Sicily: Mount Etna, Taormina, Isola Bella & Ancient Syracuse

Why discover eastern Sicily?

This journey brings together the natural power of Europe's highest active volcano and cities shaped by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman and Baroque history. It moves from black lava fields and volcanic vents to Taormina's elevated Mediterranean views, Isola Bella's coastline and the historic island of Ortygia.

Highlights

• Mount Etna: guided volcanic experience with the cable car, black lava fields, recent craters, volcanic vents and broad views over the Ionian Sea, subject to safe local operating conditions.
• Taormina: guided discovery of the ancient Greek Theatre, medieval streets, Piazza IX Aprile, the Cathedral of San Nicolò, gardens and panoramic terraces.
• Isola Bella: time by the Mediterranean for swimming, sunbathing, coastal views and photography.
• Syracuse and Ortygia: ancient Greek heritage, Baroque architecture, historic piazzas, sea walls, narrow streets and waterfront scenery.
• Sicilian atmosphere: opportunities to enjoy Pasta alla Norma, seafood, pastries, wine, cafés and relaxed evenings at participants' expense.

Dates, packages and meeting arrangements

• Full package: three nights, from Saturday, September 26 to Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Meet at the shared accommodation in Catania from 17:00 on Saturday.
• Short package: two nights, from Sunday, September 27 to Tuesday, September 29. Meet in Catania by 09:00 on Sunday; the exact location is shared with confirmed participants.
• Participants may arrive in Catania at any time on their selected arrival day and provide their expected arrival time through the post-booking coordination process.
• Accommodation details are communicated to confirmed participants before the trip.
• Displayed event bounds: Billetweb shows September 26 at 17:00 to September 29 at 16:00 in the Europe/Paris timezone, which has the same UTC offset as Sicily on these dates.

Detailed program

Day 0 — Saturday, September 26: arrival in Catania

Participants on the three-night package arrive in Catania, meet the guide and group, and settle into the shared accommodation. Depending on arrival time, explore the historic centre, walk through the city streets, stop for Sicilian gelato or espresso, and join a relaxed dinner in a local trattoria at personal expense.

Day 1 — Sunday, September 27: guided Mount Etna volcano experience

Participants on the two-night package join the group in Catania by 09:00. After breakfast, travel towards Mount Etna for a guided experience on one of Sicily's most extraordinary natural sites.

The planned experience includes the Mount Etna cable car, walks over black lava fields, recent craters and volcanic terrain, with opportunities to observe vents, steam and views towards the Ionian Sea and Sicilian coast. The exact route and access depend on weather, volcanic activity, local restrictions and safety conditions.

Day 2 — Monday, September 28: Taormina and Isola Bella

Travel to Taormina for a guided tour of the hilltop town. Discover the Greek Theatre with Mount Etna in the background, medieval streets and balconies, Piazza IX Aprile, the Cathedral of San Nicolò, gardens, historic architecture and panoramic terraces. The guide presents the Greek, Roman, Arab and Norman influences visible in the town.

After the visit, enjoy a relaxed meal together at personal expense. Depending on the group and availability, this may be in the old town or at a restaurant overlooking the sea. Continue by cable car towards Isola Bella for swimming, sunbathing, relaxation and photographs beside the Mediterranean.

Day 3 — Tuesday, September 29: Syracuse and Ortygia

Leave Catania and travel south towards Syracuse, once one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Mediterranean. Explore Ortygia's Greek heritage, ruins, Baroque buildings and piazzas, sea walls, historic lanes and waterfront views, with time for coffee, Sicilian food and photography at personal expense.

The organized Sicily program ends after the Syracuse and Ortygia visit. The official page names Catania or Catania Airport as the finishing area but also states that no return to the accommodation is planned after this final exploration. Sicily-only participants must therefore continue independently from Syracuse, including by bus towards Catania and the airport when appropriate. Final instructions are confirmed with participants before departure.

Difficulty and fitness

The official level is easy to intermediate. Expect uneven volcanic terrain, walking at elevation, historic-city walking, coastal paths, stairs, elevation changes and beach or waterfront surfaces. Participants should have reasonable fitness, be comfortable walking for several hours and wear suitable walking or hiking shoes.

What to bring

• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes with reliable grip.
• A day backpack and reusable water bottle.
• Weather-appropriate layers and a light jacket for evenings or elevation.
• Sun protection, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Swimwear and beach essentials.
• A camera or smartphone and a portable charger.
• Personal medication and travel documents.

Included

• Community leader and English-speaking trip leader throughout the selected package.
• Shared accommodation for the selected two- or three-night package.
• Guidance for the scheduled hikes and outdoor activities.
• Private transportation for the planned trip activities.
• Guided Mount Etna volcano experience and Mount Etna cable car.
• Guided Taormina experience.
• Road trip to Syracuse and Ortygia, with time to explore both places.
• Organized group activities.
• Dedicated participant coordination group and shared photo album after booking.

Not included

• Flights to and from Sicily.
• Lunches and dinners.
• Drinks and personal snacks.
• Personal expenses, shopping and souvenirs.
• Travel insurance.
• Beach and swimming expenses.
• Optional activities not explicitly listed as included.
• Independent travel from Syracuse after the final visit, including the bus towards Catania or the airport when required.

Billetweb prices and room options

• Three-night main trip, September 26 to 29: €595.
• Two-night main trip, September 27 to 29: €530.
• Twin-sharing supplement: €150 for three nights or €125 for two nights.
• Single-room supplement: €295 for three nights or €245 for two nights.

Room supplements are optional add-ons to the corresponding main trip ticket and are not standalone trip prices.

Important operating conditions

• Weather, volcanic activity, local restrictions, trail conditions, operational constraints, safety and group fitness can require changes to routes, timings, the Mount Etna program or sightseeing arrangements.
• The itinerary, activities, venues and accommodation may be adjusted because of weather, safety or the group's size and needs.
• A minimum of five participants is required; the trip may be cancelled if this threshold is not reached.
• The guides may remove a participant whose behaviour is disruptive or unsafe, or who is considered unfit for the planned activities.
• Participants remain responsible for their belongings, health, suitable travel insurance and ability to complete the activities.

Cancellation policy for this trip

The exact official event page provides free cancellation with a 100% refund of the trip price, excluding flights, up to 14 full days before the start of the trip. After that, cancellation up to five days before departure receives a 50% refund of the trip price, excluding flights.

If the organizer cancels the event, the official policy provides a full refund excluding airfares. A flight-inclusive package purchased directly from the organizer is treated according to its specific flight conditions.

After booking

• Confirmed participants receive access to the dedicated coordination group to meet fellow travellers and organize arrivals.
• The group description links to a detailed trip briefing about preparation and what to expect.
• A group video information session is planned closer to departure.
• A shared photo album is available for participants' photos and videos.