Folklore in Sicily

Sicily - Sicily Godfather tour

'We're going to make you an offer you can't refuse'. Well, this used to be Mafia country, after all. In fact, Hollywood descended on this part of the world to film scenes for the Godfather trilogy, so this tour will take in two Sicilian mountain villages that made it onto the silver screen and to relive some of the the most famous scenes.

Sicily - 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.

Sicily - Taormina and Mount Etna from Cefalù

Set off from Cefalù on a full-day tour to two of Sicily's must-see treasures – Mount Etna and Taormina. At Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, you can check out the Silvestri Craters, shops and cafes at 1,900 metres above sea level, or ride the cable car and 4x4 up to 2,900 metres for jaw-dropping views across the island. Then, it's off to Taormina, a charming hilltop town with winding Medieval streets, boutiques, cozy cafes and a historic Greek theatre overlooking the sea.

Sicily - Mount Etna tour from Taormina

Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe and a true icon of Sicily. This is your chance to venture either 1,900 or 2,900 metres above sea level to check out the lunar-like landscapes of the volcano's craters. You'll be driven from Taormina to Rifugio Sapienza, where – if you've chosen to go up to 2,900 metres – you'll switch to a cable car and 4x4 vehicle to reach the main crater for a guided walk and some epic views. If you opt to stay at 1,900 metres, there's free time to explore the nature trails around the Silvestri Craters, along with souvenir shops, cafés and a small museum that tells the story of the mountain's past. Either way, you'll want your camera for this one.

Sicily - 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.

Sicily - 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.

Sicily - 4x4 Adventure on Etna North Side

Experience the thrill of exploring Europe's highest active volcano, Mount Etna, on a 4x4 off-road adventure. Enjoy panoramic views and listen to interesting stories.

Sicily - Pizza Cookery Class in Giardini Naxos

Meet your professional pizza chef Maurizio for your 2-hour pizza making lesson. Learn the tricks of the trade from the real deal, a Sicilian Pizzaiolo in a local pizzeria. Chef Maurizio will explain the magic involved in turning simple ingredients into a mouthwatering pizza, and at the end of the session you will sit down to enjoy your pizza with a glass of local wine.

Sicily - Full-day Syracuse guided heritage tour

The past comes to life in Syracuse – a city packed with classical heritage as well as flamboyant Sicilian baroque architecture. You'll visit the Greek theatre, go into the Ear of Dionysius and explore Ortygia island, the heart of the old town and location of baroque gems such as the cathedral.

Sicily - Palermo walking tour and Monreale Cathedral visit in Sicily

If ancient cities, holy monuments and a touch of the macabre are your thing, then this two-in-one tour is a must. First up is UNESCO-listed Monreale Cathedral where you'll marvel at the architecture before a guide gives you the history of its pure-gold mosaics. You'll then stop by Palermo for a walking tour of some of the best-preserved historic landmarks in the world. After, you can take time to sip a cappuccino, browse the market, or grab some lunch in the famous Piazza Verdi.

Sicily - Isola Bella Mini-cruise

Sicilians like to be direct. So when it came to naming the tiny islet of Isola Bella – it means ‘Beautiful Island' – there was only ever going to be one option. This morning cruise from Giardini-Naxos allows you to take in the amazing coastal views – with Mt Etna in the background – en route to Isola Bella.

Sicily - Mount Etna guided sunset tour with Sicilian dinner

Watching the sky light up with shades of orange and then burn out into darkness while standing atop a volcano is a special sensation. This drama-rich tour takes you to Mount Etna – a must-visit when in Sicily. You'll head to an altitude of almost 3,000 metres to catch the sunset and then relax over a traditional meal to round off your adventure. You'll go by minibus to Etna, then, as the terrain becomes rockier, you'll switch to a 4x4 vehicle. As you make your way to 2,900m above sea level – the highest point that's safely reachable – there'll be stops to take in the harsh, lunar landscape and the lava-smothered flanks of this towering mountain. Make sure you're wearing comfortable walking shoes and warm layers – it gets cold at high altitude. After admiring the views from near the summit, an expert alpine guide will take you to a less exposed 2,500m, where you'll watch the sunset in a more comfortable location. Then on the way back, you'll stop at a chalet restaurant for a typical Sicilian dinner.

Sicily - Dolphin watching sunset cruise with aperitif

Cruising by the iconic Isola Bella at sunset, with an aperitif in hand, you'll really take your holiday to the next level. And that's just the first part of the trip. Once you've admired the coastline, you'll be whisked further from the coast to the Isola Bella marine reserve. Here, we'll begin our search for dolphins - if we are lucky enough to spot a group, we will approach cautiously so we can observe them without disturbing them.

Sicily - Discover Scuba with Taormina Diving Centre

Thanks to its mineral-rich volcanic landscape, Sicily's waters are full of life. And you'll get a chance to explore them on this half-day scuba diving trip. You'll sail to the nature reserve of Isola Bella. Mooring up in the Azurra and Grotta Del Giorno sea caves, you'll get to dive in to search for marine life.