SICILY · ITALIAN ISLANDS
The tours and day trips worth booking.
The 15 top-rated things to do in Sicily — the boat trips, beach days, volcano hikes and old-town wanders worth building a day around, with real prices and who to book each one with.
Guided Mount Etna morning trip from Catania with crater hikes, lava cave headlamps, and free pickup in about 6 hours.
Most Popular“We did not go to the top (what was not agreed anyway) however due to the weather condition we could see only one crater as we got stuck in the snow. Nonetheless the tour guide is very nice and competent and looked for alternative solution.”
A 1-hour guided boat trip around Ortigia in Syracuse with live commentary, sea caves, a swim stop, and views from the water.
“Wonderful day. I strongly recommend this activity for people of all ages.”
Boat tour around Ortigia’s coast, sea caves, and a swim off the boat. Small group, local skipper, great value for Syracuse.
“Tour was all I expected. Seashore is beautiful. Guide was excellent. We had a great weather so we went for a refreshing swim at the end”
Pub Crawl Palermo in the centro storico: 5 hours of bar-hopping with free shots, wristband drink deals, and an English-speaking guide.
“Awesome time! Our group leaders were so fun and very happy to hear they accommodate disabled people as well!”
Small-group salt pan walk in Trapani and Paceco with tastings, a salt museum visit, and a guided route through working basins.
“Learned a lot about seasaltproduction and a saw a beautiful sunset. Even the guide was nice and helpful 🙂”
Mt. Etna from Catania with lava caves, guided trekking, and farm tastings. Pickup, small groups, and optional cable car.
“We had the option of taking the cable car up or exploring around the Silvestri craters. We chose the latter and our guide Bruna was an absolute joy. She shared her knowledge with boundless and infectious enthusiasm. And all in both French and English. I’d definitely recommend this trip.”
2-hour small-group boat tour from Giardini Naxos to Taormina, Isola Bella and the Blue Grotto, with Prosecco and a swim.
“Very pleasant and comfortable 2 hr tour of the coast. Our captain was very knowledgeable and his English was excellent”
Go up Mount Etna to around 3000m with cable car, a 4x4 jeep ride, and a guided crater-edge trek in English.
“It was great expirience. The landscape is breathtaking. The guide Peppe was great, he told us many interesting facts about Etna and her:s eruptions and was also very entertaining. I highly recommend the tour.”
Seven-hour Lampedusa boat trip with lunch, SUP, and snorkeling for a small group. Wind-tested coves, a quick culture stop, and sea-life luck.
“Lampedusa is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Lampedusa is an Italian island to the south of Italy, not far from the North African coast. It's famous for it's seafood; agriculture is an active source of vegetables. Lampedusa is a great place to dine. Boating is the best way to reRead more”
Mount Etna trek from Catania through Valle del Bove with expert guide, included gear, and views of smoking craters.
“Awesome hike, well beyond a "cappuccino tour" still in view of the parking lot. Running down in the volcanic ash was a blast!”
Boat tour of Ortigia Island and sea caves with a short swim, small-boat feel, and English guide value for under $25.
“A great way to see Ortigia and Syracuse from a different perspective. Enjoyed a quick swim, though take note it is in the middle of the sea, ie not near to the shore, so those not super confident at swimming might not want to do so. Our guide Ninni was very knowledgeable about local history,…”
Walk Palermo’s old town with Domenico Aronica, see Quattro Canti and Martorana, then taste arancini and cannoli at Ballarò.
“A fantastic, interesting tour covering both the rich history of Palermo while also trying delicious, local food. Dom is an engaging and hilarious tour guide. One of the best we have ever encountered. Approached the tour with enthusiasm and made it thoroughly enjoyable for our whole group.”
A small-group boat minicruise along Cefalù’s coast with swimming and snorkeling stops, scenic views, and an aperitivo on the sea.
“Wonderful boat tour along the coast from Cefalù with our guide Alessandro. He provided us with a lot of information about the history of the area and buildings along the coast. He had good English and was a lot of fun. Enjoyed our stop for a swim. Delicious aperitifs and bubbles. Highly recommend because it…”
From Catania: guided Mt. Etna hike, lava caves, Alcantara Gorges, and winery lunch with wine. Gear and transfers included.
“We had the absolute pleasure of having Luca as our guide during our recent trip to Etna Volcano and the Alcantara River, and he truly made the experience extraordinary. From the very beginning, it was clear that Luca is not just any guide—he’s incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and deeply connected to the land. His understanding of…”
Shop the Capo market, then cook a Sicilian menu with Chef Marco at Casa Di Cilla in Palermo. Small group, English, cannoli.
“We loved our experience cooking with Marco! He is an amazing chef and was great at getting everyone involved in a task including my 14yo son who normally won’t help me in the kitchen! The food was delicious and it got my kids to try things they wouldn’t at home. Highly recommend for families!”
Every archipelago, and the best of each island in it.
