Grand Sicily Vacations – Sicily Family Holidays – 14 Nights

Catania private walking tour

On the first day of your Sicilian grand driving tour you and your family can immerse yourself in the beauty of Catania’s old town. It is fairly small and so ideal for walking, and on this VIP experience you will wind your way through the avenues with a private guide to Piazza del Duomo, where you all will learn more about the volcanic eruption in 1669 that nearly destroyed the city. With your family you will then be led to the Amenano Fountain, Castello Ursino, Teatro Massimo, Palazzo Biscari, Saint Agata Dome, Via Etnea, Piazza Stesicoro, with the Roman theater, and the Bellini Garden. With such an itinerary, you can be sure to unearth all of Catania’s hidden secrets!

Get a taste for Catania

Our food-tasting tour is led by a local guide who will offer you a personal and unique experience, and give you and your family a historical overview of the city. As a part of this Sicilian culinary experience, you will see the Old Central Market of Catania, Piazza Duomo, Via Etnea (the main street of the city) and Piazza Stesicoro with its ancient Roman theater. But, most importantly, along the way you will sample no less than 15 popular street foods, such as arancino, cipollina, pizzetta, fresh fish, Sicilian meatballs, local cheese and olives, cannolo and ricotta, cassatella, granita and much more! Also can take private tours of Sicily so that you will not miss any tasty dishes and the gems of Sicily. On this trip, you will taste the different flavours of Sicily with charming views.

Full-day tour of Mount Etna with Alcantara Gorges

Scale the slopes of Italy’s famously active Mount Etna on this full-day 4×4 tour from Taormina. As a part of this thrilling excursion you will travel up rugged mountain tracks in an off-road vehicle and trek by foot to a glorious lookout point with views of the lava flow basins and cave tubes created by the 2002 eruption. After descending from the volcano, With your family you will head to a local restaurant for a typical Sicilian lunch of cheeses, cured meats, pasta and dessert served with Mount Etna wine. In the afternoon, you can discover the unique local landscape with a visit to the Alcantara Gorges, which are natural prism-shaped canyons formed of black lava that stand up to 50 meters tall. The Alcantara Gorges have become a famous attraction and are now considered one of the most beautiful natural sites of Sicily vacation – they are certainly a must-see on your Sicily driving tour on your Sicily family holiday.

Taormina tour, featuring the Greek theater

Today you will discover Taormina’s historic secrets and modern delights on a two-hour tour. This guided experience allows you to explore the highlights of this charming city, including Palazzo Corvaja, the Santa Caterina Church and Vicolo Stretto, which is the narrowest street in town. As a special addition to this Taormina private tour, you will enjoy “skip the line” entry to the ancient Greek theater, which boasts magnificent views of Mount Etna and Giardini Naxos. This include in the tour packages also there is no better way to discover this unassuming city’s treasured attractions completely!

Castelmola and Savoca

Explore Castelmola, which is a charming village situated on the hill behind Taormina, thus offering amazing views of Mount Etna. Aside from the glorious vistas that it offers, Castelmola is a well-known Sicily vacation highlight and is hence very busy during the summer months. The 360 degree views from here make the short climb worth the effort and a quick look down to the sea makes you realize that you are indeed almost 2,000 feet above sea level! As a part of this day excursion, With your family you will also have the opportunity to visit the village of Savoca, which was the famous Sicilian setting used in The Godfather films – look out for Bar Vitelli and the Church of Nicoló! In Savoca, With your family you can also enjoy Byzantine murals depicting St John Chrysostom, the father of the Christian Church of the East.

Syracuse private walking tour

Enjoy a private walking tour of the historical center of Siracusa and enjoy all the ancient island delights of Ortigia. This private tour experience begins at the ancient Greek Apollo Temple and leads you to Cathedral Square, which boasts beautiful limestone buildings and Baroque architecture. From here, With your family you will visit the Arethusa Fountain, which is steeped in legend and mystery. During this part of the tour, your expert guide will explain the monument’s fascinating history. The tour then concludes with a visit to the Jewish Quarter and Archimedes Square, where you can admire the Fountain of Diana, which was built in a Neoclassical style and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Ortigia.

Vendicari, Calamosche and Marzamemi

This part of your self-driving Sicily vacation will be a true highlight as it is a trip to one of the most beautiful nature reserves in southern Italy. The Vendicari Oasis is made up of well-kept paths and small lakes full of wildlife, and you can walk the stretch between the Calamosche and San Lorenzo beaches. Close to here, you will have the chance to visit a tuna fishery and see the charming fishermen’s houses. In particular, Calamosche beach is a true paradise and was announced “the most beautiful beach in Italy” in 2005 by the Blue Guide of Legambiente. It is nestled between two rocky headlands and features numerous caves to explore at your leisure. As a finale, With your family you can visit the delightful village of Marzamemi in Pachino (pictured).

Ragusa tour with Punta Secca

Explore UNESCO-listed Ragusa, one of the most picturesque towns in Sicily, with our enriching tour that features Ragusa Ibla and iconic Baroque architecture that is considered the most charming in South-eastern Sicily. During the tour, you will learn about Ragusa’s history as a film set for Il Commissario Montalbano (Inspector Montalbano – a popular detective series) and see the character-filled lanes of Ragusa Ibla and the pretty sloping piazza in front of the Duomo. We highly recommend trying the wine-flavoured gelato in one of the small restaurants too!

Moving on, With your family you can visit Punta Secca, which is depicted as Marinella in Il Commissario Montalbano, and is a romantic seaside village featuring a pretty historical tower called Torre Scalambri.

Valley of the Temples tour

Our driver will take you to Agrigento where you can immerse yourself in Sicily’s Greek past with a tour of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples (entry included).

The UNESCO-protected Valley of the Temples is one of Sicily’s most important archaeological sites and is a joy to discover if you have an interest in history or simply want to learn more about Sicily’s turbulent past. This tour experience takes you to the sacred site, where an expert guide will treat you to a guided walk through the Valley.

As a part of Sicily family holidays, you will see the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Herakles, the Temple of Zeus and the Sanctuary of Chtonian Deities (Temple of Castor and Pollux). During the tour, your guide will discuss the temples’ construction and tell you about their on-going preservation.

You can then spend the night enjoying this pretty town staying in the historical center in luxury accommodation.

Cefalú private walking tour

Cefalú is a jewel of the Sicilian coast and is dramatically settled on a headland under a great rocky outcrop overlooking the Aeolian Islands. Being settled in a prime coastal location, Cefalú has had a turbulent history having fallen under the rule of the Sikels, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Arabian settlers before the Normans arrived in the 11th century. You will learn all about this intriguing history as a part of your VIP tour and you will also have a chance to see the dramatic Norman Cathedral, which gives the town its heart. The city itself is full of character and the narrow streets are lined with traditional Sicilian shops and restaurants. The central square is particularly beautiful and, upon seeing it, you will immediately understand why Cefalú has become one of Sicily’s most desired vacation destinations. However, despite its popularity, the city has retained its authentic character as a bustling fishing village, giving you a rare combination of charming culture, outstanding monuments, beautiful sandy beaches and modern sophistication.

Hello Palermo

Our driver will take you from Cefalu to Palermo at your own pace. If you wish, you may want to stop at Bagheria the ‘City of Villas’ for a looksee at some historic gothic style villas and a low-key lunch. When you arrive in Palermo you’ll get settled into your boutique hotel before exploring Sicily’s colorful and rustic capital.

Private walking tour of Palermo

Discover the iconic sights of Palermo on a private guided tour with an expert guide. On this private guided tour, you will travel on a journey of discovery through the most glorious parts of Palermo. As a part of this special experience, you will have the chance to see all of Palermo’s main attractions and stunning Baroque architecture, including Piazza Politeama, Teatro Massimo, the Quattro Canti, the Cathedral, the Martorana, Piazza Pretoria, the Palatine Chapel, the Norman Palace and the popular markets. During your intriguing walk, there will be plenty of time to ask your guide questions and learn more about the history of Palermo and its unique culture.

Monreale

Overlooking the Golden Valley (Conca d’Oro) on top of Mons Regalis, the medieval village of Monreale is known for its magnificent Cathedral, which features some of the most beautiful religious mosaics of the 12th century. The Cathedral is considered to be one of the best examples of Norman architecture in Sicily and is a joy to discover on this small-group day trip from Palermo. As well as the Cathedral, With your family you will have time to explore the abbey cloister, which boasts more than 200 intricate double columns decorated in glass mosaic.

Erice and Segesta

Discover the charm and traditions of authentic Sicily on this excursion to Erice and Segesta. The former is a village steeped in history and is known to have inspired poets, such as Virgil, while Segesta dates back to Elymian times and features an unfinished Doric temple from the late 5th century BC. Aside from its historic roots, Segesta occupies an envied position and is surrounded by totally unspoiled rolling green countryside and views that stretch right down to the sea. What a wonderful way to end your driving Sicily family holidays!