Real Sicily | Classic | 2026
Real Sicily | Classic | 2026
$2143
Real Sicily | Classic | 2026
8 Days Starting in Catania, Italy and ending in Palermo, Italy
Visiting: Catania, Taormina, Syracuse, Valley of the Temples, Cefalù, Palermo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBCPMA26
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, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Sicily - where have you been all our lives? We're taking you across this idyllic island, from the ancient streets of Catania to the mountainside charms of Taormina, where we'll enjoy some cooking classes and take a ride down Mt Etna. What's next? How about some more UNESCO heritage sites, some spectacular beaches, and a valley of ancient archaeological wonders? This one finishes on a high in Palermo, a colourful tumble of a city with some of the best food in Italy.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Catania
Location: Catania
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: Taormina
Accommodation Name: Main Palace Hotel (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: Taormina
Accommodation Name: Main Palace Hotel (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: Syracuse
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 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: Valley of the Temples
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 a tour of 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 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 Name: Hotel Federico II Central Palace (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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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Included Meals
The tour includes 2 dinners and 7 breakfasts.
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Included Experiences
Explore Catania's ancient port, Taormina's Greek and Roman ruins, Noto's Baroque architecture, and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at hotels such as Mercure Catania Excelsior, Main Palace Hotel, Hotel Panorama, Hotel La Giara, and Hotel Federico II Central Palace or similar.
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Transportation
Transportation between locations such as Catania, Taormina, Syracuse, Noto, Valley of the Temples, Cefalù, and Palermo is included.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a cooking class in Taormina and a coastal cruise in Cefalù are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- 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.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Sicily with ease, enjoying scenic drives between iconic destinations such as Catania, Taormina, Syracuse, and Palermo, with opportunities for optional excursions and local experiences along the way.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Mercure Catania Excelsior, Main Palace Hotel, Hotel Panorama, Hotel La Giara, and Hotel Federico II Central Palace, or similar accommodations, offering a blend of modern amenities and local charm throughout your Sicilian journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect on the first day of the tour in Catania?
On the first day in Catania, you'll have the opportunity to explore the city's UNESCO-listed historic core, followed by an included dinner at a local restaurant where you can enjoy Sicilian cuisine.
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What activities are available in Taormina on the second day?
In Taormina, you can admire the stunning panoramas by taking a cable car from the historic center to the beaches. You also have the option to participate in a cooking class with local masterchefs, learning to make Sicilian delicacies like Arancini and Cannoli.
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Is there an optional activity on the third day in Taormina?
Yes, on the third day, there is an optional tour to experience Mt Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, with an adrenaline-filled ride passing vineyards and orchards on its slopes.
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What historical sites will we visit on the fourth day?
On the fourth day, you'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse, known for its Roman and Greek history, and the city of Noto, famous for its impressive historic architecture.
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What is the highlight of the fifth day in the Valley of the Temples?
The highlight of the fifth day is a tour of the Valley of the Temples, where you'll explore ancient temples, sanctuaries, and a necropolis, showcasing Sicily's rich historical and archaeological heritage.
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What can I do in Cefalù on the sixth day?
In Cefalù, you can enjoy the beaches and Arabic architecture, participate in water sports, or opt for a coastal cruise. You can also explore the town's cobbled streets and experience its food and nightlife scene.
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What unique experience is offered in Palermo on the seventh day?
In Palermo, you can join a walking tour through the historic center to learn about the history of the Mafia and the civil anti-Mafia movement, followed by a farewell dinner at Al Fresco, known as the 'bistro of second chances'.
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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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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
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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