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Agrigento, Taormina & Mt. Etna

Sicily Cultural Walking Tour

6 DaysStarting at $6,495
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Overview

In more ways than one, Sicily is the ultimate Italy. Geographically, it's the southernmost province— warm, golden, and sprinkled with blindingly white Greek temples that are among the world's best preserved. And culturally it's more like Italy as we'd have imagined it a hundred years ago. Farmers still get to market by donkey. Mt. Etna is active even today and is the backdrop to almost every view. Even the bread is rougher and crustier—better to match vibrant food unlike any other you'll find in Italy. Embark on one of our unforgettable tours of Sicily, where history, culture, and cuisine converge to form a remarkably scenic walking tour. There's Palermo, of course…and the rock-clinging seaside beauty of Taormina. From beautifully sited lodgings, you'll set out on walks among the temples of Agrigento and immerse yourself in ancient archeology. And get ready for several ‘only with Classic Journeys’ experiences with olive oil makers, winemakers in their vineyards and other artisans. After all, "To have seen Italy without seeing Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all."

Start on the Amalfi Coast! Join our Amalfi tour the week prior to your Sicily departure for an amazing Italian vacation. Call 800.200.3887 for details.

Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe.”
Travel + Leisure

Itinerary Highlights

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• Begin with a walk to scenic Mount Pellegrino before exploring Palermo, on foot at eye level

• Walk through charming countryside in the heart of Sicily near Regaleali, where a friend invites us into his kitchen for a special treat — a taste of the renowned local wines and a cooking instruction.

• Luxuriate in your perfectly-sited accommodations among Greek temples that date from 400 BC and are scattered amid lovely hills with wildflowers, herds of sheep and the sea in the distance.

• Sip and stroll your way through an organic winery followed by a gourmet picnic.

• Get the 'only with Classic Journeys' access to a local family's olive grove to learn about the olive oil making process and sample the fine results.

• Explore magnificent views of Taormina as it clings to the cliffs over the Ionian Sea with Mt. Etna's snow-capped cone as a backdrop.

• Head to the slopes of Mt. Etna for a walk in a breathtaking landscape of lava dunes before a memorable picnic of local specialties.

• Walk the medieval streets of Taormina and pay a visit to the Greek theater with its panoramic view of the sea.

Download Full Daily Itinerary

Map

  • Starting Point:

    Palermo – 1:30 pm – Lobby of Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes

  • Ending Point:

    Catania – 1:30 pm – Catania airport
Itinerary Map

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Walking Level

  • Daily Mileage Options: 2-8 miles

  • Route Notes:

    The terrain on this trip includes a mix of paved and cobblestone streets in Palermo, Taormina and Agrigento, as well as well-maintained countryside and coastal trails, terraced vineyard and shepherds’ paths of compressed dirt and stone, and even crushed lava rock on the volcanic paths. The footpaths offer a selection of level, rolling and hilly terrain; there will be some elevation gain and loss.
To See Mileage Daily, Download Full Itinerary

Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have and the lower your price. Secure your spot with a deposit of just $500 per person at the time of reservation. Plus, you can always change your mind — there’s no fee to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887.

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Family Departure

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Hotels

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

Villa Athena

Located in the Valley of the Temples, this 5-star hotel is an 18th-century villa, the only lodging inside the archaeological zone. The villa offers the opportunity to dine al fresco while the temples are illuminated against the night sky.

Doric Boutique Hotel

Perfectly located in Agrigento with magnificent views of the Valley of the Temples, Doric Boutique Hotel offers upscale accommodation, modern amenities, and warm Italian hospitality.

Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa

Located in the heart of the historical center, the hotel is in an ideal position for exploring Palermo and is within easy reach of the city’s most important monuments.

Grand Hotel San Pietro

A 5-star luxury property, this beautiful and elegant hotel nestles into its own quiet park near the heart of Taormina. The sea views from the balcony of your room and the glamorous swimming pool are nothing short of spectacular.

NH Collection Taormina

This luxurious 5-star hotel is located heart of Taormina’s historical center with picture-perfect views of the coast. Enjoy the contemporary design, enchanting rooftop terrace, and exceptional service during your memorable stay.

Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes

An iconic property in Palermo, the Grand Hotel et Des Palmes is perfectly located in the heart of the historic city center. This luxurious property has a rich history and immerses you in Art Nouveau for a glamorous retreat in Sicily.

La Plage Resort Taormina

La Plage Resort is a luxurious retreat perfectly located within the Isola Bella Nature Reserve in Taormina. Enjoy staying in this relaxing oasis with its tranquil rooms, modern amenities, upscale cuisine, and stunning sea views.

What’s Included

  • Meals: All breakfasts, two lunches (one cooking instruction), and four dinners.
  • Hotels: Award-winning boutique properties, thoughtfully selected for their exceptional location, design, history, and regional character.
  • Tour Leader(s): Expert guides who are your well-connected local friends and provide you access to people and places you wouldn’t find on your own.
  • Supplemental Experts: Additional regional guides and specialists on select tours.
  • Transportation: All land transportation as listed in the daily itinerary, including fares for trains, ferries, and other modes of travel.
  • Privileged Access Events: One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places, and experiences arranged just for you, as noted in the daily itinerary.
  • Admissions & Entry Fees: Entry to tastings, historic sites, and other scheduled activities listed in the daily itinerary.
  • Baggage Transfers: Upon arrival, we whisk you and your bags directly to your room—no waiting, no tipping.
  • Gratuities: All gratuities at hotels, restaurants, and for baggage handling.
  • Dedicated Guest Services Coordinator: Your pre-trip concierge and tour expert, available to answer questions and ensure you’re fully ready to get the most out of your tour.
  • Perfect Pairings Dinner: A special dinner prepared by one of our favorite chefs with a procession of wines tailored to each course.
Not Included: Tour Leader gratuities, travel to and from your trip’s start and end points, and any meals or activities taken independently.

Why Choose Classic Journeys

Travel + Leisure has awarded Classic Journeys the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times and says, “Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe.” Here’s what that access means for you.
  • Experience Sicily on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guides on the most cinematic footpaths in the region, including with a volcanologist on Mt. Etna, through volcanic terroir vineyards, and through olive groves and working estates.
  • Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend. Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, sharing their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of this fascinating island.
  • Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special ‘only with Classic Journeys’ access to sites like the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento so you experience it with a forensic archeologist who brings the temples to life, a cooking instruction with a family on their farm that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes, and vineyard walks with a winemaker on Mt. Etna.
  • Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in Sicily, including the only accommodations in the archeological zone in Agrigento, White Lotus-worthy retreats in Taormina, and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
  • Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of the Sicilian people. From gourmet picnics in vineyards to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
  • Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know Sicily more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
  • Regenerative Travel that supports the history, culture, people and places you’re visiting with us in Sicily. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.

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FAQs

Why is Classic Journeys the best tour company for Sicily tours?

If you want Sicily at its most authentic, Classic Journeys is the way to see it all away from the crowds. You’ll explore baroque towns and ancient coastal paths with expert local guides who will be your well-connected friends, share meals with winemakers and artisans, and stay in boutique hotels each evening. Discover the best of this Italian island on our small group walking tour to uncover Sicily’s hidden corners—on foot at eye level.

Which places does the Classic Journeys Sicily itinerary include?

Your Classic Journeys walking adventure unfolds in Sicily’s most cinematic settings: bustling street markets in Palermo, the golden mosaics of Monreale, and unforgettable explorations at the Valley of the Temples. You’ll walk dramatic paths on Mount Etna and savor Taormina’s clifftop views—all with “only with Classic Journeys” access to local artisans and winemakers.

When is the best time to visit Sicily?

The best time for small-group Sicily tours is spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October)—when wildflowers blanket the hills, days are sunlit and pleasant, and the piazzas are less crowded. These seasons offer perfect walking weather, less crowds, and vivid local festivals, giving you Sicily at its sunniest and friendliest.

How active is the Classic Journeys Sicily walking tour?

Classic Journeys’ Sicily walking tour is active and you can expect stair-climbing in baroque towns, scenic walks along Taormina’s coastline, and an exhilarating trek up Mount Etna’s volcanic trails. Each day you’ll set out for 2-8 miles walks, with support from vehicles and expert local guides to assist along the way. Each day blends easy strolls and moderate hikes, so you set the pace and feel Sicily’s pulse with every step.

Are Mount Etna experiences included?

Yes—with Classic Journeys, you’ll experience Mount Etna’s wonders safely and up close. Local volcanologists will guide your walk on the slopes of Mt. Etna. Along the way, take in the breathtaking landscape of lava dunes before a memorable picnic of local specialties as you enjoy Etna’s magic with peace of mind and memories to last a lifetime.

Does Classic Journeys’ Sicily tour include culinary and wine experiences?

Absolutely—you’ll taste Sicily on every step of this walking tour, from Palermo’s street food stalls to Etna DOC vineyard picnics, and private cellar tours. Enjoy sipping and strolling your way through an organic winery, followed by a gourmet picnic as well as a hands-on cooking instruction. Culinary moments are woven throughout your journey, letting you eat like—and with—the locals.

How many travelers are in each small group on your Sicily tour?

You’ll share incredible experiences in Sicily with a small group—usually 8-12 guests—so every moment feels personal, friendly, and flexible. With no more than 18 guests on tour, this cozy size allows special access and genuine camaraderie with fellow travelers and your expert local guides.