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The Best of Sicily with Aeolian Islands Add-on

From £2,648
Duration 13 Days
Departures from: May 2025 - Sept 2025
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From £2,648
Duration 13 Days
Departures from: May 2025 - Sept 2025

Tour Overview

On this extended version of Best of Sicily tour you will spend eight days in delightful Sicily followed by a leisurely four days on the UNESCO-protected Aeolian Island of Lipari. You'll get the chance to explore Taormina, marvel at the brooding Mount Etna, visit the the 4th century Villa Romana del Casale and then onto Palermo and its beautiful Monreale Cathedral. For the remaining four days you will be staying on Lipari, largest of the Aeolian Islands famed for its beauty, tranquil atmosphere and the unique flavours of its food and wine, followed by a final night in the city of Catania back on Sicily.

  • Relax & Discover Holidays
  • All Breakfasts
  • Flight Choices

Your Holiday Includes

  • Return flights from London
  • 7 nights half-board and 5 nights bed & breakfast in 4-star hotels
  • 21 meals: 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners and welcome drink
  • Travelsphere Holiday Director and Local Guide from Day 1 to Day 8
  • Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage

Included Holiday Highlights

  • Ascend Mount Etna by cable car
  • Discover Taormina on a guided tour and enjoy a tasting of granita
  • Admire the mosaics at the Roman Villa Romana del Casale
  • Explore the ancient Valley of the Temples
  • Sicily's capital Palermo and Monreale cathedral
  • Enjoy a street food experience in Palermo;
  • Aeolian island of Lapari

Itinerary

Day 1 UK - Catania

Your holiday begins with a flight to Catania. When you arrive, we’ll drive you to your first hotel in the picturesque coastal village of Giardini Naxos, close to Taormina. The hotel has an inviting pool and welcoming bar, and you have some free time to relax and settle in before we get together for a drink this evening.

Meals included: D

Day 2 Mount Etna

It's Sicily's most famous attraction, its name known the world over, and today you’re going to see Mount Etna up close. We’ll ascend Europe's tallest active volcano by cable car to an altitude of around 2,500 metres. You’ll then have some free time to take in the far-reaching views and explore the lava fields of this UNESCO-listed site at your own pace. After our descent, we’ll visit a traditional farm shop to learn about their delicious produce. We’ll try different flavours of honey, taste locally produced olive oil, olives and vegetable pâté and sample three different types of wine.

Meals included: B,D

Day 3 Taormina

We're off to Taormina today, a fascinating town which overlooks two sweeping bays. We’ve arranged for a Local Guide to show us around and one of the highlights will be a visit to the town’s magnificent Greco-Roman theatre, perched dramatically on a clifftop. As well as exploring this ancient site, you can take in panoramic views of the sea with Mount Etna looming large in the distance. Our tour will end with a tasting of granita. This semi-frozen dessert, which originated here, comes in many delicious flavours and is utterly refreshing. You’ll then have some time to yourselves to explore Taormina at leisure. Perhaps find an inviting restaurant for lunch or take a stroll through the pretty streets and piazzas.

Meals included: B,D

Day 4 Villa del Casale - Campofelice di Roccella

We're going to head to our next base today, Campofelice di Roccella, near Cefalu, but not before the chance to revel in some Roman history. Our journey takes us to the 4th century Villa Romana del Casale, close to the town of Piazza Armerina. Here, excavations have revealed one of the world's richest and most complex collections of Roman mosaics, as you view them, you'll be amazed by their excellent condition. We’ll stop for a light lunch at agriresort, Tenute Leano, with olive oil tasting.

We'll continue to our hotel and once you've unpacked, why not head out for a stroll and explore your surroundings.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 5 Valley of the Temples

Our included excursion today takes us to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples, a Hellenic archaeological site dramatically situated on a ridge overlooking the sea. Here, a Local Guide will point out all the must-see sights, which include the Temple of Concord, famed for its surprisingly well-preserved columns, and the Temple of Zeus, said to be the largest temple built by the Greeks. Those who are feeling energetic can also climb to the Temple of Juno for fabulous views over Agrigento and the sea.

After the tour, you will have some free time to enjoy lunch if you wish, and then the rest of the day is yours to relax at the hotel.

Meals included: B,D

Day 6 Campofelice di Roccella - at Leisure

How you spend today is entirely up to you. Relax at your hotel or on the beach or maybe take a local shuttle to nearby Cefalù, a pretty fishing port. There's lots to discover here, including its winding medieval streets, sandy beaches and one of Sicily's finest Norman cathedrals. If you peer inside, you'll see some of the island's earliest and best-preserved mosaics, with the spectacular Christ Pantocrator above the altar, particularly memorable. The town’s pretty piazzas are also a lovely place to take the weight off your feet with a gelato or well-earned coffee.

Meals included: B,D

Day 7 Palermo & Monreale

Today we’ll visit Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital, boasting a wealth of architecture ranging in style from Arabic to Art Nouveau. The city is famous for its street food tradition and we’re going to a local restaurant to enjoy a street food experience. You'll be able to sample a wide variety of seasonal dishes, for example deep-fried tuna, a cheese made from sheep's milk, and arancini, which are rice balls filled with ragu sauce. Also on the menu will be caponata, a sweet and sour dish made with aubergines and other vegetables, served in a tomato sauce. It promises to be a real treat for your tastebuds! After you've eaten you could take some time to explore the light-filled Capella Palatine Chapel, which proudly exhibits intricate Byzantine mosaics.

After a short drive, our next stop will be the beautiful Monreale Cathedral, one of the greatest examples of Norman architecture in the world. The pleasant yet unremarkable exterior of the cathedral offers no clue as to the exquisite golden paintings and spectacular mosaics you'll discover when you venture inside.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 8 Lipari

Today we will leave our hotel on Sicily and travel to the beautiful Aeolian Island of Lipari, where you'll stay for four nights. Here, you'll have plenty of time to explore Lipari's historic centre at your own pace.

Meals included: B

Day 9 Lipari

Your day is free for you to spend as you wish. After a busy week exploring the beautiful island of Sicily why not take the opportunity to relax and unwind at the hotel. Alternatively you may wish to explore nearby Canneto beach.

Meals included: B

Day 10 Lipari

Continue to explore the island at your own pace. Why not take a ferry to other islands in this volcanic archipelago including Stromboli. Stromboli is one of the eight Aeolian Islands and is dominated by a single large volcano that erupts regularly, much to the delight of onlookers.

Meals included: B

Day 11 Lipari

Your day is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the surrounding area. Why not take a leisurely stroll along the peaceful harbour or wander into the old town and sample the local cuisine.

Meals included: B

Day 12 Catania

Your Aeolian adventure comes to an end today as you transfer back to Catania for a final night's stay. Why not venture out for dinner and see a little of this ancient port city as dusk falls.

Meals included: B

Day 13 Catania - UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Meals included: B

Additional Information

Please note: For the 10th April departure 2025 we will be staying in Mangia's Himera Resort for the final four nights in Campofelice di Roccella. All other departures will be staying at Acacia Resort, Campofelice di Roccella for the final four nights.

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Hotel Caesar Palace

Hotel Caesar Palace is a modern and unique hotel located close to the beach, which can be reached with a complimentary shuttle bus.

Hotel facilities include a restaurant and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, mini-bar, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities, safe and a TV.

Hotel Caesar Palace is a modern and unique hotel located close to the beach, which can be reached with a complimentary shuttle bus.

Hotel facilities include a restaurant and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, mini-bar, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities, safe and a TV.

Acacia Resort

Set on its own private beach, the hotel's facilities include a restaurant, bar, health club and outdoor swimming pool. Guest rooms have private facilities, hairdryer, TV, fridge and balcony or patio. Swimming pools are typically open May to September.

Set on its own private beach, the hotel's facilities include a restaurant, bar, health club and outdoor swimming pool. Guest rooms have private facilities, hairdryer, TV, fridge and balcony or patio. Swimming pools are typically open May to September.

Hotel Aktea

This centrally located, modern and prestigious hotel consists of 40 rooms all with a private terrace or balcony. Each room is filled with character with beautiful hand-painted tiled floors. Rooms are equipped with hairdryer, hypoallergenic mattress, flat screen TV, minibar, safe deposit box, telephone, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. Hotel has a bar and a Mediterranean restaurant overlooking lovely mosaic pool and a lush Mediterranean garden.

This centrally located, modern and prestigious hotel consists of 40 rooms all with a private terrace or balcony. Each room is filled with character with beautiful hand-painted tiled floors. Rooms are equipped with hairdryer, hypoallergenic mattress, flat screen TV, minibar, safe deposit box, telephone, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. Hotel has a bar and a Mediterranean restaurant overlooking lovely mosaic pool and a lush Mediterranean garden.

Hotel Nettuno

Set along Catania's promenade, Hotel Nettuno has an outdoor pool, lounge bar and a sun terrace with views of the sea. About half a mile from the centre it is possible to walk or take local transport into the centre to visit one of the many restaurants and bars. Pls Note: Pool Service is free of charge except June, July, August - usage is charged at a supplement locally.

Set along Catania's promenade, Hotel Nettuno has an outdoor pool, lounge bar and a sun terrace with views of the sea. About half a mile from the centre it is possible to walk or take local transport into the centre to visit one of the many restaurants and bars. Pls Note: Pool Service is free of charge except June, July, August - usage is charged at a supplement locally.

Further Information

Deposit information

When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;

  • European Holidays - £200 Per person
  • Worldwide Holidays - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater
  • Ocean Cruises - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater

On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.

If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.

Our cancellation policy

If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.

  • More than 75 days before departure - Loss of deposit only
  • 43 - 74 days - 50% of tour price
  • 29 - 42 days - 75% of tour price
  • 15 - 28 days - 90% of tour price
  • Day of Departure - 14 days - 100% of tour price

Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.

How do I find out Entry and Health Requirements for my holiday?

We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel Requirements & Visa Service

You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.

It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.

For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border.  For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.

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Prices shown are based on twin occupancy of a double or twin bedded room with private facilities unless otherwise stated. Single occupancy supplements will apply. Travelsphere have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the hotel images provided on this website and images of room types displayed may vary to those offered on your tour. Therefore due to the possibility of inadvertent errors we do not guarantee their accuracy. Accommodation, airlines used and flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in your final documents.

Reasons to book with Travelsphere

  • 60 years of touring
  • Expert direction & local flavours
  • Carefully-crafted holidays
  • A service you can count on
  • Book with confidence

100% Protection

All Travelsphere holidays are financially protected via ATOL (flight-inclusive holidays) and financial insurance (non-flight packages). Additionally, all customer money is held in a Trust Fund, governed by independent Trustees. This means your money is 100% protected no matter what.