Sicily & the Aeolian Islands
Various Dates 2025/2026
From €1,449 per person sharing
Discover Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, on this guided group holiday. This Italian island’s long history has resulted in a rich and unique culture that has attracted holidaymakers for centuries.
On this incredible guided Italy trip, you will discover traces of former civilisations including Phoenician settlements, Roman amphitheatres, Greek temples and Aragonese churches. you will also visit the highest point in Sicily, the imposing Mount Etna and explore the Aeolian islands, an archipelago located off the northern coast of Sicily. These volcanic islands exhibit incredible natural beauty, earning them a place on UNESCO's World Heritage list.
This perfectly paced holiday also allows plenty of free time to soak up the Sicilian culture on your own, with helpful recommendations from your expert guide.
Call us now on (01) 517 5990 or request a quote by filling out the form at the bottom of the page.
Day 1 – Travel to Sicily
Transfer to Giardini Naxos
Upon landing, you will be met by your local representative in the airport, who will escort you to your hotel in Giardini Naxos. As you travel to your hotel, your guide will share some information about the local region, suggest activities for you to enjoy and answer any questions you may have.
Please note: For 25 September & 09 October Dublin departures you will fly in and out of Palermo with Ryanair. The transfer time between Palermo and Giardini Naxos is approx 3 hours & 30 minutes. During the transfer you will stop in a local restaurant for dinner.
Day 2 – Mount Etna & Taormina
Trip to Mount Etna
Morning
Join your guide this morning for a full day excursion discovering this fascinating Mediterranean island. Following breakfast, you will travel to the slopes of magnificent Mount Etna to savour panoramic views over the coast and countryside.
Explore Taormina
Afternoon
This afternoon, visit hilltop Taormina, a delightful coastal town just 6km from Giardini Naxos. With your guide, you will explore the colourful maze of narrow streets and terraces. Your walking tour will include a guided tour of the famous Greek Theatre.
Day 3 – Aeolian Islands of Lipari & Vulcano
Fully Guided Tour of Aeolian Islands
Full Day
This morning, join your guide on a wonderful adventure to the Aeolian Islands! Travel by coach to Milazzo in the northeast of Sicily where you will continue your journey by boat. Your first visit is to Lipari where you have time to explore the charming old town before sailing to Vulcano. Here you will discover the rock formations, caves and crystal-clear waters of Aeolian legend before returning to Milazzo, viewing the picturesque village of Gelso and its lighthouse on your journey.
Day 4 – At Leisure
Free Time in Giardini Naxos
Full Day
Today is a free day, to relax and discover the charms of Giardini Naxos. Unwind as you enjoy the superb range of facilities at the hotel or take a stroll along the beach to dip your toes in the Mediterranean Sea!
Your expert local guide will be happy to suggest activities and advise on must-see local highlights.
Day 5 – Syracuse
Full Day Trip to Syracuse
Full Day
Spend a full day guided excursion to include a city tour of the spellbinding city of Syracuse, whose historic heart is located on the island of Ortigia. You will discover many highlights today including the Arethusa Fountain, the fascinating Cathedral, as well as the city’s UNESCO protected archaeological area.
The Archaeological Park of Neapolis is home to the Greek Theatre, the fascinating Latomie caves and the Ear of Dionysius, a 23 metre high grotto with exceptional acoustic properties.
Day 6 – At Leisure
Free Time in Giardini Naxos
Full Day
Today will be free for relaxing, shopping and sightseeing at your own pace. Your guide will be pleased to suggest places of interest to see and visit and provide information on getting around in the local area.
Day 7 – At Leisure
Explore Sicily at Your Own Pace
Full Day
Today is a free day, to relax at the hotel or explore the surrounding area. Perhaps take a trip to Taormina for some last-minute souvenirs, enjoy a delicious gelato or savour a lazy lunch of local delicacies.
Day 8 – Catania & Return Home
Depart Giardini Naxos
Morning
Today you will check out of your hotel and settle any charges incurred, you will be transferred to Catania for your return flight home.
Explore Catania & Transfer to the Catania Airport
Afternoon
Explore Catania, a vibrant city that perfectly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. On your guided tour, you will uncover its iconic Baroque architecture, lively markets and the unique charm that makes Sicily so charming.
Following the tour, you will enjoy a Sicilian street food tasting experience, where you will savour some of the region’s most beloved culinary delights.
After enjoying some free time to explore at our own leisure (dependent on flight times), you will transfer to the airport for our return flight home.
Please Note: For 09 October departures you will fly in and out of Palermo with Ryanair. After you check out from your hotel in Giardini Naxos, you will be transferred to Palermo with a stop in the charming coastal town of Cefalu, located in northern Sicily en route. You will enjoy a short guided tour of Cefalu famous for its Norman cathedral with elaborate Byzantine mosaics. Lunch is included in a local restaurant before continuing onto Palermo airport for your return flight home.
The price for this travel package is from €1,829 per person* sharing.
A single supplement is applicable if you are travelling alone with prices varying depending on departure date.
A non-refundable deposit of €500 per person is due at time of booking, plus any optional supplements. The balance is due 12 weeks prior to travel.
*Prices may vary depending on departure date
Departure Dates:
2025
- 25 September – limited availability
- 09 October – limited availability
2026
- 06 May
- 20 May
- 27 May
- 03 June
- 17 June
- 24 June
- 26 August
- 02 September
- 16 September
- 24 September
- 08 October
What's Included:
-
International return flights with a luggage allowance
-
Airport transfers in Sicily with guide assistance
-
7 nights’ accommodation in a carefully selected hotel on a half-board basis – breakfast each morning
-
All transportation for scheduled sightseeing and transfers by air-conditioned coach
-
Professional English-speaking local guides throughout the tour
-
Sightseeing & experiences including:
-
Guided transfer from the airport to Giardini Naxos with local insights from your guide
-
Full-day guided excursion to Mount Etna with panoramic viewpoints
-
Walking tour of Taormina including a guided visit to the famous Greek Theatre
-
Full-day guided tour to the Aeolian Islands including Lipari and Vulcano with boat transfers
-
Full-day guided excursion to Syracuse including Ortigia Island, the Cathedral, Arethusa Fountain, and the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Park of Neapolis
-
Guided walking tour of Catania with Sicilian street food tasting experience (or guided tour of Cefalù with lunch for Palermo departures)
-
-
Free days to relax and explore at leisure with optional activities suggested by your guide
-
24-hour assistance from local representatives during the tour
What's not Included:
-
Travel insurance – this is a mandatory condition of the booking.
-
Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and hotel staff (at your discretion).
