Tour of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands | Tours of Italy

Route

You land in Catania and drive south-east, where you stay near Syracuse and Noto. Then you travel inland to Milazzo and take the ferry to the Aeolian Islands. You stay on Salina or Vulcano and take a boat trip to Stromboli. After visiting the islands, return to Sicily and end your trip in or near Taormina, with an excursion to Mount Etna.

Rhythm

Three nights in the Baroque region around Syracuse and Noto, four nights on the Aeolian Islands, four nights near Taormina or Mount Etna. You will stay in the same place for several days at a time, so you can explore the cities, islands and volcano at your leisure without having to move every day.

Highlights

The Greek theatre of Syracuse, the Baroque of Noto and the mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale. Crater walks on Vulcano, Malvasia on Salina and lava at dusk on Stromboli. You end your trip on the slopes of Mount Etna and in the Greek Theatre of Taormina.

Accommodation

Small relais and masseria in the south, a charming hotel on the islands and a characterful stay near Taormina or by the sea.

Profile

For those who want to see Sicily and its islands. For those who want to combine Baroque, sea and active volcanoes in one trip without having to move every day.

Day 1: Departure to Catania

Pick up your hire car at Catania airport. You have chosen to stay in the Baroque region near Noto and Syracuse.

Day 2: Syracuse

Today you will visit beautiful Syracuse with its 5th century BC amphitheatre, its ancient “latomie” (quarries) and its Ortigia peninsula, where time has stood still.

Day 3: Noto

Noto is a Baroque gem: don't miss the beautiful cathedral, the charming squares and the decorated balconies in the “Via Corrado Nicolaci”. If you can't get enough of Baroque, continue on to Modica, located in a narrow valley with some beautiful Baroque buildings, and Ragusa with its magnificent San Giorgio church in the old town.

Day 4: Caltagirone – Piazza Armerina

Today you will discover Caltagirone, with its monumental staircase covered with ceramic tiles, and Piazza Armerina, with its magnificent mosaics in the Villa Romana del Casale.

Day 5: Milazzo - Salina/ Vulcano

You will drive to Milazzo, where you will leave your car in a secure car park. The harbour and boarding point for the ferry to Salina/ Vulcano are nearby. Here you will stay in a beautiful Caractère hotel from which you can explore all the Aeolian Islands.

Day 6: Salina

Explore “L'Isola dei Capperi”, the second largest Aeolian island with two active volcanoes and magnificent, unspoilt nature. Salina has about 2,300 inhabitants, who proudly and lovingly share the story of their typical Malvasia wine. Film lovers will certainly recognise this setting, as the film Il Postino (1994) was largely shot here.

Day 7: Vulcano

Today you will explore the volcanic island of Vulcano. Interesting excursions include climbing the crater, the monster valley on Vulcanello, Capo Grillo and Gelso beach with its old lighthouse. Be sure to take a dip in one of the natural sulphur baths.

Day 8: Stromboli

Boat trip to Stromboli. Stromboli is one of the most active and spectacular volcanoes in Europe: small eruptions occur approximately every half hour. The fire-breathing volcano is best observed at dusk. If you are in good physical condition, you can climb the volcano with a guide (climb to 900 metres and takes about 6 hours there and back). Or opt for a night-time boat trip and watch the lava flow into the sea. An absolutely unforgettable experience!

Day 9: Vulcano - Milazzo - Taormina

You take the boat back to Milazzo, where you pick up your hire car and stay in or near the centre of Taormina. You can choose to stay in a tropical setting or in a historic hotel on the beach.

Day 10: MOUNT ETNA

Europe's largest active volcano awaits you. A cable car or 4x4 jeep will take you to the top, where you can explore some of the craters on foot with a volcano guide. Those who reach the summit will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views and a fantastic natural spectacle. Be sure to ask about our excursion options. We offer a wide range of activities, suitable for all ages and levels.

Day 11: Taormina

Enjoy your last few days in one of the most beautiful locations in Sicily in an immensely cosy atmosphere. With its ancient Greek theatre, Taormina has more to offer than just cosy streets, beautiful shops and a wide choice of restaurants.

In Bassa Taormina, accessible by cable car, there are several bays where you can swim and snorkel.

Day 12: Return home

Your holiday is over. You return your hire car and board the plane to fly back home.

Frequently asked questions about Sicily and the Aeolian Islands

When is the best time to travel for this combination trip to Sicily and the Aeolian Islands?

The best time is May, June, September and October. Temperatures are around 24–29°C, ideal for Baroque cities such as Syracuse and Noto, boat trips to the Aeolian Islands and an excursion to Mount Etna. July and August are warmer and busier, especially on Stromboli and in Taormina.

How does the logistics work with a hire car and ferry for the Aeolian Islands?

You travel around Sicily in a hire car, from Catania to Syracuse and on to Milazzo. There you leave the car and take the ferry to the Aeolian Islands such as Salina or Vulcano. After your stay on the island, you pick up the car again and drive to Taormina and Mount Etna.

What makes this trip different from a standard Sicily holiday?

You combine Baroque cities such as Syracuse and Noto with active volcanoes on Vulcano and Stromboli. Sicily and its islands in one trip, without constantly changing hotels.