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, Mt Etna, Syracuse, Noto, 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
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Sicily with the "Real Sicily | Classic | 2026" tour. This cultural adventure takes you from the historic core of Catania to the vibrant streets of Palermo, offering a rich tapestry of experiences. Marvel at the stunning panoramas of Taormina, explore the ancient wonders of Syracuse, and stand in awe at the Valley of the Temples. Relax on the beautiful beaches of Cefalù and delve into the history of the Mafia in Palermo. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and savor local cuisine with included breakfasts and dinners. Travel with ease between iconic destinations, with opportunities for optional excursions like a cooking class in Taormina or a coastal cruise in Cefalù. This tour promises a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation, making it an ideal escape for those seeking to explore the heart of Sicily.
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: Catania, 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: Mt Etna, 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: Taormina, Syracuse, Noto
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 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 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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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
- 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.
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 kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes transportation between locations such as Catania, Taormina, Syracuse, Noto, Valley of the Temples, Cefalù, and Palermo, allowing you to travel through Sicily with ease and enjoy scenic drives between these iconic destinations.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 2 dinners and 7 breakfasts, providing a taste of local Sicilian cuisine during your journey.
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What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in comfort at hotels such as Mercure Catania Excelsior, Main Palace Hotel, Hotel Panorama, Hotel La Giara, and Hotel Federico II Central Palace, or similar accommodations, which offer a blend of modern amenities and local charm throughout your Sicilian journey.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities such as a cooking class in Taormina and a coastal cruise in Cefalù, which are not included in the tour package but can be arranged separately.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
Included experiences feature exploring Catania's ancient port, Taormina's Greek and Roman ruins, Noto's Baroque architecture, and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, providing a rich cultural and historical journey through Sicily.
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What is the focus of the walking tour in Palermo?
The walking tour in Palermo focuses on the history of the Mafia in the city and how the civil anti-Mafia movement was formed, offering a unique perspective on the city's past and present.
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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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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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