Excursions & day trips in Sicily

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 Randazzo and Alcantara Gorge tour from Taormina

This full-day Sicilian tour begins in Randazzo, a Medieval town on Mount Etna's northern slopes. After a guided walk and some free time to wander its lava-stone streets, churches and shops, you'll head to Alcantara Gorge. Shaped by ancient lava flows and the Alcantara River that runs through it, you'll have three hours to swim in natural pools, walk the trails, snap photos or rent gear for optional extra water fun like river trekking and body rafting. After a day exploring local life and Sicily's natural beauty, you'll make your way back to your hotel.

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 - 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 - Siracusa & Ortigia Tour from Syracuse

Tick off a Sicilian must-do on this morning tour to Syracuse. Unravel layers of history while admiring Roman, Greek, medieval and baroque architecture at the Neapolis Archaeological Park, before heading to the island of Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse, for a tour around its honey-coloured lanes. You'll also see the UNESCO-protected Cathedral of Syracuse and the Fountain of Arethusa.

Sicily - Mount Etna and Taormina tour from Syracuse

Perched on a clifftop overlooking sweeping bays, Taormina is home to some of the best-preserved historic landmarks in the world. And on this tour, you'll not only see the famed ‘pearl of Sicily', but you'll also see the highest active volcano in Europe. Journey up to 1,900 metres for the grandstand views atop Mount Etna, before spending free time in Taormina and tasting the local Sicilian Arancino.

Sicily - Pizza cooking class in Taormina

Make traditional Sicilian Pizza with a real 'pizzaiolo' - the Italian word for pizza chef. Learn the secrets of perfect pizza from an expert as you prepare the dough and the toppings for flash baking in a searing hot pizza oven. Take the skills and knowledge home with you to recreate authentic pizza whenever you like. You'll get a certificate and souvenir apron, too.

Sicily - Arancino making class in Taormina

The classic Sicilian arancino is a plump croquette of rice coated in breadcrumbs and served hot and crisp. There are a number of traditional fillings such as ragu, mushrooms, prosciutto or spinach - but the most popular in Sicily is a meat sauce with peas and mozzarella. Join a professional chef to learn the secrets of making these perfect little Sicilian snacks.

Sicily - Cannoli making class in Taormina

Sicily is reknowned for its sweet treats and indulgent desserts - none more famous than Cannoli. Under the supervision and guidance of a professional chef, you'll learn how to make these typical ricotta-stuffed pastries and add a bit of extra sweetness to your trip. Take new skills home and make Cannoli whenever you feel like a taste of Sicily.

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 - Sicilian cooking lesson in Taormina

The beautiful simplicity of Sicilian cuisine has made it one of the island's best attractions, right up there with Mt Etna, classical ruins and baroque architecture. This cookery class in Taormina is a chance to learn more about the island's cuisine, and sharpen your cooking skills at the same time.The fun begins at the local market, where you'll be given tips on how to shop for the best meat, fish and vegetables. Your guide will then take you on a short walk through the town, to a nearby restaurant. There, you'll enjoy a cooking lesson from an experienced local chef. He'll start by giving you a demonstration of how to prepare a Sicilian meal.Then, it's over to you to have a go at cooking it yourself. You'll get to judge your own culinary skills afterwards, as what you've prepared will be served for lunch. And what's more, you'll take home a branded apron and certificate alongside your new-found recipes.

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.

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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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.