Sicily & Aeolian Islands | 9 Days

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Sicily & Aeolian Islands

4.5
(6 Reviews)
From $2,742 AUD
  • 9 Days
  • Cities Visited

    Palermo, Monreale, Cefalu, Catania, Etna, Taormina, Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli

    Group Size:
    2 to 50
    Age Range:
    0 to 99
    Languages: English, Spanish, Italian
    Type: Partially Guided Tours

Or contact your local travel agent.

Italy
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Tour at a Glance

Tour at a Glance

Explore Sicily and the Aeolian Islands

  • Visit Monreale
  • Visit Cefalù, the charming Medieval town situated at the northern coast of Sicily
  • Excursion to Mount Etna
  • Explore the Aeolian Islands at your own pace
  • Start Point:
  • End Point:
  • Stops:
  • Map is an indication of destinations visited and may not depict the exact route taken.

Itinerary

Transfer from Palermo Airport to your hotel. Day at leisure. Overnight in Palermo.

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.

Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch

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 to 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.

Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast in the hotel, and departure for a quick visit of a historic “fishmonger” (old fish market) before reaching Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe (3.350 m), and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Etna Park, covering 59.000 hectares, is home to extremely varied and rich flora, along with many protected species. The first glimpses of captivating landscapes can be seen when approaching Rifugio Sapienza. From there, proceed to Crateri Silvestri, volcanic cones dating to 1888, now inactive but surrounded by more recent lava flows. The view that can be enjoyed through the multitude of volcanic cones and craters extends to the Aeolian Islands and Calabria, making it a truly unique sight to behold. Afterwards, visit of a beekeeping farm, to see the honey extraction laboratory and taste of home-made honey and typical products of the area. Proceed to Taormina, famous for its natural landscape, marine beauties, historical monuments and an unforgettable view of the sea and Etna. Visit of the fascinating Greco-Roman theatre, with a breath-taking view of the Naxos Bay. The day will end with a beautiful panorama of the stunning Riviera dei Ciclopi. Return to the hotel in Catania and overnight stay. Overnight in Catania.

Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast in the hotel and day at leisure to enjoy Catania city centre. The tour continues without a tour leader. Private transfer to Milazzo in the late morning. Transfer by hydrofoil to the island of Lipari. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay. Overnight in Lipari

Meals Included:
Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast in the hotel. The day will be dedicated to discover the most beautiful coves of Lipari and the verdant Salina. After leaving Lipari Castle, Monte Rosa and Canneto, the first stop will be at Santa Marina di Salina where the most important municipality on the island can be toured. Continue to the eastern side of the island to admire the crops of Malvasia grapes, the village of Capo Faro and the town of Malfa. Stop for a swim in the beautiful bay of Pollara, made famous by Massimo Troisi’s film “Il Postino: The Postman”. On the way back the most beautiful caves of Lipari can be admired and time at disposal for a final swim at the Vinci beach, in front of the Faraglioni. Return to Lipari in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay. Overnight in Lipari.

Meals Included:
Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast in the hotel and departure for the port of Lipari for a full-day excursion to Panarea and Stromboli. Before leaving Lipari, there will be a short stop at the pumice caves. Proceed to Panarea, to visit the Cave of Lovers and the prehistoric village of Capo Milazzese. Time at leisure for lunch. The boat then continues to Stromboli, passing through the little islands surrounding it, and discovering from the sea the village of Ginostra. On Stromboli time at leisure. Return to Lipari and overnight stay. Overnight in Lipari.

Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast in the hotel and transfer to the port to leave for Milazzo by hydrofoil. Private transfer to Taormina, famous for its natural landscape, marine beauties, historical monuments and an unforgettable view of the sea and Etna. Time at leisure to stroll along the charming medieval streets of the centre and go shopping, buying some of the best home-made products of the entire island. Dinner and overnight stay. Overnight in Taormina.

Meals Included:
Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast in the hotel. End of our services.

Meals Included:
Breakfast

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What’s included?

Accommodation in 4* hotels

Sicily: 

Multilingual Tour leader and professional travel guide on day 1 – day 4

Local guides or audio-guides where necessary

Tours as per itinerary

8 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Arrival transfer from Palermo Airport to hotel in Palermo

Transportation by air conditioned vehicle from day 2 to day 4

Private transfer from port of Milazzo to Taormina hotel

Private transfer from Catania hotel to Milazzo port

Transfer from the Port of Lipari to Lipari hotel

Hydrofoil round trip Milazzo / Lipari / Milazzo

Private transfer Milazzo Pier-Hotel in Taormina day 8

Optional privilege package which includes:

  • Upgrade to a Superior/deluxe room
  • Private departure transfer
  • City taxes as per itinerary
  • All entrance fees as per itinerary

Additional: $963 per person (price based on twn/dbl room). Available to select at time of booking.

Entrance taxes for the Aeolian Islands

Gastronomic surprise with street food tasting in Palermo on day 2

“Granita and brioche” tasting in Catania on day 3

Visit to a honey factory tasting typical Etna products in Etna on day 4

Tips and gratuities to tour directors, drivers and local guides

Porterage service

Passport or visa fees

Any beverages or food not listed in itinerary

Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned

Baggage and personal insurance of any kind

Hotel taxes, service charges and tips for baggage handling

City tax for overnight stays (according to each city council rules)

Any other items of personal nature

Pricing & Availability

Filter Dates
2023
2024
Departing Ending
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,741 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,741pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,741 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,741pp
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Palermo Taormina  
From $2,741 per person
class status      
Superior Not Available
$2,741pp
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Palermo Taormina  
From $2,741 per person
class status      
Superior Not Available
$2,741pp
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Palermo Taormina  
From $2,741 per person
class status      
Superior Not Available
$2,741pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,741 per person
class status      
Superior Not Available
$2,741pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,741 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,741pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,741 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,741pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,741 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,741pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,936 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,936pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,936 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,936pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,936 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,936pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,936 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,936pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,936 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,936pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,936 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,936pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,936 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,936pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,936 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,936pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $3,123 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$3,123pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $3,123 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$3,123pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $3,123 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$3,123pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $3,123 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$3,123pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $3,123 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$3,123pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,936 per person
class status      
Superior Not Available
$2,936pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,936 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,936pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,936 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,936pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,936 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,936pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,741 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,741pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,741 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,741pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,741 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,741pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,741 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,741pp
Book
Palermo Taormina  
From $2,741 per person
class status      
Superior On Request
$2,741pp
Book
See More Prices

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.

Hotel List (or similar)

Mercure Palermo Centro
Via Mariano Stabile, 112, 90139 Palermo PA, Italy
Tel: +39 091 324911
Rating
4
Mercure Palermo Centro
Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal
Via Roma, 477 A, 90139 Palermo PA, Italy
Tel: +39 091 507 0649
Rating
3.5
Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal
Il Principe Hotel Catania
Via Alessi, 24, 95124 Catania CT, Italy
Tel: 39 095 250 0345
Rating
Il Principe Hotel Catania
Romano House Catania
Via Giovanni di Prima, 20, 95131 Catania CT, Italy
Tel: +39 095 352 0611
Rating
4
Romano House Catania
Hotel Bougainville Lipari
Via Paolo Borsellino e Giovanni Falcone, 98055 Lipari ME, Italy
Tel: +39 090 981 2757
Rating
4.5
Hotel Bougainville Lipari
Hotel Mea Lipari
Via Paolo Borsellino e Giovanni Falcone, 98055 Lipari ME, Italy
Tel: +39 090 981 2077
Rating
4.5
Hotel Mea Lipari
Villa Diodoro Taormina
Via Bagnoli Croci, 75, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Tel: +39 0942 23312
Rating
4
Villa Diodoro Taormina
Hotel Caparena Taormina
Via Nazionale, 189, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Tel: +39 0942 652033
Rating
4
Hotel Caparena Taormina

Important things to note

Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00 p.m.

Tour can be a combination of regular tours, therefore coach changes may be required.

The same people may not be travelling throughout the tour.

Entrance fees to sights and tourist taxes are not included and are to be paid locally, unless you have prebooked the Privilege Package before departure.

A government tourist tax may need to be paid locally upon arrival at your hotels.

Excursions may be modified according to weather conditions and the availability of local service providers. Please note the company is not responsible for any disruption due to weather and sea conditions concerning all hydrofoil and ferry crossings among the islands.

Have a question about this tour?

You can ask your question here, and we’ll get back to you!

Reviews for Sicily & Aeolian Islands

avatar default
Elizabeth and Gordon Wood
Fantastic quality of hotel and expertise of the guide

Review for: Highlights of Sicily

The quality of the hotels, the places visited, the knowledge and expertise of the guide and the experiences we had, were fantastic. Perhaps our only question would be that we were a group of over 30 and we were of the understanding that Sun Island Tours were for groups smaller than this. Our overall impression of Sicily was of a vibrant culture with so much history behind it.
SunIslandTour
Reply from Sun Island Tours
Hi Elizabeth and Gordon, Thank you for your review. The Highlights of Sicily is not a small group tour, and is listed as such. However we will review further to see why you had that impression. Great to hear you had a wonderful time. Regards, John @ Sun Island Tours
avatar default
Brent
September 2019

Review for: Florence, Tuscany & Beyond

My wife and I made an eight-day coach trip in the second week of September 2019. Italy is a beautiful country and what added to our rich and positive experience was the tour provided by Sun Island Tours. We experienced the value provided mainly through their tour leader, coach driver and hotels for stay etc. Worth a special mention are the two people that were highly rated by all on the tour – Sabrina Prassede, our tour leader was by far the best guide we have encountered in our years of travel. Here intuitive responsiveness, high energy levels, attention to specific needs of every tourist without diluting the planned itinerary and deep knowledge of the country, made the journey comfortable and stress-free for a diverse set of people travelling from five continents. She was very well supported by Paolo, the coach driver, who was the wonderfully skilled and who ensured the tour was very smooth, safe and prompt throughout. For those wanting to enjoy a stress-free Italy sojourn, we highly recommend them.
avatar default
Lucy
Solo Traveller

Review for: Rome, Florence & Cinque Terre by Rail

Generally it's good. I am a solo traveller. On some accommodation I was given a single bed. Which I found cramp and very tight. Quite uncomfortable. As a solo traveller, we are charge with extra for accommodation. So I think we deserved something better if not the best.

Looking for more?

TRIP IN BRIEF

Sicily & Aeolian Islands

4.5
(6 Reviews)
From $2,742 AUD
  • 9 Days
  • Cities Visited

    Palermo, Monreale, Cefalu, Catania, Etna, Taormina, Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli

    Group Size:
    2 to 50
    Age Range:
    0 to 99
    Languages: English, Spanish, Italian
    Travel Style: Partially Guided Tours

Or contact your local travel agent.

Italy
Speak to our Italy Expert - Natalie

Natalia is in love with Italy. Contact her for advice on Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, Como, Cinque Terre, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Puglia and Sicily.

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