3000 years old and the oldest tree in Sicily – after which we take a walk on the slopes of Etna to Pietracannone overlooking the Valle del Bove).

After a picnic lunch we transfer to our hotel in Siracusa (about 1.5 hours).

There will be free time in the afternoon to relax and enjoy Ortygia.

Day 6: Siracusa

Evening meal and overnight in Siracusa.

We start the day with a walking tour of historic Ortygia, strolling through the streets enjoying the stunning Baroque and Renaissance architecture and rubbing shoulders with Greek Mythology. We stop by the cathedral, which can lay claim to being the oldest Christian building in the world (it was converted from the enormous Doric temple of Athena).

After lunch we pay a visit to the Archaeological sites of Siracusa: one of the largest and best preserved of all Greek theatres in the whole of the Hellenic world and a remarkable cavern known as L’Orecchio di Dionisio – which, according to legend, was used as a prison by the tyrant Dionysius and allowed him to eavesdrop on his captives.

Day 7: Walking in Pantalica

Evening meal and overnight in Siracusa.

The valley of Pantalica is home to a fascinating necropolis with over 5000 tombs dating from the 13th to the 7th centuries BC.

We spend the morning walking along an old railway track and through a beautiful hidden valley before a short climb to a picnic lunch among the rock tombs. After lunch, there is time to explore the famous “Anaktaron” (the supposed house of the one-time ruler of Pantalica) before returning to Siracsua in the late afternoon.

Day 8: Departure

Departure from Catania airport.