Top Sicily Underground Tours

Skip the hassle of navigating Sicily’s hill towns on your own and make the most of limited time in port. This tour connects two of the region’s most scenic spots, pairing Castelmola’s sweeping views of Mt. Etna with Taormina’s lively streets and coastal panoramas. Enjoy a smooth, guided experience that lets you explore, shop, and take in the highlights without the stress of planning.

You will get to know the hidden part of the city of Marsala; the one created by the quarrymen during the extraction phase. It will be a city with a particular architecture, made up of limestone pinnacles that rise from the depths of the extraction and a succession of majestic walls and overhangs that make the landscape very similar to the Grand Canyon. It will be a slow and relaxing walk that will take us from the countryside level to 30 meters of depth. The first stretch will allow us to get to know the various spontaneous aromatic plants that flood the route with colors and smells; we will observe the characteristics of the limestone rock that makes up and delimits the open-air quarries and we will talk about this current extraction system. After a stop for refreshments, we will proceed into the quarries in tunnels which, due to their size, can be defined as extensive cathedrals of calcarenite with their 25 meter pillars and massive walls that alternate with the voids dug by the quarrymen.

The tour will start from the Ortigia canal and will go in the direction of the sea caves of Syracuse. Subsequently we will sail around Ortigia and then head out of the city to the southern coast of Minareto and Pillirina to sail along and thus discover the coasts of the marine reserve. The major points of interest that we will see are: cathedral of the cathedral, Bourbon prison, Umbertine bridge, sea caves, eastern seafront, Maniace castle, western seafront, Fonte Aretusa, Pillirina beach, Pillirina cave, Minaret coast.

Snack your way through the streets of Palermo on this Sicilian food tour. Explore backstreet markets and food stalls specializing in local delicacies such as stuffed rice balls and chickpea fritters as your guide fills you in on local history and culture. Find eateries you’d probably miss going alone. Plus, this small-group tour has a limited number of participants for a more personalized experience.

Explore Palermo’s lively dining scene after dark when the temps drop, and the crowd thins with this evening street food tour led by a passionate foodie guide. Stroll through the city’s old town to take in the sights and discover the most beloved eateries and street vendors. Stop to feast on authentic Palermitano specialties and learn about their history and significance in the local culinary culture.

Explore the island of Lipari far from the crowds and at your own pace with this private boat tour. Set off from a choice of departures points and relax on board a charming mahogany boat with padded deck for sunbathing. Circle the island to take in the top sights, stop to swim and snorkel in quiet coves, and enjoy wine and snacks on board before returning to port.

Take a break from the heat and crowds of the mainland and see Taormina and Mount Etna from the sea on this small-group boat tour. Depart Giardini Naxos to follow the coast, as you admire attractions such as the Grotta dell'Amore, Capo Taormina, the Grotta delle Sirene and the Scoglio dell'Elefante. Dive into the crystal clear waters off Isola Bella for a refreshing swim and relax on board while savoring Sicilian sweets and Prosecco.

Explore the historic city of Messina on a walking tour with a local guide that’s a great overview and orientation for first-time visitors. Learn about Sicily’s Arab-Norman heritage as you make your way from Cathedral Square to a series of churches, landmarks, and artwork, and hear stories from Messina’s fascinating past. Multiple departures are available throughout the day.

Make the most of your time in Sicily on this immersive, small-group shore excursion. Over the course of just half a day, you’ll venture to Taormina (and will discover top landmarks like its Greek amphitheater), will visit the hilltop village of Castelmola (renowned for its impeccable scenery), and will finish with a walking tour of Messina’s historical city center. Port pickup and drop-off, and round-trip minivan transit, make logistics seamless and stress-free.

Mount Etna is Europe's largest active volcano, but you don’t have to climb the mighty peak to experience the natural wonder. On this full-day tour from Taormina, hike through the ancient woodlands and lava caves of Mt Etna; indulge in a Sicilian-style lunch and wine tasting; and explore the Alcantara Gorge. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

While your ship is in port, see more of Sicily on a full-day to Taormina. Take a guided tour of this historical city, including a stroll along Corso Umberto, once an ancient Roman street, and a visit to the Greco-Roman Theater. Plus, admire views of Mt. Etna and Giardini-Naxos bay from Castelmola. Pickup and drop-off from the ports of Messina and Giardini Naxos are included.

Trek around Mount Etna on this tour with a small group and an expert trekking guide. Set off from Taormina to spend the day learning about the volcano's history, exploring craters and lava caves. Stop at a local chalet for an included snack and wine. Hotel or port pickup and drop-off can be arranged on request.

Spend a day discovering Europe’s highest active volcano and lava caves on this Mt. Etna tour. As you travel from Taormina or Giardini Naxos, learn all about the infamous Sicilian volcano from a guide. Then, leave the vehicle to trek along the trails of Parco dell’Etna, and visit an intriguing lava cave back at ground level.

Discover three different Sicilian wineries as you sample tasty regional reds, whites, and rosés. Driving in an air-conditioned car, cruise past picturesque villages, fruit orchards, and lava-made churches as you explore the fascinating region of Etna, known for its volcanic terroirs. Sip samples of the volcano-infused drink in family-run wineries, munching on local gastronomic delicacies, from cheeses to salami.

Indulge all your senses on a walking tour of Palermo's rich street food traditions. Join a knowledgeable guide for a walk through the historic part of the city and its vibrant outdoor markets. Start at one of Palermo's puppet theaters and visit a street market, a street food shop, and landmarks in the historic center. Watch the lively scenes around you, observing what seems like another time.

This beautiful 4-hour tour will take you to discover the Syracuse coast, sailing along the most beautiful coves with swimming stops in places with crystal clear sea. In addition to the sea caves, you will visit the gulf of "Pillirina" which is part of a protected marine area called Plemmirio which hosts a seabed waiting to be discovered with the masks that you will have available on board. On the tour you can also admire the beautiful historic buildings of the island of Ortigia, the Maniace castle and the Aretusa spring. During the tour you will have cold soft drinks and seasonal fruits. You will also be pampered by the staff who will delight you with a large typical appetizer and lunch cooked directly on board. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the experience.

See two of Sicily’s natural wonders in one day with this combined tour of Mount Etna and the Alcantara Gorges. Spend the morning exploring the volcanic slopes of Etna, with its lava flows and caves, dramatic lunar landscape, and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. After a high-altitude lunch, head to the valley floor to hike along the spectacular Alcantara Gorges, formed by an ancient lava flow into the river.

Delve into ancient Roman and Greek history on a visit to both Neapolis Archaeological Park and Ortygia Island in Syracuse. Neapolis is home to some of Syracuse's most notable ruins, including a massive Greek amphitheater that is still used for performances during the summer months. Marvel at age-old quarries and a Roman amphitheater where gladiators fought each other to the death. Afterward, head over to Ortygia Island―a small island that serves as Syracuse's historic center―and nearby Noto, a stunning town filled with exquisite, photo-worthy baroque architecture.

Marvel over the geological wonders of Mount Etna on this action-packed small-group tour from Catania. Soak up the dramatic scenery of Europe’s highest active volcano as you trek along its paths, explore a cave formed by lava, and taste local products. Then, spend the afternoon enjoying your free time in Taormina, among medieval churches, ancient Greek theater, and a lively shopping district.