Volcanic beauty, ancient ruins & traditional cuisine in Sicily
Learn traditional recipes from a Palermo chef, encounter the historical beauty of Taormina and explore the lava fields and caves of Mount Etna.
Volcanic beauty, ancient ruins & traditional cuisine in Sicily

Taormina histories
Explore ancient Greco-Roman ruins set against the azure coastline

Exploring iconic Etna
Hike through the lava fields and underground caves of the iconic volcano

River adventures
Body-raft through the rock pools and ravines of the Alcantara Gorges

Beach time
Visit the UNESCO Baroque city of Noto, and relax on its white beaches
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 ancient ruins in Taormina, before relaxing on the sparkling beaches of Isola Bella.
Sicily is one of our favorite European destinations, and we think you’ll be enchanted too.
What's Included
- Accommodation in twin rooms
- Equipment
- Guide
- Local transport
- Most meals included
- Max 14 travellers per group
- Private airport transfers
Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.
Itinerary

Your Itinerary
-
Day 01 Buongiorno, Sicilia
The sparkling isle of Sicily will be your home for the next seven days; a land of beautiful architecture, mysterious coves and fiery volcanoes. Take a private transfer from the airport to your hotel, before meeting your fellow travelers and guide over welcome drinks. Come evening, head out with your group to explore the lively streets, lined with aperitivo bars and restaurants, and settle in one of our favorite spots to dine together on your first evening (we have lots to choose from) – buon appetito.
-
Day 02 Uncover the secrets of Sicilian cuisine
This morning, head straight into the beating heart of Palermo. Dive into the market stalls to pick up some fresh ingredients, which will be transformed into culinary delights in the home of a Palermo chef. Learn your caponata from your cannoli in a hands-on cooking class, before digging into a well-earned lunch with your group. The afternoon will see you drive over to the hilltop town of Monreale to explore its alleys and beautiful mosaic-adorned cathedral. After your light culture fix, head back to Palermo and experience the thrum of the city by night.
-
Day 03 Sun-kissed ruins in Taormina
Say arrivederci to Palermo as we journey onward to Taormina, a Roman hilltop town in the shadow of Mount Etna. Follow your guide through its twisting streets, until you reach the ancient Greek theatre, whose crumbling walls date back to the 3rd century. These ruins once held gladiator battles and chariot racing. Whilst they now host operas and film screenings, one thing remains the same: the incredible backdrop of Mount Etna. Channel your inner gladiator in the ancient arena, before heading back into town for dinner with your group.
-
Day 04 River adventures in the Alcantara Gorges
Head over to the Alcantara Gorges this morning, where you’ll raft down its rivers through the ravines. Instead of using an actual raft, however, simply pretend your body is the raft as you glide effortlessly downstream. Float through rock pools and gullies framed with wildflowers, swimming and free-diving down a series of small waterfalls as you go. After an active morning, take the afternoon to relax in Taormina. Catch the cable car into the Old Town for dinner, or wander down to a nearby beach to catch some evening sun.
-
Day 05 Hike across the lava fields of Mount Etna
Jump into a convoy of jeeps and hit the road to Mount Etna, where you’ll venture off-piste into its lava fields and stony tracks. Equipped with helmets and torches, head underground to explore a lava cave hidden beneath the volcanic slopes. Back above ground, enjoy a light lunch in the sunshine paired with delicious wines at a local vineyard. Appetites sated, spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the ancient port city of Catania. With its vibrant markets, baroque cathedrals and medieval monasteries, Catania is a city brimming with heritage.
-
Day 06 Baroque streets & turquoise shores
Today’s adventure will take you to Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting regal architecture and elegant streets. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1693, the city was rebuilt from the ruins into the baroque beauty you see today. Wander through the streets with your group, absorbing the architectural riches and historical detail surrounding you. Dive into one of the street cafes for platefuls of arancini or pasta alla norma – our recommendation – before heading down to the beach for a sun-soaked afternoon. As evening falls, gather with your group for a farewell feast back in Catania.
-
Day 07 Ciao, Sicilia
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel, then it’s over to you to make your own way onward. Want to see more of Italy? Perhaps a weekend in Venice & the Prosecco Hills could be your next destination.
Our Favorite Hotels
Browse a selection of our favorite hotels, for a flavor of where you may stay on this trip.

Grand Hotel Wagner, Palermo
A gilded hotel in central Palermo
Taking its namesake from the German composer, this opulent hotel combines rococo influences with sumptuous comforts.
Why we stay here
Unwind in the elegant rooms after days of sightseeing. And with a bar and a fitness room at your disposal, you can keep up your healthy (and not-so-healthy) routines with ease.

Plaza Hotel, Catania
Modern hotel overlooking the Mediterranean sea
Smart and comfortable rooms, with doorstep access to the beach, markets and osterias of Catani.
Why we stay here
With an excellent location, this hotel offers the best of Catania at your fingertips. Breakfast is served up on the roof terrace, with sweeping views over the Sicilian coastline.
"Overall, I was impressed with the service of Flash Pack. For the most part my trip went on without a hitch. I was a little confused in the beginning, as I didn’t think the communication was as good as it could have been. "
"I had such great experiences with Flash Pack. Whenever I contacted the team with a query I would get a very prompt and personal response which was always very helpful."
"The overall experience with Flashpack went smoothly. Prior to the trip, the customer team was responsive and quick to respond. During the trip, the activities were well planned, the guide was personable and helpful, and the hotels were clean and well located."
"Fantastic holiday.... great group of people with some life long friends made. Loads of activities and things to see and do. Perhaps a bit more down-time could be woven into the itinerary in future."
Important Notes
Fly into Palermo Airport (PMO) and fly out of Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA).
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 – 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.
We take safety very seriously on Flash Pack adventures, click here to learn more.
OUR PROMISE
Joining the Flash Pack community comes with a few special guarantees...
The People
We bring together like-minded people in their 30s and 40s on incredible adventures and 98% travel solo. Want to know more about your group? Get in touch.
The Trips
We know the world’s best bits. Think sleeping on a secret island in the Philippines and lunch with a sumo in Japan. You’ll always enjoy a comfortable stay in handpicked hotels, too.
The Guides
We pride ourselves on the fact our guides know their destinations better than anyone. From Lee in Vietnam to Nayla in Argentina, with Flash Pack you really are guided by the best.
The Ease
We take the hassle out of travel planning for you. Whether you need help choosing your trip or you’re nervous about travelling solo – we’re always on hand to help. Get in touch today.
Similar Trips

9 days in Italy
Classical Italy: Rome, Tuscany and Lake Como

8 days in France
Best of France: Paris, Provence and the Côte d’Azur

6 days in Croatia
Experience the beauty of coastal Croatia

5 days in Croatia
Yoga workshops & massage therapy in Croatia
Subscribe to our newsletter
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Be the first to know if we re-launch Flash Pack
Talk to an expert
Need help choosing your perfect adventure? Speak to one of our dedicated Travel Advisors now.
Contact UsWHAT TO EXPECT
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.