Day Trips from Catania to Sicily

Take a tour of three southeastern Sicilian cities on this private tour with hotel or port pick up. See ancient Greek and Roman ruins at the Neopolis Archeological Park in Syracuse; stroll through the small streets of the island of Ortigia and shop for Sicilian products; and discover the UNESCO-listed baroque architecture of Noto, including its magnificent cathedral.

Sicily is home to some of the most spectacular Greek and Roman archaeological sites in Italy, but visiting on your own means navigating the island’s confusing rural roads. With this tour, reach Villa Romana Del Casale in Piazza Armerina and the Valley of Temples in Agrigento with a private driver for a stress-free jaunt through ancient history, taking in these remarkable ruins at your own pace.

Head from Catania to three of Sicily’s top destinations during this full-day, attraction-packed guided tour. Travel comfortably by air-conditioned minivan, with shared hotel transfers. Highlights include the Neapolis archaeological park in Syracuse (admission tickets purchased separately), a visit to the Greek and Baroque-influenced island of Ortigia, and a stop in picturesque, UNESCO-listed Noto.

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.

Sicily’s small towns bring sea views, medieval and ancient history, and vibrant culture. This full-day tour visits the towns of Taormina, Savoca, and Castelmola in a small group setting. Your first stop is medieval Savoca and its Bar Vitelli, where scenes from The Godfather were filmed. Next, you’ll explore the terraced seaside town of Taormina, followed by the mountaintop town of Castelmola.

Discover more of Sicily as you take a tour of Giardini Naxos, Taormina, and Castelmola on this half-day tour from Catania. With a small group, see where the Greeks first landed on the island and admire the medieval architecture of Taormina. Then, drive along Naxos Bay in the history-steeped seaside town of Giardini Naxos, followed by an overlook at the pretty Isola Bella, from above.

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.

Spend the day exploring Europe’s tallest active volcano and touring the charming town of Taormina. Visit an abandoned lava quarry, take photos of a house engulfed by lava, circle the edge of the Crateri Silvestri, and explore a lava tube with flashlights and helmets. Enjoy a traditional lunch of arancini, Sicilian pizza, cannoli, and more in Zafferana. See the sights of Taormina before your tour concludes.

The Sicilian driving style is not for the faint-hearted—so do your nerves a favor with a private driver/guide. See lava flows and craters, and visit Mount Etna itself, before enjoying a scenic drive to Taormina, Sicily’s most elegant resort town, with its stylish Greco-Roman theater. Please note: all entrance fees are at your own expense.

Venture to the highest viewpoint of the Mount Etna volcano with this tour from Catania. Leave the navigating to your driver and admire the Sicilian towns of Pedara and Nicolosi plus the cold lava fields on your way to the cable car that rises to an altitude of 2500 meters. Continue the adventure with special vehicles that offer access to 2900 meters, at the foot of the main crater. Explore the smoking craters and enjoy a classic Sicilian lunch before traveling back to Catania.

Dive into the world of ‘Commissario Montalbano,’ the hit Italian TV series that follows a Sicilian police chief who solves crimes by reconstructing the events. Visit a number of filming locations around southern Sicily that are used to portray the fictional city of Vigata on television. This small-group tour is ideal for fans of the show and includes round-trip transportation from your Catania hotel.

See two of Sicily’s natural wonders in one day with this combined tour of Mount Etna and the Alcantara Gorges. Spend the morning exploring the volcanic slopes of Etna, with its lava flows and caves, dramatic lunar landscape, and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. After a high-altitude lunch, head to the valley floor to hike along the spectacular Alcantara Gorges, formed by an ancient lava flow into the river.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Catania and discover the great Mount Etna on this full-day excursion. Alongside a private guide, head to the southern slope of the volcano and explore the lava flows and craters. Then, head to Taormina for a guided tour of the city center and free time to explore. End your day in the medieval village of Castelmola and stop to taste the special almond wine.

The historic towns of Taormina and Castelmola are two of the most scenic in eastern Sicily, and with this tour you can visit both without the hassle of public transportation or the stress of navigating the island’s twisting roads. Take in the highlights of Taormina at your own pace and relax over lunch, then head to Castelmola to enjoy the sweeping views over the coastline from its medieval center.

Discover Etna and the Alcantara Gorges! The perfect mix of adventure and refreshing relax! The excursion begins by SUV or minivan (up to 8 people), together with our experienced guides. Our first stop is an off-road trip to the 2002 eruption lava fron. Continuing along the Via Mareneve, in the middle of the Ragabo pine forest, we will arrive at the starting point of our trekking to the Monti Sartorius craters. We will continue on foot, starting at 1650 metres and arriving at an altitude of 1750 metres, an easy walk suitable for everyone. We will then explore a lava flow cave, the Grotta dei Ladroni, equipped with helmets and torches. We will stop at a local chalet or restaurant for lunch (included in the price: a first course, drink and coffee). After lunch, we will reach the characteristic Alcantara Gorges, also known as the Larderia Gorges. A refreshing and relaxing visit to a wonderful place. You can cool off in the Alcantara river in the middle of the canyon of the Gorges!

The Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale are two ancient showstoppers, but visiting both in one day can be a challenge. Avoid the hassle of public transportation or following a roadmap with this stress-free driving tour. Enjoy hotel pickup in Catania and a scenic drive through the Sicilian countryside to visit both the spectacular Greek temples and dazzling Roman mosaics at your own pace.

The volcanic landscapes around Mt. Etna draw travelers from far and wide, but reaching the highest peaks can be a challenge. This adventurous full-day tour from Catania includes food-tastings in Zafferana Etnea and a visit to the Parco dell’Etna. Delve into a lava cave with a guide, marvel at Italy’s volcanic landscape from the Rifugio Sapienza, and explore the Alcantara Gorges—home to lava formations shaped over millions of years.

The baroque cities of Noto, Modica, and Ragusa have been recognized by UNESCO for their lavish 17th-century churches and palaces. Visit all three in a single day with this driving tour from Catania. Skip the delays of public transportation with hotel pickup and transportation directly to each of these architectural gems. Explore at your own pace and cap off your day with a stop at a historic chocolate factory.

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.

Experience the best of Mount Eta and Taormina. See traditional villages built from volcanic stone, hike on Mount Etna, and visit a lava cave. Stop at a farm in Zafferana to taste local wine and honey. Drive along the coast from Giardini Naxos to Taormina, and explore this charming town on foot before your tour concludes.

Make the most of your time at shore and explore the beautiful Sicilian towns of Taormina and Castelmola. See key landmarks like the Greek theater, Palazzo Corvaja, and the city’s cathedral before heading up to the small village of Castelmola. Here visitors can admire the panoramic views of the imposing Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe, and the Bay of Naxos before heading back to your ship.

One full day of exploring takes you to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this tour of the Archaeological Area of Agrigento and Villa Romana del Casale. A small-group tour of eight people or fewer makes it easy to learn bout the sites from your guide, and all-inclusive transportation makes traveling between destinations a cinch.

Discover the beauty of Sicily's historic cities during a full-day tour, visit the fascinating city of Syracuse and admire its Roman and Greek ruins including the Greek Theater, the Latomie del Paradiso, the ear of Dionysus, the 'Roman amphitheater. Continue to the island of Ortigia, the heart of Syracuse, and explore its narrow streets and the fascinating Fountain of Arethusa, a source of fresh water that forms a basin with papyrus plants. Travel to the city of Noto, known for its golden color and known as the baroque jewel of eastern Sicily.