Top Sicily Culture - page 2

Discover two historic Sicilian cities on this full-day small-group tour from Taormina or Catania to Syracuse and Noto. Visit the archeological sites of Syracuse such as the Greek Theater and the Ear of Dionysius before exploring the historical center of Ortigia Island. Then head to the UNESCO-listed city of Noto which is also dubbed the “Baroque Capital” due to its beautiful aristocratic buildings like Ducezio Palace and Palazzo Nicolaci.

Having to decide what to see in Syracuse, this cannot be missing. It was 2008 when UNESCO registered the Opera dei Pupi among the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. It was the first Italian heritage to be included on this list. For this reason, if you are wondering what to do in Sicily, one of the simplest answers is to attend such a show: an experience not to be missed. And thanks to SiciLife you can take a real journey into the art of puppeteers.

Sicily is famed for its cuisine, but it takes insider knowledge to know how to eat like a local. Taste your way around stunning, coastal Taormina during this private or small-group evening culinary tour. Complement your dishes with a glass of Prosecco, red and white wine, and Italian liqueur. As you walk and taste, learn more about the city's food history from your guide.

Discover the best of Taormina, all in one excursion—and enjoy a fully personalized sightseeing experience—on this private walking tour. Pick your own start time, meet your guide in the city center, and set off on foot. You can look forward to seeing landmarks like the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, strolling the Corso Umberto, admiring fountains and churches, and soaking in the dramatic views, all while learning about the city’s history.

Avoid the midday heat and crowds and visit the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples in the cooler and quieter evening hours with this sunset tour. Learn about the history and architecture of the Temple of Hera, Temple of Concordia, Temple of Heracles, and Temple of Zeus from your guide as the sun dips below the horizon, bathing these ancient Greek wonders in the golden light of dusk.

Discover the Aeolian Archipelago on this day trip to the islands of Stromboli and Panarea from Taormina. Journey to each island by motorboat, exploring the local shops at your leisure or taking a cool dip in the sea. Afterward, cruise around Stromboli to see the island’s volcano. Keep your eyes peeled for the crater of Sciara del Fuoco, known to light up the sky with its jet-like eruptions.

Sicily is home to some of the most spectacular Greek and Roman archaeological sites in Italy, but visiting on your own means navigating the island’s confusing rural roads. With this tour, reach Villa Romana Del Casale in Piazza Armerina and the Valley of Temples in Agrigento with a private driver for a stress-free jaunt through ancient history, taking in these remarkable ruins at your own pace.

Discover the timeless beauty of Syracuse as you explore the enchanting island of Ortigia, where ancient Greek temples, vibrant markets, and stunning Baroque squares come together in one unforgettable walk. Wander through narrow historic streets, admire breathtaking sea views, and uncover myths, legends, and centuries of history with a knowledgeable local guide. This experience blends culture, architecture, and authentic Sicilian atmosphere in a relaxed and engaging way. Book now and experience the true soul of Syracuse beyond the guidebooks.

Skip the large tour groups in Sicily, and opt for an intimate, private day trip instead. With a private driver whose focus is your personal group, see ancient Greek and Roman ruins at Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse, stroll through Ortigia's small streets to shop for Sicilian products, and discover UNESCO-listed baroque architecture in Noto. Even better: A hotel or port pickup and drop-off service is also covered.

FEW HRS IN MESSINA? THAT'S THE BEST TOUR FOR YOU. A PERFECT COMBINATION OF LANSCAPES, HISTORY, ARCAEOLOGY AND SPECTACULAR SCENARIES

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.

Visit some of the most beautiful parts of Western Sicily with this day trip from Palermo to Erice, Segesta, Nubia and the Trapani Salt Pans. Visit an archaeological excavation at Segesta. Take in the excellent views from the hilltop town of Erice. See how sea salt is still collected off the Sicilian coast at the Salt Pans of Trapani.

Reaching Palermo from Taormina by public transportation can be time-consuming. Shave hours off your trip with this private transfer that includes pickup at your Taormina hotel or the Giardini Naxos port and drop-off at your final destination in Palermo. Leave the driving to a professional and relax on board an air-conditioned minivan with bottled water provided.

Learn about the history of underground Catania and the fascinating stories of the sites you are walking on, on this private guided tour. Visit hidden places, usually inaccessible to tourists or hard to find. In the company of a passionate archaeologist as a guide, the rocks come to life and reveal their history.

Palermo is a fascinating city with almost 3,000 years of history. Explore its glorious past and delve into its vibrant present with this walking tour that takes in the city’s sumptuous churches and squares, as well as the bustling landmark markets where locals still shop today. Admire A-list sights like the Teatro Massimo, cathedral, and Piazza Pretorio and stroll down lively Via Vittorio Emanuele and through Mercato del Capo.

Perfect for movie-buffs and die-hard “Godfather” fans, this walking tour takes you deep into the Sicilian settings of the Francis Ford Coppola classic. You’ll get a first-hand peek at backdrops for the film’s standout scenes. Discover hidden landmarks along the way, like a 15th-century synagogue and Roman-built village centers. Admire spectacular views along the Ionian coast with free time to explore at your own pace.

Skip the hassle of arranging transportation and meals with this all-inclusive Taormina and Castelmola day trip. Enjoy pickup at your hotel or port and private transport to Taormina, where you’ll stop for a guided walking tour through the old town to take in its most famous sights. Then continue on to the scenic village of Castelmola perched on the slopes above to sample Sicilian cannoli and arancini.

Spend a day exploring the ancient sights of the Valley of the Temples with this day trip from Palermo. Travel to Agrigento for a quick coffee break (own expense) before visiting the fascinating site for a 1-hour tour. See the temples of Hera, Concordia and Apollo. Take a midday break for lunch (own expense) before stopping at the archaeology museum for a 1-hour self-guided visit.

Dive into the world of ‘Commissario Montalbano,’ the hit Italian TV series that follows a Sicilian police chief who solves crimes by reconstructing the events. Visit a number of filming locations around southern Sicily that are used to portray the fictional city of Vigata on television. This small-group tour is ideal for fans of the show and includes round-trip transportation from your Catania hotel.

Dig deep into Palermo’s history on this guided tour of Palermo Royal Palace (Palazzo dei Normanni) and its Palatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina). With a guide helping you navigate, you’ll enter one of Europe’s oldest royal residences, which was once home to the Kings of Sicily, and then explore the chapel with its mix of mosaics and architecture. Entry to the palace gardens is also included.

Discover an excavated Roman villa and UNESCO-listed temples on this full-day tour of Villa Romana del Casale and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. After leaving Palermo with your driver, you’ll travel to Piazza Armerina to explore the famous mosaic-embellished Roman villa. Then, continue to the Valley of the Temples to discover a world of Greek mythology, tyrannical rulers, and ruins—guide included.

Beat the heat and the crowds with a morning tour of Mount Etna. Cover more ground by exploring on board a sturdy Jeep, views over the lunar landscapes in the Valle del Bove, and the flora and fauna of the thick woods blanketing the lower slopes. Cap off your tour with a tasting of local specialties including honey, wine, and liqueurs.

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.

Step away from Palermo for a day to discover two of Sicily’s unsung attractions on the island’s west side. This day-long tour visits the medieval hill town of Erice where views cascade down to the sea, and the town of Marsala, famous for its sweet wine and salt plains. Lunch and wine are included mid-tour, and you’ll get the lowdown on the Sicilian towns from an attentive driver-guide.