Soothe your soul in Sicily
Conjure up a feast in a Sicilian cooking class, body-raft the wild beauty of the Alcantara Gorges and tackle Mount Etna in a convoy of 4x4s
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Trip Highlights
Delizioso food
Learn the art of caponata, cannoli and more at a cooking class in a local chef’s home in Palermo
A river wild
Body-raft through the rock pools and ravines of the Alcantara Gorges
Off-road Etna
Rev off-piste through the lava fields of Mount Etna, in a convoy of 4x4s
Discover the delights of Taormina
Meander through the Old Town and tuck into a local feast.
Beach-side beauty
Visit the UNESCO Baroque city of Noto, and lounge on its golden beaches
What's included
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6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, wine tasting and a Sicilian cooking session
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6 nights’ accommodation in twin room boutique hotels
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All activities, from body-rafting to off-road cruising, included. Local Flash Pack guide and driver
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Max 14 Flashpackers
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Private airport transfers anytime on Day 1, country travel in private minibus
About the trip
Ready for a Sicily adventure like no other?
Our week-long dose of Italian escapism gets beneath the sun-baked skin of this Mediterranean island, veering off-track in search of ancient wonders and modern-day thrills. Come join us as we learn the secrets of Sicilian cooking at a local chef’s home in Palermo and body-raft down the rivers and ravines of the Alcantara Gorges. Buckle up as we head off-road over the lava fields of Mount Etna in a convoy of 4x4s, and explore a jaw-dropping underground cave.
From golden buildings (and equally golden beaches) in the UNESCO city of Noto to the fragrant markets of Catania, this ravishing trip delivers delights at every turn. Roman theatres, rustic piazzas and rolling vineyards: we’re coming at ‘ya. Plump cannoli, plush rosé and pristine pools: get set.
Come down tools and follow us into wide skies and sunshine. We’re on Sicilian time now, and the aperitivi are waiting.
Where you will stay
Plaza Hotel, Catania
Modern hotel overlooking the Mediterranean sea
Smart and comfy rooms, some with sea views, a stone’s throw from the beach, markets and lovely little osterias of Catania.
Why we stay here
The location is great and the hotel makes the most of it at breakfast time, serving it up on the roof terrace, which overlooks the Med and Sicily’s jagged coastline. A ruddy lovely way to start your day.
Grand Hotel Wagner, Palermo
A gilded hotel in central Palermo
Taking its namesake from the German composer, this beautifully appointed hotel brings pomp and ceremony to its rococo interiors.
Why we stay here
We defy you not to enjoy the plush rooms with their old-school sense of elegance, and the tucked-away sauna is definitely worth a wallow in.
The Flash Pack Promise
Here at Flash Pack, we’re committed to unique adventures that deliver great value for money. We pack our trips with epic experiences (unlike other companies, all activities are included), hand-pick stylish hotels and match you with like-minded people.
Itinerary
Day 1
Benvenuto to Italia!
Step off the plane, put on your shades and prepare for a week of delicious escapism. The sparkling isle of Sicily is your home for the next seven days. Get set to embrace the largest island in the Mediterranean; a place of beautiful architecture, shimmering coves and fiery volcanoes. Our adventure begins in Palermo, the lively capital and largest city in Sicily, with great views overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Take a private transfer from the airport to your ornate hotel, catching your first glimpse of the sea en-route. After freshening up, get chatting to your guide and fellow Flashpackers over arrival drinks to toast your new adventure. Head out into the colorful streets and soak up the buzz and energy of the capital. You’re on Italian time now; the nights are long and the vibe is high.
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Day 2
Cook up a Sicilian feast
It’s a new dawn in sun-dappled Sicily, and we’re headed into the beating heart of Palermo. Amble around the city’s bustling markets, streets and squares, with buildings steeped in rich history and the rugged beauty of Monte Pellegrino looming in the distance. You can’t come to Sicily without embracing its amazing cuisine, so we’ll stop to pick up some fresh ingredients ahead of a private cooking class in the home of a Palermo chef. Learn your caponata from your cannoli in session packed with bellissimi flavours, before we gather round and dig into well-earnt lunch. Then, armed with a slate of family recipes, we’ll drive on over to the hilltop town of Monreale for a wander around its alleyways and mosaic-filled cathedral. Come evening, we’ll head back to Palermo for you Flashpackers to make the most of the lively Palermo bars.
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Day 3
Fine times in Taormina
It’s arrivederci to Palermo as we travel onwards to the beautiful town of Taormina today. Grab a window seat as we roll past sun-soaked valleys with stirring mountain views A shimmering bay that spools out invitingly is your first glimpse of hilltop Taormina. This popular spot is where the high-rollers go to play and it’s a must-see town, despite the many tourists. Your guide will lead you though its charming twists and turns, reaching a climax with the incredible Greek theatre. Perched above the cascading rooftops of Taormina, these ancient ruins once held gladiatorial battles. Now hosting operas and film screenings, there may be no chariot-racing anymore but the panoramic views of Mount Etna remain the same. Take a moment to soak in the volcano-studded panorama, with the ocean sparkling in the distance, before we head back into town for dinner. Girdle your appetites for the very best of Sicilian cuisine – wine optional but highly recommended.
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Day 4
River trek the Alcantara Gorges
Fuel up on potent Italian espresso this morning, as we get set to conquer the elements. We’ll be heading to the Alcantara Gorges on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, to body-raft it rivers and ravines. Float your way through rock pools framed by wild flowers, and scramble between dramatic gullies in this exhilarating ramble. Led by our guide, we’ll swim and free-dive across scenic waterfalls, and clamber in the shadow of jagged canyons. Without any need for specific equipment, body-rafting is one of the most sustainable ways to explore the turquoise waters without disturbing the ecosystem, so dive in and make the most. The rest of the afternoon is free time in Taormina. You could catch the cable car into the old town center for dinner at a local osteria, or wander over to the nearby beach. Alternatively, find a lounger with your name on by hotel’s turquoise pool; those rays won’t wait around forever.
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Day 5
Off-road cruising on Mount Etna
Today, we’ll jump into a convoy of 4x4s and hit the road to the active volcano of Mount Etna. Set your adventure radar on max as we cruise off-piste over stony tracks and lava fields around one of the world’s most famous mountains, in a riotous morning’s drive. Then, armed with helmets and torches, we’ll head underground to explore a lava cave hidden beneath the volcanic slopes. All this adventuring is thirsty work, so afterward, we’ll pop by a local vineyard for a light lunch in the sunshine paired with local Sicilian wines. Then, our journey continues as we drive over to the ancient port city of Catania, where old meets new in a charming, if chaotic, hub. The city’s Baroque architecture stand shoulder-to-shoulder with an energetic bar culture here; perfect for you and your Flashpackers. You survived an active volcano today, you deserve a drink (or three…)
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Day 6
Golden buildings and beach life
This morning we’ll be traveling to the golden town of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s bursting at the seams with regal architecture and elegant streets. The city was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1693, after which it was rebuilt from scratch into the Baroque masterpiece you see today. Take a wander around its majestic honey-colored buildings, as your guide points out the headline acts: from striking facades to lion-headed balconies and a complete charmer of a cathedral. Next up, lunch beckons; find a shady spot somewhere scenic for platefuls of moreish arancini or pasta alla norma loaded with aubergines and ricotta cheese. Then, dig out your beach towels for an afternoon on Noto’s golden sands. Order an Aperol Spritz and spread out on the beach, the sea calling for a dip whenever you fancy it. As the sun lowers over the ocean, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner back in Catania. Sicily, we salute you!
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Day 7
Ciao for now, Sicily
Flashpackers, the sun is setting on our week-long Sicilian escape but we’ll be heading home full of fine food and fabulous memories. You’ve tapped your explorer within by body-rafting the Alcantara gorges and heading off-piste on Mount Etna, your 4×4 blazing a trail. You’ve clambered underground to discover a volcanic lava cave and rambled the alleyways of ancient sun-dappled towns. From a Palermo cooking class to wine tasting in a Catanian vineyard, fly back with your appetite fully sated by your whirlwind escape to this wondrous Mediterranean island. Make your own way to the airport and plot your next Mediterranean getaway the whole way home. Or, grab a jeep and head for the nearest volcano. The choice is yours… Want to see more of Italy? Check out our weekend adventure to Venice & the Prosecco Hills
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On the map
Important notes
- Fly into Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport and fly out of Catania International Airport (Vincenzo Bellini).
- Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control. From time to time we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh.
- We take safety very seriously on Flash Pack adventures, click here to learn more.
