Sicily: Vino & Volcanoes

8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
As one of our Independent Tours, Sicily's Vino & Volcanoes encompasses the must-see sights and tastes of this spectacular Italian island. Explore at your own pace, taking time to savour the local delicacies and pausing to create those moments that last a lifetime. As the name suggests, this exclusive tour includes a tasting of local wines set within the s...
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$4,320
From$3,200
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • Journey across Sicily exploring UNESCO sites, baroque architecture & historic monuments
    • Wander the ancient streets of Ragusa, Noto, Syracuse, and the spectacular coast of Taormina
    • Embark on a guided tour of the iconic Mount Etna and enjoy an idyllic tasting of local wines
    • Island flavours of traditional arancini, sweet cannoli, and frozen granita welcome you in, guiding you around every hidden corner and serene beach cove

What's this trip about?

    As one of our Independent Tours, Sicily's Vino & Volcanoes encompasses the must-see sights and tastes of this spectacular Italian island. Explore at your own pace, taking time to savour the local delicacies and pausing to create those moments that last a lifetime. As the name suggests, this exclusive tour includes a tasting of local wines set within the stunning Sicilian Nature Reserve, Vendicari, and a guided group walk up the iconic Mount Etna, the most active stratovolcano in the world. Your island journey begins in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ragusa Ibla, an important city of the arts in Italy. The historic centre is brimming with architectural treasures dating back to the 17th century, with stunning churches and baroque style mansions perched on their own hilltop. Your next stop is Noto, another baroque beauty that's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you have two nights to discover Noto's famous buildings, some of the finest examples of Sicilian baroque style, not to mention the city's famous frozen granita - perfectly refreshing on a summer's day! Before leaving Noto, we have arranged a tasting of local wines at Vendicari Natural Reserve, a true oasis on the coast of Sicily and an excellent introduction to Italian wines. Continue onwards to Syracuse, an exquisite coastal city where you'll stay for two nights on its small island of Ortigia. Wander the labyrinth of charming medieval streets, packed with history and an incredible local market bursting with colour, scents, and authentic Sicilian flavours; the ideal opportunity to sample homegrown produce. Your Italian adventure concludes on the northern tip of Eastern Sicily in the unmissable hilltop town of Taormina. Overlooking the beautiful bay below with Mount Etna commanding attention in the distance, Taormina is home to a remarkably well-preserved Greek Theatre from the 3rd century which we highly recommend visiting. Don't miss the small village of Castelmola, famous for its medieval castle, local almond wine, and panoramic views across Etna. From the coast, you can enjoy hidden coves and sandy beaches, rent kayaks, snorkels, or embark on a boat tour across the glistening Mediterranean. No trip to Sicily would be complete without visiting Mount Etna; we have included a guided group tour up this iconic volcano where you'll benefit from insider knowledge and the comradery of like-minded people as you explore summit craters, cinder cones, and lava flows - a fascinating site for research and education, and a quintessential end to your Sicilian Tour.Uncover the hidden gems and must-see sights of Eastern Sicily.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityCatania
End CityCatania

Destinations

Attractions

  • Mount Etna
  • Sicily
  • Syracuse
  • Taormina

Trip includes

    • 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3*hotels
    • All breakfasts
    • Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
    • Luggage transfers between hotels
    • Private car transfers between hotels
    • Wine tasting in Vendicari Natural Reserve with transfers
    • Guided group tour of Mount Etna

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Ragusa Ibla

Arrive at your first hotel in the centre of old town Ragusa Ibla. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, Ragusa Ibla is an important city of the arts in Italy with a legacy dating back thousands of years. Overnight Hotel Barocco 3*, Ragusa Ibla.

Day 2 Explore Ragusa Ibla & Noto

Take your time exploring Ragusa Ibla, adorned with architectural treasures including the Duomo di San Giorgio. The city of Ragusa is divided into two large districts: Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla of which the latter sits high on the hilltop, home to ruins of the o...

Day 3 Relax in Noto & Wine Tasting in Vendicari Natural Reserve

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Noto is a Baroque beauty with much to offer its visitors. This sun-drenched corner of Sicily is home to the magnificent Church of San Domenico and the inspiring Fountain of Hercules. Enjoy an icy glass of granita or the famous ice c...

Day 4 Noto & Onto Syracuse

Spend the morning exploring more of Noto before you're transferred to your next Sicilian destination - Syracuse. Your base is the small island of Ortigia, located in the historical centre of Syracuse. The old town of Ortigia is a labyrinth of charming medieval streets...

Day 5 Discover Ortigia Island

On the island of Ortigia, we recommend visiting the Temple of Apollo dating back to the 6th century, the Piazza Archimede and the Fountain of Diana, the Roman goddess. The Piazza Duomo is dominated by the fascinating Cathedral of Syracuse, built around the ancient Tem...

Day 6 Explore Taormina

Take some more time in Syracuse or head over to Taormina in the morning on our included transfer. Spectacularly perched on the side of the mountain, Taormina is an unmissable destination on Sicily. Your hotel is centrally located in the heart of the town, making it ve...

Day 7 Guided Tour of Mount Etna

What better way to end your trip to Sicily than venturing up the iconic Mount Etna. It's the highest Mediterranean island mountain and the most active stratovolcano in the world. The volcano's diverse and accessible range of features such as summit craters, cinder con...

Day 8 Depart Taormina

If time allows before departing Taormina, we highly recommend visiting the small village of Castelmola, famous for its ruined medieval castle and home to some of the best viewpoints of the valley and across Etna. The local speciality of the village is almond wine shou...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,200
Price per day$400
Last Updated: 11/8/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
01 Apr 2025
08 Apr 2025
$3,200
$3,676
02 Apr 2025
09 Apr 2025
$3,200
$3,676
03 Apr 2025
10 Apr 2025
$3,200
$3,676
04 Apr 2025
11 Apr 2025
$3,200
$3,676
05 Apr 2025
12 Apr 2025
$3,200
$3,676
06 Apr 2025
13 Apr 2025
$3,200
$3,676
07 Apr 2025
14 Apr 2025
$3,200
$3,676
08 Apr 2025
15 Apr 2025
$3,200
$3,676
09 Apr 2025
16 Apr 2025
$3,200
$3,676
10 Apr 2025
17 Apr 2025
$3,200
$3,676

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Lunches & dinners
    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
exodus-T07SI

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