Itinerary
- Day 1
Naples
You'll arrive in Naples and head to a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll connect with your trip leader and other travelers. If you get there early, there's time to walk the coastline, wander the narrow streets, and grab pizza with views of the Gulf. The energy here is really something once the sun starts setting.
Optional Activities
- Stroll along the coast
- Explore narrow winding streets
- Dinner at a local eatery for pizza and local wine
Landmarks/POIs Gulf of Naples - Day 2
Naples to Civita
A boat, train, and private vehicle get you to Civita, a medieval village founded by Albanian refugees. The Arberesh language spoken here blends Italian and Albanian and exists nowhere else except parts of Sicily. You'll explore on foot, check out local shops for regional food, or take a walk through the surrounding hills.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Explore Civita village on foot
- Nature-based hike
Optional Activities
- Visit local shop to sample regional delights
- Scenic walk in the hills
Landmarks/POIs Civita - Day 3
Pollino National Park
After breakfast you can opt for a hike up Mount Sellaro in Pollino National Park or skip the strenuous part and explore the dramatic landscape instead. Either way, you'll stop in Cerchiara di Calabria known for bread, then visit a remote Byzantine monastery. The park itself features steep cliffs, narrow canyons, and wildlife like peregrine falcons and eagle owls.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Stop at Cerchiara di Calabria
Optional Activities
- Hike up Mount Sellaro
- Stock up on local produce in Cerchiara di Calabria
- Visit remote sanctuary built by Byzantine monks
- Explore Pollino National Park
- Wildlife viewing
Landmarks/POIs Mount Sellaro Pollino National Park Cerchiara di Calabria Achaean coast - Day 4
Civita to Tropea
Following breakfast, you'll transfer from Civita to Paola and take a train to Tropea, a coastal town with faded buildings and cliff-top fortifications. An orientation walk with your leader helps you get oriented, then you can visit the Norman cathedral with its Madonna of Romania icon, check out the Diocesan Museum for religious art, or head to the beach to see the impressive cliff formations.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Orientation walk in Tropea
- Visit Norman cathedral (Duomo)
Optional Activities
- Visit Museo Diocesano
- Head to beach
- Explore town on own
Landmarks/POIs Tropea Duomo (Norman Cathedral) Museo Diocesano - Day 5
Tropea to Stromboli
Weather allowing, a boat takes you to Stromboli island for swimming in the Aeolian waters at San Vincenzo. You'll have time to shop along the main street or eat at a local spot. Later in the evening depending on season, you'll cruise toward the Sciara del Fuoco to see the lava paths from the volcano's eruptions.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Boat trip to Stromboli
- Stromboli by Night
Optional Activities
- Swim in the sea at San Vincenzo
- Shop along main street
- Dine at local restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Stromboli San Vincenzo Aeolian Islands Sciara del Fuoco - Day 6
Stromboli to Reggio Calabria
The train carries you to Reggio Calabria, Sicily's gateway. This earthquake-prone city blends old architecture with modern buildings, all visible during an orientation walk. The National Archaeological Museum houses Greek-influenced artifacts including the famous Bronzi di Riace bronze statues pulled from the seafloor in the 1970s. For dinner, seek out grilled swordfish or pasta with cauliflower and broccoli, local specialties here.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Orientation walk in Reggio Calabria
- Visit National Archaeological Museum of Reggio
Optional Activities
- Visit Aragonese Castle - EUR 5
- Dinner at local restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Reggio Calabria National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Aragonese Castle - Day 7
Reggio Calabria to Catania
You'll drive to Taormina on Sicily's east coast for a private boat excursion along the coast. The route takes you through bays and caves with dramatic rock formations, and includes swimming time plus an aperitif with snacks. Your skipper shares stories about the area before heading to Catania, where the evening is free for exploring bars and finding a good restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Private boat excursion from Taormina
- Taormina leader-led orientation walk (referenced in included items)
Optional Activities
- Swim during boat excursion
- Explore Catania bar culture
- Dinner at own discretion
Landmarks/POIs Taormina Sicilian coast bays and caves Catania - Day 8
Catania
Start the day with an orientation walk through Catania's grand piazzas and wide streets. There's a granita tasting of this semi-frozen sugar and water dessert with various flavors. The option exists to visit Val di Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for Late Baroque architecture, or just roam the city on your own. Tonight brings a farewell dinner with the group to celebrate the journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk in Catania
- Local granita tasting
Optional Activities
- Visit Val di Noto UNESCO World Heritage site
- Explore Catania independently
- Farewell dinner with group
Landmarks/POIs Catania Val di Noto - Day 9
Catania
You have a free day in Catania to walk the cobblestone lanes with Mt Etna looming above and visit Piazza del Duomo at your pace. At 6 pm, new travelers join the group for a welcome meeting, and afterward you might head out to dinner and get to know the newcomers.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Walk through cobblestone laneways
- Visit Piazza del Duomo
- Explore Catania independently
- Dinner with group
Landmarks/POIs Mt Etna Piazza del Duomo - Day 10
Catania to Mt Etna to Syracuse
A daytrip takes you to Mt Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. Around 2000 m altitude on the northern side, you'll explore a lava cave with helmets and torches, then walk through extinct craters on the Sartorius Mountains. Later, you'll head to Syracuse where your leader shows you the city's best areas. The evening is yours to spend however you'd like.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Day trip to Mt Etna
- Lava cave visit with helmets and torches
- Walk through extinct craters on Sartorius Mountains
- Leader-led orientation walk in Syracuse
Optional Activities
- Explore Syracuse independently
- Dinner at own discretion
Landmarks/POIs Mt Etna Sartorius Mountains Syracuse - Day 11
Syracuse
Sleep in and take the whole day to explore Syracuse at your own pace. Walk through streets with crumbling facades and decorative balconies carved with stone figures. Consider a boat trip around Ortigia island for city views, visit the Neapolis Archaeological Site, or simply spend time in cafes and restaurants grabbing a granita in the afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Walk through Syracuse streets
- Boat trip around Ortigia island - EUR 17
- Visit Neapolis Archaeological Park - EUR 17
- Visit Cathedral - EUR 2
- Visit Archaeological Museum - EUR 14
- Visit Castello Maniace - EUR 5
- Explore cafes and restaurants
- Granita tasting
Landmarks/POIs Syracuse Ortigia Neapolis Archaeological Park Castello Maniace Cathedral Archaeological Museum - Day 12
Syracuse to Agrigento
After breakfast you head toward Agrigento with scenic stops along the way. Noto shows off dazzling limestone buildings, while Ragusa reveals two different sides of the same Baroque city rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake. You'll explore twisted alleyways and Baroque palaces before arriving in Agrigento late afternoon. Head to Via Atenea or Viale della Vittoria for sunset views over the Valley of the Temples and sea. Try the famous gelato pecorino at a local cafe.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Stop at Noto
- Visit Ragusa
Optional Activities
- Explore Noto and Ragusa independently
- Find historic center
- Sunset views from Via Atenea and Viale della Vittoria
- Try gelato pecorino
Landmarks/POIs Noto Ragusa Agrigento Colle di Girgenti Valley of the Temples - Day 13
Valley of the Temples
A local guide brings the Valley of the Temples to life as you visit the classical Greek temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux. From your window seat you'll see the sweeping landscape and Mediterranean stretching out. After the guided tour wraps up, you'll continue to Marsala, a coastal town in western Sicily.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Valley of the Temples
- Visit temples of Hera, Herakles, Zeus and Castor and Pollux
Optional Activities
- Explore Marsala independently
Landmarks/POIs Valley of the Temples Temple of Hera Temple of Herakles Temple of Zeus Temple of Castor and Pollux Marsala - Day 14
Marsala to Palermo
Scenic stops mark the journey to Palermo. First comes the medieval town of Erice with architectural styles from its complex history under different rulers. Grab a Genovesi, a traditional Sicilian pastry filled with custard or ricotta, before getting to Palermo, Sicily's capital. The afternoon is free to explore winding alleys, busy market squares, or check out main monuments like the 12th century cathedral in the old city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Explore Erice
- Local sweets tasting in Erice
Optional Activities
- Visit 12th century cathedral in Palermo
- Wander alleyways and market squares
- Explore Palermo independently
Landmarks/POIs Erice Palermo Cathedral of Palermo - Day 15
Palermo
A local guide leads a walking tour uncovering stories of rebellion and anti-Mafia racketeering. You'll visit Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria and Beati Paoli Square, all connected to civil mobilization and known for street food. Shop owners share their courage in denouncing extortionists. Optionally, visit Monreale for panoramic views and climb to the cathedral roof, described as a medieval wonder. Otherwise wander Palermo solo. Tonight features a dinner toast to the journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Anti-Mafia Movement walking tour with local guide
- Visit Teatro Massimo, Cape Market, Piazza della Memoria and Beati Paoli Square
Optional Activities
- Visit Monreale Cathedral & Cloister - EUR 13
- Climb Monreale cathedral roof
- Wander Palermo independently
- Dinner at own discretion
Landmarks/POIs Teatro Massimo Cape Market Piazza della Memoria Beati Paoli Square Monreale Monreale Cathedral - Day 16
Palermo
After breakfast your adventure concludes. If you'd like to stay longer in Palermo and explore more, contact your booking agent beforehand to arrange extended accommodation.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Extend stay in Palermo
