Catania, Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Piazza Armerina, Agrigento, Marsala, Palermo, Monreale, Cefalu, Etna, Taormina, Milazzo, Stromboli, Panarea, Lipari, Filicudi, Salina, Vulcano Island
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Experience the best of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands — from ancient temples and Baroque towns to volcanic landscapes and serene island cruising.
Upon arrival at Catania airport, transfer to your hotel in charming Catania and enjoy a day at leisure. Overnight in Catania.
After breakfast, depart for Syracuse to explore the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, once the largest Greek colony in Sicily. Visit Ortigia’s charming old town, including Piazza Duomo and its Cathedral. Continue to Noto, the “stone garden” and capital of Sicilian Baroque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can stroll through streets adorned with elegant palaces, churches, and intricate façades. End the day in Ragusa for overnight.
After breakfast, explore Ragusa Ibla with its charming churches and the Ibleo Garden. Continue to Modica to admire its Baroque treasures, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a tasting of local specialties. Proceed to Piazza Armerina to visit the Villa Romana del Casale, a late imperial UNESCO site, before transferring to Agrigento for overnight.
After breakfast, visit the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the temples of Juno, Concordia, and Hercules. Continue to Marsala, rich in Phoenician, Arab, and Norman heritage, and enjoy a tasting of its local wine. Travel along the Via del Sale to the Stagnone Lagoon and salt pans, an important nature reserve and one of the world’s oldest salt mining sites. Arrive in Palermo in the evening for your overnight.
Breakfast in the hotel and departure to visit Monreale, with its impressive Arab-Norman Cathedral and stunning Cloister. Return to Palermo. This city preserves monuments of the Arab-Norman period, including the beautiful Cathedral, the fascinating Byzantine Church of the Martorana and the Palatine Chapel, a higher example from the historical-artistic point of view of the coexistence between cultures and religions. Along the visit stop for a food surprise in a local bakery. Overnight in Palermo.
Breakfast in the hotel and departure to Cefalù, a beautiful medieval maritime village with its Norman Cathedral. Time at leisure to visit the famous Mandralisca Museum. Proceed to Catania. Visit the old town centre and its baroque architecture, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a walk in the centre, passing through the old ‘pescheria’ (old fish market) to reach the scenic Piazza del Duomo with its stunning Cathedral and the lava stone Elephant (symbol of the city). Stop in a delicious bar to taste the local granita with brioche. Overnight in Catania.
After breakfast, visit Catania’s historic fish market before heading to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Etna Park, including Rifugio Sapienza and the Crateri Silvestri, enjoying panoramic views of volcanic cones, the Aeolian Islands, and Calabria. Stop at a beekeeping farm to see honey production and taste local specialties. Continue to Taormina to visit the Greco-Roman theatre and admire breathtaking views of Naxos Bay and the Riviera dei Ciclopi. Return to Catania for overnight.
After breakfast, transfer to Milazzo port to board your gulet. Boarding at 5.30pm at Porto Marina del Nettuno, Milazzo. Accommodation on board, welcome cocktail and informative briefing to discover the gulet and the cruise itinerary.
Depart Sant’Antonio Bay early, enjoying breakfast en route. Our first stop is near Lisca Bianca, where you can swim among warm sulphuric fumaroles and take in the dramatic coastline, dotted with coves and striking scenery. After lunch, we sail to the captivating island of Stromboli. Spend the afternoon exploring the village or, if conditions allow, join a guided trek up to the active crater (approximately 900m, 4-hour walk). Dinner is at your leisure-sample authentic Sicilian cuisine at a local restaurant.
After breakfast, set sail for the picturesque island of Panarea. Stop for a refreshing swim and enjoy lunch in the breathtaking surroundings of Basiluzzo, where the turquoise waters are unforgettable. In the afternoon, we head to Baia Milazzese for an excursion to Cala Junco Bay. Overlooking the bay are the ruins of a prehistoric settlement-one of the most beautiful spots in the Aeolian Islands.
Following breakfast, at approximately 9.00am cruise towards Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian islands. Our morning swim stop will be near the dazzling white pumice quarries, where the crystal-clear waters resemble a tropical paradise. After lunch, the captain will let you discover one of Lipari’s most famous bays before docking at Marina Corta. Spend your free time exploring the charming town centre and tasting local delicacies-don’t miss the “pasta con i ricci” (sea urchin pasta). Overnight at anchor.
Early departure at 8:00am to the island of Filicudi, one of the archipelago’s most unspoiled islands. We’ll stop at the enchanting Grotta del Bue Marino, famous for its magical colours and wave sounds reminiscent of an ox’s call. Enjoy lunch at anchor before heading to the quaint fishing village of Pecorini a Mare. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps exploring the island before watching a stunning sunset. Overnight at anchor.
Set sail at 8:30 am for Salina, stopping for a swim in Pollara Bay-an iconic film location for “The Postman.” Lunch will be served on board, after which we dock at the port for free time ashore. Overnight in port.
Depart at 9:00am towards the island of Vulcano. Spend the morning snorkelling in its beautiful waters or hiking to the crater for panoramic views. During lunch, we’ll cruise past the Grotta del Cavallo (Horse Cave) and the shimmering Pool of Venus before arriving in Milazzo at 6:00pm. The rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight in port.
Breakfast and disembarkation at 9.00am. End of our services.
Download this trip's brochure as a PDF.
7 nights accommodation in 4* hotels in Sicily
7 nights cruise on a gulet
Multilingual licensed guide
Tours as per itinerary
14 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Private arrival transfer in Catania
Private transfer from Catania to Milazzo
Transportation by air conditioned vehicle
Tour Inclusions:
Cruise Inclusions:
Tour Exclusions:
Cruise Exclusions:
All rates are based on twin/double share. Please enquire for single and triple rates. Rates are based on AUD. Availability is conditional on final confirmation from the supplier and is subject to change.
Some sites may be closed during special event periods and religious holidays.
Tours can be a combination of different regular tours and therefore coach changes may be required.
The same people may not be travelling throughout your tour.
Depending on sea and weather conditions, the captain and tour operators reserve the right to make necessary changes in the tour program to ensure the safety and comfort of the guests.
The boat is shared with other passengers; it is not for exclusive use (boat for up to 14 pax).
A maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 handbag per person is allowed.
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