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 experience was truly fantastic! We were picked up on time with a comfortable minibus and taken to Mount Etna for an unforgettable tour. The guides were exceptionally kind, cheerful, and full of positive energy. They had a great sense of humor and explained the history and geology of Etna in a very engaging and…”
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.
“Laura was the best guide! She is an expert at driving and so informative and friendly! She really made our experience, highly recommend!”
Pub Crawl Palermo in the centro storico: 5 hours of bar-hopping with free shots, wristband drink deals, and an English-speaking guide.
“**BEST PUB CRAWL EVER!** I absolutely love it! I meet many interesting people, and the atmosphere and vibes are fantastic. The organization is perfect, with well-planned stops and great drink promotions, plus free shots along the way! Luis, the tour guide, is amazing. His friendliness and knowledge make the experience even more memorable. I’d rate…”
Small-group salt pan walk in Trapani and Paceco with tastings, a salt museum visit, and a guided route through working basins.
“Learning how sea salt is harvested and how the process continues to be partially manual was fascinating. Our guide was informative and professional. The vistas were spectacular in the evening with the sunset. Would recommend as a family excursion or as a romantic activity.”
Mt. Etna from Catania with lava caves, guided trekking, and farm tastings. Pickup, small groups, and optional cable car.
“Salvo did a great job. Highly knowledgeable and very kind. Bring a jacket with you as it can be chilly.”
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.
“Is a beautiful experience full of challenges and beauty, rich of energy and conexión with the earth.”
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.
“Great hiking thru Valley del Bove. I am 61 year old male and fairly fit and this 3-4 hour hike kicked my butt. But that’s just me. Younger people seemed less phased. Bring water, snacks. Would recommend.”
Boat tour of Ortigia Island and sea caves with a short swim, small-boat feel, and English guide value for under $25.
“It was so much fun ! Great company we rode in a boat with like 15 people went into the caves ! Saw the beautiful water and sites for ,1 hour I would do it again great tour .”
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.
“Entertaining trip with the ship captain serving a perfect apéritive on the sea. Swimming in a nice place and seashore sightseeing too with the caves”
From Catania: guided Mt. Etna hike, lava caves, Alcantara Gorges, and winery lunch with wine. Gear and transfers included.
“Giovanni was an excellent guide full of information and happy to answer any questions we had a top man. Food at the winery was so so wine was fine A great day out on Etna and the gorge”
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.
