Giardini Naxos

Aeolian Islands of Panarea & Stromboli Boat Tour

Availability | Full day

The bus will pick you up this morning and take you to the dock where you will embark on a mini-cruise by motor boat to explore two of the most famous Aeolian Islands, the endlessly elegant Panarea and the volcanic island of Stromboli.

The journey will begin with Panarea, known for its quaint winding pathways, its fine architecture and its popularity with the rich and famous. You will view Calajunco Bay and the beautiful Zimmari Beach before docking and visiting the beautiful village. You will have some time to spend as you wish here, exploring the islands beauty, enjoying time on the beach or perhaps enjoying a fabulous lunch at a local restaurant.

Return to the boat again where you will sail around the impressive and rocky front of Panarea before visiting Stromboli. This island offers something completely different with its characteristic conical shape and domination by a perpetually active volcano. You will dock and have some time to explore this fascinating island, before sunset.

Finally you will board the boat once again to witness “Sciara del Fuoco” or “Stream of Fire”, with its spectacular explosions and lava flow, weather permitting. This is where the light of sunset really comes into play and you can enjoy this spectacular luminous glow as night sets in. It really is an incrediible spectacle.

You will be returned back to your hotel late in the evening, at around midnight.

What’s Included?

check Coach transport check Tour leader check Boat tour

Important Notes

• • Visitors must pay a €5 Ecotax locally
• • It is recommended that you bring a wind jacket, hat, swim suit, towel and sunscreen.
• • Lunch and evening meals not included.

Etna Sunset

Availability | Half Day (PM)

You will be picked up for this excursion late in the afternoon, to ensure that you witness Mount Etna is its most atmospheric state, at sunset.

The perpetually active volcano is a UNESCO site since 2013 and standing at 3,350 metres high, it’s the highest active volcano in Europe. This excursion allows you to see for yourself the magical and exhilarating might of volcanic activity. The light of sunset allows for an even more magical, dramatic spectacle. The approaching darkness allows for visitors to observe clearly the firey, volcanic activity.

The coach will leave you at 1900 metres from where you will be escorted to 3000 metres by licensed guides of the Italian Alpine Club. Here you will stay to admire the spectacular sunset amidst the activity of Mount Etna. This is really quite the experience.

We recommend that you bring warm clothing and wear suitable shoes for this excursion.

Important notes

We recommend that you bring warm clothing and appropriate footwear.

Includes

The Wonders of Lipari & Vulcano by Boat

Availability | Full Day

Early in the morning, the bus will collect you at the agreed meeting point and take you to the port of Milazzo in the northern coast. Together with your tour guide, you will visit two islands in the Aeolian archipelago, a little piece of paradise rising out of the cobalt-blue seas.

Firstly, you'll be taken by private motorboat to the island of Lipari, the largest and liveliest island from the seven that compose the archipelago. Once you disembark, take time to explore the narrow cobbled streets of the old town and visit the the archaeological park, where you can admire numerous ancient sarcophagi. Enjoy the superb views over Vulcano island and explore Lipari's Cathedral, the Cattedrale di San Bartolomeo, a fine example of 17th-century baroque architecture. You will have free time to wander around the local shops and admire the colourful handicrafts and the traditional food.

Board the boat to continue your journey towards the island of Vulcano. Sail along the 'Faraglioni', an amazing rock formation that rises out of the crystal-clear waters, and the 'Horse's Grotta', an azure-water cave where the sunlight's reflection creates fantastic games of light and colour.

Arriving in the Vulcano island, marvel at the smoking crater proudly dominating the island. Here, you can indulge in a therapeutic sulphurous mud bath, an absolute must-try.

There will be many restaurants to choose from, all serving gorgeous food and wine for lunch.

After a hearty meal, complemented with the stunning sea views, board the boat for your return journey. Sail along the coast, viewing the famous 'Sirenetta' or 'Rock of the Little Mermaid', where, according to the Sicilian legends, the mermaids would sit and sing.

You will be back to the meeting point just in time to marvel at the sun setting on the peaceful sea.

Includes

Excursion to Ancient Syracuse

Availability | Full Day

Travel to the wonderful Syracuse, a beautiful, historical, coastal town and one of the most ancient Greek colonies in Sicily. Stroll through the beautiful golden streets lined with honey-hued buildings and chic cafés and visit the Piazza del Duomo, Syracuse’s show stopping square.

After breakfast, the tour bus will collect you and take you to the wonderful city of Syracuse, located about an hour and a half's drive away. During the journey, there will be a short stop for refreshments, so you can have a break, stretch your legs or perhaps enjoy a cup of delcious Italian coffee.

On arrival in Syracuse, a local guide will show you all the impressive sites of this town. The main attraction is undoubtedly the Greek theatre that dates back at least until the 5th Century BC. Syracuse was the largest city in the ancient Greek world, bigger than Athens or Corinth and this building is proof of the power that was once on display.

Beside the theatre, you will find the mystic 'Latomies of Paradise', a deep, steep limestone quarry riddled with catacombs and now boasting many fragrant citrus and magnolia trees. Here stands the 'Ear of Dionysius'. The name was given by Caravaggio during his visit in 1608 and legend would tell us that it was used by Dionysius the Tyrant as a prison for his bitterest enemies. The excellent Cathedral-like acoustics meant that he could hear their conversations from outside.

Here you can also admire the ruins of the 2nd-century Roman Amphitheatre, which was originally used for gladiatorial combats and horse races. The last attraction in this Archaeological Park is the towering Altar of Hieron II, a monolithic sacrificial altar.

The tour then continues towards the island of Ortigia, the historical heart of Syracuse. Connected to the mainland by three bridges, this charming island is a lovely place where you can wander down the narrow medieval lanes past baroque palaces and churches. Whilst here, you have the chance to visit the ruins of the Temple of Apollo.

You will have some free time to enjoy, strolling around the Grand Harbour on the 'Foro Italico' promenade and perhaps enjoying a delicious lunch in the sun, in one of the local traditional restaurants. And why not indulge in a Sicilian Cannoli for dessert?

You will then return to your meeting point, where the coach will return you to your hotel just in time for your evening meal.

What’s Included?

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'Heights of Mount Etna' Tour

Availability | Half Day

A UNESCO site since 2013 and standing at a height of 3,350 metres, the highest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna is really quite the site and we thoroughly recommend a visit to witness its majestic might.

You will be picked up after breakfast by bus where you will meet your tour leader and proceed to the Etna station which is located at 1,900 metres. The journey should take about an hour and 15 minutes.

This tour allows you decide for yourself exactly how high you want to go. Visit the most recent lava flows and discover the fascinating Silvestri craters, which are now extinct, during the course of the day.

Visitors can take a optional trip by cable car to 2,500 metres if they wish and continue to the summit crater at about 3000 metres with the assistance of licensed guides of the CAI (Italian Alpine Club). Here you can take in some absolutely spectacular sights as you witness the volcanoes fascinating and exhilarating activity, from a designated safe zone.

You will return to your coach afterwards and be brought back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

What’s Included?

check Coach transport check Tour leader

Important Notes

• • Sensible shoes are required.
• • It is recommended that you bring warm clothing.
• • A fair level of fitness and physical ability is required for this excursion.

The Blazing Nature of Alcantara, Randazzo & Mount Etna by Coach

Availability | Full Day

The tour bus will collect you early in the morning and a tour leader will guide you on this journey around Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe.

The impressive Alcantara Gorge is the first stop of this journey, located on Mount Etna's north-eastern slopes. The gorge was formed thousands of years ago, when the Alcantara River carved deep incisions into the rock after a series of volcanic eruptions. Take the stairs and descend into the heart of the gorge, where you can admire the beautiful waterfalls, small beaches and vertical cliffs in whimsical forms.

The tour continues towards the 'black town' of Randazzo, named after the fact that most of the town was constructed from the plentiful supply of black lava stone. A fine example is the Basilica di Santa Maria. This stunning cathedral is the town's medieval masterpiece, with its black columns and a marvellous collection of 18th-century paintings.

The tour continues towards Mount Etna - The bus will take you to an altitude of 1,900 meters. You'll have an opportunity to soak up the astounding views, and, if you wish, enjoy soft trekking to visit the most recent lava flows and the now extinct mystical Silvestri craters.

Enjoy the local cuisine at a traditional restaurant and allow yourself to simply marvel at the views on your return journey.

Includes

'The Art of Pizza Making' Cookery Class

Availability | Half Day (PM)

The perfect excursion for an authentically Italian experience, this pizza making class gives you skills to bring home with you as well as a fantastically fun day.

In the afternoon, you will visit a professional kitchen where your lessons will take place. You will learn the art of preparing, decorating and baking pizzas, following instructions from the top pizza chef, including one classic pizza dough as well as a recipe with wholewheat flour.

Learn to roll out and stretch your pizza dough, the way the professionals do, the secrets to the perfect pizza sauce, some new and inspiring fun toppings as well has how to achieve the perfect bake.

At the end, of course, all participants will get to enjoy the pizzas that they have made from scratch with some accompaniments including soft drinks and local wine.

This is a wonderful class in which guests can experience something uniquely Italian, learning skills that you can return home with.

Includes

Alcantara & Circumetnea around Mount Etna by Coach

Availability | Full Day

The tour bus will collect you early in the morning and a tour leader will guide you on this journey around Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe.

The impressive Alcantara Gorge is the first stop of this journey, located on Mount Etna's north-eastern slopes. The gorge was formed thousands of years ago, when the Alcantara River carved deep incisions into the rock after a series of volcanic eruptions. Take the stairs and descend into the heart of the gorge, where you can admire the beautiful waterfalls, small beaches and vertical cliffs in whimsical forms.

The tour continues towards the 'black town' of Randazzo, named after the fact that most of the town was constructed from the plentiful supply of black lava stone. Here you will board the "Circumetnea", a traditional narrow-gauge train that follows a 114km trail around the base of the volcano, affording fantastic views of Etna. Stopping at Adrano, a bus will take you to an altitude of 1,900 meters. You'll have an opportunity to soak up the astounding views, and, if you wish, enjoy soft trekking to visit the most recent lava flows and the now extinct mystical Silvestri craters.

Enjoy the local cuisine at a traditional restaurant and allow yourself to simply marvel at the views on your return journey.

Includes

A Sicilian Cooking Class in Taormina

Availability | Half Day (AM)

After breakfast, meet the master chef at the Porta Messina Arch. The day starts with a guided tour of Taormina's local food market, where the chef will help you choose the freshest ingredients from the colourful stalls for your culinary creation.

The cooking class takes place at the Nettuno da Siciliano restaurant, where you will have access to all the professional tools you will need. The chef will explain the exquisite dishes that you will be preparing, featuring deliciously fresh handmade pasta.

As you prepare and cook the food, a professional sommelier will be on hand to tell you about the history and culture of wine in Sicily.

Once all the food is prepared, you will get to taste your marvellous creation, while indulging in a sip of two carefully selected wines, one white and one red.

You can then consider yourself a master of Sicilian food and you will earn an official certificate to prove it. You will also receive an apron as a souvenir of this special day.

Includes

The History behind Agrigento & Piazza Armerina by Coach

Availability | Full Day

You will be collected from your hotel early in the morning, for what will be an unforgettable historical journey. Travelling across Sicily by coach, along with a tour leader and a local guide, delight in the stories of two great ancient Greek and Roman civilisations.

Heading towards the south coast of the island, there will be a short stop for services before arriving at Agrigento, a region brimming with history that was once considered one of the most important Greek cities in the Mediterranean.

Agrigento is famous for its archaeological park, the 'Valley of Temples'. Surrounded by pastoral countryside, this UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of well-preserved temples built by the ancient Greeks between 510 and 430 BC. Whilst here, you have a chance to explore the ancient temples of Juno, Concordia, Hercules and Zeus. Some of the temples remain remarkably intact and you can still admire the exquisite art and architecture.

You can stop here for lunch at a seaside restaurant and savour deliciously fresh seafood dishes.

The journey will continue to Piazza Armerina, in the heart of Sicily. A splendid art city where various well-preserved monuments tell of its glorious past. Here visit the Villa Romana del Casale, the extravagant 3,500 square meters property of a powerful Roman family dating back to the 4th Century AD. This is a magnificent rural residence, known for its vivid mosaics produced by North African artisans, dealing with numerous subjects, ranging from Homeric escapades and mythological scenes to portrayals of daily life and are considered the most beautiful and best-preserved of their kind.

The bus will take you back to your hotel, ending this jaw-dropping historical journey just in time for dinner.

Important notes

Entrance fees to sites not included (free for EU citizens under 18 with a valid ID).

Includes

The Mosaics of Palermo & Cefalú by Coach

Availability | Full Day

The bus will collect you at the agreed meeting point and take you on a guided journey around two of the most important art cities in Sicily.

Located in the western side of Sicily, Palermo is your first stop. Follow the local guide as you explore this city's highlights. Starting at the 'Quattro Canti' Baroque square, which marks the traditional town centre, moving along to the Church of the Martorana with its dazzling golden mosaics, to Piazza Bellini and Piazza Pretoria, with its beautiful fountain, just soak in the ancient Roman heritage displayed in every corner. Tour Palermo Cathedral and see the tombs of emperors and royal figures, including a Roman sarcophagus. Follow your guide to the beautiful Palace of the Normans, former seat of the Kings of Sicily. Marvel at the wonderful mosaics and the Arabic arches and scripts adorning the roof of the Palatine Chapel, the royal chapel located on the palace's second floor.

For lunch, you can go to a restaurant downtown and savour the traditional Sicilian cuisine - why not try the Pasta alla Norma and indulge in a Cannoli for dessert?

After lunch, the bus tour proceeds to Cefalú, in the north coast. Set in the medieval district, this town is marked by Norman influences. The famous Duomo, a majestic two-towered Norman cathedral is a must-visit, with its interior decorated with lovely mosaics created by twelfth-century Byzantine artists - A large Christ Pantocrator on a gold background dominating the apse, above the Madonna, archangels and Apostles. These gleaming mosaics are one of Sicily's greatest sights.

Enjoy the return journey via Messina along the coast, as you soak in the scenery and a beautiful sunset.

Includes

Etnaland

With both a waterpark and a theme park on site, at Etnaland whether you choose a fun-filled day of waterslides, swimming pools and water toboggans or adrenaline pumping roller coasters and rides, Etnaland has something for you, no matter what your age.

Etnaland, the largest amusement park in Southern Italy has three main sections to be discovered including the AcquaPark, Theme Park and Prehistory Park.

The AcquaPark water park includes over 25 attractions for a total of 8,500 square meters of swimming pools. During the hot summer months in Sicily, this is a real treat! Discover slides, a lazy river, wave pool and some pulse racing options too, including the ‘Black Hole’ and the ‘Kamikaze’.

The theme park consists of five different themed areas, each with something different to discover. Test them all out and find your favourite experiencing roller coasters, go karts, rides and challenges, not to mention the gut wrenching ‘Etnaland Tower’- try it, if you dare!

Lastly, the Prehistory Park presents 23 reproductions of prehistoric specimens in actual size! Walk through the park and witness some truly jaw dropping figures of dinosaurs and other creatures lurking among the trees. This tour will be just as educational and it is exciting and fun!

Adults and teens: €36 for access to both AcquaPark and Theme Park

Kids below 1.40m: €20 for access to both AcquaPark and Theme Park

Kids below 1.00m: Free

Find out more about prices and the park itself on the Etnaland website

The Ancient Greek Theatre of Taormina

The ancient theatre in the centre of Taormina’s old town is without doubt a must-see when visiting the area. The construction of the theatre is believed to have taken place around the third century and to allow for its construction over 100,000 cubic metres of rock had to be manually removed from the mountain side.

The theatre was built to accommodate dramatic performances and during the Roman times it was used for gladiatorial battles. It is still used to this day for theatrical performances and concerts and creates a stunning and dramatic backdrop.

What adds to the majesty and grandeur of this fascinating historical site is its position suspended between sea and sky. Some of the best views of Mount Etna and the surrounding coastline can be viewed from this point.