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15 Best Sicily Tours

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is one of the most spellbinding parts of Italy. Shaped like a ball being kicked by the Italian boot, the island is home to turquoise waters and white sand beaches, UNESCO listed Greek temples, and one of Europe’s highest active volcanoes, Mount Etna.

The main cities on the island are the capital Palermo, Catania, Syracuse, and Taormina. Each of them offers a totally different but unforgettable experience of the island.

Because of the Godfather, Sicily is well known as a stronghold of the mafia, but this shouldn’t put you off. In fact, you can even take part in tours which will show you how locals are fighting against the mafia.

One of the best things about Sicily is the food. When you’re here, don’t miss arancini (delicious filled and deep-fried rice balls), an array of bread and pasta, and of course, cannoli. You could even try a cooking class so that you can impress your friends and family with what you’ve learned on your trip.

To help you navigate the biggest island in the Med and make the most of your trip, here’s our list of the 15 best tours in Sicily.

1. Palermo 3-Hour Street Food and History Walking Tour

This wonderful three-hour tour of Palermo will see you wandering through the beautiful historical center of Palermo and trying some of the best traditional foods that the city has to offer.

A knowledgeable and professional guide will show you some of the city’s most famous attractions, including the Cathedral, Piazza della Vergogna, and Quattro Canti. In between the sights, you’ll stop off to try five different street-foods, a drink (alcoholic or soft – your choice), and the famous cannoli.

Not only will this give you a taste of the island’s food, but you’ll learn about the capital of the island too.

2. Off-Road ATV Tour of Mount Etna

No trip to Sicily is complete without a visit to one of Europe’s highest volcanoes, Mount Etna. But this is a tour with a difference; instead of exploring on foot, you’ll make your way there on a quad bike.

This exhilarating tour will take you through the Alcantara gorges towards one of Sicily’s best-known winemaking regions, Castiglione. You’ll see ancient lava flows and have the chance to explore Coruccio caves before climbing to almost 2,000m to appreciate Etna.

Insurance and an expert guide are included in the price of this tour.

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3. From Catania: Mount Etna Sunset Tour

If you’d prefer to see Mount Etna in a less adrenaline-packed way, this sunset tour from Catania is a great alternative to an ATV. On this six-hour tour, you’ll be accompanied by a guide who is not only knowledgeable about the mountain but all of the nature that calls it home.

Your guide will lead you up to 2,000m via soft trekking, where there is a lookout point over the Bove Valley. You’ll see Etna’s volcanic crater and explore one of the volcano’s many caves.

As you enjoy the sunset, you’ll be treated to a street-food snack and a glass of wine, all included in the price.

4. Giardini Naxos, Taormina, and Castelmola 5-Hour Tour

Take advantage of hotel pick-up and drop-off on this fantastic five-hour tour from Catania. You’ll head to the seaside town of Giardini Naxos comfortably by bus, before heading further along the Ionian Coast to the village of Castelmola.

On this tour, you’ll have the chance to swim in the cool blue waters of the Ionian Sea and visit a nature reserve on the island Isola Bella.

Round the day off at the hilltop town of Taormina, which offers views of Mount Etna. See ancient fortresses and theatres, and for a little extra, there is also the opportunity to visit the Greco-Roman amphitheater, which is still in use today.

5. Inspector Montalbano Locations Tour of Southeast Sicily

This tour is a real treat for any fans of the novels by Andrea Camilleri or the TV show starring Luca Zingaretti. Although the towns are given invented names in the books, they’re based on real Sicilian locations.

Your English-speaking driver will pick you up in an air-conditioned car before you head to the sights of Mànnara (Vigata) and Punta Secca (Marinella). There’s even a chance to enjoy a meal in the Da Enzo a Mare restaurant, where the fictional inspector spends a lot of time – although this is not included in the price of the tour.

6. Sicily: The Godfather Filming Locations Tour

One of the most famous and critically-acclaimed films of all time, The Godfather is based on the book of the same name by Mario Puzo.

This six-hour tour allows you to follow in the footsteps of Don Corleone into the hidden corners of Sicily that you’d never even dream of visiting by yourself. You’ll visit some of the film’s most recognizable locations, such as St Lucy’s Church and the cathedral of Forza d’Agro, where two of the wedding scenes were shot.

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from Catania or Taormina, an English-speaking guide, and transport in an air-conditioned car or minivan.

7. Palermo: Anti-Mafia 3-Hour Walking Tour

Unfortunately, the Mafia isn’t nearly as glamorous as it’s made out to be in the Godfather and other popular culture; it’s a huge problem in Italian and Sicilian society. The Mafia has decimated Italy’s economy and the involvement of high-level politicians, judges, and bankers has been exposed in recent decades. On a smaller scale, shops and restaurants are expected to pay “protection money,” with dire consequences if they refuse or don’t keep up with their payments.

This three-hour tour is a fantastic way to learn about the local businesses that are standing up to Mafia extortion with the “Pago chi non paga” movement, which culminates in the Antica Focacceria San Francesco restaurant.

The cost of the tour includes a donation to the organization Addiopizzo, the group which supports those businesses who refuse to pay extortion money.

8. Noto, Modica, and Ragusa: The Baroque Tour from Catania

Enjoy hotel pick-up and drop-off in Catania or Taormina to discover Sicily’s baroque side. You’ll visit the towns of Noto, Modica, and Ragusa, and discover some of the island’s most fascinating architecture.

Get acquainted with the town of Noto, rebuilt after a 1693 earthquake destroyed the town. Then, you’ll head on to Modica, where a visit to Sicily’s oldest chocolate factory is in store. Round off your day at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ragusa, a testament to the Baroque period.

You’ll be transported between the sites in a comfortable, air-conditioned car or minivan driven by your guide for the day.

9. Syracuse and Noto Full-Day Tour

The ideal trip for the history buff in your life, this tour will enable you to discover Sicily’s Ancient Greek influences in the towns of Syracuse and Noto.

This eight-hour tour will be led by a knowledgeable guide and is available in three languages. They will show you the remains of Ortygia’s Apollo and Athena temples, before visiting other ancient Greek sites.

Not only does this trip show you the Greek history of Sicily, you can also feast your eyes on Caravaggio’s paintings in Syracuse’s Basilica de Santa Lucia.

Round the day off by visiting the Baroque village of Noto, which dates as far back as the Early Bronze Age.

10. From Taormina: Chic Panarea and Stromboli Full-day Tour

This tour is a relaxing full day cruise which will enable you to see two of the breathtakingly beautiful Aeolian islands via private motorboat – there’s even a bar on board.

Take a stroll along the white sand of Panarea’s beaches before wandering the cobbled streets of the island, which are lined with shops, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs for friends and family.

You’ll then head to Stromboli, aka “the lighthouse of the Mediterranean,” so called because it’s one of Italy’s three active volcanoes. If you’re lucky, watch the lava spitting out of the crater against the backdrop of the Mediterranean sunset.

11. Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

The west of Sicily isn’t as popular with tourists as the east, but after going on this tour, you’ll be wondering why that is. First stop is the ancient Greek site of Segesta, one of the island’s best-preserved archaeological sites.

Then, you’ll head to the incredible Erice, a medieval town perched precipitously on top of a hill overlooking the blue of the Mediterranean. Finally, see the famous salt pans of Trapani.

The whole day will be full of spectacular seaside views. There’s no need to worry about transport, you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

12. From Catania: Alcantara Valley by Mountain Bike

This is a great tour for the most adventurous visitor. The two-hour duration means you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day relaxing or seeing more of the island’s captivating sites.

The Alcantara Valley is where you’ll find the unusual Gurne dell’Alcantara, a group of 16 lakes and waterfalls formed on the basalt riverbed of the valley. Your qualified mountain biking guide will regale you with information about the area, as well as making sure you’re safe and comfortable during your trip.

Most of the trip is in the lowlands, so don’t be put off if you’re not an experienced mountain biker.

13. Agrigento and Valley of the Temples Day Trip from Taormina

The Valley of the Temples is one of Sicily’s most popular visitor attractions; you certainly won’t want to miss seeing them while you’re on the island. This day trip is a great way to see the UNESCO World Heritage site, although you may have to pinch yourself to be reminded that you’re not in Greece.

Enjoy the island’s landscapes in a luxury air-conditioned car, which will pick you up from either Taormina or Catania, while a multilingual guide gives you information about the day ahead.

You’ll be provided with a delicious packed lunch, full of Sicilian street food treats, which you can enjoy before visiting the stunning Roman mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale.

14. From Trapani: Full-Day Cruise to Favignana and Levanzo

A chance to witness some of Sicily’s lesser-visited yet enchanting coastal islands, take this cruise to discover the charms of the Egadi Islands, off the west coast. The eight-hour tour gives you plenty of time to enjoy a stroll through the streets of Favignana, or even better, relax on the beautiful beaches and work on your tan.

Get back on the boat for lunch and wine, before heading to the smallest of the Egadi Islands, Levanzo. Here, you’ll have a chance to see Neolithic cave paintings or simply explore the port town.

Bring your swimming costume as there’ll be a chance to stop for a swim in the sea on the leisurely voyage back to Trapani.

15. Sicily 8-Day Small Group Tour

If you have plenty of time, this eight-day tour is perfect for a comprehensive Sicilian experience. Enjoy three nights in Taormina, two in Syracuse, and two more in Palermo, plus the luxury of being transported around in an eight-seater Mercedes minivan.

You will have a local guide for the majority of your activities, which include several food tastings, visits to quaint mountain villages, and walking tours of all the towns and cities where you’ll stop.

This tour is sure to be an unforgettable experience of the Mediterranean’s largest island.

15 Best Sicily Tours:

• Palermo 3-Hour Street Food and History Walking Tour
• Off-Road ATV Tour of Mount Etna
• From Catania: Mount Etna Sunset Tour
• Giardini Naxos, Taormina, and Castelmola 5-Hour Tour
• Inspector Montalbano Locations Tour of Southeast Sicily
• Sicily: The Godfather Filming Locations Tour
• Palermo: Anti-Mafia 3-Hour Walking Tour
• Noto, Modica, and Ragusa: The Baroque Tour from Catania
• Syracuse and Noto Full-Day Tour
• From Taormina: Chic Panarea and Stromboli Full-day Tour
• Segesta, Erice and Salt Pans Full-Day Excursion from Palermo
• From Catania: Alcantara Valley by Mountain Bike
• Agrigento and Valley of the Temples Day Trip from Taormina
• From Trapani: Full-Day Cruise to Favignana and Levanzo
• Sicily 8-Day Small Group Tour

Top Tours in Sicily, Italy

Sicily tours.

• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Tour Etna & Wine Tasting

2. At Casa Di Cilla

3. Boat Tour in Mondello Bay in Sicily

4. Palermo Original Street Food Walking Tour by Streaty

5. Cooking Class with Seaview & Taormina's Market with Chef Mimmo

6. Etna Morning Trip

7. Boat excursion Taormina Giardini Naxos

8. Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina

9. Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Palermo Private Tour

10. Markets and monuments: walking tour and street food in Palermo

11. 2 Hours of Classic Tasting in Sicily

12. Etna Countryside Food and Wine Lovers Tour (Small Group)

13. Cooking Class Taormina with Local Food Market Tour

14. Cooking Class with Seaview with Chef Mimmo

15. Tour of the island of Ortigia and exploration of sea caves with baths.

16. Etna excursion 3000 meters with 4x4 cable car and Trekking

17. 3 hours Boat excursion in Cefalù and snorkeling

18. Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making

19. The Pearl of Sicily: Private Taormina Walking Tour

20. Etna and Taormina Tour from Messina

21. Taormina and Isola Bella Day Tour Including Boat Tour

22. Messina and Taormina City Tour from Messina - Private tour

23. Boat tour Giardini Naxos Taormina Isola Bella Blue Grotto

24. Mt. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania

25. Half Day Private Guided Boat Tour in Taormina

26. Sunset on a boat in Palermo with Palermo by boat

27. Sicilian Cooking Class

28. The Godfather and Taormina Tour from Messina

29. Boat Tour Egadi Day to discover Favignana and Levanzo

30. Private Tour: Mt Etna and Taormina from Catania

What travellers are saying.

• Ellen L 0 contributions 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience and great way to see Taormina! Such a beautiful boat tour! We loved our guide and captain Carmelo. We got to see all the coves and jumped in the water for a refreshing swim. Highly recommend! Read more Review of: Boat excursion Taormina Giardini Naxos Written 11 May 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Karina J 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles A fun day out Great fun day out. Plenty of food and wine to sample. Our driver was outstanding. Recommend as a great way to get a taste for the region and its produce. Read more Review of: Etna Countryside Food and Wine Lovers Tour (Small Group) Written 11 May 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Palermo Original Street Food Walking Tour by Streaty
• Etna Morning Trip
• Cooking Class with Seaview & Taormina's Market with Chef Mimmo
• Palermo No Mafia walking tour: discover the Anti-mafia culture in Sicily
• Mt. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania
• Circumetnea Railway
• Egadilandia
• Trenino Turistico
• Treno Barocco
• Treno di Montalbano
• Perla del Mare
• Nino Paranzoto Gite in Barca
• In Barca con Jonas Favignana
• Escursioni San Vito Lo Capo di Leonardo Gianquinto
• Tourist Lines
• Marlin Tour Privati
• Egadi Boating Experience
• Mare and More
• Barca Flavia
• Barca Liliana
• Atlantide Escursioni Isole Eolie
• Passione Blu
• Dolci Escursioni
• Sea Spirit Diving Resort

THE 10 BEST Sicily Tours & Excursions

Tours in sicily.

• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Tour Etna & Wine Tasting

2. At Casa Di Cilla

3. Boat Tour in Mondello Bay in Sicily

4. Palermo Original Street Food Walking Tour by Streaty

5. Cooking Class with Seaview & Taormina's Market with Chef Mimmo

6. Etna Morning Trip

7. Boat excursion Taormina Giardini Naxos

8. Boat tour Pillirina, sea caves Syracuse and Ortigia

9. Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina

10. Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Palermo Private Tour

11. Markets and monuments: walking tour and street food in Palermo

12. Etna Countryside Food and Wine Lovers Tour (Small Group)

13. Cooking Class Taormina with Local Food Market Tour

14. Cooking Class with Seaview with Chef Mimmo

15. Visit to the Florio winery and wine tasting

16. Tour of the island of Ortigia and exploration of sea caves with baths.

17. Etna excursion 3000 meters with 4x4 cable car and Trekking

18. Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making

19. The Pearl of Sicily: Private Taormina Walking Tour

20. Etna and Taormina Tour from Messina

21. Taormina and Isola Bella Day Tour Including Boat Tour

22. Messina and Taormina City Tour from Messina - Private tour

23. Boat tour Giardini Naxos Taormina Isola Bella Blue Grotto

24. Mt. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania

25. Half Day Private Guided Boat Tour in Taormina

26. Sunset on a boat in Palermo with Palermo by boat

27. Sicilian Cooking Class

28. The Godfather and Taormina Tour from Messina

29. Boat Tour Egadi Day to discover Favignana and Levanzo

30. Private Tour: Mt Etna and Taormina from Catania

What travellers are saying.

• Ellen L 0 contributions 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience and great way to see Taormina! Such a beautiful boat tour! We loved our guide and captain Carmelo. We got to see all the coves and jumped in the water for a refreshing swim. Highly recommend! Read more Review of: Boat excursion Taormina Giardini Naxos Written 11 May 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Karina J 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles A fun day out Great fun day out. Plenty of food and wine to sample. Our driver was outstanding. Recommend as a great way to get a taste for the region and its produce. Read more Review of: Etna Countryside Food and Wine Lovers Tour (Small Group) Written 11 May 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Palermo Original Street Food Walking Tour by Streaty
• Etna Morning Trip
• Cooking Class with Seaview & Taormina's Market with Chef Mimmo
• Palermo No Mafia walking tour: discover the Anti-mafia culture in Sicily
• Mt. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania
• Circumetnea Railway
• Egadilandia
• Trenino Turistico
• Treno Barocco
• Treno di Montalbano
• Perla del Mare
• Nino Paranzoto Gite in Barca
• In Barca con Jonas Favignana
• Escursioni San Vito Lo Capo di Leonardo Gianquinto
• Tourist Lines
• Marlin Tour Privati
• Egadi Boating Experience
• Mare and More
• Barca Flavia
• Barca Liliana
• Atlantide Escursioni Isole Eolie
• Passione Blu
• Dolci Escursioni
• Sea Spirit Diving Resort

Sicily Tour & Trip Reviews

403 reviews Average rating 4.6 105 trips

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Sicily Tour & Trip Ratings

Tour Reviews

Malta and Gozo Discovery

I have already reviewed this trip - it was excellent and extremely well done

Border Reiver

This was my eleventh trip with Explore, so you can tell that I enjoy their tours and I pretty much knew what to expect. My problem now, is that I can't but help com...

Trusted Customer

Very poorly managed trip, it felt as if no one could be bothered guides turning up late, never knowing who the guide was going to be the next day! orone occasion, a ...

The start of the trip was going to plan, however, the guides although knowledgeable, were just not interested. Onto Malta from Gozo, there was no communication whats...

Sicily Reviews

Patricia was great - good sense of humour, very knowledgeable, always ready to help.

The island of Malta may be small but it certainly packs a big punch in historical terms. This is a very comprehensive tour , my tour highlights were the 5,000 year o...

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Malta and Gozo Discovery + Classical Sicily

Our tour leader Chantelle was so passionate and knowledgeable about her country. For small islands there is so much history and places to visit. Leaves you wanting m...

Patricia, the guide, was very friendly and certainly knew her stuff. She took care and was very attentive to the requests of the group. Really great group of people...

Just outstanding

Excellent trip, and Excellent Guide

The tour was well organised & we saw everything that was promised in the itinerary.Our tour guide had lived in Malta all her life & had excellent knowledge &...

Excellent guide great trip

Gozo Citadel, cruise around Valletta

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The Best of Sicily

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• Accommodation

Tour Overview

Sicily has so much to offer, and on this tour, you’ll experience it all!

The carefully crafted itinerary includes a cable car ride up Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe, and a visit to the island’s vibrant capital Palermo. You’ll learn about Sicily’s Greek and Roman history at well-preserved archaeological sites and see the beautiful Monreale Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture.

With its unique style of Italian cuisine, Sicily is also known for its food, and you’ll have a chance to sample some delicious local specialities including Palermo’s famous street food, and granita, a refreshing semi-frozen dessert. What’s more, you’ll be staying in comfortable 4-star hotels, where you can soak up the Sicilian sun by the pool, relax with a drink, or dip your toes in the shimmering sea.

Your Holiday Includes

• Return flights from London
• 7 nights half-board in 4-star hotels
• 15 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners and welcome drink
• Travelsphere Holiday Director and Specialist Local Guide
• Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage

Included Holiday Highlights

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

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.

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.

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.

Day 4 Villa del Casale - Campofelice di Roccella

We're going to head to our next base today, Campofelice di Roccella, near Cefalu, on Sicily’s northern coast. On the way, we’ll have the chance to revel in some Roman history at 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 and as you view them with a Local Guide, you'll be amazed by their excellent condition. We'll continue to our hotel which is set in beautiful gardens and has a private beach. Once you've unpacked, why not head out and explore your surroundings.

Day 5 Valley of the Temples & Agrigento

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.

Day 6 Campofelice di Roccella - at Leisure

How you spend today is entirely up to you. Relax by the pool 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.

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, such as 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.

Day 8 Catania - UK

After breakfast, relax and enjoy your final hours in Sicily before we drive you back to the airport in Catania for your return flight to the UK.

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.

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.

Personalise your trip

Choose to extend your stay with an organised add-on. 

The Best of Sicily with Aeolian Islands Add-on

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.

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• 15 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 7 dinners

Wildflowers of Crete

Wildflowers and nature walks are at the heart of this holiday on the idyllic Greek island of Crete, which also boasts an incredible history.

• 14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners

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.

• 12 nights in 4-star hotels
• 20 meals: 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners and welcome drink

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.

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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.

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The 20 Best Italy Tours

See Italy's top tourist attractions and stunning cities on these guided excursions.

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Visitors can discover charming neighborhoods, enjoy delicious food and see top sights on Italy's best tours.

There's so much to see and do in Italy that it can feel a bit overwhelming to plan a trip that makes the most of the country's fabled history, art, architecture and cuisine – not to mention its 55-plus UNESCO World Heritage sites. Guided tours are an efficient, hassle-free way to explore the country's top attractions and cities. These Italy tours – considered the best by travelers and experts alike – vary by region, focus and method of transportation, but they all have one thing in common: highly motivated and informed guides ready to help you better appreciate your time in this beautiful European country.

The Roman Food Tour – Prati by Sunset – Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 135 euros (about $148); kids from 80 euros (about $88) Duration: 4 hours

Enjoy Italian cuisine via this small group walking tour of five food-centric places in Rome 's Prati neighborhood near Vatican City . Stops include a cafe, a pizzeria and a gourmet food shop, and food samples typically include cheese, truffles, cured meat, pasta, tiramisu and pizza as well as wine. Food and wine enthusiasts regularly report enjoying learning about Roman culinary arts from the passionate, well-informed guides on this tour.

Outings last about four hours and are available daily all year long starting at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. with additional 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. start times from May through October. Prices start at 135 euros (about $148) for adults, 89 euros (about $98) for teenagers 13 to 17 and 80 euros (about $88) for children 5 to 12. Prices cover all food and beverage samples, which may exceed 20 in total. The Roman Food Tour offers a variety of other foodie outings to different areas around the city, including one to the Trionfale neighborhood.

View & Book Tickets:  Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3

City Wonders – Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tour

Price: Adults from $42; kids from $37 Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Visit some of the most famous attractions in Rome on this 2- to 3-hour walking tour. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, which are filled with historic art pieces. Tour-takers rave about the spectacular art and architecture and appreciate the insightful guides.

Tours depart multiple times a day Monday through Saturday, typically between around 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $42 for adults and around $37 for children ages 6 to 18 (kids 5 and younger tour for free), but prices may vary by day and time. Tickets cover all entrance fees. Groups are limited to 20 participants. Note: Modest attire may be required to enter some sites. City Wonders operates several other tours around Rome as well as in other Italian cities like Milan .

View & Book Tickets:  Viator | GetYourGuide

LivItaly Tours – Colosseum Underground Tour with Arena, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

Price: Adults from 139 euros (about $152); kids from 124 euros (about $135) Duration: 3 hours

Explore renowned sites of ancient Rome on this three-hour walk. Tours start at the Colosseum and visit areas of the amphitheater, such as underground cages and dungeons, that relatively few people get to see due to space and ticketing limitations. Other highlights include the Palatine Hill, one of Rome's seven hills where politicians of the Roman Empire once lived and where the ruins of numerous buildings from that era remain, and the Forum , once the center of social and political activity in ancient Rome. Reviewers frequently say the guides are not only informative, but also humorous and make learning about Roman history fun.

Tours, which are limited to six participants, are offered daily at a variety of times, typically between 9:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at 139 euros (about $152) for adults, 129 euros (about $141) for teenagers ages 13 to 17 and 124 euros (about $135) for kids ages 3 to 12. Students also receive a slight discount. LivItaly runs multiple tours in Rome, including one that visits some of the city's top attractions .

View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2

Walkabout Florence Tours – The Best of Tuscany in One Day Trip from Florence

Price: Adults from 83 euros (about $91); kids from 70 euros (about $77) Duration: 12 hours

Take a day to experience Tuscany and its UNESCO World Heritage sites on this trip via air-conditioned coach. Highlights include a guided walking tour in the medieval town of Siena , a visit to San Gimignano and a trip through the countryside to Pisa. Optional upgrades include lunch and wine-tasting at a Chianti vineyard and skip-the-line entry to Pisa's famous Leaning Tower . While trip-takers consistently describe the guides as knowledgeable and personable, they also appreciate having time to explore each destination on their own.

Buses depart from Florence 's Piazza Stazione daily at 8 a.m. and return approximately 12 hours later. Prices start at 83 euros (about $91) for adults and 70 euros (about $77) for kids ages 8 to 17, not including lunch. The full tour, including lunch at the winery and access to the tower, costs approximately 113 euros (around $123) for adults and 100 euros (approximately $109) for kids. Note: While there's no charge for children younger than 8 to take the tour, they cannot climb the tower.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Walks of Italy – Legendary Venice: St. Mark's Basilica with Terraces & Doge's Palace

Price: Adults from $113; kids from $107 Duration: 3 hours

This tour encompasses some of the most significant spots in Venice : St. Mark's Square , St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace . Both the church and the palace are art-filled buildings with eventful histories. (The palace, for instance, was more than a site of political administration; it also contains prisons and torture chambers.) Guides recount the colorful backstories, which tour-takers invariably find informative and entertaining.

Three-hour walking tours beginning in the square happen daily at 2 p.m. and every day except Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Earlier departures (at 8 a.m.) may also be available on select days. Tickets start around $113 for adults and $107 for children 2 to 14, though you may find some higher or lower prices depending on the date and time. (There's no charge for infants.) The visit to the basilica includes access to a balcony affording views of the square and nearby lagoon. Another bonus? Taking this tour enables you to bypass the lines to enter the palace and the basilica.

View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide

Withlocals – The 10 Tastings of Venice

Price: From 85 euros (about $93) per person for a group of six Duration: 3 hours

As its name indicates, this tour features 10 tastings of typical Venetian food and drinks. It's essentially a private, customizable, small-group walking tour that can be tailored to participants' interests. Even so, samples usually include local favorites like spritz (a wine-based cocktail) and gelato. Tour-takers tend to enjoy both the visits to multiple local eateries and the amusing guides' insightful commentary.

Three-hour tours depart from Venice's Campo Manin daily with multiple start times; the earliest is typically 10 a.m. and the latest 6 p.m. Prices vary by group size and start at approximately 252 euros (about $275) for one person (the minimum) and descend to about 85 euros (about $93) per person for groups of six (the maximum). Groups larger than six should contact the tour company directly to schedule.

Blue Star Boat Tours – Amalfi Coast Group Tour

Price: From $88 Duration: 7 hours

Another option for seeing the beaches and caves of the UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast is from the water. Sights seen on this daylong expedition typically include the picturesque geological features of Fiordo di Furore beach; Grotta della Pandora, a cave accessible only from the sea; and the Emerald Grotto, named for the color of the light that fills the cave. The approximately seven-hour tour, which departs from Positano, also includes an hour or two of free time to explore the town of Amalfi. Travelers typically appreciate the professional, personable staff and the opportunities to swim in such a scenic setting.

Tickets cost approximately $88 per person. There is a maximum of 12 people per group. Note: There's an additional fee to enter the Emerald Grotto. Private boat tours and sunset cruises are also available.

You Know! – Sorrento Coast and Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento

Price: Adults from 104 euros (about $114); kids from 84 euros (about $92) Duration: 9 hours

See the sights along the Sorrento coast, including a waterfall, a lighthouse and Roman ruins, on this boat ride. The tour also features a three- to five-hour stop on Capri during which travelers can explore the small island's famed Piazzetta, as well as churches and a medieval district. There's also time for swimming and snorkeling. Tour-takers consistently find the scenery beautiful and the guides professional and friendly.

The approximately nine-hour trips happen daily starting at 9:45 a.m. Prices vary by season, but typically start at around 104 euros (about $114) for participants 10 and older and 84 euros (about $92) for kids ages 3 to 9. (There's no cost for infants to join the trip.) Trips are capped at 12 to 14 people. Prices include transportation between Sorrento and the port as well as snacks and beverages on the boat. Fees don't cover lunch on Capri, snorkeling equipment or entrance fees to attractions. The company also offers boat tours to Capri that depart from Amalfi.

World Tours Italy – Pompeii and Amalfi Coast (with Lunch)

Price: From 128 euros (about $140) Duration: 8 hours

Visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites on this daylong excursion. When the volcano Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79, ash swallowed the city of Pompeii and preserved many buildings. Now, the archeological site affords glimpses into how people lived during the era of the Roman Empire. This trip includes two to three hours at Pompeii as well as a drive along the Amalfi Coast with stops in the towns of Amalfi and Ravello, both of which boast notable art and architecture. You'll also have a few photo stops, including one in Positano . Travelers consistently remark on the exceptional coastal scenery and the insight and humor of the guides at Pompeii.

Tours occur daily. Passenger pickups begin around 7:30 a.m.; the drive to Sorrento begins at just before 9 a.m. After a busy day, the tour returns to the city around 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at 128 euros (about $140) for adults, with discounts for children ages 5 to 12. (There's no fee for children younger than 5.) Prices vary by time and day. Keep in mind that tours in English may not be offered in the colder months. Prices include lunch at a restaurant on the coast, but do not cover entrance to Pompeii. If you can't get enough of the Amalfi Coast, World Tours also offers daytrips that visit Capri and Sorrento.

Prestige Rent – Wine Experience in Tuscany

Price: Adults from 89 euros (about $97); kids from 79 euros (about $86) Duration: 5 hours

Enjoy red wines typical of the Chianti region on this trip to two wineries. You'll also sample Tuscan fare, including olive oil, cheese and cured meat, during this approximately five-hour outing. Along the roughly 45-minute drive from Florence, guides will provide background information on local viniculture. At each stop, resident experts will describe the wine-making process. Wine lovers typically find the samples delicious and the guides energetic and informative.

Tours, which are capped at 25 participants, are offered twice a day starting at 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Prices start at 89 euros (about $97) for adults and 79 euros (about $86) for youngsters 12 to 17 and include transportation between Florence's Piazzale Montelungo and the vineyards, as well as the various food and beverage samples. Note: Children younger than 12 are not permitted on this tour. Prestige Rent also leads tours to Siena and San Gimignano.

Italian Days Food & Wine Tours – Bologna Food and Wine Tour #1

Price: Adults from 180 euros (about $197); kids from 150 euros (about $164) Duration: 8 hours

Observe the production of three Italian staples – Parmigiano-Reggiano, balsamic vinegar and prosciutto – on this daylong culinary excursion. Of course, this tour also includes samples of the cheese, vinegar and cured meat, as well as breakfast, coffee, wine and a multicourse family-style lunch. Throughout the day, guides explicate the food-making processes, which foodies invariably find fascinating.

Minibuses pick up in front of Grand Hotel Majestic in Bologna around 7 a.m. and head to Modena every day except Sunday. The tour lasts about eight hours. Tickets start at around 180 euros (about $197) for adults and 150 euros (about $164) for children 2 to 11, though costs vary by season. Prices include transportation as well food and beverages. The tour is capped at 18 participants. Italian Days offers a variety of food tours, including a walking tour in Bologna.

View & Book Tickets:  Viator

Bici & Baci Tours – The Grand Tour of Rome

Price: From 150 euros (about $164) Duration: 3 hours

Admire the signature sights of Rome from atop an Italian Vespa, on this approximately 22-mile ride around the city. Highlights include the Aurelian Walls, the Appian Way , the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain , St. Peter's Basilica , the Pantheon , ruins of ancient aqueducts and baths, and more. Reviewers consistently describe the guides as helpful, skillful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

Fees start at 150 euros (about $164) for a single person operating a Vespa or a passenger riding with a guide. Fees are about 250 euros (about $273) for two people on a scooter. Prices include use of a helmet as well as coffee or ice cream. Daily tours start at 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and typically last around three hours.

Note: Operators of Vespas must have valid motorcycle or driver's licenses. Children are permitted as passengers with their parents as long as they are tall enough for their feet to reach the scooters' foot pegs. The company also operates tours that travel to some of the city's most iconic movie filming locations.

City Wonders – Best of Milan Duomo Cathedral & Da Vinci's 'Last Supper' Tour

Price: Adults from $125; kids from $114 Duration: 3 hours

Take a walking tour of Milan and enjoy skip-the-line access to two of its top attractions. You'll experience the Duomo , a monumental cathedral, construction of which commenced around 1386 and went on for centuries. Another highlight of this trip is a visit to Leonardo's "The Last Supper" in its original location, a former convent. Plus, you'll visit spots like Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a 19th-century shopping arcade housing upscale boutiques; Sforzesco Castle , a 15th-century military fortification; and the cobbled streets of the Brera district. Travelers consistently describe the guides as insightful and professional.

This excursion happens multiple times every day except Monday. Specific start times vary by day. Tours last three hours, including 15 minutes with the famous painting. Prices start at around $125 for anyone 15 and older and $114 for those 14 and younger. Groups have no more than 14 participants.

Grape Tours in Tuscany – Super Chianti Wine Tour

Price: From 195 euros (about $213) Duration: 7 hours

Spend a day indulging in wine on this trip to the cellars and vineyards of two wineries. In addition to visiting Chianti and Chianti classico wineries and sampling vino, cheese and olive oil, you'll also enjoy lunch at an eatery in the Tuscan hilltop town of Panzano. Wine lovers report enjoying learning about the regions' wine from the adept guides.

Tours happen every day except Sunday. Buses leave Florence at 10 a.m. and return approximately seven hours later. Tours, including transportation and food and beverages, cost approximately 195 euros (about $213) per person. The outing welcomes up to eight participants, and guests must be at least 16 years old.

View & Book Tickets:  Grape Tours in Tuscany

TopBike Rental & Tours – Rome City Bike Tour

Price: From 65 euros (about $71) Duration: 4 hours

Wind through the streets of Rome and see several of its famed attractions on this four-hour electric bike ride, offered in either the morning or the afternoon. Tours may include visits to popular attractions like the Colosseum, the Piazza Navona , the Jewish Ghetto, the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the Orange Garden for its views of the city, including the dome of St. Peter's. Cyclists regularly praise the insightful, friendly guides on this leisurely ride.

Morning start times vary by time of year, but are usually 8:45 or 9:30 a.m.; afternoon trips start at 2 or 3 p.m. It costs approximately 65 euros (about $71) to take this ride, and that includes use of an e-bike and helmet. The company also operates daylong bike tours that include lunch, as well as guided outings along the Appian Way.

City Wonders – Florence Fully Guided Tour with Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo's David and Accademia

Price: Adults from $108; kids from $102 Duration: 5 hours

Bypass the lines to enter both the Uffizi Gallery – home to 14th-century and Renaissance masterpieces by the likes of Botticelli, Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Caravaggio – and the Accademia Gallery – where Michelangelo's 14-foot David sculpture resides – on this tour. In addition to independent visits to the galleries, the small-group outing includes a two-hour guided walking tour of the center of Florence to see top sights, such as its cathedral, the Ponte Vecchio bridge, the leather market and Piazza della Signoria. Tour-takers generally appreciate the guides' commentary regarding the city's art, architecture and history. Others warned future travelers that the visits to the galleries are unguided.

Half-day tours with 10 and 10:30 a.m. start times happen daily. Prices are about $108 for adults and $102 for children 4 to 14. Children 3 and younger tour for free. Groups are limited to 17 people.

Walkabout Florence Tours – Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with optional Hiking Tou

Price: Adults from 113 euros (about $123); kids from 100 euros (about $109) Duration: 13 hours

This daylong expedition takes travelers to the towns comprising the Cinque Terre , a string of old fishing villages overlooking the Mediterranean Sea that form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buses travel from Florence to Manarola, home to vineyards and colorful buildings typical of the area. From there, trains head to Corniglia, which boasts unrivaled views of the sea. After lunch, participants can either hike the mule trails that connect the towns or ride a train to Vernazza, where swimming or visiting cafes and bars are among the optional activities. Trains then proceed to Monterosso, a town known for both beaches and shops. Weather permitting, the tour also includes a boat ride to the fifth and final Cinque Terre town, Riomaggiore. Trip-takers rave about both the scenic locations and the efficient, personable guides.

Tourgoers return to Florence approximately 13 hours after the daily 7:30 a.m. departure time. Tickets for the tour start at around 113 euros (about $123) for adults and 100 euros (about $109) for kids 8 to 17. Children younger than 8 are not permitted. Prices do not include lunch in Corniglia, but an upgrade is available for an additional fee.

Delicious Bologna – Daylight Food Tour Bologna

Price: Adults from 90 euros (about $98); kids from 70 euros (about $76) Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Taste some of the essentials of Italian cuisine on this small-group walking tour. In addition to a light breakfast of cappuccino and cornetto (a croissant-like pastry) and lunch of multiple pasta dishes, this outing features samples of local cheese, cured meat, vinegar and wine. It also visits a food market and a pasta factory. Throughout, guides provide commentary about regional culture and traditions, which culinary enthusiasts tend to find informative.

Tours take place every day except Sunday at 10 a.m. and last four to five hours. Groups of up to eight people begin the day at the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana. Fees start at 90 euros (about $98) for adults and 70 euros (about $76) for kids and teens ages 2 to 14. (There's no charge for infants.) Additional food and wine tours, as well as cooking classes, are hosted by Delicious Bologna.

Streaty Street Food Tours of Italy – Palermo Street Food and Local Market Tour

Price: Adults from 54 euros (about $59); kids from 20 euros (about $22) Duration: 3 hours

Savor varieties of Sicilian fare on this walking tour of Sicily 's capital, Palermo. Samples are likely to include arancina (stuffed rice balls), cazzilli fritters, pani câ meusa (a veal offal roll), sfincione (focaccia with tomato sauce), cannoli filled with ricotta, broscia col gelato (an ice cream sandwich) and seasonal items, as well as beer and wine. After departing from Teatro Massimo, tours wind through backstreets rather than the city's main thoroughfares. Travelers typically find this tour both fun and educational.

Walks last three hours and are available at multiple times Monday through Saturday all year, usually starting between 10 and 11 a.m. Prices start at 54 euros (about $59) for participants ages 12 and older and 20 euros (about $22) for children 6 to 11. Groups are limited to 10 participants. The company also offers an evening food tour in Palermo.

Etna Tribe – Excursion Etna and Taormina

Price: Adults from 85 euros (about $93); kids from 70 euros (about $76) Duration: 9 hours

Explore Mount Etna , an active volcano on the east coast of Sicily that ranks as the highest island mountain in the Mediterranean, on this daylong tour. Your guide will drive you from Catania to a section on Etna's south face where you'll hike up to 6,560 feet above sea level, or (for additional fees) take a cable car up to 8,200 feet. From there, you'll have the option of taking a van to Torre del Filosofo, which sits at an elevation of more than 9,500 feet. With an alpine guide leading the way, you'll explore the lava-carved terrain. The trip also includes a stop at an organic farm and a visit to the town of Taormina, where you'll have time to wander among attractions, such as a cathedral, a clock tower, a palace and a theater, before the drive back to Catania. Tour-takers enjoy walking among the volcano craters and learning about the area from the friendly, accommodating guides.

Pickup starts at 8:30 a.m. and tours, which occur daily, last approximately nine hours. Prices start at 85 euros (about $93) for those 12 and older, 70 euros (about $76) for kids ages 3 to 11 and 20 euros (about $22) for infants. Paying online in advance may save you a few euros per ticket. The optional cable car ride costs an additional 50 euros (about $55) and the high-altitude option, including both the cable car and the van rides, start at 78 euros (about $85) per person. Etna Tribe also offers sunset excursions to the mountain, among other options.

The Best Multiday Tours in Italy

While there are plenty of tours across Italy's most popular cities that last a few hours or an entire day, some travelers may be interested in multiday tours that visit several destinations or points of interest. Below are some of the top multiday tours in Italy.

• Best of Italy: Visit Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Venice and more. Book on GetYourGuide .
• Amalfi Coast Small Group Tour: Explore Pompeii, Capri and Sorrento. Book on Viator .
• Scenic Sicily Tour: See the towns of Taormina, Palermo, Mount Etna and Erice. Book on Viator .
• Classic Cultural Cities: Discover the sights of Rome, Venice and Florence. Book on Viator.
• Highlights of the Italian Lakes: Enjoy Milan, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda and more. Book on Grand European Travel .
• Scenic Sailing Adventure: Sail around Sardinia and Corsica. Book on Viator .
• Fun for Foodies: Taste your way across Italy on a nine-day food tour. Book on The Table Less Traveled .

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Places to Visit in Italy
• The Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy
• The Best International Travel Insurance
• The Best Places to Visit in Europe
• The Best Cheap European Vacations

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Italy

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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More From Forbes

What you need to know when traveling for taylor swift’s eras tour.

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US singer and songwriter Taylor Alison Swift, also known as Taylor Swift performs on stage at the ... [+] Paris La Defense Arena as part of her The Eras Tour, in Nanterre, north-western France, on May 9, 2024.

Taylor Swift thrilled fans with the addition of performances from her latest album The Tortured Poets Department when she kicked off the European leg of The Eras Tour in Paris on Thursday, May 9, 2024. She jokingly called that section of the show Female Rage: The Musical . Most concertgoers already knew and sang along to every word of all the songs she sang from the album even though it was released just a few weeks earlier on April 19. Such is the power of Swift.

In her long career of riveting live shows, her stunning performance of “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” may very well be her masterpiece so far. Swift is enjoying unprecedented success with her latest albums and tour, which showcase how she can tell a story like no other artist. Both her singing voice and her literary voice are stronger than ever, and it’s joyful to watch Swift embody and embrace her mightiness as a performer.

It's no wonder many fans are willing to travel hundreds or even thousands of miles for the chance to see Taylor Swift perform live. Since tickets sold out so quickly for the few remaining U.S. tour dates and resellers are aware of the intense demand, some fans discovered it was more doable to attend one of her international shows.

So, many fans in the U.S. and other countries have decided to make a vacation out of going to The Eras Tour in Europe this summer. If you are among them, here’s some advice on how to make the most of your international adventure.

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PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 09: Taylor Swift performs onstage during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at La ... [+] Defense on May 09, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management )

Consider Your Lodging and Transportation Choices First

Before buying a ticket, be sure that you will have accommodations available. If you can book a hotel that’s within walking distance of a stadium and know the area is safe, that is ideal. Otherwise, check bus and train schedules for the night of your venue, then look at hotels that might be close to bus or train stops.

With tens of thousands of fellow concertgoers leaving at the same time, transportation can get tricky. If you book a room that’s farther from the venue, try to get a rental car instead of vying for a taxi or rideshare after the show. If you do that, just be sure parking will be available. You may need to buy a parking pass from the venue.

Also be aware that hotel room prices skyrocket when Swift is in town because there is such a high demand. If you are renting a car and don’t mind a longer drive, you can save a lot of money by booking a hotel room that’s a longer drive from the venue.

Enjoy The Moment

Amy Wilkinson, a 49-year-old Swiftie from Tucson, AZ, went viral in December 2023 for her reenactments of The Eras Tour performances using Elf on the Shelf dolls. She posted them to her Instagram, @Tswizzle_Momma , and found thousands of people watching each time she posted her videos. Like many other Swifties in the US, she is flying to Europe for The Eras Tour.

Wilkinson told me she had this advice for fellow fans going to the show abroad, “Enjoy the entire experience, from the moment you get on the plane until the morning after. You may be going for the concert, but the memories are made in the details. See the sights. Enjoy the food. Meet other Swifties. This is at the heart of what international travel is about.”

Make The Friendship Bracelets

Rebecca Bartley, a Swiftie from Nova Scotia, Canada, is going to Sweden to see The Eras Tour. She advises bringing friendship bracelets to share with fellow concertgoers on the night of your show. Wilkinson suggested making friendship bracelets in the language of the country where you’ll be seeing the show.

MARINA DEL REY, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 13: A Taylor Swift fan, friendship bracelet detail, attends the ... [+] opening night theatrical release of "Taylor Swift : The Eras Tour" at AMC Marina Marketplace 6 on October 13, 2023 in Marina del Rey, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)

It’s easy to learn how to make friendship bracelets. I had never dabbled in making jewelry before, but now I find great joy in creating friendship bracelets. I created dozens and handed them to fans at The Eras Tour movie.

To make friendship bracelets, I start by choosing the colors I want and which word or phrase I want the bracelet to express. Then I choose colorful beads and pick out all the necessary letter beads.

Next, I cut off elastic string. I find it’s best to use Stretch Magic elastic string because of its strength and durability. To make the bracelets, I cut off a piece of string that’s twice as long as I need so that there is ample room for cutting and tying multiple knots.

Then I tape one end of the string to my workspace, string the beads I have set aside until I feel like the bracelet is complete. Being careful to not let any of the beads slide off the string, I then wrap it around my wrist to see how it fits and then consider whether I am making the bracelet for a wrist that’s likely larger or smaller than mine. (Also, with elastic string, there’s room for a flexible fit.) I adjust accordingly.

As a last step, I make four to five knots in the string to tie off the bracelet. Many fans choose to add a dab of fabric glue to the end of the knot, but I found that got really messy and wasn’t necessary if you make multiple knots. Then I tuck the knots into one of the beads so that it doesn’t show on the bracelet. Then the bracelet is concert-ready!

Keep in mind that there are a lot of other ways to make friendship bracelets that are for more involved and creative that mine. And, if the idea of making friendship bracelets doesn’t sound fun to you, don’t worry. You can buy premade friendship bracelets on Etsy. Some Etsy shops like RainFoxx13 and BonniesBracelet have elaborate, beautiful friendship bracelets that you may want to keep for yourself. Others sell packs of friendship bracelets in bulk.

If you don’t want to trade friendship bracelets, that’s okay, too. The Swiftie community is accepting and supportive, and you still may get several bracelets as gifts.

What To Wear To The Eras Tour

There are no rules for what you should wear to Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour beyond the guidelines from the venue. Some fans go casual, and others choose to dress to the nines for the show. Some fans choose to wear merch from Taylor Swift’s official store . Many fans choose to dress up in costumes inspired by Swift’s songs and lyrics.

With the release of The Tortured Poets Department and its video “Fortnight,” some fans are choosing to imitate some of her looks from the video. Others are wearing their interpretation of the incredible costumes she wears during The Eras Tour concert. Others look at past eras for inspiration. You are likely to see every era represented in fan costumes at a show.

What You Should Bring To The Eras Tour In Europe

Wilkinson advised me that the number one thing to bring is a portable phone charger. If you plan on recording video and taking photos, your phone’s battery may die down quickly, and a phone charger can ensure you can keep capturing the memories all night.

Earplugs are a good idea if you’re sensitive to loud noise. If you’re bringing kids along, they are a must. They ensure you can enjoy the music while protecting your ears.

Bring along a cardigan or jacket. Layering is a good idea for a concert during the summer. Although it may be hot in the stadium, you might be chilly on the way home from the show.

You can’t go wrong bringing along hand sanitizer and a travel pack of tissues. Even if you can get through “All Too Well” without tearing up, you may cry at the sheer excitement of the experience. It can be intense in the best way.

If you have tickets that are far back, bring along binoculars to see close-up details.

What To Avoid At The Eras Tour

Don’t come to the stadium with a big bag. If you haven’t attended stadium concerts before, you may not know that you need to carry a clear bag if you want to bring a purse. It also has to fit within the measurements allowed in the stadium, so you can’t just buy a clear backpack and expect to get in the show. Check with your show’s venue to make sure you follow their rules for what you can bring.

What Are The Dates Of The Eras Tour 2024 In Europe?

Taylor Swift started the European leg of The Eras Tour in Paris on May 9, 2024. Here are all the dates for The Eras Tour that are scheduled for the rest of 2024.

Thursday, May 9, 2024 – París La Défense Arena - Paris, France

Friday, May 10, 2024 - París La Défense Arena - Paris, France

Saturday, May 11, 2024 - París La Défense Arena - Paris, France

Sunday, May 12, 2024 - París La Défense Arena - Paris, France

Friday, May 17, 2024 – Friends Arena - Stockholm, Sweden

Saturday, May 18, 2024 - Friends Arena - Stockholm, Sweden

Sunday, May 19, 2024 - Friends Arena - Stockholm, Sweden

Friday, May 24, 2024 - Estádio da Luz – Lisbon, Portugal

Saturday, May 25. 2024 - Estádio da Luz – Lisbon, Portugal

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 - Estádio Santiago Bernabéu – Madrid, Spain

Thursday, May 30, 2024 - Estádio Santiago Bernabéu – Madrid, Spain

Sunday, June 2, 2024 - Groupama Stadium - Lyon, France

Monday, June 3, 2024 - Groupama Stadium - Lyon, France

Friday, June 7, 2024 - Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Saturday, June 8, 2024 - Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Sunday, June 9, 2024 - Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Thursday, June 13, 2024 - Anfield Stadium - Liverpool, United Kingdom

Friday, June 14, 2024 - Anfield Stadium - Liverpool, United Kingdom

Saturday, June 15, 2024 - Anfield Stadium - Liverpool, United Kingdom

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - Principality Stadium - Cardiff, United Kingdom

Friday, June 21, 2024 - Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom

Saturday, June 22, 2024 - Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom

Sunday, June 23, 2024 - Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom

Friday, June 28, 2024 - Aviva Stadium - Dublin, Ireland

Saturday, June 29, 2024 - Aviva Stadium - Dublin, Ireland

Sunday, June 30, 2024 - Aviva Stadium - Dublin, Ireland

Thursday, July 4, 2024 - Johan Cruijff Arena - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Friday, July 5, 2024 - Johan Cruijff Arena - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Saturday, July 6, 2024 - Johan Cruijff Arena - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 - Stadion Letzigrund Zurich - Zürich, Switzerland

Wednesday, July 20, 2024 - Stadion Letzigrund Zurich - Zürich, Switzerland

Saturday, July 13, 2024 - San Siro Stadium - Milan, Italy

Sunday, July 14, 2024 - San Siro Stadium - Milan, Italy

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 - Veltins-Arena - Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Thursday, July 18, 2024 - Veltins-Arena - Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Friday, July 19, 2024 - Veltins-Arena - Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 - Volksparkstadion - Hamburg, Germany

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - Volksparkstadion - Hamburg, Germany

Saturday, July 27, 2024 - Olympiastadion - Munich, Germany

Sunday, July 28, 2024 - Olympiastadion - Munich, Germany

Thursday, August 1, 2024 - PGE Narodowy - Warsaw, Poland

Friday, August 2, 2024 - PGE Narodowy - Warsaw, Poland

Saturday, August 3, 2024 - PGE Narodowy - Warsaw, Poland

Thursday, August 8, 2024 - Ernst-Happel-Stadion - Vienna, Austria

Friday, August 9, 2024 - Ernst-Happel-Stadion - Vienna, Austria

Saturday, August 10, 2024 - Ernst-Happel-Stadion - Vienna, Austria

Thursday, August 15, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Friday, August 16, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Saturday, August 17, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Monday, August 19, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Tuesday, August 20, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Friday, October 18, 2024 – Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida, United States

Saturday, October 19, 2024 - Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida, United States

Sunday, October 20, 2024 - Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida, United States

Friday, October 25, 2024 – Caesars Superdome – New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Saturday, October 26, 2024 - Caesars Superdome – New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Sunday, October 27, 2024 - Caesars Superdome – New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Friday, November 1, 2024 – Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Saturday, November 2, 2024 - Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Sunday, November 3, 2024 - Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Thursday, November 14, 2024 – Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Friday, November 15, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Saturday, November 16, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Thursday, November 22, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Friday, November 22, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Saturday, November 23, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Friday, December 6, 2024 – BC Place – Vancouver, Canada

Saturday, December 7, 2024 - BC Place – Vancouver, Canada

Sunday, December 8, 2024 - BC Place – Vancouver, Canada

For more information about the forthcoming shows, see the tour page of Taylor Swift’s official website .

How To Get Taylor Swift Tickets In 2024

Tickets have already gone on sale for the rest of the currently confirmed dates of The Eras Tour for 2024. However, you can get secondhand tickets from resellers. It’s usually not a good idea to buy from individuals in Facebook groups offering to sell tickets. That’s hard to verify, and many are scammed that way. Instead, check with the individual venue to see how their resell process works. It varies throughout Europe depending on the country and the individual stadium.

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Dua Lipa’s ‘Radical Optimism’ Is a Joyous Blast of Pop Savvy: Album Review

By Steven J. Horowitz

Steven J. Horowitz

Senior Music Writer

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In the promotional blitz running up to her third album, “Radical Optimism,” Dua Lipa continuously waxed intellectual about self-realization and the freedom that comes from growth, spurred by situations both good and bad. “I think it’s important that we just learn to walk through the fire and not hide away from it,” she told Variety in March . “That’s just optimism. It’s probably the most daring thing we can do. Sometimes.”

Popular on Variety

Her latest arrives four years after “Nostalgia,” an exercise in disco opulence that landed at just the right time. It was a parachute from the gloom of the pandemic, and much like Lady Gaga’s “Chromatica,” released just two months later, it offered reprieve and comfort in its ebullience, a distraction from the horrors of the world and a reminder that dance music’s remove lived on.

She hasn’t lost sight of what makes dance-pop so compelling on “Optimism,” and only builds on it. Lipa corralled a team of musicians — Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, Tobias Jesso Jr., Danny L. Harle — to confect a world unto its own, from the thrust of “These Walls” to the French touch of “Illusion.” It’s at once satiating and electrifying. Lipa isn’t a ballad artist, or one to infuse her music with the beliefs she shares outside of it. In her newsletter Service95, for instance, she runs a book club, and shares stories of social justice and activism.

Lipa previously explained that she began recording “Optimism” while on her “Nostalgia” tour, and the shimmer of the latter album carries over. But it feels distinctly new to Lipa, folding in Spanish guitars on “Maria” and tropical ecstasy on opener “End of an Era.” Much has been bandied about how she’s on an endless summer vacation, with Instagram posts that document her seemingly perpetual travels. But here, she uses it to her advantage. “Optimism” is a global album rooted firmly in pop tradition. When she sings of ditching a suitor without saying farewell on “French Exit,” it somehow feels like a more sophisticated version of an Irish goodbye. The confidence and conviction she exudes sells it, and it’s why Lipa has become one of mainstream music’s most convincing voices.

To that, in an era where artists are as valuable as the success of their singles, it’s a wonder that Lipa’s very traditional rollout yielded less comparable returns than that of “Nostalgia.” “Houdini,” the project’s leading track, is as inoffensive as it is hooky, yet it somehow felt far less significant than “Dance the Night,” her Oscar-nominated contribution to “Barbie the Album.” Fans online have attributed much of the album’s faults thus far to her team, who leaked the lyrics to the entirety of the record months ahead of time by putting images of the vinyl sleeve on social media. Some have criticized the media choices she made; others have noted the impersonality of her TikTok posts.

In context, though, singles like “Training Season” and “Illusion” bolster the ephemeral, feel-good nature of “Optimism.” To become a main pop girl in such a relatively short amount of time demands perfection at every turn, an impossible task. Lipa’s music, in a vacuum, attempts to approximate that. She’s confessional and honest, and reveals much about her personal affectations across the album. Lipa often struggles with commitment, like on the sapiosexual anthem “Anything for Love” where she sings, “I’m not interested in a heart that doesn’t beat for me / I want a mind that meets me equally.” On “These Walls,” perhaps the album’s most arresting song, she bemoans the growing distance from a lover with a knowing nod: “They tell us go and face your fears / It’s getting worse the longer that we stay together / We call it love but hate it here / Do we really mean it when we said forever?”

It’s when she attributes a greater significance to “Optimism” that it muddles what it actually is: a pop album in the barest, most accessible sense. “Optimism” comes amid a flurry of major releases from Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande. Each of those records was subsumed in its respective world, and Lipa slots neatly next to them with a vision of her own. But make no mistake, there’s no grand gesture. “Optimism” is pummeling, concerted and arranged exactly how it should be, a pop record meant to wash over you like a breeze rolling off of the surf.

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