Italy: Sicily

Sicily: the ultimate indulgence. An island beauty of culinary excellence, volcanic wine, enchanting mythology and protected coves…go on, treat yourself

What's included

Accommodation in twin rooms
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Stay in hand-picked 3-4 star hotels
Arrival airport transfer
Local transport
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
Max 16 travellers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

The azure shores of Sicily are imbued with history, mythology and culinary secrets, which are yours to unearth on this week-long adventure.

Master traditional family recipes with a Palermo chef, and embrace the terroir of local wines fresh from the vineyard. Immerse yourself in Sicily’s dramatic landscape and uncover the island’s diverse history, from the ancient ruins of Taormina to an eyewitness account of the Mafia era. All before snorkelling in the crystalline waters off Isola Bella and relaxing on the beaches of Noto.

Sicily is one of our favorite European destinations, and we think you’ll be enchanted too.

Buongiorno, Sicilia

Touch down in Sicily’s capital, Palermo – an ancient crossroads of civilizations – where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to whisk you to your first hotel
Get to know your group on a tasty street food tour, sampling local delicacies from bruschetta and sfincione pizza to gelato and seasonal cake

Mafia secrets and Sicilian cooking

Learn about the city’s sinister history on an anti-Mafia tour, where you’ll meet an eyewitness from the Mafia era and hear first-hand accounts
Source fresh ingredients from the market before a hands-on cooking class with a local chef, where you’ll learn how to prepare a delicious four-course Sicilian dinner

Taormina snorkelling & a sunset cruise

Say arrivederci to Palermo and travel to the chic resort town of Taormina, with its hilltop Roman ruins in the shadow of Mount Etna
Take a sunset boat tour along the picturesque coast, snorkelling in the clear blue water, sipping aperitivi and soaking up the sun’s last rays; this is what Italian dreams are made of

Famous theatre ruins

Be led on an immersive walking tour through gorgeous Taormina, featuring a breathtaking stop at the world-famous Teatro Antico di Taormina
Enjoy a free afternoon to relax in this charming city: catch the cable car to the Old Town for dinner or wander to a nearby beach to enjoy a warm evening dip

Hike across the lava fields of Mount Etna

Get up close to smouldering Mount Etna as you hike across rocky lava fields and stony tracks, venturing underground to explore a hidden lava cave
Enjoy a light lunch in the sunshine, paired with delicious wines at a local vineyard
Spend a free afternoon exploring the ancient port city of Catania, with its vibrant markets, baroque cathedrals and medieval monasteries

Baroque streets & turquoise shores

Wander through the elegant streets of Noto, one of Sicily’s most beautiful historic cities, with a Unesco World Heritage centre full of baroque palazzi and churches
Visit a renowned gelateria to sample the inventive flavours, including a memorable ice-cream sandwich, before heading down to the beach for a sun-soaked afternoon
Gather with your group for a farewell feast back in Catania, raising a toast to your week of Sicilian adventure

Ciao, Sicilia

Say goodbye to your fellow Flashpackers – now firm friends – and make your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi
Arrive home feeling as though you’ve had a much-needed reset, thanks to the island’s warm hospitality, endless natural beauty and delicious local cuisine. Aperitivi?

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

Eurostars Centrale Palace, Palermo

Once an 18th-century palace, your hotel’s interiors feature classical decor and art reminiscent of its noble past. Located just steps from Via Maqueda and Palermo’s major landmarks, you can expect spacious rooms and (our favourite bit) a rooftop restaurant with city views.

Panoramic Hotel, Taormina

Direct access to the (private) beach, a rooftop pool with gorgeous views out to the bay and connected to Taormina’s historic centre via cable car; Panoramic Hotel offers the kind of escapism we’ve all been craving. All rooms are contemporary and feature a balcony, too. Sundowner spot with roommate sorted.

B&B Hotel Catania City Center

It’s all about the location with this hotel. A modern retreat in the heart of the city, you’ll be just steps from Via Etnea and Piazza del Duomo – meaning immersive exploration in your downtime will be incredibly easy.

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into Palermo Airport (PMO) and fly out of Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA).

What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

We suggest arriving before 12 pm on Day 1, to allow yourself enough time to freshen up and meet your group before dinner.

What time should my flight depart on the final day?

There are no scheduled activities for the final day, so you can depart at your own leisure.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

Pack Leader: 7-10 USD per day
Drivers: 3 USD per day
Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting which we will always try and communicate to you.

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