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Part of the Royal Geographical Society collection, travel from top to toe and explore Italy’s famous landmarks. Visit iconic cities Venice, Florence and Rome and discover the hidden gems of Pompeii, Sicily and more.
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From Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka and beyond, discover the unforgettable highlights of Japan including an incredible high-speed ride on the Bullet Train.
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is an irresistible blend of ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant Italian culture. Positioned just off the southern tip of the Italian mainland, this island offers a unique and enriching experience as part of our curated Sicily holidays.
Explore iconic sights such as formidable Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano, or wander through the historic streets of Palermo, where bustling markets meet stunning Norman and Baroque architecture. From the sun-drenched beaches near Cefalù and Taormina to the incredible Greek temples of Agrigento, every corner of Sicily tells a fascinating story of civilisations past.
This is an island defined by authentic, unhurried passion. Expect world-class, regional food and wine, a genuinely warm welcome from the locals, and a colourful, vibrant atmosphere that truly captures the heart of Southern Italy.
Holidays to Sicily offer the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation, a balance best achieved when you experience this beautiful island on an escorted tour. Our well-paced itineraries help you discover and enjoy the best of each location with like-minded travellers. One day you might explore ancient sites with an expert local guide and enjoy a laid-back wine tasting; the next, you could be admiring volcanic landscapes and spectacular coastal views.
Discover our Sicily tours or explore our selection of Italy tours for more escorted holiday ideas.
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Brooding Mount Etna forms a dramatic backdrop to your discoveries as you revel in Greek and Roman history and uncover medieval treasures.
Part of the Royal Geographical Society collection, travel from top to toe and explore Italy’s famous landmarks. Visit iconic cities Venice, Florence and Rome and discover the hidden gems of Pompeii, Sicily and more.
Brooding Mount Etna forms a dramatic backdrop to your discoveries as you revel in Roman history in Sicily followed by a relaxing four days on the UNESCO-protected Aeolian island of Lipari.
Dominating Sicily’s eastern skyline is the UNESCO-listed Mount Etna. Its sloping sides are striped with ancient lava flows and chestnut forests, which are visible from above by cable car. In and around the nearby villages built from dark lava stone, you can sample local specialities like sweet honey, rich Bronte pistachios, and Etna’s crisp white wines, made from grapes grown in the unique volcanic soil.
Taormina sits high above the Ionian Sea, a place where dramatic coastal scenery effortlessly blends with ancient elegance. You can enjoy sweeping panoramas from the magnificent Greek Theatre, then wander along the central Corso Umberto past balconied palazzi and artisan boutiques.
Palermo’s rich Arab-Norman heritage shines in gilded mosaics, honey-coloured stone, and Moorish arches. The Palatine Chapel’s opulent interiors provide a quiet sanctuary, while the air surrounding the famous Ballarò and Capo markets is fragrant with citrus, spices, and tempting street food. If you’re on the go, try a bite of panelle (chickpea fritters) or arancine (crispy rice balls), or linger in a café for a glass of Grillo, a refreshing local Sicilian white wine. A short drive to Monreale reveals a spectacular cathedral carpeted in gold mosaic tiles and offers sweeping views over the Conca d’Oro valley surrounding Palermo.
A spectacular procession of Doric silhouettes set amongst almond groves and olive trees, the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples is a historical delight. Walk the sacred ridge past the Temple of Concordia, Hera, and Heracles, taking in views that bring the ancient Greek city of Akragas back to life.
North of Sicily, the UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands are scattered across cobalt blue seas. On our extended Best of Sicily tour with Aeolian Islands add-on, you’ll stay on Lipari, the largest of the islands, with time to explore its whitewashed old town and peaceful harbour. Many visitors enjoy strolling up towards the castle area for sea views or relaxing in cafés that serve fresh-caught seafood. From Lipari, it’s possible to take local ferries to other nearby islands, including Stromboli, which is dominated by a single active volcano.
East of Palermo, Cefalù is a coastal city where golden sands blend seamlessly with medieval history. There’s much to see here, including a Norman cathedral home to the famous Christ Pantocrator mosaics, the narrow lanes of the fishermen’s quarter, and La Rocca’s airy views of sunny terracotta tiles. After exploring, you might pause at a café for grilled sardines or treat yourself to a cone of famous pistachio gelato along the seafront.
For a classic first visit, the east coast is hard to beat on Sicily holidays, offering Taormina’s dramatic cliffside setting and Mount Etna’s accessible slopes all within easy reach.
History enthusiasts might particularly enjoy the north-west around Palermo, Monreale, and seaside Cefalù, where you’ll find vibrant markets, grand cathedrals, and fascinating layers of Arab-Norman heritage.
Further south, Sicily offers impressive Greek antiquities in the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento.
For travellers who love the water, trips to the volcanic Aeolian Islands, including Lipari and Stromboli, offer easy-going island days and fantastic opportunities to explore this unique archipelago.
Sicily is a fantastic choice from spring to autumn. During April to June and September to October, days are warm enough for sightseeing and coastal walks, and evenings are comfortable for relaxed alfresco dinners. You can expect plenty of sunshine and pleasant daytime temperatures, ideal for exploring historic towns and visiting Mount Etna.
The sea is often warm enough for swimming from late May, with the autumn months typically offering the calmest waters.
If you’re travelling on the Grand Tour of Italy’s July departure, you’ll be visiting in the height of summer – expect hot, sunny days and inviting sea temperatures.
On the Grand Tour of Italy, you’ll spend 3 nights in Sicily — enough time for a memorable taste of the island’s culture and standout sights.
To take things at a more leisurely pace, a week is a good amount of time to enjoy the best of Sicily.
On a Travelsphere escorted tour, you’ll spend 7 nights on the island, with included visits to Mount Etna, Taormina, Villa Romana del Casale, Palermo, Monreale, and Cefalù, plus the option to add excursions to the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento.
If you’d like to see more, you can choose the extended Best of Sicily with Aeolian Islands add-on, a 13-day tour that gives you extra nights on Lipari.
From the UK, direct flights to Sicily’s Catania (CTA) airport typically take about 3 to 3½ hours. Our Best of Sicily escorted tour lands here for convenient inbound and outbound travel.
Sicily is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is one hour ahead of the UK (GMT+1).
Like the UK, it observes daylight saving time, switching to Central European Summer Time (CEST) from late March to late October.
Sicilian food is incredibly fresh and bursting with Mediterranean flavour. Expect market-fresh seafood, plenty of local citrus and green herbs, alongside distinct Arab-Norman influences evident in its spices and sweets.
Specific dishes to try include pasta alla Norma (a tomato-and-aubergine pasta), freshly caught swordfish, and caponata, a traditional sweet-and-sour aubergine stew.
If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to indulge in classic desserts like cannoli and almond or coffee granita. Don’t miss the chance to pair your meals with mineral Etna white wines, rich Nero d’Avola reds, or a glass of sweeter Marsala.
Sicily is an island with something to offer every traveller: from relaxing coastal time and ancient sites to luxury boutiques and lively piazzas filled with cafés. Key activities include:
Riding the cable car for close-up views of Mount Etna.
Enjoying local cuisine, wine, and artisan honey.
Exploring major sites like Taormina’s Greek Theatre, Monreale’s mosaics, and Palermo’s Palatine Chapel.
Wandering Palermo’s historic markets for street food.
Visiting Cefalù’s Norman cathedral and medieval lanes.
On the Aeolian Islands add-on, stroll along Lipari’s peaceful harbour and historic centre, or take ferries to see the active volcano on Stromboli.
When packing for Sicily holidays, consider the weather and your planned activities.
Light, breathable clothing is advisable for staying comfortable, along with a warmer layer for cooler coastal evenings and when visiting higher altitudes, such as Mount Etna. Comfortable walking shoes with good grips are also essential, especially if you plan to explore dusty ancient sites or lava paths.
You may want to pack a few smart-casual pieces for dinners out, and keep a light scarf or jacket on hand for covering bare shoulders when entering cathedrals and churches.
Don’t forget to pack swimwear if you plan to enjoy Sicily’s waters.
Tipping is appreciated, but modest. You might round up the bill or add about 5–10% in restaurants for good service, though check if a cover charge/‘coperto’ is listed – note that this isn’t a tip.
Cafés and taxis always appreciate a small, discretionary tip for excellent service.
The euro (€) is used throughout Sicily. Cards are widely accepted, but tips may be easier to make in cash.
British passport holders can visit Sicily visa-free for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Make sure your passport is valid for your entire holiday and meets current UK and EU entry rules.
Check the latest FCDO guidance before you travel.
