Tours to Sicily

Discover Explore’s range of small group tours to Sicily and experience an unforgettable adventure holiday on this idyllic Mediterranean island.

Join your local tour leader on our Classical Sicily Discovery tour and explore the picturesque hilltop town of Taormina. Immerse yourself in bustling delis and charming antique stalls before an excursion the town’s magnificent ancient Greek theatre, built more than two millennia ago. Relax on the timeworn stone tiers and absorb remarkable views of Mount Etna on the horizon. Alternatively, journey back in time as you explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento on Explore’s Ancient Sicily tour. Witness crumbling golden columns, framed by lush almond trees, rising against clear blue skies with dramatic grandeur.

For those seeking an active holiday in Sicily, lace up your walking boots and embark on a Sicily walking trip through the stark, lunar landscapes of three active volcanoes. Or get the family fired up with our Sicily Family Multi-Activity Adventure - camp in a tree tent, kayak along jagged sea cliffs and climb Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the climate like in Sicily?
Sicily enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Expect warm temperatures and sunshine, particularly during the summer months from June to September, where temperatures often exceed 30°C (86°F), with long hours of sunshine and little rain.

The winter season (December to February) is very mild compared to more northerly areas of mainland Europe, with coastal temperatures ranging from 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F), though higher altitudes, like Mount Etna, can see snow. Rainfall is more frequent but usually brief.

What is Sicilian food like?
Sicilian cuisine tells the story of the island's diverse history – a delicious blend of Greek, Arab, Spanish and Norman influences alongside staples from the Italian mainland, all culminating in a unique fusion of texture and flavour. Expect a mix of sweet and savoury flavours, with liberal use of citrus fruits, almonds, and seafood.

Key Sicilian dishes include arancini (fried rice balls), caponata (a sweet and sour aubergine stew), pasta alla Norma (with aubergine and ricotta), and cannoli (ricotta-filled pastries). Sicilian cuisine emphasises the use of fresh, local ingredients, showcasing the island's fertile soil and abundant coastline.

What are the must-see sights in Sicily?
Sicily boasts a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The island’s capital, Palermo, showcases varied architecture with a 900-year-old cathedral and bustling street markets. Perched on a hilltop, Taormina offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, with its ancient Greek Theatre a major attraction.

Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, dominates the landscape, visible from over half of Sicily and even as far as Malta. Syracuse and Agrigento immerse visitors in Sicily’s Greek and Roman heritage, while Cefalù and the Val di Noto showcase staggering coastal beauty, punctuated by a unique blend of Norman, Arab, and Sicilian Baroque architecture.