Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Sicily with the "Real Sicily | Classic | 2025" tour. Discover the island's rich cultural tapestry as you explore Catania's UNESCO-listed historic core and take a thrilling cable car ride in Taormina for breathtaking beach views. Experience the adrenaline rush of an optional ride on Mt Etna, and delve into the ancient wonders of Syracuse and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Relax on the sun-kissed beaches of Cefalù, where water sports and coastal cruises await. In Palermo, join a walking tour to uncover the history of the Mafia and enjoy a farewell dinner at Al Fresco. With comfortable accommodations and seamless transport, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation in the heart of Italy. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Catania
Location: Catania
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mercure Catania Excelsior (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Catania! This colourful cacophony of baroque piazzas and ancient ruins is the perfect place to get acquainted with Sicily. We'll have a chance to check out Catania's UNESCO listed historic core before an included dinner in a local restaurant. Is Sicilian cuisine the best in the world? It has to be up there...
Day 2: Catania to Taormina
Location: Catania, Taormina
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Isabella (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We've got more spectacular Sicilian towns to explore today, as we head from Catania to Taormina. Uniquely perched on the side of a mountain, this elegant resort town is the perfect place to live the good life in Italy. We'll waste no time admiring the gorgeous panoramas, as we take the cable car that connects the town's historic centre with its awesome beaches. After sunning ourselves for a bit, why not opt for a cooking class with some local masterchefs, learning how to whip up local delicacies like Arancini & Cannoli? It's the perfect way to impress everyone when you get back home.
Day 3: Taormina
Location: Mount Etna, Taormina
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Isabella (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we've got an unmissable optional for you. Sicily’s stupendous stratovolcano Mt Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe. And what better way to experience this majestic monster than on an adrenaline filled ride, as you pass vineyards and orchards spread across the fertile slopes? You won’t find views quite like this anywhere in Europe. Whether or not you opt for the tour, you'll have a free afternoon to explore Taormina - lazing on the beach, checking out the Roman theatre or sitting and drinking a spritz as life lazily moves by. It's a hard life.
Day 4: Taormina to Syracuse via Noto
Location: Taormina, Syracuse, Noto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Panorama (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
See ya, Taormina – it's time to visit some historical hotspots. Next stop, Syracuse. We’ll have some free time to check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse. Famed for its rich ancient Roman and Greek history, with ancient amphitheatres and architecture everywhere you look, this place was even mentioned in the Bible (how's that for history creds?). Our next outing is to Noto, home to some of Sicily’s most impressive historic architecture. We’ll check out the Corso Vittoria Emanuele and other legendary landmarks, and then it’s off to an organic farm for a Tastes of Sicily experience – the freshest Sicilian ingredients, brought to us direct from farm to table. Just what the doctor ordered! And after a long day, it’s time to hit the hay. ’Til tomorrow, friends.
Day 5: Syracuse to Cefalù via Valley of the Temples
Location: Syracuse, Valley of the Temples, Cefalù
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel La Giara (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Heading from Syracuse we'll arrive in the Valley of the Temples, the perfect base to explore another ancient wonder... We won't be leaving Italy without visiting the Valley of the Temples. This mystical valley is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological heritage. We'll discover ancient temples, sanctuaries and a necropolis. It’s a spectacular testament to Sicily’s ancient history (and natural beauty). Arriving in Cefalù we'll enjoy another included dinner of Sicilian delicacies. What a day - and we're not done yet.
Day 6: Cefalù
Location: Cefalù
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel La Giara (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cefalu is a real gem, home to Sicily's best beaches and most impressive Arabic architecture. This truly is the island that keeps on giving. Today's all about coastal vibes, soaking up that sun, sea and sand - with plenty of water sports to get involved with. If you're feeling a little more zen, why not opt for the coastal cruise and soak up some scenery instead? Later on we'll stroll the winding cobbled streets and watch fishermen taking stock of the day's bounties, before exploring the town's foodie and nightlife scene. Ah, Sicily - sigh.
Day 7: Cefalù to Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Federico II Central Palace (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It's time to end on a high, as we make our way towards Sicily's sizzling capital. Palermo is vivacious, colourful and boasts a thriving culinary scene, but it’s also been plagued by organised crime for decades. Today on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® experience, you can join a walking tour through the historic centre, learning about the history of the Mafia in Palermo and how the civil antiMafia movement was formed. We'll round things off with a farewell dinner at Al Fresco, AKA the 'bistro of second chances'.
Day 8: End Palermo
Location: Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Time to head home after one final breakfast together. Hug it out, swap social details - and don't be sad, we'll see each other on the road again soon.
What's Included
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Dinner in Catania
An included dinner in a local restaurant in Catania.
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Cable Car Ride in Taormina
A cable car ride in Taormina connecting the town's historic center with its beaches.
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Tour of the Valley of the Temples
An included tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
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Dinner in Cefalu
An included dinner of Sicilian delicacies in Cefalu.
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Farewell Dinner in Palermo
A farewell dinner at Al Fresco in Palermo.
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Breakfast in Palermo
A final breakfast together in Palermo.
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Transport
Travel between destinations in Sicily via comfortable coach, ensuring a smooth and scenic journey as you explore the island's historic and cultural sites.
What's Not Included
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Optional Tour of Mt Etna
An optional adrenaline-filled ride on Mt Etna.
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Cooking Class in Taormina
An optional cooking class with local masterchefs in Taormina.
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Coastal Cruise in Cefalu
An optional coastal cruise in Cefalu.
Mode of Transport
Travel between destinations in Sicily via comfortable coach, ensuring a smooth and scenic journey as you explore the island's historic and cultural sites.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- London: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
- Rome: Can arrangements be made for travellers with accessibility needs? If you require arrangements to be made for your accessibility needs, please inform your Trip Manager as soon as possible. We try our best to contact all accommodations and secure ground floor rooms for easy wheelchair access.Please remember that Italy can be physically challenging to get around. Coaches can’t access historical centers, and there will be lots of walking (on roads that are often uneven and cobbled). Travellers with accessibility needs will find this trip challenging.
- Madrid: Do the included meals have a set menu? Yep. Usually, we arrange a buffet for all your included meals. If you’d like a vegetarian option, please inform your Trip Manager beforehand, and they’ll sort it out for you.
- Rome: When would be the best time to book tickets for museums and other attractions? This would depend on the museums & attractions you’re planning to visit. If you’d like to know the exact timings, please contact our 24x7 Helpline to access your day-to-day itineraries to check when you’ll have free time in each city.
- Madrid: I need to refrigerate my medication. Can I do that on the coach? Of course! Just inform your Trip Manager if you need refrigeration on the coach. Please remember that the fridge is turned off overnight, so you’ll have to take your medication with you into your accommodation. We recommend that you bring a cooler bag with you as a backup. It’s your responsibility to store your medication with care.
Included Experience
- Catania: Stroll around the ancient Sicilian port at the foot of Mount Etna. See the Piazza Stesicoro and the Baroque and Renaissance buildings of Via dei Crociferi.
- Taormina: Greek and Roman ruins. Sun-drenched beaches. Epic Italian food. There’s so much to do in this seaside town, you’ll never want to leave.
- Noto: Float around this opulent Sicilian city, taking in the Baroque architecture and panoramic views as you go.
- Agrigento: Explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO-listed site featuring some of the world's most treasured Greek art and architecture.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable hotels such as the Main Palace Hotel, Hotel Panorama, Hotel La Giara, and Hotel Federico II Central Palace, offering a blend of modern amenities and local charm throughout your journey in Sicily.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in comfortable hotels such as the Main Palace Hotel, Hotel Panorama, Hotel La Giara, and Hotel Federico II Central Palace, which offer a blend of modern amenities and local charm throughout your journey in Sicily.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional activities available, including an adrenaline-filled ride on Mt Etna, a cooking class with local masterchefs in Taormina, and a coastal cruise in Cefalu.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes several meals: a dinner in Catania, a dinner of Sicilian delicacies in Cefalu, a farewell dinner at Al Fresco in Palermo, and a final breakfast together in Palermo.
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What is the transportation method between destinations in Sicily?
Travel between destinations in Sicily is via a comfortable coach, ensuring a smooth and scenic journey as you explore the island's historic and cultural sites.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Syracuse?
In Syracuse, you will have the opportunity to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is famed for its rich ancient Roman and Greek history, with ancient amphitheatres and architecture.
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What can I expect from the walking tour in Palermo?
The walking tour in Palermo is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience where you can learn about the history of the Mafia in Palermo and how the civil anti-Mafia movement was formed.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Real Sicily | Classic | 2025
8 Days Starting in Catania, Italy and ending in Palermo, Italy
Visiting: Catania, Taormina, Mount Etna, Syracuse, Noto, Valley of the Temples, Cefalù, Palermo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBCPMP20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Beach Tours, Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
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