Things to do in Sicily

Mount Etna Tour to 2900m from Taormina

Europe's highest volcano looms large over Sicily, so this family-friendly tour takes you as close to the top as you can. You'll be driven to Rifugio Sapienza, then swap to a cable car and 4x4 vehicle to reach the main crater at about 2,900m above sea level. The views and lunar landscape from here are nothing short of breathtaking.Nature trails, caves, woods, and lava flows typify the landscape that leads to the top of Mt Etna. And after pick-up from your hotel you'll be driven to about 1900m above sea level at Rifugio Sapienza on the south side of Etna, where you'll hop off the bus to unearth some more.On the way you'll learn all there is to know about Mt Etna and its explosive past. And don't worry – there'll be plenty of facts for the little ones to take in, too. Then, you'll get to see it all for yourself during some free time. Switch to a cable car and jump into an off-road vehicle that'll take you rumbling along to the main crater. You'll want your camera for this one.

The Godfather Half-Day Guided Tour with Transfer from Taormina

Relive some of the Godfather scenes on the spot, walk down in the alleys in Al Pacino's footsteps and enter the Church seen in the film.

Panarea & Stromboli Boat Tour from Taormina

The volcanic islands of Stromboli and Panarea are the stars of the show on this full day excursion. You'll explore these island beauties just off the coast of Sicily with plenty of free time to sightsee at your own pace and witness the famous active lava flow by night.

Guided trekking adventure on Stromboli volcano

Embark on a thrilling trek up Stromboli volcano with an expert guide. Witness the power of nature as you experience explosive eruptions at night.

Taormina Bay cruise with wine and liqueur-tasting in Sicily

The local wines and liqueurs of Sicily taste that much better when you're cruising the Mediterranean Sea. You'll start your boat trip hugging the coastline and exploring the bays and caves of Taormina and Giardini Naxos. There's time for a splash about or a snorkel in the warm waters before you climb back onboard where your savvy skipper will guide you through a tasting of locally produced wines and liqueurs. It's the perfect pairing with Sicilian coastal views.

Taormina Bay sunset cruise with aperitif

Hop aboard this sunset boat tour, casting off from Taormina Bay to Giardini Naxos. As you glide along this stretch of the Sicilian coast, you'll pass caves and bays while your expert skipper tells you tales of this place's history. Plus, if you're lucky, you might see playful dolphins out for a swim. As the sun sets behind Mount Etna, there's time for a refreshing dip near Isola Bella, before a small bite to eat on board.

Cruise Taormina Bay in Sicily with an aperitif

Feel the warm, salty breeze on your skin as you sail away on a two-hour boat tour exploring the Sicilian coast. Glide through clear waters, past towering limestone hills and discover Taormina's hidden bays and caves – plus you can cool off with a swim and snorkel in one of them. Then listen to local tales about the area from your skipper as you relax with snacks and a refreshing aperitif, and soak up the awe-inspiring coastal views.

Guided Corleone mafia resistance tour with lunch

Corleone was once a town once infamous for its mafia ties, but today it is a beacon of resistance and justice. The panoramic drive through the mountains sets the stage for an enlightening day ahead. Vincenzo, one of our expert local guides says, “This fascinating, insightful tour is designed to educate and debunk Hollywood's glamorised portrayal of mafia life, offering instead a genuine glimpse into the courageous fight against organised crime. This is an important tour for our town." First up is The Godfather's House Museum, a grand 19th-century residence that takes you on a journey through time, exploring the birth of both the mafia and anti-mafia movements. Next, delve deeper into this complex history at the CIDMA Antimafia Museum, home to an extensive collection of documents and exhibits chronicling the dark past and brave resistance against the mafia. After a walking tour of Corleone's historic streets, you'll be whisked off to a local restaurant near the Royal Palace of Ficuzza for a classic Italian lunch, surrounded by natural beauty. Finally, sit back and relax on your return journey to Cefalù, taking with you a deeper understanding of Corleone's transformation from a mafia stronghold to a place that local people are proud to call home, a place with a future free from the clutches of organized crime.

Campofelice to Cefalu evening shuttle service in Sicily

Cefalu makes it into the Italian Tourism Council's list of ‘Most beautiful villages of Italy', so when you're less than 30 minutes away, there's no excuse not to check it out. This transfer service from Campofelice gives you a hassle-free three-hour evening visit to Cefalu. The small historic town pokes out from the northern coastline, with terracotta-topped, white-washed houses lining the bay. You'll be spoilt for choice on where to spend your evening, with a beach, a 13th-century cathedral, boutique shops and plenty of cafes and restaurants with traditional Sicilian flavours and views of the Mediterranean.

Evening transfer to Palermo from Cefalu

Hop aboard this transfer service and spend an evening in Palermo. Once you arrive, your guide will give you a quick orientation of the city, before sharing their favourite spots and recommendations. Then, you'll have three hours of free time in the Sicilian capital before your transfer back to your hotel – whether you fancy seeing the city's most iconic sights, sampling local dishes or soaking up the bustling atmosphere, there's something for everyone.You can head over to Vucciria Market, which comes alive with street food vendors, music, and dancing, offering a taste of local nightlife. Iconic squares like Piazza Rivoluzione and Piazza Sant'Anna buzz with activity, perfect for enjoying a drink and people-watching. The area around Teatro Massimo is filled with lively bars and cafés, making it a great spot to start your evening. For a more relaxed vibe, head to Mondello Beach and enjoy the serene seaside under the stars.

Olive oil and cheese-tasting tour with Castelbuono visit

Learn how olive oil and cheese are made on this half-day tour through the villages of Sicily, with visits to an ancient olive mill, a family-run cheese factory, and the hilltop town of Castelbuono. Our expert local guide, Eleni, says "the olive oil tasting at Sant'Ambrogio lets you sample the different qualities of olive oil, while the cheese tasting at Caseificio San Nicolo lets you in on the secrets of traditional Sicilian cheese-making. Plus, Castelbuono is a great spot for relaxing and filling up your camera roll."Your first stop is at the old olive oil mill, for a tasting of this liquid gold with an expert who will explain all about the different types of oil – imagine a wine sommelier but for oil. Though the mill isn't in use anymore, it's been well-preserved by the owners so that you can take a tour and learn about traditional olive oil production.Next, you'll head over to Caseificio San Nicolo, a family-run cheese factory renowned for its selection of cheeses made from both goat and cow milk. You'll learn how they make the cheese and, of course, taste some, too. Then, you'll wrap up your tour with a visit to the town of Castelbuono, nestled in the Madonie Mountains. Here, you'll have some free time to wander through its Medieval streets, pop into local shops, and get a feel for an authentic Sicilian village – you'll be able to get some great photos here, too.

Sites & Bites: Catania city food tour with arancini and cannoli

This half-day tour takes you through the heart of Catania, hitting all the must-see spots. Start your adventure at Piazza Duomo, where you'll stop by Catania Cathedral – it's dedicated to the city's patron saint, St Agatha. Don't forget to snap a pic of the Elephant Fountain while you're here, too.Next up is the fish market for a nosey around the stalls, piled high with the freshest seafood. Then, it's off to the Greek-Roman Theatre, a slice of Catania's past nestled right in the city centre. This ancient site boasts two open-air theatres – the larger Roman theatre and the smaller, semicircular Odeon. Both were designed with seats rising along the hillside, making the most of the sea views.From here, you'll stroll along Via Etnea, a popular shopping street, but the real highlight is the view of Mount Etna as you head to Piazza Stesicoro. Your guide will tell you about the Roman Amphitheatre near here, before your final stop at O'Luni Market. This local favourite is packed with fresh produce, meats and cheeses, and you'll have some free time to pick up any Sicilian treats that catch your eye.Throughout the tour, you'll sample some of the city's tastiest street food. Crispy arancini, AKA deep-fried rice balls, are a must-try. They're usually stuffed with fillings like ragu, mozzarella, or mushrooms – perfect for a quick snack. And, let's not forget the creamy cannoli, a classic Sicilian dessert. These tube-shaped pastry shells are fried to perfection, giving them their signature crunch. Then, they're filled with sweet, creamy ricotta, often mixed with chocolate chips and sometimes candied fruit or pistachios.