Solo-ish Sicily
Solo-ish Sicily
$2249
Solo-ish Sicily
8 Days Starting in Catania, Italy and ending in Palermo, Italy
Visiting: Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina, Castelmola, Syracuse, Agrigento, Palermo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26412
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Solo-ish Sicily" adventure, a captivating journey through Italy's largest island, designed for those who enjoy exploring with a small group. Dive into Sicily's rich culinary heritage with a hands-on cooking class in Catania, and hike the dramatic Crateri Silvestri on Mount Etna. Discover the ancient theatre of Taormina and wander the historic streets of Syracuse and Palermo, guided by your Chief Experience Officer. This tour offers a blend of guided activities and free time, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Travel comfortably by private vehicle, taxi, train, and on foot, while staying in charming hotels. With a maximum group size of 16, this trip promises an intimate and immersive experience, perfect for solo travelers seeking new friendships and unforgettable memories.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Dinner Party: Catania
Location: Catania
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Catania. Meet your included arrival transfer at the airport, then join your CEO and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting before being immersed in the local gastronomy with a cooking class and dinner. Dive head first into Sicily with delicious flavours and new friends.
Catania is located at the foot of Mt. Etna, an ancient port city boasting a central square, Piazza del Duomo, and La Pescheria, a rowdy weekday fish market. If you have extra time, we recommend taking extra time to enjoy everything this city has to offer.
TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
ACTIVITY: Connect with the local culture, learning the ins and outs of Catania's famous gastronomy with a cooking class. Sicily is known for pastas with friend eggplant and ricotta, Arancini rice balls, sweet and sour sautéed vegetables, and various fish with flavour tomato sauces; you'll help create the flavour of the day, finishing off by enjoying dinner with friends.
Day 2: We Day: Catania
Location: Catania
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is all about exploration, local flavours and the community. Set out into Catania this morning with a CEO-led orientation walk and local market tour. Check out the city's highlights before joining a local guide who'll explain life as a migrant in this beautiful city. Finish off with an aperitivo, a cultural ritual to open the stomach before dining.
An Aperitivo usually consists of light snacks and drinks drinks, and typically takes place in the early evening in hopes of stimulating appetite for dinner.
ACTIVITY: With your incredible CEO at the helm, get to know the local community and your Solo-ish travel mates on a day packed full of interesting and engaging adventures. Immerse yourself in Catana's vibrant energy and culture, setting off on foot and seeing some of the city's most iconic sights like the Piazza Duomo and Via Etnea. Stop at a local market and taste some of the local flavours then meet up with a local migrant guide for a walk to discover another perspective of life in these lively neighbourhoods of Catania. Cap the day off with an aperitivo like a true local.
ACTIVITY: Learn all about a different side of Catania with a newcomer to Italy as your guide with Migrantour, a social enterprise that trains immigrants to give tours of the city - with their own flair. G Adventures travellers receive a unique experience as guides give them rare insight into Italian society through an immigrant's eyes. From ancient landmarks to the history of migration to Catania, expect this to be a guided tour like no other.
Day 3: G Day: Crateri Silvestri and Taormina
Location: Mount Etna, Taormina, Castelmola, Catania
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Time to experience what G does best and becoming immersed in Sicily's culture and history with a surprise G twist occurring somewhere along the way. Head out on a drive to the imposing Mount Etna for a walk through Crateri Silvestri where you can see a group of craters formed from the last eruption as well as incredible views of the coastline. Continue to Taormina and explore the ancient amphitheatre before a bit of free time for lunch. Later, continue to the beautiful village of Castelmola for a walking exploration before returning to Catania.
ACTIVITY: With your Solo-ish travel mates and CEO, explore some of the world's coolest activities alongside new friends. It's not just an epic day of fun, its chock full of incredible experiences and a surprise G element along the way to take your day to an 11. Start the day by driving towards the imposing Mount Etna, and visit the Crateri Silvestri, a group of extinct craters formed during the powerful 1892 eruption. Walk along the rim of one of the dead craters and admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the Sicilian coastline and Etna’s ever-changing terrain. Continue to the town of Taormina and walk through the grand entrance of its Greek-Roman amphitheater, where centuries of culture, drama, and history will unfold before your eyes. Gaze out over the stunning panorama of Mount Etna and the shimmering sea—an awe-inspiring fusion of nature and ancient artistry. Finish up the day in the beautiful village of Castelmola, considered as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with breathtaking views, impressive castle, and medieval monuments. Wander to the city centre, taking in all that Castelmola has to offer and be on the lookout for your surprise G twist.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 4: Catania/Agrigento
Location: Catania, Syracuse, Agrigento
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wave a bittersweet goodbye to Catania this morning and hop on the bus for the drive to Syracuse. Get your bearings on an orientation walk and enjoy free time to explore this historic and beautiful city. Continue to Agrigento and set off to explore the city centre with your CEO. Learn about the city's rich history and culture, and spend the remainder of the evening at leisure.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Stroll through the historic downtown with your CEO, admiring stunning architecture, and the hidden gems of Syracuse.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Wander through Agrigento’s Historic City Center, where history and charm meet. Stroll along the bustling Via Atenea, lined with elegant buildings, cafés, and boutiques and visit Piazza Pirandello home to the grand Teatro Luigi Pirandello and the historic Town Hall.
Day 5: Me Day: Agrigento
Location: Agrigento
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After four days of exploration with your fellow solo-ish travellers, today is yours. Choose to accompany your CEO to a local beach, exploring the protected coastal area and unspoilt beaches, perhaps take an excursion to the Valley of the Temples or just explore and relax on your own. Agrigento really does have it all and there's no better time than today to set off and discover it for yourself.
ACTIVITY: Traveling solo alongside your new Solo-ish travel mates means there's always something fun to do and new friends to explore with. But the joy of travel can also be about taking time to yourself to recharge, refresh and reflect on the journey. Today, choose to join your CEO for an incredible activity, or take the time to yourself to enjoy your own company in one of the most incredible places on our planet.
Day 6: Agrigento/Palermo
Location: Agrigento, Palermo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Climb aboard a local train and watch the Sicilian scenery drift by as you travel to Palermo. Check in to your hotel and enjoy lunch on your own before setting off with your CEO on an orientation walk of the city. Spend the evening however you wish with free time.
Palermo is known for Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau churches, palaces, and buildings. There's the opera house, vibrant food markets, and shopping areas if you're interested in picking up some souvenirs.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO along the squares and the streets of Palermo, this city has been the crossroad of so many civilizations from Phoenicians to Byzantines, from Arabs to Normans and Spaniards. Walk around to see baroque and gothic façades, neoclassical theatres as Teatro Massimo, the biggest in Italy and one of the largest of Europe, very unusual squares as Quattro Canti, and the majestic Palermo Cathedral.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.
Day 7: Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day to take advantage of everything that Palermo has to offer. Explore some of the city's monuments, take an excursion to Mondello Beach or set off on a walking food tour to sample some of the delicious local flavours of the street food scene. Re-group in the evening for an optional final dinner out with the group.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore.
Day 8: Palermo
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish travellers and depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
What's Included
-
G for Good Moment
Experience the Migrantour in Catania, a social enterprise that trains immigrants to give tours of the city.
-
Welcome Moment
Meet your CEO and group for a welcome dinner party in Catania.
-
Catania Cooking Class
Participate in a hands-on cooking class in Catania.
-
Catania Orientation Walk
Enjoy an orientation walk and market visit in Catania.
-
Aperitivo at Trame di Quartiere
Enjoy an aperitivo at Trame di Quartiere.
-
Mount Etna Walk
Walk at Mount Etna to see the Crateri Silvestri.
-
Visit Taormina
Explore Taormina and the ancient amphitheatre.
-
Syracuse Visit
Visit the historic city of Syracuse.
-
Agrigento Orientation Walk
Take an orientation walk in Agrigento.
-
Palermo Orientation Walk
Enjoy an orientation walk in Palermo.
What's Not Included
-
Meals
Meals are generally not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options.
-
Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions are not included in the tour price.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks, and tips are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with a mix of private vehicles, taxis, trains, and walking, ensuring a seamless journey between destinations and activities throughout your Sicilian adventure.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay in hotels for 7 nights, with the option to purchase your own room for added privacy. Experience local charm and hospitality in these well-situated accommodations.
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Group Size
Max 16, Avg 12.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Local Dress
In Italy, shoulders should be covered while visiting churches and cathedrals. Ask your CEO for more specific advice.
Important Notes
ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
LOCAL GUIDES
It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places.
LUGGAGE
In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times. We highly recommend travelling with a backpack or duffel bag over any wheeled luggage options.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:
During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.
Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
About Accommodation
On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of transportation is used during the Solo-ish Sicily tour?
The tour uses a combination of private vehicles, taxis, trains, and walking to transport participants between destinations and activities.
-
What type of accommodation is provided on the Solo-ish Sicily tour?
Participants will stay in hotels for 7 nights. There is an option to purchase a private room if desired.
-
What is the role of the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) on this tour?
The CEO is responsible for taking the hassle out of your travels and helping you have the best trip possible. They provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend local eating venues, and introduce you to local friends. They are not traditional guides but have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited.
-
Are meals included in the Solo-ish Sicily tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner. Generally, meals are not included when there is a choice of eating options to give you flexibility in deciding where, what, and with whom to eat.
-
What activities are included in the Solo-ish Sicily tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as a cooking class and dinner in Catania, an orientation walk and market visit in Catania, a walk at Mount Etna to see the Crateri Silvestri, a visit to Taormina and the ancient amphitheatre, and orientation walks in Syracuse, Agrigento, and Palermo.
-
What is the maximum group size for the Solo-ish Sicily tour?
The maximum group size for the tour is 16 people, with an average group size of 12.
-
Is there a minimum age requirement for the Solo-ish Sicily tour?
Yes, the minimum age requirement for this trip is 18 years.
-
What should I know about luggage for the Solo-ish Sicily tour?
It is essential to pack light and bring luggage that is compact and lightweight, as you will need to carry it from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses, and possibly up several flights of stairs. A backpack or duffel bag is recommended over wheeled luggage.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Sunday
Nov 23, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 08, 2026 - Feb 15, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Feb 22, 2026 - Mar 01, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Mar 01, 2026 - Mar 08, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Mar 15, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Apr 19, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026Sunday - Sunday
May 03, 2026 - May 10, 2026Sunday - Sunday
May 17, 2026 - May 24, 2026Sunday - Sunday
May 31, 2026 - Jun 07, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Jun 14, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Jun 28, 2026 - Jul 05, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Aug 30, 2026 - Sep 06, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Sep 13, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Sep 27, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Oct 11, 2026 - Oct 18, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Oct 18, 2026 - Oct 25, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Oct 25, 2026 - Nov 01, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Nov 08, 2026 - Nov 15, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Nov 22, 2026 - Nov 29, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions