Top Sicily Day Trips

Marvel over the geological wonders of Mount Etna, then visit the elegant resort town of Taormina on this action-packed full-day tour from Catania. Soak up the dramatic scenery of Europe’s highest active volcano as you visit the hilltop resort of Refugio Sapienza; As an alternative to trekking, you can catch the cable car to the 9,514-foot (2,900-meter) peak of Mount Etna (optional) and explore a natural lava cave. After exploring the lava cave, have a delicious tasting of the local products such as honey, oil and wine. On the way to Taormina, you will stop and see the beautiful "Isola Bella” from above. Then spend the afternoon enjoying your free time in Taormina, among medieval churches, ancient Greek theater, and lively shopping district.

Skip the crowded tourist boats, and book a small-group cruise from Trapani. With a maximum of 12 people on board the boat, you’ll enjoy a more intimate time at sea, exploring the Egadi Islands. You’ll stop to dive, swim, and snorkel in the clear waters around Favignana and Levanzo, and kick back with soft drinks on deck as you cruise.

Enjoy a physical perspective of Sicily on a tour to Mt. Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe. Do a little trekking, check out an old crater and lava flow caves, and admire gorgeous views of the mountain and surrounding landscape at sunset. Plus, stop by a farm to taste local products like honey and wine. Hotel pickup in Catania is included.

Discover the Aeolian Archipelago on this day trip to the islands of Stromboli and Panarea from Taormina. Journey to each island by motorboat, exploring the local shops at your leisure or taking a cool dip in the sea. Afterward, cruise around Stromboli to see the island’s volcano. Keep your eyes peeled for the crater of Sciara del Fuoco, known to light up the sky with its jet-like eruptions. After a full day of touring the UNESCO-listed islands, return to Taormina.

The crystal-clear seas off western Sicily are home to the idyllic Aegadian islands of Favignana and Levanzo, but their isolated location makes them hard to reach. On this tour, cruise through the coastal waters and drop the anchor in pretty spots around the islands. Learn of historic battles between the Romans and Carthaginians with on-board commentary from your guide, with a free time to snorkel at your leisure.

Beat the heat and the crowds with a morning tour of Mount Etna. Cover more ground by exploring on board a sturdy Jeep, views over the lunar landscapes in the Valle del Bove, and the flora and fauna of the thick woods blanketing the lower slopes. Cap off your tour with a tasting of local specialties including honey, wine, and liqueurs.

Trek around Mount Etna on this tour with a small group and an expert trekking guide. Set off from Taormina to spend the day learning about the volcano's history, exploring craters and lava caves. Stop at a local chalet for an included snack and wine. Hotel or port pickup and drop-off can be arranged on request.

Located on the island of Sicily, Mt Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe. Explore its different aspects on this active tour from Catania that includes hiking up the volcano along a trail to the inner crater. See ancient lava flows, learn about the geological history of the volcano, admire panoramic views and hike into a lava cave.

Book it for Tomorrow and Explore Europe’s largest active volcano this day trip to Mt Etna from Taormina. Relax with transportation to the base station of Rifugio Sapienza and then take off through the foothills for some time to spend hiking at your leisure. Alternatively, upgrade your ticket for a trip up to the upper craters and a guided walking tour through the volcanic craters. Soak up scenic views from the UNESCO-listed spot before concluding with transportation back to Taormina.

Compare the unforgettable storyline of "The Godfather" saga with real-life Mafia history during this in-depth guided tour of two Sicilian villages. See filming locations, like the church where Micheal Corleone married his young bride, Apollonia. You’ll also hear true stories from Sicilian Mafia clans and learn about their grip on southern Italy. The small-group tour is limited to eight and concludes with a tasty pasta buffet at a typical trattoria.

Visit Taormina and Castelmola on this tour from Messina. During a quick stop in the village of Castelmola, admire a view of the surrounding Sicilian landscape, including Mt Etna. Then head to Taormina to see sights like Isola Bella and the Greek Theatre. Browse local shops or bars, if you wish, and take a walk along Corso Umberto.

Sicily’s western coastline is dotted with hidden coves and home to the idyllic Egadi Islands. With this boat tour, take in the most picturesque corners of the coast and the islands of Favignana and Levanzo in one day, setting sail from Trapani. Enjoy free time to explore the islands on land; stop to swim at the dazzling beaches of Cala Rossa, Cala Azzurra, and the Faraglione; and relax over lunch on board.

Taormina is one of the most spectacular cities in Sicily, but its crowds and heat can be daunting. Take a break with this half-day sailboat cruise along the coastline to admire highlights like the bays of Spisone and Mazzarò, Blue Grotto, and Isola Bella. Drop anchor to swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters or relax on board with drinks and snacks while learning about the local history and lore.

The volcanic landscapes around Mt. Etna are widely considered among the most fascinating in Italy, but they’re not always easy to explore without a guide. This adventurous half-day bus and hiking tour from Taormina includes food-tastings in Zafferana Etnea and a visit to the Parco dell’Etna. Delve into a lava cave with a guide, follow winding trails to the Rifugio Sapienza at 6,200 feet (1,900 meters) above sea level, and watch the sunset over the Silvestri craters.

The 5-hour experience includes a seafront drive alongside Naxos Bay in the history-steeped seaside town of Giardini Naxos, followed by an overlook at the pretty Isola Bella, from above.

Explore Mount Etna during the most dazzling time of day with this sunset Jeep tour. Set off in the afternoon to take in the Valle del Bove and lunar landscapes of the lava and ash fields on the slopes of Europe’s highest active volcano. Discover side craters and extinguished lava flows, don a helmet and headlamp to venture into a lava tube, and admire the bird's-eye view at sunset.

Delve into ancient Roman and Greek history on a visit to both Neapolis Archaeological Park and Ortygia Island in Syracuse. Neapolis is home to some of Syracuse's most notable ruins, including a massive Greek amphitheater that is still used for performances during the summer months. Marvel at age-old quarries and a Roman amphitheater where gladiators fought each other to the death. Afterward, head over to Ortygia Island―a small island that serves as Syracuse's historic center―and nearby Noto, a stunning town filled with exquisite, photo-worthy baroque architecture.

Spend a day exploring the ancient sights of the Valley of the Temples with this day trip from Palermo. Travel to Agrigento for a quick coffee break (own expense) before visiting the fascinating site for a 1-hour tour. See the temples of Hera, Concordia and Apollo. Take a midday break for lunch (own expense) before stopping at the archaeology museum for a 1-hour self-guided visit.

While your ship is in Messina, see more of Sicily on a half-day trip to Taormina. Take a guided tour of this historical city, including a stroll along Corso Umberto, once an ancient Roman street, and a visit to the Greco-Roman Theater. Plus, sample Sicilian delicacies, admire views of Mt. Etna and Giardini-Naxos bay from Castelmola, and on return to Messina, check out this ancient port’s highlights. Port and Taormina pickup and drop-off included.

Leave the navigating to your driver and explore the history and architecture of Sicily with this full-day tour. See several popular landmarks in one day, including the Greek ruins of Agrigento and the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina. This small group tour through the Valley of the Temples offers an intimate atmosphere.

Visit some of the most beautiful parts of Western Sicily with this day trip from Palermo to Erice, Segesta, Nubia and the Trapani Salt Pans. Visit an archaeological excavation at Segesta. Take in the excellent views from the hilltop town of Erice. See how sea salt is still collected off the Sicilian coast at the Salt Pans of Trapani.

Explore Europe's highest active volcano with this Jeep tour on Mount Etna. Join a nature guide and head up to about 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) to discover lava flows and extinct craters, plus take in the views over the Caldera del Valle del Bove. Then don a helmet and headlamp and venture into a lava tube to better to learn how lava flows are formed and cool.

See the stunning Aeolian Archipelago on this day trip to the islands of Vulcano and Lipari from Taormina. Take a motorboat across the turquoise waters to the UNESCO-listed chain of volcanic islands. Enjoy free time to explore, cooling off with a swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea or checking out the Lipari Archaeological Museum for a bit of island history. Your day concludes with transportation back to Taormina.

This tour makes it easier than ever to get up close and personal with Mt. Etna: Europe’s highest active volcano, and one of Sicily’s most visible landmarks. Journey to Rifugio Sapienza, at Etna’s base, before your trek; all equipment is included, and an add-on journey to its crater is available (own expense). Next, explore the volcano’s lava caves before stopping at an area farm for a sampling of local products.