Budget Sicily Explorer

Upon arrival in Palermo, make your way to the accommodation for check-in. In the afternoon, meet your fellow travellers and tour leader in the reception of the accommodation for a welcome briefing.

Afterward, our tour leader will lead an orientation walking tour of Palermo, passing through the vibrant markets of La Vucciria and Ballarò, the striking Quattro Canti, the grand Palermo Cathedral, and the elegant Pretoria Square with its famous fountain. We will then make our way to a local restaurant for an included welcome dinner.

Please note: This tour is designed for younger travellers looking for a backpacker-style experience and to meet like-minded people. The average age on this tour is around 21 - 35, and we are unfortunately unable to take any travellers over the age of 39. We have lots of group tours across our destinations that are suitable for travellers of all ages, browse our website or get in touch to find the perfect trip!

Today is all about sun and sea as we spend the day at Mondello, a picturesque seaside resort just a short bus ride from Palermo. With its soft golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Mondello is a favourite retreat for locals and a must-visit spot in Sicily. Though it can be busy during the high season, it’s the perfect place to unwind, take a refreshing swim, and enjoy a break from city sightseeing.

You’ll have the chance to experience Mondello at your own leisure. You can rent pedal boats, relax on the beach, and indulge in Sicily’s famous street food from the many stalls and vendors lining the streets. From fresh seafood and crispy arancini to panelle chickpea fritters and deep-fried vegetables, the bustling food scene adds to the vibrant atmosphere. Beach peddlers roam the shore selling jewelry, sarongs, and refreshments, creating a lively and colorful setting. In the afternoon, we’ll make our way back to Palermo.

Palermo - Cefalu - Palermo. Today, we will set off to explore Cefalù, one of Sicily’s top tourist destinations. Famous for its long sandy beaches, impressive Norman Cathedral, and picturesque historic centre, this charming seaside town perfectly blends history, culture, and coastal beauty.

Our tour leader will guide us on a walking tour of Cefalù, showcasing its highlights. Afterward, you’ll have time to explore the town at your own pace or head to the beach before we return to Palermo.

Palermo - Catania. This morning, we will make our way to Catania for check-in. Once settled, we’ll set off on a walking tour of the city, passing by the bustling Piazza del Duomo, home to the iconic Fontana dell’Elefante statue and the grand Catania Cathedral with its intricate Baroque façade. We’ll also explore the lively Pescheria, a vibrant weekday fish market surrounded by seafood restaurants, and take in the city’s rich history and striking architecture. Later, we will make our way to a local restaurant for a traditional dinner.

Catania - Syracuse - Noto - Catania. We depart for Syracuse early this morning. Syracuse is a 2,700-year-old city steeped in Greek history, culture, and architecture, renowned for its ancient amphitheatres and as the birthplace of the legendary mathematician and engineer Archimedes.

Here, we will take a guided walk through the historic centre and the islet of Ortigia, the heart of Syracuse. As we explore, you’ll admire architectural marvels from various historical periods, ranging from prehistoric settlements to ancient Greek, Byzantine, and Norman remnants.

In the afternoon, we will head to Noto, located 32 kilometres southwest of Syracuse, renowned for its exquisite early 18th-century architecture, with many buildings considered masterpieces of Sicilian Baroque style. In the evening, we will make our way back to Catania.

Today, our expert guide will lead us to Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. We’ll trek through ancient forests, explore unique craters, and marvel at striking lava formations. Along the way, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the summit craters from different points and uncover the fascinating volcanic phenomena that make this site so remarkable.

Next, we’ll head to the hilltop town of Taormina, located on Sicily’s east coast. The town is renowned for the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-Roman theatre still in use today. Nearby, dramatic cliffs drop into the sea, forming coves with sandy beaches, while a narrow strip of sand connects the mainland to Isola Bella, a small island and nature reserve.

Today marks the end of the tour. Check out is at 10 AM. Depending on your departure flight time, you may have some free time to explore Catania. You can enjoy some last-minute shopping, relax at a café, or have breakfast at a restaurant before making your way to the airport for your onward flight. Safe Travels!