Travel Guides: Italy Travel Guide: Overview
In Southern Europe—right in the heart of the Mediterranean—lies a boot-shaped country stuffed to the brim with culture, history and fine cuisine.
Multi-Adventure
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Sicily Family Multi-Adventure Tour - Older Teens & 20s
Catania to Mt Etna - Italy's Legendary Isle
It's a land of legends and natural beauty. Of ancient architecture and extraordinary history and cuisine. Hike on Mount Etna's volcanic slopes and in exquisite hilltop Taormina. Explore Siracusa's rugged Ionian coastline by kayak. Bike through the Iblei mountains from one baroque town to the next. Greek theaters, Roman ruins and welcoming Italian hospitality. Sicily is waiting for your famiglia.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
Bike
Walk/Hike
Kayak
Italy
Start / End Catania
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Hike rugged trails around Mount Etna's legendary volcanic peak and through a captivating island landscape
- Paddle alongside egrets, flamingos and cormorants as you kayak a river toward Syracuse and the sea
- Bike peaceful roads from the lush Iblei mountain range to late baroque towns in World Heritage Val di Noto
- Savor the flavors of Sicily's celebrated wines and cuisine among Catania's vineyards and in a cooking class
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Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
A seaside lunch marks the start of your family adventure in Sicily | Bike from the coast to the inland countryside through an idyllic Mediterranean landscape and the Iblei Plateau | Ride to Modica in the Val di Noto, a baroque town and a World Heritage site | Taste decadent treats at Sicily's oldest chocolate shop | Settle in at our luxurious retreat, a carefully restored Sicilian manor, and laze about among the olive groves and fruit orchards | Want to know the secret behind the region's legendary cuisine? Learn tricks of the trade in a cooking class taught by local chefs.
Masseria della Volpe
Noto
Just outside the World Heritage town of Noto are olive groves, fragrant citrus orchards and this historic manor transformed into a boutique Mediterranean retreat. (pool, spa)
Days 3-4
Grab a paddle and kayak through a lush nature reserve along the Ciane river to where it meets the sea | Keep an eye out for egrets, black-winged stilts and coot flamingos nestled among papyrus plants—you're in a bird-lover's paradise! | Take a walking tour on the island of Ortygia and discover Syracuse's old city | Hike around mythical Mount Etna, Europe's highest volcano and one of the most active in the world | Trek across black lava and follow wooded trails on the lower flanks of this dramatic peak, the setting of legends in literature from Homer to Goethe | Sip local wines in the peaceful vineyard-laden region of Catania | Relax by the pool at our elegant boutique hotel.
Monaci delle Terre Nere
Zafferana Etnea
Set on the slopes of Mount Etna, the dramatic views from this enchanting sustainability-focused hotel and winery are best taken in from the lava stone pool. (pool)
Days 5-6
Luxury accommodations, exquisite cuisine and Greco-Roman history await in hilltop Taormina, known as the Pearl of Sicily | Gaze out across the Ionian Sea to Calabria after a climb up to medieval Castelmola | On Monte Venere, hike trails among marbled cliffs and lush Mediterranean vegetation | Visit small stone villages and pause on the steps of Taormina's ancient Greek theater | Toast an extraordinary week and enjoy a decadent Sicilian dinner by the sea.
Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea
Taormina
| Premiere Hotel Sea-view rooms await at this elegant beachfront property, an early 19th-century villa set among lush gardens by the Mediterranean. (pool, spa)
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
- 2020
- Jul
Available to book
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Private Trip - Reserved
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Activity Level: 2-5
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do. LEARN MORE.
What's Included
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Biking in Sicily
Although Sicily is part of Italy, the island can feel worlds away from the mainland, as it remains one of the country's most rural and economically challenged regions. Cycling here is both a physical and cultural experience where a touch of patience and humor go a long way—watch out for that rooster!
Litter
It may come as a surprise that in such a beautiful part of the world, litter is quite evident, especially when approaching small villages. For most, these challenges are offset by the beauty of Sicily's countryside and its warm hospitality. But if you can't stand the thought of litter marring the setting, we understand. This may not be the trip for you. We are working behind the scenes to improve this aspect of our Sicily trips.
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