Sicily: cuisine, beaches & volcanic adventures
Learn traditional recipes from a Palermo chef, snorkel off beautiful Isola Bella & explore the lava fields of Mount Etna
What's included
- Accommodation in twin rooms
- Max 14 travellers per group
- Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
About your trip
The azure shores of Sicily are imbued with history, mythology and culinary secrets, which are yours to unearth on this week-long adventure.
Master traditional family recipes with a Palermo chef, and embrace the terroir of local wines fresh from the vineyard. Immerse yourself in Sicily’s dramatic landscape, from wild river rafting to volcanic cave exploration. And uncover the island’s diverse history, from the ancient ruins of Taormina to an eyewitness account of the Mafia era. All before snorkelling in the crystalline waters off Isola Bella and relaxing on the beaches of Noto.
Sicily is one of our favorite European destinations, and we think you’ll be enchanted too.
- Touch down in Sicily’s capital, Palermo – an ancient crossroads of civilizations – where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to whisk you to your first hotel
- Get to know your group on a tasty street food tour, sampling local delicacies from bruschetta and sfincione pizza to gelato and seasonal cake
- Source fresh ingredients from the market before a hands-on cooking class with a local chef, where you’ll learn how to prepare a delicious four-course Sicilian lunch
- Learn about the city’s sinister history on an anti-Mafia tour, where you’ll meet an eyewitness from the Mafia era and hear first-hand accounts
- Say arrivederci to Palermo and travel to the chic resort town of Taormina, with its hilltop Roman ruins in the shadow of Mount Etna
- Snorkel the nature reserve of Isola Bella with its clear blue water home to parrotfish, groupers and large schools of saddled seabream
- Take a sunset boat tour along the picturesque coast, sipping aperitivi and soaking up the sun’s last rays; this is what Italian dreams are made of
- Prepare to get wet in the spectacular Alcantara Gorges, body surfing your way through its rivers and ravines, equipped with a lifejacket, wetsuit and helmet
- Enjoy a free afternoon to relax in Taormina: catch the cable car to the Old Town for dinner or wander to a nearby beach to enjoy a warm evening dip
- Get up close to smouldering Mount Etna as you hike across rocky lava fields and stony tracks, venturing underground to explore a hidden lava cave
- Enjoy a light lunch in the sunshine, paired with delicious wines at a local vineyard
- Spend a free afternoon exploring the ancient port city of Catania, with its vibrant markets, baroque cathedrals and medieval monasteries
- Wander through the elegant streets of Noto, one of Sicily’s most beautiful historic cities, with a Unesco World Heritage centre full of baroque palazzi and churches
- Visit a renowned gelateria to sample the inventive flavours, including a memorable ice-cream sandwich, before heading down to the beach for a sun-soaked afternoon
- Gather with your group for a farewell feast back in Catania, raising a toast to your week of Sicilian adventure
- Say goodbye to your fellow Flashpackers – now firm friends – and make your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi
- Arrive home feeling as though you’ve had a much-needed reset, thanks to the island’s warm hospitality, endless natural beauty and delicious local cuisine. Aperitivi?
Our favourite hotels
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
NH Palermo
Overlooking the gorgeous Gulf of Palermo, the NH feels cool and contemporary in calming neutral tones. Enjoy breakfast on the rooftop terrace, relax by the freeform pool or stroll downtown along the seafront promenade via the botanic gardens.
La Terra Dei Sogni
Soak up the Sicilian countryside at this charming agriturismo hotel, with views of Mount Etna and Taormina Bay. Surrounded by lush acres of flowers, citrus groves and lemon trees, the scent is divine: best enjoyed from your furnished balcony or a lounger next to the pool.
NH Catania Centro
An elegant, modern hotel in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the exclusive Corso Italia shopping area and Fera o Luni market. Start your night with cocktails at the cosy bar, while perusing the menu of Sicilian seafood dishes.
Important notes
-
Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into Palermo Airport (PMO) and fly out of Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA).
-
What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
We suggest arriving before 12 pm on Day 1, to allow yourself enough time to freshen up and meet your group before dinner.
-
What time should my flight depart on the final day?
There are no scheduled activities for the final day, so you can depart at your own leisure.
-
Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.
-
Are tips included?
Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader: 7-10 USD per day
- Drivers: 3 USD per day
- Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.
However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.
-
Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
- Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
-
Will this itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting which we will always try and communicate to you.
Similar trips
Subscribe to our newsletter
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Hear about our new adventures before anyone else
Hear about our new adventures before anyone else.
Be the first to hear about exclusive Flash Pack offers.
Access exciting competitions.
Receive weekly inspiration and travel stories from solos just like you.