Top 15 Unforgettable Tours in Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is one of the most enchanting regions of Italy. Resembling a ball being kicked by the Italian boot, the island boasts turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greek temples, and one of Europe’s highest active volcanoes, Mount Etna.

The principal cities on the island include the capital, Palermo, as well as Catania, Syracuse, and Taormina. Each city provides a unique and unforgettable perspective of the island.

Although Sicily is often associated with the mafia due to films like The Godfather, this should not deter potential visitors. In fact, there are tours available that highlight how locals are actively combating mafia influence.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Sicily is its cuisine. While visiting, one should not overlook trying arancini (delicious filled and deep-fried rice balls), a variety of breads and pastas, and, of course, cannoli. Participation in a cooking class may also be a good idea, allowing you to impress friends and family with culinary skills acquired during your travels.

To assist in navigating the largest island in the Mediterranean and maximizing your experience, the following is a list of the 15 premier tours in Sicily.

1. Palermo 3-Hour Street Food and History Walking Tour

This engaging three-hour tour of Palermo involves traversing the city’s historic center while sampling some of its finest traditional cuisine.

A knowledgeable and professional guide will introduce you to some of the city’s most renowned landmarks, including the Cathedral, Piazza della Vergogna, and Quattro Canti. In between these highlights, participants will sample five different street foods, a beverage of choice (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and the iconic cannoli.

This experience not only provides a taste of Sicilian cuisine but also imparts knowledge about the capital.

2. Off-Road ATV Tour of Mount Etna

No visit to Sicily is complete without exploring Mount Etna, one of Europe’s highest volcanoes. This tour offers a distinctive experience, as participants navigate the area via quad bike.

This thrilling adventure will take you through the Alcantara gorges toward one of Sicily’s premier winemaking regions, Castiglione. Observe ancient lava flows and explore Coruccio caves before ascending to nearly 2,000 meters to appreciate the beauty of Etna.

Insurance and guidance from an expert are included in the cost of this tour.

3. From Catania: Mount Etna Sunset Tour

If you prefer a less exhilarating way to experience Mount Etna, this sunset tour from Catania provides a splendid alternative to an ATV excursion. During this six-hour journey, a guide, well-versed in the natural history of the mountain, will accompany you.

Your guide will lead you up to 2,000 meters via gentle trekking to a lookout point over the Bove Valley. Witness the volcanic crater of Etna and explore one of its many caves.

As the sun sets, enjoy a street-food snack paired with a glass of wine, both included in the tour price.

4. Giardini Naxos, Taormina, and Castelmola 5-Hour Tour

This exceptional five-hour tour from Catania includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. You will travel comfortably by bus to the coastal town of Giardini Naxos, then continue along the Ionian Coast to the village of Castelmola.

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to swim in the refreshing waters of the Ionian Sea and visit a nature reserve on Isola Bella.

The day concludes in the hilltop town of Taormina, which offers picturesque views of Mount Etna. Explore ancient fortifications and theaters, and for an additional fee, you may visit the Greco-Roman amphitheater, which remains operational today.

5. Inspector Montalbano Locations Tour of Southeast Sicily

This tour is a delight for enthusiasts of Andrea Camilleri’s novels or the television adaptation featuring Luca Zingaretti. While the towns depicted have fictional names, they are inspired by real Sicilian locations.

Your English-speaking driver will pick you up in an air-conditioned vehicle as you head towards Mànnara (Vigata) and Punta Secca (Marinella). There is the option to savor a meal at the Da Enzo a Mare restaurant, frequented by the fictional inspector, although this is not included in the tour price.

6. Sicily: The Godfather Filming Locations Tour

One of the most celebrated and critically acclaimed films in cinema, The Godfather, is adapted from Mario Puzo’s acclaimed novel of the same name.

This six-hour journey allows you to follow in the footsteps of Don Corleone and explore hidden corners of Sicily that are typically overlooked. The tour features some of the film’s most iconic locations, such as St. Lucy’s Church and the cathedral of Forza d’Agro, where key wedding scenes were filmed.

Included in this experience are hotel pick-up and drop-off from Catania or Taormina, along with the services of an English-speaking guide and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.

7. Palermo: Anti-Mafia 3-Hour Walking Tour

Regrettably, the mafia is far less glamorous than its portrayal in films such as The Godfather. It remains a significant challenge within Italian and Sicilian society, negatively impacting the economy. Notably, evidence of powerful political, judicial, and financial associations with the mafia has surfaced in recent years. At a grassroots level, local businesses face extortion, often coerced into paying “protection money” under dire threats.

This enlightening three-hour tour provides insight into local enterprises rising against mafia extortion through the “Pago chi non paga” initiative, culminating at the Antica Focacceria San Francesco restaurant.

A portion of the tour’s proceeds contributes to Addiopizzo, the organization dedicated to supporting businesses that resist extortion.

8. Noto, Modica, and Ragusa: The Baroque Tour from Catania

Experience convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off in Catania or Taormina while discovering Sicily’s baroque architecture. The tour includes visits to Noto, Modica, and Ragusa, showcasing some of the island’s most remarkable structures.

Familiarize yourself with Noto, reconstructed after a devastating earthquake in 1693. Following that, visit Modica, home to Sicily’s oldest chocolate factory. The day concludes at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ragusa, a notable representation of the Baroque period.

Transportation between locations is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle driven by your guide.

9. Syracuse and Noto Full-Day Tour

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, granting the opportunity to explore Sicily’s Ancient Greek heritage in Syracuse and Noto.

Spanning eight hours, this tour is conducted by an informed guide available in three languages, who will present you with the remnants of Apollo and Athena temples in Ortygia, among other ancient Greek sites.

This experience illuminates the Greek history of Sicily while also showcasing Caravaggio’s art in Syracuse’s Basilica de Santa Lucia.

Conclude your day by visiting the Baroque village of Noto, tracing its roots to the Early Bronze Age.

10. From Taormina: Chic Panarea and Stromboli Full-day Tour

This leisurely full-day cruise allows participants to experience the stunning beauty of two of the Aeolian Islands on a private motorboat, which includes an onboard bar.

Wander along the pristine shores of Panarea, taking in the scenery as you explore the quaint streets lined with shops, ideal for purchasing souvenirs.

Next, journey to Stromboli, renowned as the “lighthouse of the Mediterranean,” being one of Italy’s three active volcanoes. If fortunate, you may witness lava erupting from the crater against the backdrop of a Mediterranean sunset.

11. Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

The western region of Sicily may not be as frequented by tourists as the eastern part, but this tour will reveal its hidden treasures. The first stop is at the ancient Greek site of Segesta, recognized as one of the island’s most well-preserved archaeological locations.

Your journey continues to Erice, an extraordinary medieval village that dramatically rises above the Mediterranean’s azure waters. Conclude your day with a visit to the iconic salt pans of Trapani.

Enjoy breathtaking coastal views throughout the day, and rest assured, transportation will be provided in an air-conditioned vehicle with pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation.

12. From Catania: Alcantara Valley by Mountain Bike

This tour appeals to adventurous travelers. With a two-hour duration, participants will still have ample time to unwind or explore additional captivating sites on the island.

The Alcantara Valley is renowned for its unusual Gurne dell’Alcantara, a series of 16 lakes and waterfalls formed atop the valley’s basalt riverbed. Accompanied by a qualified mountain biking guide, you will receive valuable insights about the area while ensuring safety and comfort throughout the trip.

The majority of the ride takes place in lowland areas, making this experience accessible even for those who are not seasoned mountain bikers.

13. Agrigento and Valley of the Temples Day Trip from Taormina

The Valley of the Temples ranks among Sicily’s most frequented attractions; therefore, it should not be overlooked during your stay. This day trip provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the UNESCO World Heritage site, creating a unique atmosphere reminiscent of Greece.

Travel comfortably in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle, with pick-up from either Taormina or Catania, as a multilingual guide provides insights about the day.

A delightful packed lunch featuring Sicilian street food specialties will be provided prior to your visit to the stunning Roman mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale.

14. From Trapani: Full-Day Cruise to Favignana and Levanzo

This excursion offers a chance to explore some of Sicily’s less-visited yet captivating coastal islands. Enjoy a full-day cruise discovering the allure of the Egadi Islands off the western coast. The eight-hour journey allows ample time to wander through the streets of Favignana, or better yet, relax on its beautiful beaches and enjoy the sun.

After boarding the vessel for a lunch featuring local wine, you will travel to the smallest Egadi Island, Levanzo. Here, you can view Neolithic cave paintings or explore the picturesque port town.

Be sure to bring your swimwear as there will be opportunities for a refreshing swim during the leisurely return to Trapani.

15. Sicily 8-Day Small Group Tour

This eight-day tour is ideal for those with ample time, offering a thorough Sicilian experience. Relish three nights in Taormina, two in Syracuse, and two in Palermo, while enjoying transportation in a luxurious eight-seater Mercedes minivan.

A local guide will accompany you throughout the majority of the activities, which include various food tastings, visits to quaint mountain villages, and guided walking tours of the towns and cities you will explore.

This tour promises an unforgettable experience of the largest island in the Mediterranean.