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Sicily Explorer & Aeolian Islands

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8 days

Spend seven nights in the gorgeous Sicilian town of Gardini Naxos on this 8-day Sicily tour, with plenty of free time for relaxing at the beach. Plus enjoy guided sightseeing at all of the island's top spots. See the iconic Greek Theatre at Taormina, bask in the shadow of Mount Etna and opt to climb its famous slopes. Explore the historic city of Syracuse, with its UNESCO-listed Archaeological Park and the picturesque island of Ortigia. Sail to the Aeolian Islands, visiting the old town of Lipari and the volcanic landscapes of Vulcano, with their unique rock formations and crystal-clear waters.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

8 days

Starts

Giardini Naxos

Ends

Giardini Naxos

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Tour leader escort & local guides for sightseeing

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 45

Minimum age

No minimum age

Departs

May - October

Hotel Rating

4-star hotels

Countries

Italy

Arrival Transfer

No - can be booked on request

Departure Transfer

No - can be booked on request

Meals included

Breakfast: 7, Dinner: 7
Save 20% today
Per Person From
$3,795.00
NZD$3,036.00
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,000.00
$5,072.00

Tour Highlights

Giardini Naxos - Spend seven nights in this pretty coastal town, with free time to stroll along the beach, explore the town centre and visit the ancient Greek ruins of Naxos
Mount Etna - Take in panoramic views of the coast and countryside from the slopes of this active volcano, and opt to ascend to the summit
Taormina - Wander through the narrow streets and terraces of this hilltop town, including a guided tour of the famous Greek Theatre
Syracuse - Explore the historic heart of Ortigia, including the Arethusa Fountain, Cathedral, and UNESCO-protected archaeological area
Neapolis Archaeological Park - Visit the Greek Theatre, Latomie caves, and the acoustic Ear of Dionysius grotto
Aeolian Islands - Uncover this island chain by boat, including Lipari's old town and Vulcano's rock formations

Included

7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
7 nights in a 4 star hotel
Escorted by a professional English-speaking tour leader, with local guides for included sightseeing
All relevant transportation in private, air-conditioned vehicles
Full day guided excursion to Mount Etna and Taormina, with entrance to the Greek Theatre in Taormina
Full day guided excursion to Syracuse, the Archaeological Park and the Ortigia Peninsula
Full day guided excursion by boat to the Aeolian Islands of Lipari and Vulcano, followed by an afternoon of sailing
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

Not Included

International flights and visas
Airport transfers
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!
Optional excursions
Hotel city taxes

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Giardini Naxos!

Welcome to Sicily! You will most likely arrive at Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport - from here, make your own way to our hotel in the pretty coastal commune of Giardini Naxos. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in and head out to explore. You can stroll along the beautiful beach, relax by the Mediterranean, or explore the charming town centre. In the evening, gather with your fellow travellers for dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Giardini Naxos
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Mount Etna & Taormina

Giardini Naxos - Catania (Mount Etna) - Taormina - Giardini Naxos. This morning, we set off on a full-day excursion to explore this fascinating Mediterranean island. After breakfast, we will travel to the slopes of stunning Mount Etna, where we can take in panoramic views of the coast and countryside. Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in Europe, and is one of Italy's most visited natural wonders.

If you would like, you can opt to ascend to the summit of Mount Etna for a fee of approximately €78, payable locally. We recommend wearing closed-toe shoes, a windbreaker jacket, and layered clothing.

In the afternoon, we visit the picturesque hilltop town of Taormina, just 6km from Giardini Naxos. With our guide, we will explore its colourful maze of narrow streets and terraces, including a guided tour of the renowned Greek Theatre. We then head back to our hotel after a memorable day of exploring.

Overnight: Giardini Naxos
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - Giardini Naxos at Leisure

Today is a free day for you to relax and explore the charms of Giardini Naxos. You can take a peaceful walk along the beach and dip your toes in the Mediterranean Sea, visit the ancient Greek ruins of Naxos, enjoy local seafood at seaside restaurants, or take a walk along the promenade with stunning views of Mount Etna. For a more cultural experience, explore nearby archaeological sites or enjoy a gelato at a local café. Your knowledgeable tour leader will be on hand to suggest activities and highlight the best places to visit in the area.

Overnight: Giardini Naxos
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Syracuse & Neapolis Archaeological Tour

Giardini Naxos - Syracuse - Giardini Naxos. Today, we embark on a full-day guided excursion to explore the captivating city of Syracuse, with its historic heart located on the island of Ortigia. We will discover many of its highlights, including the Arethusa Fountain, the impressive Cathedral, and the city's UNESCO-protected archaeological area on our guided tour.

The Archaeological Park of Neapolis is home to the Greek Theatre, the intriguing Latomie caves, and the Ear of Dionysius, a 23-metre-high grotto renowned for its exceptional acoustic properties.

After our day of exploring Syracuse, we return to our hotel for the night.

Overnight: Giardini Naxos
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - Giardini Naxos at Leisure

Today is a free day for you to relax, shop, and explore at your leisure. Your tour leader will be available to recommend places of interest and provide information on how to get around the local area.

Overnight: Giardini Naxos
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Aeolian Islands Day Tour

Giardini Naxos - Lipari - Vulcano - Giardini Naxos. This morning, we begin a full-day tour of the Aeolian Islands! We’ll travel by coach to Milazzo in the northeast of Sicily, then continue our journey by boat. Our first stop is Lipari, where we’ll have time to explore the charming old town before sailing to Vulcano. Here, we’ll explore the stunning rock formations, caves, and crystal-clear waters, all part of the Aeolian legend. On our return to Milazzo, we’ll pass the picturesque village of Gelso and its lighthouse.

Overnight: Giardini Naxos
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Giardini Naxos at Leisure

Today is your final free day to relax at the hotel or explore the surrounding area. You might like to take a trip to Taormina for some last-minute souvenirs, enjoy a delicious gelato, or savour a leisurely lunch of local delicacies.

Overnight: Giardini Naxos
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Arrivederci Giardini Naxos

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before check out. We wish you a safe onwards journey!

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
UNAHOTELS Naxos Beach Sicilia
Giardini Naxos

Overlooking Mount Etna, this laid-back beach resort by the Mediterranean Sea is 9 km from Taormina and 2 km from Alcantara train station. The accommodation is spread across a main building and several detached villas, with bright rooms featuring patios or balconies offering garden views, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini fridges. The resort boasts five buffet restaurants, four bars (including a piano lounge with live music), a private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, and a fitness centre.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
8 May - 15 May
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$3,795$3,036
$5,085$4,068
22 May - 29 May
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$3,795$3,036
$5,085$4,068
29 May - 5 Jun
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$3,795$3,036
$5,085$4,068
5 Jun - 12 Jun
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$3,795$3,036
$5,085$4,068
19 Jun - 26 Jun
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$3,795$3,036
$5,085$4,068
28 Aug - 4 Sep
Save 20%
$3,795$3,036
$5,085$4,068
4 Sep - 11 Sep
Save 20%
$3,795$3,036
$5,085$4,068
25 Sep - 2 Oct
Save 20%
$3,795$3,036
$5,085$4,068

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