Splendours of Sicily

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Palermo


Catania

Tour summary

10 days

Italy

14 meals

18 guests (max)

Driver

Trip leader

Luxury minicoach

Twin-share / double / double for single occupancy

9 nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation

9 nights

Nibble on freshly shaped cheese as buffaloes swing their tails in the distance. Step back to a time when ancient Greeks roamed the earth as their stories are spoken through locals. And witness the trembling glory that is Mount Etna – one of the most active volcanoes in the world. On this expertly crafted tour of splendid Sicily, every day begs a new journey, and a question... What memories will we carve on the cobbled paths before us?  

Tour highlights

  • Stroll through Palermo with a local guide and gain a unique insight into the city’s anti-Mafia movement
  • Discover the fascinating history behind the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valley of Temples
  • Sample rich Sicilian flavours like almonds and cannoli through several soul-stirring tasting experiences 

Tour itinerary

Day 1 - Palermo (Sicily)

Settle in for your journey through Sicily. We’ll meet at its capital, Palermo: a breath of intoxicating contrasts where locals greet you with a warm, welcoming smile. Gaze at monuments that have stood the test of time whilst lively markets with swirls of spicy scents line adjacent streets. This evening, we’ll come together for our first group dinner, sampling delicious local Sicilian cuisine. Salute! 

 

Settle in for your journey through Sicily. We’ll meet at its capital, Palermo: a breath of intoxicating contrasts where locals greet you with a warm, welcoming smile. Gaze at monuments that have stood the test of time whilst lively markets with swirls of spicy scents line adjacent streets. This evening, we’ll come together for our first group dinner, sampling delicious local Sicilian cuisine. Salute! 

 

Included today

Accommodation

 Hotel Plaza Opera (or similar) 

Meals
  • Dinner

Day 2 - Palermo – Monreale – Selinunte

Pull back the hotel curtains, your first morning in Sicily awaits. As birds chirp in the distance, ready yourself for a walking tour of the city. But this is no ordinary tour – it's filled with secrets, power and an elusive ruthlessness that evades law and order. We are, of course, talking about the Mafia, or specifically Palermo’s anti-Mafia movement – and the brave Sicilians who defended their home. With a visit to the house of anti-Mafia magistrate Paolo Borsellino and a local guide sharing tales that date back decades, you’ll learn the truth not shown on the big screen. 

Perched atop the Monte Caputo – overlooking the fertile valley of La Conca d’Oro – Monreale reigns with regal beauty. At its renowned cathedral, time will stop as we admire the Norman-Byzantine architecture and intricate mosaics.  

Afterwards, follow the scent of fresh tomatoes, melted cheese and baked swordfish – it's time to find lunch! Our final stop of the day is Selinunte – hailing from Magna Graecia, and home to our rustic accommodation, it’s the ideal place to put your feet up after an eventful day!  

 

Pull back the hotel curtains, your first morning in Sicily awaits. As birds chirp in the distance, ready yourself for a walking tour of the city. But this is no ordinary tour – it's filled with secrets, power and an elusive ruthlessness that evades law and order. We are, of course, talking about the Mafia, or specifically Palermo’s anti-Mafia movement – and the brave Sicilians who defended their home. With a visit to the house of anti-Mafia magistrate Paolo Borsellino and a local guide sharing tales that date back decades, you’ll learn the truth not shown on the big screen. 

Perched atop the Monte Caputo – overlooking the fertile valley of La Conca d’Oro – Monreale reigns with regal beauty. At its renowned cathedral, time will stop as we admire the Norman-Byzantine architecture and intricate mosaics.  

Afterwards, follow the scent of fresh tomatoes, melted cheese and baked swordfish – it's time to find lunch! Our final stop of the day is Selinunte – hailing from Magna Graecia, and home to our rustic accommodation, it’s the ideal place to put your feet up after an eventful day!  

 

Included today

Accommodation

Agriturismo Case di Latomie (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 3 - Selinunte – Agrigento – Favara

Awakening in the middle of an olive grove can only mean one thing: an olive oil tasting! As the sun warms your face and a gentle morning breeze tugs your t-shirt, settle at a hotel table with your friendly group and wait for the award-winning, golden liquid to be served. Tastebuds teased, we’ll alight the minicoach for our drive towards Agrigento. Along the way, your expert Tour Leader may opt to stop at a local spot or two – sharing their personal knowledge and passion for the island that holds a special place in their heart.  

And what awaits us in Agrigento? One of the most impressive collections of ancient Greek monuments in the world, the Valley of the Temples... A place where the mighty Gods and Goddesses descended to make their presence known in a time of blood, battle and prayer. Here, temples shine like gold when Helio, the ancient god of sun and light, angles the sun just right. Wander between ridged columns, touching stone that’s felt the air caress it over thousands of years.  

Favara is where we’ll rest tonight, after a group dinner filled with seasonal dishes and excited chatter about the days we’ve experienced so far. 

 

Awakening in the middle of an olive grove can only mean one thing: an olive oil tasting! As the sun warms your face and a gentle morning breeze tugs your t-shirt, settle at a hotel table with your friendly group and wait for the award-winning, golden liquid to be served. Tastebuds teased, we’ll alight the minicoach for our drive towards Agrigento. Along the way, your expert Tour Leader may opt to stop at a local spot or two – sharing their personal knowledge and passion for the island that holds a special place in their heart.  

And what awaits us in Agrigento? One of the most impressive collections of ancient Greek monuments in the world, the Valley of the Temples... A place where the mighty Gods and Goddesses descended to make their presence known in a time of blood, battle and prayer. Here, temples shine like gold when Helio, the ancient god of sun and light, angles the sun just right. Wander between ridged columns, touching stone that’s felt the air caress it over thousands of years.  

Favara is where we’ll rest tonight, after a group dinner filled with seasonal dishes and excited chatter about the days we’ve experienced so far. 

 

Included today

Accommodation

The Alba Palace Hotel (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Day 4 - Favara – Piazza Armerina – Ragusa

Swap your sun hats for history caps this morning – the beating heart of Piazza Armerina calls: Villa Romana del Casale, located a stone’s throw from town. Among the ruins of this 4th-century palace lies a web of Roman mosaics – each one illustrating a different vision of the past. Discover tigers, horses, battles and other intricate creations – which will intrigue you most?  

Standing tall atop a hill between two deep valleys lies Ragusa, our home for the next two nights. Watch the sun kissing architecture as it begins to set behind distant hills. Breathe in natural fragrances such as sharp citrus groves and sweet jasmine blooms that mingle with the enticing aromas of fresh pasta, seafood and arancini cooked by locals. And seek trinkets to take home as a vibrant reminder of your journey spent with us.    

 

Swap your sun hats for history caps this morning – the beating heart of Piazza Armerina calls: Villa Romana del Casale, located a stone’s throw from town. Among the ruins of this 4th-century palace lies a web of Roman mosaics – each one illustrating a different vision of the past. Discover tigers, horses, battles and other intricate creations – which will intrigue you most?  

Standing tall atop a hill between two deep valleys lies Ragusa, our home for the next two nights. Watch the sun kissing architecture as it begins to set behind distant hills. Breathe in natural fragrances such as sharp citrus groves and sweet jasmine blooms that mingle with the enticing aromas of fresh pasta, seafood and arancini cooked by locals. And seek trinkets to take home as a vibrant reminder of your journey spent with us.    

 

Included today

Accommodation

Hotel Antico Convento dei Cappuccini (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 5 - Ragusa – Modica – Ragusa

Do you have a sweet tooth? If yes, you’ll be delighted by today’s experience. If not, we’re sure you’ll come around. It’s a chocolate tasting session in Modica, but that’s not all. Here, you’ll gain insight into a unique charity project where local people are hired to learn the chocolatier trade.  

From chocolate to cheese, our journey takes us to a local farm where buffaloes roam. We’ll meet the sturdy creatures who produce the milk and learn the secrets behind the famed provola ragusana cheese. Then, settle in for a buffalo mozzarella tasting, complete with a colourful platter of vegetables (and a sampling of the region’s wines – naturally!).   

Later, we’ll wind back to the spirited city of Ragusa. Here, the rest of the day is yours to explore! Wander through twisting alleyways – a glimpse of local life at every turn. Witness local families sharing a lengthy lunch where food never stops flowing. And settle in a piazza with a hearty dish of your own as the sky turns pink above.  

 

Do you have a sweet tooth? If yes, you’ll be delighted by today’s experience. If not, we’re sure you’ll come around. It’s a chocolate tasting session in Modica, but that’s not all. Here, you’ll gain insight into a unique charity project where local people are hired to learn the chocolatier trade.  

From chocolate to cheese, our journey takes us to a local farm where buffaloes roam. We’ll meet the sturdy creatures who produce the milk and learn the secrets behind the famed provola ragusana cheese. Then, settle in for a buffalo mozzarella tasting, complete with a colourful platter of vegetables (and a sampling of the region’s wines – naturally!).   

Later, we’ll wind back to the spirited city of Ragusa. Here, the rest of the day is yours to explore! Wander through twisting alleyways – a glimpse of local life at every turn. Witness local families sharing a lengthy lunch where food never stops flowing. And settle in a piazza with a hearty dish of your own as the sky turns pink above.  

 

Included today

Accommodation

Hotel Antico Convento dei Cappuccini (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 6 - Ragusa – Noto – Syracuse

Sip your espresso and eat your brioche before finding your seat aboard our luxury minicoach this morning. We’re heading to Noto, a city that captures the power Baroque architecture exudes. This morning’s topic: almonds! As our local guide shares how the famed fruit is grown here – and have since Romans times – we'll stroll along paved paths, pass lively coffee shops and crane our necks before the Baroque-style Cathedral of St. Nicholas that stands proud. Keeping on theme of the gentle sweetness that is an almond, we’ll enjoy a tasting for our lunch, clinking glasses of almond milk, too – will this inspire you to introduce almond milk at home, we wonder?  

Prepare to slow the pace even more during our stay in Syracuse. Here, visitors and locals alike stroll along the waterfront as a gentle breeze swirls in the air, or pass by honey-coloured buildings, peeking inside open windows. We'll take a wander through the archaeological park with a local guide, admiring the Teatro Greco – a 5th-century theatre, and hear tales that entwine like tendrils around each monument. After, allow the scent of sweet and sour flavours lure you back to the town centre and discover your next Sicilian meal as the inky blue of night ascends. 

 

Sip your espresso and eat your brioche before finding your seat aboard our luxury minicoach this morning. We’re heading to Noto, a city that captures the power Baroque architecture exudes. This morning’s topic: almonds! As our local guide shares how the famed fruit is grown here – and have since Romans times – we'll stroll along paved paths, pass lively coffee shops and crane our necks before the Baroque-style Cathedral of St. Nicholas that stands proud. Keeping on theme of the gentle sweetness that is an almond, we’ll enjoy a tasting for our lunch, clinking glasses of almond milk, too – will this inspire you to introduce almond milk at home, we wonder?  

Prepare to slow the pace even more during our stay in Syracuse. Here, visitors and locals alike stroll along the waterfront as a gentle breeze swirls in the air, or pass by honey-coloured buildings, peeking inside open windows. We'll take a wander through the archaeological park with a local guide, admiring the Teatro Greco – a 5th-century theatre, and hear tales that entwine like tendrils around each monument. After, allow the scent of sweet and sour flavours lure you back to the town centre and discover your next Sicilian meal as the inky blue of night ascends. 

 

Included today

Accommodation

Hotel Domus Mariae Benessere (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Day 7 - Syracuse

Today, the chief Greek city of ancient Sicily – which rivalled glorious Athens in the old empire – is yours for the taking. Where will this part of your journey take you? We have some suggestions! Feel the spirit of the ancient Greeks flow through you on a boat trip across the Ionian Sea and scour hidden caves for their secrets. See Sicilian stories come to life through a puppet show, where atmosphere, improvisation and humour collide. Descend to the underground labyrinth where the almost-forgotten Jewish community’s past lingers within its stone. Or lose yourself in the city’s winding streets where the hum of life welcomes you in a warm embrace. How you spend your day is your choice – but perhaps eating stimpirata or frittura di paranza like a local is on the cards today, and a little dolce far niente too!

 

Today, the chief Greek city of ancient Sicily – which rivalled glorious Athens in the old empire – is yours for the taking. Where will this part of your journey take you? We have some suggestions! Feel the spirit of the ancient Greeks flow through you on a boat trip across the Ionian Sea and scour hidden caves for their secrets. See Sicilian stories come to life through a puppet show, where atmosphere, improvisation and humour collide. Descend to the underground labyrinth where the almost-forgotten Jewish community’s past lingers within its stone. Or lose yourself in the city’s winding streets where the hum of life welcomes you in a warm embrace. How you spend your day is your choice – but perhaps eating stimpirata or frittura di paranza like a local is on the cards today, and a little dolce far niente too!

 

Included today

Accommodation

Hotel Domus Mariae Benessere (or similar) 

Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 8 - Syracuse – Mt Etna – Etna Region

Wave a fond arrivederci to Syracuse, our journey today will take our eyes skyward. Their focus: the slumbering giant called Mount Etna where Zeus imprisoned the giant Typhon beneath its immovable surface. We’ll stop at Rifugio Sapienza, the ideal spot to take in views of the mountain’s wild glory. Rake your eyes across extinct craters, cragged lines (where lava has stormed through in fiery rage) and its ominous peak. An opportunity to venture closer to Etna’s bold spirit is available via cable car – our only question, does the thrill of the mountain entice you forward?  

Our next stop: stretches of lush vineyards that billow with the scent of grapes at every stage of life, from youthful seeds to ripened prime. Rooted in land since the 18th century through ten generations, our setting for lunch and wine is as welcoming as it is traditional. After satisfying our stomachs, we’ll descend into the dimmed wine cellar where the past melts into the present. Later, we’ll make tracks towards our hotel which slumbers in the foothills of Etna, surrounded by finely cut grass and trees that rustle in the late afternoon breeze. Here, we’ll spend two nights – making full use of the spa facilities to relax! 

 

Wave a fond arrivederci to Syracuse, our journey today will take our eyes skyward. Their focus: the slumbering giant called Mount Etna where Zeus imprisoned the giant Typhon beneath its immovable surface. We’ll stop at Rifugio Sapienza, the ideal spot to take in views of the mountain’s wild glory. Rake your eyes across extinct craters, cragged lines (where lava has stormed through in fiery rage) and its ominous peak. An opportunity to venture closer to Etna’s bold spirit is available via cable car – our only question, does the thrill of the mountain entice you forward?  

Our next stop: stretches of lush vineyards that billow with the scent of grapes at every stage of life, from youthful seeds to ripened prime. Rooted in land since the 18th century through ten generations, our setting for lunch and wine is as welcoming as it is traditional. After satisfying our stomachs, we’ll descend into the dimmed wine cellar where the past melts into the present. Later, we’ll make tracks towards our hotel which slumbers in the foothills of Etna, surrounded by finely cut grass and trees that rustle in the late afternoon breeze. Here, we’ll spend two nights – making full use of the spa facilities to relax! 

 

Included today

Accommodation

Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Day 9 - Etna Region – Taormina – Etna Region

As sunlight dances in your room, stretch your arms and ready yourself for another venture. This time, we’re visiting Taormina, a city founded in 400 BC. You’ll certainly feel like you’ve stepped into the past at its ancient Greek theatre, sitting at the top of a hill like a domineering god on their throne. Settle in the moment to imagine gladiators fighting to the death and dramatic performances entertaining thousands of people. It is still used for concerts to this day, but we’re sure no blood is spilled! 

We’ll wind back to town where free time is our friend for the remainder of the day. Stroll through Corso Umberto, Taormina’s main street, filled with the sounds of friends sharing gossip, wine sloshing into glasses at local restaurants, and shopping bags rustling as locals go about their daily life. And hunt down your favourite Sicilian snack one last time before you return home. After a day of exploring, we’ll settle into the hotel restaurant for our farewell dinner. Swap tales of your favourite days, the moments that wouldn’t be possible with anyone else, and the memories (and snacks!) that’ll be tucked in your heart for the rest of time. 

 

As sunlight dances in your room, stretch your arms and ready yourself for another venture. This time, we’re visiting Taormina, a city founded in 400 BC. You’ll certainly feel like you’ve stepped into the past at its ancient Greek theatre, sitting at the top of a hill like a domineering god on their throne. Settle in the moment to imagine gladiators fighting to the death and dramatic performances entertaining thousands of people. It is still used for concerts to this day, but we’re sure no blood is spilled! 

We’ll wind back to town where free time is our friend for the remainder of the day. Stroll through Corso Umberto, Taormina’s main street, filled with the sounds of friends sharing gossip, wine sloshing into glasses at local restaurants, and shopping bags rustling as locals go about their daily life. And hunt down your favourite Sicilian snack one last time before you return home. After a day of exploring, we’ll settle into the hotel restaurant for our farewell dinner. Swap tales of your favourite days, the moments that wouldn’t be possible with anyone else, and the memories (and snacks!) that’ll be tucked in your heart for the rest of time. 

 

Included today

Accommodation

Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa (or similar) 

Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Day 10 - Etna Region – Catania

It’s our final day, but first, we’ll have the opportunity to stretch our legs during a walking tour of Catania. Nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, the historic and scenic veins of this ancient port city have been shaped by its volcanic sibling. As our local guide shares influences passed through Greek, Roman, Arab, and Byzantine époques, spinning a tale of colour and magic, we’ll wander towards the city’s famous fish market. What awaits? Bartering in Italian so fast your head will become a tennis umpire’s, slaps of sounds as fishmongers work with dexterous fingers and variety like you’ve never seen.  

Before we part ways, there is one last sweet treat to devour! Huddled in the city lies a pâtisserie that has been passed from grandfather to the last daughter of the family, creating a family history spanning 50 years. Here, we’ll fill our very own cannoli – a classic Sicilian dessert that effortlessly mixes crunch and creaminess. Alongside our ricotta cheese-filled cannoli will be servings of granita, a semi-frozen dessert that shocks the senses. And with that, your journey with us comes to an end. We hope your Sicilian journey was as satisfying as our final sweet treat together! 

It’s our final day, but first, we’ll have the opportunity to stretch our legs during a walking tour of Catania. Nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, the historic and scenic veins of this ancient port city have been shaped by its volcanic sibling. As our local guide shares influences passed through Greek, Roman, Arab, and Byzantine époques, spinning a tale of colour and magic, we’ll wander towards the city’s famous fish market. What awaits? Bartering in Italian so fast your head will become a tennis umpire’s, slaps of sounds as fishmongers work with dexterous fingers and variety like you’ve never seen.  

Before we part ways, there is one last sweet treat to devour! Huddled in the city lies a pâtisserie that has been passed from grandfather to the last daughter of the family, creating a family history spanning 50 years. Here, we’ll fill our very own cannoli – a classic Sicilian dessert that effortlessly mixes crunch and creaminess. Alongside our ricotta cheese-filled cannoli will be servings of granita, a semi-frozen dessert that shocks the senses. And with that, your journey with us comes to an end. We hope your Sicilian journey was as satisfying as our final sweet treat together! 

Included today

Meals
  • Breakfast

Things we think you'll love

A cannoli filled with cream and pistacchio.
Signature moment

A sweet delight

Visit Prestipino, the oldest pâtisserie in Catania and discover the classic Sicilian dessert that effortlessly mixes crunch and creaminess. We'll create our own cannoli whilst being guided by a master pastry chef - yum!

A landscape view of the seaside city of Palermo in Sicily.

Anti Mafia tales

Witness the sights of Palermo during a locally guided walking tour and learn how Sicilians bravely protected their home from the Mafia.

Plates of Italian street food at a market stall.

Sensory Sicilian tastings

From sweet treats like cannoli and almonds to the classic staple of cheese and wine - nibble, sip and create tastes of Sicily to satiate the senses.

Read the reviews

Verified customer feedback powered byFeefo

5

Anonymous April 2025

This tour was great. Our tour guide was exceptional in his knowledge of Sicily and the way he delivered it. Our driver was also exceptional with his skill and calm approach to the job. The addition of...

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5

Anonymous November 2024

Danila our guide was fantastic.
The excursions provided were fabulous.
Places I never would have seen if not for Blue-Roads tour

5

Angela Ro October 2024

Replying for my husband also, we had a wonderful experience in Sicily. The trip was well balanced with time in each of the towns / cities we visited, included some fascinating historical and we very...

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5

Anonymous October 2024

Our tour guide, Luca was fantastic and we got to see a lot and hear things from the local perspective.

3

Glen Cu October 2024

Despite an excellent tour guide and driver the itinerary is the problem. Too many changes of accommodation, some of the accommodation was remote and too much time in the van, around 30 hours. Also...

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5

Anonymous October 2024

This tour was so much more than just seeing the sights. We also experienced visits to local farms and produce providers to sample wonderful fresh food and see how it is produced. The visits to anti-...

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5

Anonymous October 2024

My wife and I had a wonderful time with Mathieu our tour guide and João our driver being shown the best of Sicily. The whole trip was very well organised and the bus, our accommodation and meals were...

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5

Jane Mu September 2024

Fabulous
Locations, driver, tour guide, accomodation and experiences

4

Kathleen La September 2024

This was our third Blue-Roads tour. We enjoyed it very much. There was a problem with the water at the hotel in Ragusa but that was beyond the control of Blue-Roads. The tour leader, Giovanni, was...

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4

Richard AR September 2024

We enjoyed the tour. The level of accommodation could be improved. One hotel ran out of water twice in two days. Our tour director, Giovanni was excellent and the whole tour ran smoothly.

3

Anonymous September 2024

Hotel Opera Palermo was poor standard, also poor standard food.
Il Convento Ragussa was extremely poor. Whilst four star rating it was an extremely poor standard with shelves in rooms held up by rope...

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5

Rhonda Di September 2024

Loved the Splendour of Sicily our tour leader Giovanni was very informative & passionate about Sicily ❤️?

5

Anonymous September 2024

Our tour guide Giovanni was excellent. Great tour apart from Hotel Antico Convento dei Cappuccini . Rooms not same room category! No water … full refund needed here, not a great experience at all...

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5

Anonymous September 2024

We really enjoyed our trip with Blue-Roads around Sicily and our tour guide Luca was amazing. Nothing was too much trouble for him, making sure we were all looked after and happy and his wealth of...

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5

Anonymous September 2024

Fantastic- small group size and moderate pace. Visited many interesting sites. Great food and wine plus gelato.
Accommodation good

5

Anonymous September 2024

I thoroughly enjoyed it. We had some hiccups with some of my accommodation but I feel our tour guide did his best to sort it out.

5

Anonymous September 2024

The tour was fabulous! The hotels were good, the actual tours were very interesting but what really made the tour was the tour leader Luca Sica! He is very knowledgeable and passionate about his job...

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3

Cynthia Wh September 2024

Everyday was like walking a marathon. The places we visited & the meals beautiful but it is not suited to someone over 60 who is not fit & used to walking uphill & stairs everyday. I spent most of my...

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4

Anonymous September 2024

The tour overall was great. I would have preferred a smaller group, just too many and clash of personalities.

The main issue was there were 3 people in the group who had not divulged their medical...

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5

Helen Wi September 2024

Great trip
With great company
Good guide and driver

4

Ian Bo September 2024

Excellent itinerary, very good accommodation. All local guides very good. All included lunches were enjoyable and great examples of local produce. Driver was safe and professional. Tour leader had...

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5

Judith Bo September 2024

The tour provided wonderful new experiences to a place we had not previously visited. Accommodation was first class. . Local guides were all excellent. All the supplied lunches were great eg almond...

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5

Anonymous July 2024

The tour was excellent as were the Tour Director and our amazing Driver. However, although the bus was quite new, the seating was confined with very little legroom.

4

Anonymous July 2024

Great tour of many acient and interesting sites made interesting by the tour guide

5

Anonymous July 2024

Great Tour! Perfect Guide & Driver ! Loved all our Meals and experiences to the farms.

5

Nicola Mc July 2024

I loved this Blue-Roads Tour of Sicily. Such a great selection of local experiences, historic sights, and wonderful towns. Nice to experience some unique accommodation options, away from the standard...

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5

Anonymous July 2024

Amazing trip. Small group of only 12 people. Tour guide and driver were fantastic! Very knowledgeable, friendly and supportive. Went out of their way to make sure the trip ran smoothly. The bus was a...

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3

Anonymous July 2024

The concept of Blue-Roads is great and we loved winding our way through lesser known streets. we travelled through Sicily and Hotels were great and unique and our bus driver and tour guide did a...

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5

Anonymous July 2024

Excellent small group tour. Well-paced and great accommodation. Good mix of tourist destinations and " back road" events. Tour made all the better by a great group of people.

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Full tour details covering accommodation, transport and included experiences are available in our tour notes.

FAQs

The weather in southern Italy varies depending on the time of year. Generally, summers are hot and dry, and from mid-June to the end of August temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F), so sun hats and sunscreen are essential!  

Southern Italian winters are mild and wet but can experience intense drops in temperature during the coldest months. 

Our thoughtfully selected accommodation is full of charm and historic details – expect elegant country inns, grand town centre hotels and even the odd castle! For this reason, rooms vary in size, and most hotels don’t have lifts – meaning you’ll likely need to access your room via stairs. Porterage will be included wherever possible.  

Although air conditioning is mostly unavailable in historic buildings, fans will be provided during hot spells. Most hotels have bathtubs with overhead showers (rather than walk-in showers), so you’ll be able to enjoy a soak at the end of the day. Kettles and coffee machines aren’t usually included in rooms, but there’s no shortage of places to grab an espresso! 

Whilst we do cover ground in our minicoach to maximise our time, the best way to truly discover Italy is on foot! Many of the historic town centres we visit are mostly pedestrian-only – like Syracuse – inviting us to freely explore their hidden corners. For that reason, sometimes we’ll need to walk 20 minutes or so to and from our minicoach’s parking spot. Combined with our guided walking tours, which typically last for around two hours or more, we’d say that’s the perfect excuse for an extra gelato at the end of the day! 

All Back-Roads Tour Leaders are either local to the area or have extensive local knowledge of the regions they work in. If they’re not native speakers, they’ll be able to speak the language at a proficient level, ready to share words and phrases you may find useful along your journey. 

All the tour details in one handy document available to read at your leisure!

Download tour notes

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