Full-Day Mount Etna Excursion to 1900 mt and Alcantara Gorges

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.

Sites & Bites: Catania city food tour with arancini and cannoli

This half-day tour takes you through the heart of Catania, hitting all the must-see spots. Start your adventure at Piazza Duomo, where you'll stop by Catania Cathedral – it's dedicated to the city's patron saint, St Agatha. Don't forget to snap a pic of the Elephant Fountain while you're here, too.Next up is the fish market for a nosey around the stalls, piled high with the freshest seafood. Then, it's off to the Greek-Roman Theatre, a slice of Catania's past nestled right in the city centre. This ancient site boasts two open-air theatres – the larger Roman theatre and the smaller, semicircular Odeon. Both were designed with seats rising along the hillside, making the most of the sea views.From here, you'll stroll along Via Etnea, a popular shopping street, but the real highlight is the view of Mount Etna as you head to Piazza Stesicoro. Your guide will tell you about the Roman Amphitheatre near here, before your final stop at O'Luni Market. This local favourite is packed with fresh produce, meats and cheeses, and you'll have some free time to pick up any Sicilian treats that catch your eye.Throughout the tour, you'll sample some of the city's tastiest street food. Crispy arancini, AKA deep-fried rice balls, are a must-try. They're usually stuffed with fillings like ragu, mozzarella, or mushrooms – perfect for a quick snack. And, let's not forget the creamy cannoli, a classic Sicilian dessert. These tube-shaped pastry shells are fried to perfection, giving them their signature crunch. Then, they're filled with sweet, creamy ricotta, often mixed with chocolate chips and sometimes candied fruit or pistachios.

Sicily tour with Randazzo Market and wine-tasting by Mount Etna

With the popularity of TV shows like White Lotus, Sicily has upped the ante as a must-see destination for set-jetters – that's people inspired by TV and film set locations to me and you. You'll find plenty of sights to capture for yourself on this full-day tour that takes in the town of Randazzo, just north of Mount Etna, and a winery where you'll get to taste the fruits of the volcanic landscape. Francesca, a local guide, says “I love the start of this tour, as we drive through one of Sicily's best kept secrets – the Alcantara Valley. You'll see hillside villages, gorges and the mountainous panoramas that Sicily is famed for.”The bustling town of Randazzo is your first stop, sitting on the north-west fringe of Etna National Park. It's one of the only towns to remain untouched by Etna's historic eruptions, so a lot of the classic Sicilian architecture of the churches and houses is still in its original form. Every Sunday is about one thing here – the local market, which you'll get free time to explore. Seek out regional specialities here, like sweet cannoli and local olives and mushrooms, or snack on arancini rice balls as your browse delicate ceramics on the stalls. Round off your experience with a trip to a top-tier vineyard for a tasting session on the slopes of Mount Etna. The volcanic soil is super fertile here and delivers crisp, citrusy whites and earthy, cherry reds. You can buy a few bottles to take home as a reminder of the taste of 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alcantara Gorge and Mount Etna from Taormina

Head out on an adventure to two of Sicily's most jaw-dropping spots – Alcantara Gorge and Mount Etna. You'll start at the gorge to see its striking basalt walls and lava-carved formations, which have been shaped over millennia. Then, it's on to Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. Once you reach Rifugio Sapienza 1,900 metres up, you can explore the Silvestri Craters, shops, café and paths. Or, take a cable car and 4x4 to the upper craters at 2,900 metres for a guided walk that serves up epic views across Sicily.

Cruise Taormina Bay in Sicily with an aperitif

Feel the warm, salty breeze on your skin as you sail away on a two-hour boat tour exploring the Sicilian coast. Glide through clear waters, past towering limestone hills and discover Taormina's hidden bays and caves – plus you can cool off with a swim and snorkel in one of them. Then listen to local tales about the area from your skipper as you relax with snacks and a refreshing aperitif, and soak up the awe-inspiring coastal views.