Top Sicily Architecture Tours

In a city as rich with history and culinary delights as Palermo, it can be tricky to know where to start exploring. With this cycling tour, your local guide shows you the city through their eyes on the back of a bike, which lets you see more than you ever would on foot. And with street food included, you get to eat like a local, too.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hilltop town of Noto is celebrated for its ornate, baroque architecture. On this walking tour, choose from morning or afternoon departure times and get ready to discover Noto’s key landmarks in just a couple hours. With only a small group for company, you’ll wander through the town center, visit the cathedral, admire the Palazzo Nicolaci, and hear tips on where to find the tastiest granita.

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Sicily’s most impressive archeological sites, and visiting on a private tour means you can explore at your own pace. Benefit from the expertise of your private guide as you discover the ancient Greek city of Akragas; marvel at the temples of Hera (Juno), Concordia, and Herakles; and hear stories that bring the ruins to life.

Are you looking for a way to see Taormina without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour. • Find out how the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs and, eventually, the Spanish, each left their own discernible mark on this charming town overlooking Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. • Hear from producer Cristina Leone, a local tour guide • Do it all in an hour, or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish. • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it. • Use the virtual tour option at home. Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under "Before You Go". Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and if you're in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap Start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

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.

The guided tour of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples takes you back in time among the Doric temples of the Hellenic period, one of the largest and most spectacular archaeological areas in the world. We begin with the Temple of Hera Lacinia, built in 450 BC on the hill of the Rupe Atenea with Doric columns. Dedicated to Juno, it once housed a painting of the goddess of women and fertility. Nearby is the majestic Temple of Concordia, the second best-preserved Doric temple after the Parthenon. Its excellent state is from its conversion into a Christian church. In front, the bronze statue of Icarus by sculptor Igor Mitoraj depicts his fall into the sea. Next, we visit the Temple of Hercules, named for a bronze statue of the hero inside, and enjoy prickly pear trees and panoramic valley views. The tour concludes at the Temple of Jupiter, once one of the largest classical temples, partially ruined by earthquakes. A reconstructed 7-meter Telamon shows the grandeur of these ancient monuments

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.

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.

Get a taste of Sicily with this private tour to Mt. Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Leave the driving to your private guide and take in the scenery as you drive through mountain villages, stopping at a local honey shop. Visit volcanic craters and an Etna winery for lunch and a tasting of red and white Sicilian wines.

Go beyond the A-list sights in Palermo and explore the authentic side of the city most visitors miss with this unique walking tour led by a “Palermitano” local through the historic Kalsa district. Take in medieval churches and palaces, vibrant squares, and ornate fountains while learning about the history of this quarter that spent centuries under Arab control and still shows signs of that cultural influence in the architecture and cuisine.

The walking tour starts from Piazza Politeama square, where the main streets of the city meet. We will pass by Via Ruggero VII, also called "the living room of Palermo", via Principe di Belmonte, with its historic shops, until arriving in front of the largest lyric theater in Italy and third in Europe: the Teatro Massimo. The tour continues along the alleys and streets of the neighborhood of Arab origin until you reach the Capo Market, the most famous market in Palermo. The tour continues towards the cathedral where the remains of Frederick II of Swabia and his family are kept. Afterwards you will visit the historic open market of Vucciria and then return to Piazza San Domenico square.

It will be a unique, tailor-made, fun experience! Why? By trusting me you will fully enjoy a local experience. By choosing a licensed tour guide in Sicily you do not risk losing the most real sense of today's Palermo, and you will be able to get the right advice to make the most of your stay. Only those who live a city every day can convey to visitors its contemporaneity, the habits of the locals, the daily life. What are you waiting for? Book!

Located on the island of Sicily, Mt Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe. Explore the different aspects of the dynamic mountain on this active tour from Catania which includes hiking up to the inner craters and (safely) entering a lava cave. See ancient lava flows, learn about the geological history of the volcano, and admire panoramic views of eastern Sicily.

Short on time? This private half-day ride offers a perfect intro to Catania’s highlights—from historic piazzas to seaside charm. Start at Piazza del Duomo & Elephant Fountain, the city’s iconic square framed by Baroque buildings and dominated by the lava-stone elephant statue. Then explore La Pescheria, Catania’s vibrant fish market, buzzing with sights, sounds, and Sicilian flavors. Continue to Via Crociferi & the Roman Amphitheatre, where ancient ruins meet ornate churches along one of the city’s most historic streets. End with a peaceful stop at San Giovanni Li Cuti, a small black-sand beach lined with colorful boats and local cafés—ideal for scenic photos or a relaxing gelato. Includes hotel pickup/dropoff, an English-speaking driver, and full customization.

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.

You will discover the most characteristic places of the city which has been destroyed and rebuilt nine times, places such as via dei Crociferi, one of the most famous streets of the city and the baroque via di Catania, overlooked by the churches of San Benedetto, San Francesco Borgia, St. Julian and St. Camillus. Piazza Duomo, the heart of Catania where the Cathedral of Sant'Agata and the Palazzo degli Elefanti which houses the town hall are located, via Etna with its clubs and restaurants that line the street together with elegant palaces and churches.

Catania is rich in art and architecture, but this busy Sicilian city can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Get an overview of its treasures in just hours without the hassle of following a map or guidebook with this walking tour that touches on the highlights both above and below ground. Take in Roman ruins, baroque churches and squares, and an underground river while learning about the city’s history and culture from your guide.

Your private driver will pick you up at your hotel or agreed meeting point in a relaxed atmosphere, you will arrive at the archaeological park of Neapolis, UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most important archaeological parks in Italy. Here you will discover the most significant ancient monuments - Greek Theatre, the largest in Sicily, legendary cave "Ear of Dionysius", famous for its unique acoustics, Hiero altar, the ancient Greek quarries "Latomie", Roman amphitheater, the Aretusa spring and enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the top of the hill. Then you will visit Ortigia: the Greek temple Apollo, the Cathedral square with its bright limestone buildings - the cathedral, Palazzo Beneventano, the church of Santa Lucia, the Arethusa fountain, the Jewish Quarter, Piazza Archimedes, Diana's fountain, the Fish Point of Sale, where you can feel the unforgettable atmosphere of Southern Italy. And finally the beautiful NOTO with its baroque UNESCO site

Explore Mount Etna during the most dazzling time of day with this sunset Jeep tour. Set off in the afternoon to take in the Valle del Bove and lunar landscapes of the lava and ash fields on the slopes of Europe’s highest active volcano. Discover side craters and extinguished lava flows, don a helmet and headlamp to venture into a lava tube, and admire the bird's-eye view at sunset.

Our Messina photo tour is the best if you are a photographer or if you simply want to enjoy the best photo spots with a local guide. Embark on a guided photo tour discovering the historical city center that will take you to the best locations for your pictures and selfies. After visiting the Catalani Church, one of the few buildings that survived the catastrophic earthquake of 1908, our photo tour will take you to Piazza Duomo, to visit the impressive Bell Tower. Climb up to the panoramic terrace with amazing 360° views over the city, the port, and the Strait. The tour continues with a panoramic walk to discover the church of the Madonna di Montalto and the shrine of Christ the King with beautiful views of the Strait of Messina and mainland Italy and will finish with a visit to the huge church of San Francesco all Immaculata, the second largest church after the Cathedral and the waterfront with the beautiful Neptune fountain.

This 90-minute self-guided walking tour traces Palermo's layered history—Phoenician, Arab, Norman, and modern Italian—while exploring the city's fight against the mafia. Starting at Porta Nuova, it passes Palazzo dei Normanni, Mercato al Capo, Quattro Canti, and Fontana Pretoria, ending at Livia Morello Park. Highlights: * Visit the Palatine Chapel, Europe's oldest royal residence still in use * Explore San Cataldo's red Arab-Norman domes * Learn about the Sicilian Vespers rebellion * Hear about magistrates Falcone and Borsellino's fight against Cosa Nostra * See Teatro Massimo, Italy's largest opera house * Taste arancine, pane câ mèusa, and cannoli Come hungry, watch your belongings, and let Palermo surprise you.

Go beyond restaurant dining and dig into Sicily's traditional cuisine on this exclusive chef-led cooking class in central Taormina. Join a professional Sicilian chef to purchase ingredients at the local market, then head back to the restaurant kitchen to get to work. Learn about the history of the regional cuisine as you prepare a 3-course meal from scratch, then sample your handiwork over lunch (served with wine).

Sicily’s romantic atmosphere and unconventional history have seduced visitors for millennia but are easy to miss in the bustle of modern travel. This private walking tour immerses you in rustic hill towns and the history of the Sicilian Mafia—including visits to filming sites of The Godfather movie—and the anti-Mafia fight. Includes round-trip transport from anywhere in Taormina.