Highlights of Calabria & Sicily
Italy
Great for experiences - cultural, music & arts!
Tour
Grand European with Eurostar™ Extension
22 days
Travel: From 25/03/2026 to 21/10/2026
Deal number: 19593122
Price from$12,875*pp
This deal expires on
5 May 2025
5
Days
12
Hrs
35
Mins
See a lesser-known part of Italy on this 16-day adventure, all with a handy local leader by your side. From the fresh waters and fortifications of Tropea, all the way to the volcanoes of the Aeolian Islands, you’ll stray off Italy’s beaten path. Discover this less-visited part of the country before delving into the spectacular sights of bustling Sicily, the volcanic valleys of Mt. Etna, timeworn streets of Syracuse, the Baroque wonders of Ragusa and the rich anti-Mafia history of Palermo. Starring dramatic cliffside villages, clear waters and delicious seafood, this is a chance to experience the highlights of this European gem.
Availability
From 18/05/2025 to 25/10/2027
Departure dates & prices
Dates
Availability
Price
What's included
Get up close to the active volcanoes that are scattered across the Aeolian Islands and maybe even take a dip in one of the Sulphur springs.
See Mt.
Etna – surrounded by dramatic valleys and craters set in a lunar-like landscape, towering Mt.
Etna is one of the greatest natural beauties of the Mediterranean, and Europe’s largest active volcano!.
Take a half daytrip to the hilltop seaside town of Taormina and enjoy an aperatif on your private boat tour, exploring the groves and bays and maybe jumping into the water for a swim.
Encounter the crumbling facades of Syracuse and unearth hundreds of years of Greco-Roman history with a local leader by your side.
Treat yourself to super fresh cuisine, local delights and delicious desserts in one of the region's most known for its food – hello Italia!.
Breakfasts Included: 14.
Hotel (13 nights),Guesthouse (2 nights).
Train,Public bus,Private vehicle,Ferry.
Age: min 15.
Group Size: 1 - 12.
Civita - Nature based hike.
Tropea - Stromboli by Night.
Reggio Calabria - Archaeological Museum.
Taormina - private boat excursion.
Taormina - leader led orientation walk.
Catania - leader led orientation walk.
Catania - local granita tasting.
Mt Etna - Day Trip.
Siracusa - Leader-led Orientation Walk.
Noto & Ragusa - Day Trip.
Agrigento - Guided visit Valley of the Temples.
Erice - local sweets tasting.
Palermo - Anti-Mafia Movement Tour.
.
Itinerary
-
1 - Naples Ciao! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in Naples - the vibrant city celebrated as the birthplace of pizza. Naples is also known for its rich history and is home to many narrow, winding streets and ancient churches. You'll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, perhaps stroll along the coast and find a little eatery for a pizza dinner, a glass of local wine and a view of the Gulf of Naples.
-
2 - Civita This morning, you'll travel to Civita by boat, train and private vehicle. Founded by Albanian refugees in the Middle Ages, Civita is recognised by the Italian government as home to an ethnic minority. The Civitesi speak Arberesh, a unique blend of Italian and Albanian, found only here and in parts of Sicily. Explore this fascinating village on foot, visit a local shop to sample regional delights or take a scenic walk in the hills.
-
3 - Civita Make sure you get a good breakfast this morning as you have the option to hike up Mount Sellaro - one of the peaks of Pollino National Park. On the way to the mountain, stop by Cerchiara di Calabria - a little town in the National Park best known for its bread. Maybe stock up on some of the tasty local produce, then continue to a remote sanctuary built by Byzantine monks, on the rocky hillside. The hike path begins just beyond the sanctuary - although it's a reasonably long trek, it's well worth the summit views of the Achaean coast. If you decide the hike isn't for you, you can still enjoy the National Park. With sheer cliffs, narrow canyons and a diverse range of wildlife - including the peregrine falcon, eagle owl and the recently reintroduced Egyptian vulture - this area is a wildlife lover's paradise.
-
4 - Tropea After breakfast this morning, transfer from Civita to Paola, then take the train to Tropea. Known for the faded buildings and iconic fortifications that line the city's cliffs, Tropea feels timeless. Explore the town on an orientation walk with your leader, then maybe visit the local Norman cathedral, the Duomo, which houses an icon of Madonna of Romania - the town's revered protectress. Next to the Duomo, there's the Museo Diocesano - a small museum in the Palazzo Vescovile full of religious art and wooden statues. If you'd prefer some time by the water, head to the beach and see the impressive structures on the nearby cliffs.
-
5 - Tropea If the weather permits, you'll set out on a boat trip to the island of Stromboli this morning. When you arrive, visit San Vincenzo, where you can swim in the blue sea of the Aeolian Islands, shop along the main street or dine at a local restaurant. Depending on the season, you'll depart Stromboli in the evening and cruise to the Sciara del Fuoco (Steam of Fire) to see the path of lava that flows during Stromboli's eruptions.
-
6 - Reggio Calabria Take a train to Reggio Calabria - the gateway to Sicily. The city is in a major earthquake zone and has experienced much destruction over the years, leaving fewer historical sites compared to the rest of Italy. However, this has resulted in a unique mix of old buildings and modern structures, which you'll see on an orientation walk. Visit the renowned National Archaeological Museum of Reggio - this museum is home to a collection of exhibits from Greek-influenced sites across Calabria, including the Bronzi di Riace (two giant bronze statues found on the seafloor in the 1970s). Tonight, maybe hunt down one of the city's best restaurants for local dishes like grilled swordfish or pasta with cauliflower and broccoli.
-
7 - Taormina This morning, drive to Taormina on the east coast for a private boat excursion. Sailing along the Sicilian coast, you'll check out the bays and caves of Taormina, characterised by the imposing rocks that surround them. Soak up the sunshine, enjoy an aperitif with snacks and learn about the village from your skipper. Maybe even stop for a swim to cool off before continuing on to Catania. When you arrive, you have a free night to explore the city's bar culture and find a good spot for dinner.
-
8 - Catania Wake up in Catania this morning and head out for an orientation walk with your leader to see the city. Wander through the grand piazzas and wide streets, then be treated to a granita tasting (a semi-frozen dessert made with sugar, water and various flavours). Then, maybe see the UNESCO World Heritage site of Val di Noto, famed for its Late Baroque architecture or head out with your group for a farewell dinner. Wherever you end up tonight, make sure to toast to a trip well travelled.
-
9 - Catania Enjoy a free day in the charming Catania. Maybe walk through the cobblestone laneways with the Mt Etna volcano towering above and visit the Piazza del Duomo. Tonight, you'll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet the new travellers joining you. After, maybe head out for dinner with your group and get to know each other.
-
10 - Syracuse Come face-to-face with the volcano that towered over you yesterday, with a daytrip to Mt Etna - Europe's largest active volcano. At an altitude of approximately 2000mt on the north side of the Etna, you'll visit a lava cave with helmets and torches and walk into the centre of extinct craters on the Sartorius Mountains. After, hit the road to Syracuse where your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the most interesting parts of the city. The evening is yours to explore or chill out, as you wish.
-
11 - Syracuse Wake up without an alarm today - you've got the day free to explore Syracuse however you like. Perhaps wander through the streets and check out the crumbling building facades and balconies supported for centuries by a host of stone lions, tigers, bears, dragons, moors, satyrs, devils, angels, kings, paupers, wenches and cherubs. Maybe take a boat trip around the island of Ortigia for a scenic view of the walled off cityscape or visit the Neapolis Archaeological Site. Alternately, fill your whole day just wandering aimlessly through the city, stopping by cafes, restaurants and grabbing a granita in the afternoon.
-
12 - Noto After breakfast today, head for the city of Agrigento. Along the way, stop at Noto - a small town with limestone buildings that dazzle on a sunlit afternoon. You'll then see the 'new' baroque city of Ragusa that was completely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693, resulting in two vastly different sides to the same city. After exploring the tangled alleyways and baroque palazzi, travel on to Agrigento. Arrive late in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to maybe find the historic centre that extends up the Colle di Girgenti hill. Head to Via Atenea and Viale della Vittoria for a panoramic view over the valley (Valley of the Temples) and the sea for sunset and be sure to try the famous gelato pecorino in one of the local caf?s or patisseries.
-
13 - Valley of the Temples Take a step back in time today as you explore the nearby Valley of the Temples. Your local guide will bring this classical Greek site to life as you visit the temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. Try to nab a window seat today, as along the way you'll have great views of the sweeping landscape and Mediterranean Sea. After the guided tour in the Valley of the Temples, you'll head on to Marsala - a coastal town in the west of Sicily.
-
14 - Erice Today, set your sights on Palermo, making a few scenic stops along the way. First, you'll explore the beautifully preserved medieval town of Erice. Despite being handed from one ruling army to the next, there are plenty of beautiful buildings in this town, each showcasing architectural styles from a varied history. Before you get back on the road, be sure to pick yourself up a Genovesi (a traditional Sicilian pastry filled with custard or ricotta cream). Then, make your way to the capital of Sicily, Palermo. When you arrive, you'll have a free the afternoon to explore as you wish. You might like to wander the labyrinth of small alleyways, buzzing market squares and winding roads. Or, check out some of the main monuments like the 12th century cathedral in the old heart of the city.
-
15 - Palermo Take part in a walking tour with a local guide this morning and uncover symbolic places of rebellion and anti-Mafia racketeering. Places such as the Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria and Beati Paoli Square all have a rich history in civil mobilisation - plus, they are known to serve delicious street food. You'll get a chance to meet shop owners who have had the courage to denounce their extortionists, then you have the option to visit nearby Monreale - situated in a panoramic position above Palermo with fantastic views over the city and the sea. Visit the cathedral here, described as one of the 'wonders of the medieval world', and climb to its roof. Alternately, you might like to wander the city of Palermo at your own will. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner and toast to a beautiful adventure.
-
16 - Palermo Your adventures come to an end today after breakfast. If you'd like to stay and explore more in Palermo, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
- The following product terms and conditions apply in addition to our Booking Terms and Conditions (available on our website) and terms and conditions of the relevant travel service provider.
- Prices quoted valid for sale until 05 May 2025 for travel during the period specified (if applicable) unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
- All prices are per person (unless otherwise stated), subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
- Advertised price includes bonus nights and/or stated saving (if applicable).
- Additional supplier conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Please enquire for further details.
- Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
- Components of the total price including local payments, "resort fees", "national park fees", "trip kitties" and food funds (if applicable) may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel consultant prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted.
- Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
- Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at the time of publication.
- Additional levies, government charges & other applicable fees, including additional taxes, surcharges and visa fees specific to your departure date or flight routing, may apply and are beyond our control.
- Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.
- Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or by BPAY.
- Payments made in store by credit card will incur a surcharge (see Booking Terms and Conditions for further details).
- These prices are a guide to the best price and are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases. Please enquire for further details..
- We receive payment from third party travel service providers when you use us to book travel and travel-related products and services with them on your behalf.
- Our liability to you is limited in certain situations, and we may charge you a cancellation fee(s) in certain circumstances. See our booking terms and conditions for further details.
- We may provide your personal information to third parties, including travel service providers with whom you make a booking. See our privacy policy for further details.
Tell us about your travel plans
What are your trip details?
How can we get in touch?
Why choose Flight Centre?
Not only do we have an incredible, worldwide team with decades of experience and a genuine passion for travel, we also have the widest choice of travel options covering tours, cruises, holiday packages and more. Flight Centre gives you free holiday planning and personalised service, Interest Free* Holiday Finance so you can book now, pay later, and 24/7 worldwide customer care on 133 133.
