Sicily & the Aeolian Islands

Upon landing, we will be met by our local representative in the airport, who will escort us to our hotel in Giardini Naxos. As we travel to your hotel, our guide will share some information about the local region, suggest activities for us to enjoy and answer any questions we may have.

Please note: For 25 September & 09 October Dublin departures you will fly in and out of Palermo with Ryanair. The transfer time between Palermo and Giardini Naxos is approx 3 hours & 30 minutes. During the transfer we will stop in a local restaurant for dinner. 

Let’s join our guide this morning for a full day excursion discovering this fascinating Mediterranean island.  Following breakfast, we will travel to the slopes of magnificent Mount Etna to savour panoramic views over the coast and countryside.

This afternoon we visit hilltop Taormina, a delightful coastal town just 6km from Giardini Naxos. With our guide, we will explore the colourful maze of narrow streets and terraces.  Our walking tour will include a guided tour of the famous Greek Theatre.

This morning, let’s join our guide on a wonderful adventure to the Aeolian Islands!  We travel by coach to Milazzo in the northeast of Sicily where we will continue our journey by boat.  Our first visit is to Lipari where we have time to explore the charming old town before sailing to Vulcano. Here we’ll discover the rock formations, caves and crystal-clear waters of Aeolian legend before returning to Milazzo, viewing the picturesque village of Gelso and its lighthouse on our journey.

Today is a free day, to relax and discover the charms of Giardini Naxos.  Unwind as you enjoy the superb range of facilities at the hotel or take a stroll along the beach to dip your toes in the Mediterranean Sea!   

Our expert local guide will be happy to suggest activities and advise on must-see local highlights.

Join us for a full day guided excursion to include a city tour of the spellbinding city of Syracuse, whose historic heart is located on the island of Ortigia.  We will discover many highlights today including the Arethusa Fountain, the fascinating Cathedral, as well as the city’s UNESCO protected archaeological area.   

The Archaeological Park of Neapolis is home to the Greek Theatre, the fascinating Latomie caves and the Ear of Dionysius, a 23 metre high grotto with exceptional acoustic properties

Today will be free for relaxing, shopping and sightseeing at your own pace. Our guide will be pleased to suggest places of interest to see and visit and provide information on getting around in the local area.

Today is a free day, to relax at the hotel or explore the surrounding area. Perhaps take a trip to Taormina for some last-minute souvenirs, enjoy a delicious gelato or savour a lazy lunch of local delicacies.

Today we will check out of our hotel and settle any charges incurred, we will be transferred to Catania for our return flight home. 

Join us as we explore Catania, a vibrant city that perfectly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. On our guided tour, we’ll uncover its iconic Baroque architecture, lively markets, and the unique charm that makes Sicily so charming.

Following the tour, we will enjoy a Sicilian street food tasting experience, where we'll savour some of the region’s most beloved culinary delights.

After enjoying some free time to explore at our own leisure (dependent on flight times), we will transfer to the airport for our return flight home. 

Please Note: For 25 September & 09 October departures you will fly in and out of Palermo with Ryanair. After we check out from our hotel in Giardini Naxos, we will be transferred to Palermo with a stop in the charming coastal town of Cefalu, located in northern Sicily en route. We will enjoy a short guided tour of Cefalu famous for its Norman cathedral with elaborate Byzantine mosaics. Lunch is included in a local restaurant before continuing onto Palermo airport for our return flight home.