Things to do in Sicily

Castelbuono visit and Sicilian dinner in the Madonie Mountains

Swap Cefalu's buzzy seaside scene for the simple pleasures of hill-top towns and farm estates in the Madonie Mountains. The beaches and coastline blur into olive groves and rural valleys as your bus makes the scenic journey to Castelbuono in the late afternoon. Mirco, an expert local guide, explains the significance of the town, “Castelbuono has always been a crossroads between the mountains and the sea — which is why you'll see so many layers here, from Norman walls to Baroque churches, all wrapped into a living town.”You'll have around an hour and a half to wander the narrow stone streets, where every archway frames another impressive view of this Medieval town. Among the palazzos and historic churches, though, the crowning glory of Castelbuono has to be the 14th-century fortress, Castello dei Ventimiglia. It's now open as a museum, so as well as taking time to appreciate the slower pace of the town and perhaps grabbing a gelato, you can take a look around the castle's exhibits of timeworn treasures and contemporary art collection. Mirco adds, “The Ventimiglia family built this castle to control the mountain routes. Today, it tells a very different story – from ancient archaeology to modern Sicilian artists.”In the evening, you'll head to Tenuta Luogo Marcese, a rural, agritourism-style farm estate. Sit on the terracotta-tiled terrace and enjoy a relaxed three-course dinner of seasonal Sicilian dishes, all prepared with local ingredients. Best of all, dinner comes with views of the sun setting over the Madonie hills.

Mount Etna winery tour and tasting experience

You'll discover the subtle layers of Sicily's flavours with this relaxed wine-tasting experience on the scenic slopes of Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano. Expert guide, Mirco, explains, “On Etna, different lava flows sit side by side, so the soil, or terroir as it's known, can change over very short distances, and that shows up in the wine. That's why tasting here isn't about labels – it's about standing on the land, feeling the volcano under your feet, and recognising it in every sip.”As views of the seaside fade in the rear-view mirror, their replaced by endless rows of vines carpeting the countryside and staggering up the hillsides. In the heart of Sicily's volcanic wine region, you'll visit a winery, known as a cantina, where centuries-old traditions are not only respected, but very much still in action. Your expert guide will lead you through the cantina, teaching you about the history, volcanic soils, and traditional wine-making techniques that give Etna's wines their signature freshness, minerality, and aromatic flare.Then comes the best part, the tasting. With the volcano anchoring your view of the rolling landscape, you'll be served four premium local wines to taste. These are matched with local cheeses, cured meats and olives, giving you a truly authentic taste of Sicily. Paired with the relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality, whether you choose the morning or afternoon visit, it's a moment to remember long after you finish your last glass.

Guided Corleone mafia resistance tour with lunch

Corleone was once a town once infamous for its mafia ties, but today it is a beacon of resistance and justice. The panoramic drive through the mountains sets the stage for an enlightening day ahead. Vincenzo, one of our expert local guides says, “This fascinating, insightful tour is designed to educate and debunk Hollywood's glamorised portrayal of mafia life, offering instead a genuine glimpse into the courageous fight against organised crime. This is an important tour for our town." First up is The Godfather's House Museum, a grand 19th-century residence that takes you on a journey through time, exploring the birth of both the mafia and anti-mafia movements. Next, delve deeper into this complex history at the CIDMA Antimafia Museum, home to an extensive collection of documents and exhibits chronicling the dark past and brave resistance against the mafia. After a walking tour of Corleone's historic streets, you'll be whisked off to a local restaurant near the Royal Palace of Ficuzza for a classic Italian lunch, surrounded by natural beauty. Finally, sit back and relax on your return journey to Cefalù, taking with you a deeper understanding of Corleone's transformation from a mafia stronghold to a place that local people are proud to call home, a place with a future free from the clutches of organized crime.

Full-day Syracuse guided heritage tour

The past comes to life in Syracuse – a city packed with classical heritage as well as flamboyant Sicilian baroque architecture. You'll visit the Greek theatre, go into the Ear of Dionysius and explore Ortygia island, the heart of the old town and location of baroque gems such as the cathedral.

Palermo walking tour and Monreale Cathedral visit in Sicily

If ancient cities, holy monuments and a touch of the macabre are your thing, then this two-in-one tour is a must. First up is UNESCO-listed Monreale Cathedral where you'll marvel at the architecture before a guide gives you the history of its pure-gold mosaics. You'll then stop by Palermo for a walking tour of some of the best-preserved historic landmarks in the world. After, you can take time to sip a cappuccino, browse the market, or grab some lunch in the famous Piazza Verdi.

Pizza cookery class in Giardini Naxos

Meet your professional pizza chef Maurizio for your 2-hour pizza making lesson. Learn the tricks of the trade from the real deal, a Sicilian Pizzaiolo in a local pizzeria. Chef Maurizio will explain the magic involved in turning simple ingredients into a mouthwatering pizza, and at the end of the session you will sit down to enjoy your pizza with a glass of local wine.

Full-day Randazzo and Alcantara Gorge tour from Taormina

This full-day Sicilian tour begins in Randazzo, a Medieval town on Mount Etna's northern slopes. After a guided walk and some free time to wander its lava-stone streets, churches and shops, you'll head to Alcantara Gorge. Shaped by ancient lava flows and the Alcantara River that runs through it, you'll have three hours to swim in natural pools, walk the trails, snap photos or rent gear for optional extra water fun like river trekking and body rafting. After a day exploring local life and Sicily's natural beauty, you'll make your way back to your hotel.

Taormina and Mount Etna from Cefalù

Set off from Cefalù on a full-day tour to two of Sicily's must-see treasures – Mount Etna and Taormina. At Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, you can check out the Silvestri Craters, shops and cafes at 1,900 metres above sea level, or ride the cable car and 4x4 up to 2,900 metres for jaw-dropping views across the island. Then, it's off to Taormina, a charming hilltop town with winding Medieval streets, boutiques, cozy cafes and a historic Greek theatre overlooking the sea.

Mount Etna tour from Taormina

Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe and a true icon of Sicily. This is your chance to venture either 1,900 or 2,900 metres above sea level to check out the lunar-like landscapes of the volcano's craters. You'll be driven from Taormina to Rifugio Sapienza, where – if you've chosen to go up to 2,900 metres – you'll switch to a cable car and 4x4 vehicle to reach the main crater for a guided walk and some epic views. If you opt to stay at 1,900 metres, there's free time to explore the nature trails around the Silvestri Craters, along with souvenir shops, cafés and a small museum that tells the story of the mountain's past. Either way, you'll want your camera for this one.

Siracusa & Ortigia Tour from Syracuse

Tick off a Sicilian must-do on this morning tour to Syracuse. Unravel layers of history while admiring Roman, Greek, medieval and baroque architecture at the Neapolis Archaeological Park, before heading to the island of Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse, for a tour around its honey-coloured lanes. You'll also see the UNESCO-protected Cathedral of Syracuse and the Fountain of Arethusa.

Mount Etna and Taormina tour from Syracuse

Perched on a clifftop overlooking sweeping bays, Taormina is home to some of the best-preserved historic landmarks in the world. And on this tour, you'll not only see the famed ‘pearl of Sicily', but you'll also see the highest active volcano in Europe. Journey up to 1,900 metres for the grandstand views atop Mount Etna, before spending free time in Taormina and tasting the local Sicilian Arancino.

Pizza cooking class in Taormina

Make traditional Sicilian Pizza with a real 'pizzaiolo' - the Italian word for pizza chef. Learn the secrets of perfect pizza from an expert as you prepare the dough and the toppings for flash baking in a searing hot pizza oven. Take the skills and knowledge home with you to recreate authentic pizza whenever you like. You'll get a certificate and souvenir apron, too.