Sicily is rich and unique in culture, possessing a natural and varied beauty that is truly breath taking.
Discover the Mediterranean's largest island, with its own distinct history, culture and cuisine. Citrus and olive groves stretch into the distance and abundant pine forests lend the air that unmistakable aroma, contrasting with sweeping bays, red volcanic rocks and the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped Mount Etna.
We visit the stunning Greek remains in the Valley of the Temples, explore the Villa Romana del Casale in the small town of Piazza Armerina and discover the beauty of Taormina. In addition to the immersive Italian guided tours, we also offer the chance to enjoy authentic Sicilian food at a local farmhouse, visit Mount Etna - Europe's highest active volcano - and explore the wonders of the ancient city of Syracuse.
At a glance
*Maximum of 36 on a Classic tour and maximum of 25 on a Signature tour.
Highlights
- Take a guided tour of Agrigento’s ancient Greek ruins in the Valley of the Temples - one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites.
- Wander around Taormina, one of Italy’s most beautiful and stylish hilltop towns.
- Visit Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe.
- Enjoy authentic Sicilian food at a farmhouse, and visit Syracuse - one of the ancient Greek empire’s richest cities and home of Archimedes.
- Embark on a guided tour of Piazza Armerina’s Roman villa, with remarkably preserved frescoes and ancient mosaics.
Upgrade to our Signature Tour to also get:
- Sample the unique wines of Mount Etna and enjoy traditional Sicilian hospitality and an unforgettable lunch amidst the glorious surroundings of an historic winery.
- Relax and unwind with an aperitivo, whilst soaking up the spectacular views of Taormina.
- Set sail on a boat trip to explore the caves of Syracuse and admire beautiful Ortigia from a different perspective.
- Enjoy the more exclusive atmosphere of travelling in a smaller group with an average of 22 guests.
Offers
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Whether you’re an organised club, a society or even just a group of friends, arranging your group holiday or cruise has never been easier than with Riviera Travel.
Any group of 8 or more people travelling together can book through our dedicated Groups Department. If you’re a larger group we can look at operating your preferred holiday as a private one for just your members only. Smaller groups can travel together on any of our regular tours with other like-minded Riviera guests.
Your itinerary

Arrival in Sicily
Take your flight to Catania and transfer to our hotel.
Stay at Hotel Baia di Ulisse or Hotel Sant Alphio Garden or Della Valle
Valley of the Temples
See Greek Ruins in the Valley of the Temples, visit Agrigento and enjoy free time in our hotel.

This morning, we visit what can truly be described as one of the wonders of the ancient world: the amazing Greek remains in the Valley of the Temples. There are six of them in total, situated largely on a ridge looking out to sea. Visible for miles and standing proud as they do, they must have made a statement of sheer absolute power and confidence to any passing mariner or shepherd, leaving none in doubt as to who were the masters.
The best of them, Concordia, similar in design to the Parthenon in Athens, is almost perfectly preserved, with just the roof missing. With its wonderful tapering columns and beautiful light golden colour, it is absolutely captivating. One can only wonder as to what was going through the builders’ minds thousands of years ago, toiling under a hot sun whilst creating a masterpiece.
We enjoy a guided tour of the site, and you may also visit the excellent museum, displaying finds from both the temples and surrounding area, including a unique collection of vases. We also visit Agrigento itself, awash with medieval atmosphere, swimming in tiny, stepped streets and quiet shady piazzas overlooking the blue Mediterranean in the distance. We return to our hotel during the afternoon to relax.

Piazza Armerina & Taormina
Embark on a tour of a Roman villa followed by lunch at a charming agriturismo.

Piazza Armerina
Leaving Agrigento, we head towards Piazza Armerina, a quaint town where one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century was uncovered: a 4th-century Roman villa, likely belonging to a co-emperor, which explains its grand size and lavish decor.
Buried for centuries, remnants of the vibrant frescoes can still be seen, while the stunning mosaics depicting animals and hunting scenes are some of the finest from Roman times. This grand estate, complete with baths, provides a fascinating glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Roman elite. After a guided tour of the villa led by an expert local guide, we continue our journey to a cosy agriturismo nestled in the Sicilian countryside. This family-run farm stay provides a warm and inviting atmosphere where we’ll enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch, prepared with fresh, local ingredients like vegetables, homemade pasta, and freshly pressed olive oil and wine. Dining at an agriturismo is a true taste of Sicily’s rich culinary heritage, far removed from the high-end restaurants of the city.
Afterwards, we’ll make our way to Taormina on Sicily’s eastern coast, where we’ll spend the next five nights.

Taormina
Enjoy a day in chic Taormina and take in the stunning views of the coast.

Today, we’ll visit Taormina with time to explore as you wish. It's one of the smartest and most exclusive small towns in Italy – it has everything! Retaining much of its medieval charm, wonderfully situated on a high balcony, it offers panoramic views of the sea to one side and Mount Etna to the other. Taormina is renowned for its beautiful gardens and charming atmosphere but its greatest claim to fame is the ancient theatre. It’s a legacy of the ancient Greeks and still in use today, playing host to a wide array of performances from musicals to gladiatorial battles.
Signature experience
Quintessential to the Italian lifestyle, the aperitivo is the moment of the day to relax with a drink. We’ll do this in style with a delicious array of delicacies, whilst enjoying the sensational views over Taormina and the surrounding coastline.

Mount Etna
Explore Mount Etna, with the option to ascend to higher levels by cable car and jeep.

Dominating eastern Sicily is Europe’s highest volcano, Etna, and this morning we take the drive to as near to the snow-capped summit as possible. Ascending the winding road, the landscape becomes increasingly eerie and alien, with razor sharp black rocks in contorted formations, and some areas devoid of almost all vegetation. As we near the cable car station itself you can enjoy extensive views over the whole area.
Subject to certain regulations you will have the opportunity to take the cable car, jeep and guide to explore even higher levels. We return to our hotel during the afternoon.
Signature experience
End your morning with a tour and lunch at an historic winery on the fertile lower slopes of Mount Etna with breath-taking views over the lush vineyards. You’ll learn about the unique conditions that produce such interesting organic wines. A wonderful lunch will follow, and local dishes will be paired with a perfect selection of robust red and fragrant white wine.

Free Day
Enjoy a day at leisure to relax around our hotel or explore nearby Taormina.

Today, is free to spend as you wish. You could spend the day in and around our hotel in Giardini Naxos. You could relax by the pool (open in the summer months, weather permitting), wander around the local area or spread out along the long sandy beaches this resort town is famous for.
Alternatively, you could travel back to Taormina, taking advantage of the local public transport or taxis, to peruse the main street lined by designer boutiques and jewellers. The side streets, some of which are so narrow you can touch both sides at once, lead to intimate piazzas lined with atmospheric family-run restaurants – the perfect place to stop for a spot of people watching over lunch. Or, perhaps, take one of Taormina’s very own cable cars down to the beach area of Mazzarò to explore the extensive beaches, rocky coves, tiny islands and sea stacks that make this coastline so enchanting.

Syracuse
Explore Syracuse, one of the most important cities of the ancient world.

Today we take the drive to Syracuse, once one of the richest and most beautiful cities in the ancient world, even rivalling Athens. Its most famous resident was Archimedes, that genius of a man who, whilst in the bath discovered the principle of displacement, ran through the streets naked, exclaiming “Eureka” (I’ve found it!) in a story that has entered folklore.
Today the city is one of Sicily’s most attractive, a wonderful collection of limestone buildings, dating mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries. There is an extraordinary Baroque Cathedral incorporating an ancient temple, with a lovely interior, and just opposite is the Bosco Palace. The old port area is extremely attractive and very traditional, full of small fishing boats unloading their catch.
You will be free to explore the old town at the eastern end of the city, called Ortygia; actually, an island, connected to mainland by three bridges. You will have the option to take a boat trip around the bay before returning to the hotel.
Signature experience
Join us on a unique adventure today as we set sail around Ortigia. Get ready to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of golden-hued limestone cliffs and explore some of the most impressive caves. But that's not all - we'll be venturing towards the seafront for an up-close look at Ortigia's historic architecture. And what better way to experience it all than from the comfort of our boat while sipping a refreshing drink? Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey!

Return home
Travel home with wonderful memories of your time away.
Extend your holiday
Why not extend your enjoyment? Explore a little longer by adding a tour extension to discover even more of the world with us.
Call us on 0333 060 6509
Treasures of Sicily
Signature Tour
Upgrade to the Signature version of this tour for enhanced experiences, smaller group sizes and minimum 4* hotels.
Hand-picked hotels


Della Valle
Agrigento, Sicily
Chosen for its serene elevated position and panoramic views of the Valley of the Temples.

Hotel Baia di Ulisse
Agrigento, Sicily
Chosen for its stunning coastal location and private beach.

Extras & upgrades
Opt for a convenient door-to-door service with transport from your home to your choice of regional airport or train station, available as an added optional with every holiday. This can be added to your booking after you've booked online by giving our reservations team a call, or when you're booking over the phone.
Travel connections
These are the local airports and approximate transfer times (dependent on traffic).
Arrival airport | First hotel location | Transfer time |
---|---|---|
Catania Airport | Agrigento | 2 hrs 30 mins |
Final hotel location | Departure airport | Transfer time |
---|---|---|
Forza d'Agró | Catania Airport | 1 hr |
Giardini Naxos | 45 mins | |
Taormina | 1 hr |
FAQs
The price of this multi centre European holiday is per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Single and sea view rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
- Return flights
- Seven nights’ accommodation
- Daily breakfast, dinner and one light lunch at a rural restaurant
- All local taxes and transfers
- All tours as mentioned
- Entrances to Valley of the Temples Villa at Piazza Armerina
- The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter Italy however must have a valid passport.
For the most up-to-date passport and visa information visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements.
We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.
- Currency: Euro
- Flight time: Approx. 2 hrs 30 mins to 2 hrs 55 mins
- Language: Italian
- Time zone: GMT+1
- Country: Italy
The deposit for this holiday is £250pp, then the remaining balance of the holiday is due a minimum of 90 days before you depart.
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns. General information on mobility in connection with our tours can be found on our Passengers with Reduced Mobility FAQs page.
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05 05 2025 | 06:00 |
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Sant Alphio Garden Hotel 4* | Was £1,759 pp Now from £1,659 pp | Enquire now |
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06 06 2025 | 14:10 |
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Sant Alphio Garden Hotel 4* | £1,759 pp | Book now |
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Sant Alphio Garden Hotel 4* | £1,759 pp | Book now |
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07 06 2025 | 06:30 |
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Excelsior Palace Hotel 4* | £2,299 pp | Book now |
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16 06 2025 | 06:00 |
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Sant Alphio Garden Hotel 4* | £2,159 pp | Book now |
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25 06 2025 | 15:15 |
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Sant Alphio Garden Hotel 4* | £1,659 pp | Book now |
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25 06 2025 | 07:45 |
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Sant Alphio Garden Hotel 4* | £1,659 pp | Book now |
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31 08 2025 | 08:00 |
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Sant Alphio Garden Hotel 4* | £2,229 pp | Book now |
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01 09 2025 | 07:10 |
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Sant Alphio Garden Hotel 4* | £1,699 pp | Book now |
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01 09 2025 | 06:00 |
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Sant Alphio Garden Hotel 4* | £1,699 pp | Book now |
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04 09 2025 | 07:05 |
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Albatros Hotel 4* | Was £1,729 pp Now from £1,699 pp | Book now |
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14 09 2025 | 08:00 |
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Sant Alphio Garden Hotel 4* | Was £2,029 pp Now from £1,899 pp | Book now |
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