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“The tour was insightful, interesting and fun. We had the perfect weather, perfect walk and perfect tour guide. Would recommend it to everyone!”
A 1-hour guided boat trip around Ortigia in Syracuse with live commentary, sea caves, a swim stop, and views from the water.
“Ottavio was a great guide and the sights were breathtaking”
Boat tour around Ortigia’s coast, sea caves, and a swim off the boat. Small group, local skipper, great value for Syracuse.
“Really enjoyed the tour. Franco was a gentleman - very friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about Ortigia. We enjoyed the opportunity to stop and swim in the water.”
Pub Crawl Palermo in the centro storico: 5 hours of bar-hopping with free shots, wristband drink deals, and an English-speaking guide.
“Went with 1 friend- both female. We felt quite uncomfortable by the size of the group, there were around 40 people and the majority were men and we did not feel completely safe. Men on the tour were taking photos of us, and when random men started to follow us no one intervened. Not sure…”
Small-group salt pan walk in Trapani and Paceco with tastings, a salt museum visit, and a guided route through working basins.
“Alessio was great guy. He knows everything about salt and we learned so much about salt. Great trip :)”
Mt. Etna from Catania with lava caves, guided trekking, and farm tastings. Pickup, small groups, and optional cable car.
“Unforgettable Etna Tour with Nando – Perfect for Families! We had an amazing experience exploring Mount Etna with our guide Nando. He was incredibly positive, enthusiastic, and made everyone — including our child — feel welcome and included. The tour was well organized, informative, and very family-friendly. Nando’s passion for the volcano and his warm…”
2-hour small-group boat tour from Giardini Naxos to Taormina, Isola Bella and the Blue Grotto, with Prosecco and a swim.
“Not as pictured!! Plus we ended early. Never went in any of the caves. Be careful booking on these sites it’s dangerous that what is advertised doesn’t match the experience. False advertising.”
Go up Mount Etna to around 3000m with cable car, a 4x4 jeep ride, and a guided crater-edge trek in English.
“Mt Etna was a must. We had a great experience on the volcano. The guide was "ok" not great but kept us together and safe.”
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.
“Our private boat tour with Sapore de Mare had been an unforgettable experience, and maybe the best boat tour we’ve done so far.”
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.
“Very gentle water. Good guide. Great views of the island and caves. Highly recommend for all ages and abilities”
Walk Palermo’s old town with Domenico Aronica, see Quattro Canti and Martorana, then taste arancini and cannoli at Ballarò.
“Our guide was very knowledgeable & had a great sense of humour. A thoroughly enjoyable Tour experience!”
A small-group boat minicruise along Cefalù’s coast with swimming and snorkeling stops, scenic views, and an aperitivo on the sea.
“Great trip, fun host, beautiful views. Lovely sail around Cefalu up to Calanica, opportunities to snorkel and great swimming”
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.
“Marco created a time of learning and pure joy in this class. We shopped the market and selected fresh swordfish as well as loads of vibrant produce. Cooking together in Marcos’ home was a time filled with laughter and real hands on cooking. Marco gave us nuggets of useful cooking tips as well. The meal…”
Every archipelago, and the best of each island in it.
