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. Bike through the Iblei mountains from one baroque town to the next. Explore Siracusa's rugged Ionian coastline by kayak. Hike on Mount Etna's volcanic slopes and in exquisite hilltop Taormina. Greek theaters, Roman ruins and welcoming Italian hospitality. Sicily is waiting for your famiglia.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
Bike
Walk/Hike
Kayak
Italy Sicily Multi-Adventure
Italy
Start/End Catania, Sicily
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 enchanting Syracuse
- 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 by the sea
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Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Fresh-pressed olive oil at a centuries-old working farm marks the start of your Sicilian family adventure | Be immersed in a valley of cherry, almond and citrus orchards | Ride bikes on quiet winding country roads in the captivating Val di Noto | Discover the baroque towns of Scicli and Ragusa | Unwind with your family at our one-of-a-kind hotel, a lovingly restored castle with a fascinating history.
Eremo della Giubiliana
Ragusa
| Premiere Hotel This elegant 900-year-old property, a former hermitage and fortress, sits amid orchards of almonds, figs and olives. (pool)
Day 3
Ride into the countryside along rolling hills, passing Greek ruins and small towns as you make your way to Siracusa | Marvel at ancient archaeological treasures | Explore Ortigia, Siracusa’s mesmerizing old city, on a walking tour | Kick back on the rooftop terrace of our hotel.
Grand Hotel Minareto
Siracusa
| Premiere Hotel Take in stellar sea views at this welcoming resort, perched on a promontory overlooking the Plemmirio Marine Nature Reserve and featuring two private beaches. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Kayak through a lush nature reserve along the Ciane River, a bird-lover’s paradise | Keep an eye out for egrets, black-winged stilts and coot flamingos nestled among papyrus plants | Exquisite cuisine and luxury accommodations await in hilltop Taormina, often referred to as the Pearl of Sicily | Gaze out onto an unforgettable panorama over the Ionian Sea | Climb up the picturesque northern slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano | Follow wooded trails and hike across black lava on the lower flanks of this dramatic peak | The sense of history is almost palpable on a visit to Taormina’s ancient Greek theater | Raise a glass to an extraordinary week with family before 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.
- 2021
- Mar
Available to book
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Activity Level: 2-4
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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