Lipari
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Sicilian Carousel with Aeolian Islands
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Lipari
Bay of Taormina
Cefalu'
Panarea
Ragusa
Syracuse
Italy

Sicilian Carousel with Aeolian Islands (Tour code: 13088)

Starts and Ends
in Catania
Travel Periods
04 May 24 - 28 Sep 24
Experience
Travel Style
Escorted Group Tour
Experience the rich culture, diverse landscapes, and historical treasures of Sicily on a 12-day small group tour, including a captivating island-hopping adventure to Lipari, Panarea, Stromboli, and Salina.

Highlights

Exclusive tour for small groups up to 20 People maximum in English Only.

Discover Lipari, Panarea & Stromboli and Salina islands

Enjoy gastronomic and enological experiences like wine tasting in Marsala or the taste of traditional almond pastries in Erice!

Explore the charming city of Taormina and take time for a visit to the Ancient Greek Theater boasting a scenic view over the bay!

Marvel at Cefalù one of the most evocative destinations on the island!

Explore the archaeological sites of Siracusa, Agrigento & the Valley of the Temples

12 days
From
AUD 4,176
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

Book Now

Only $100pp deposit to Book Now

Visit our Agent Portal for more info.

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Overview

From Catania, travel to Siracusa, a city on the Ionian Coast. Visit its ancient ruins including the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Depart to the hilltop city of Ragusa to explore its stunning Baroque palaces and churches. Continue to Agrigento, a hilltop city renowned for the magnificent Valley of the Temples, some of the best-preserved ancient Greek buildings outside Greece.

After a short visit to Erice via the spectacular “Salt Route”, continue to the capital of Sicily:  Palermo. Explore its historical centre including the sprawling Palermo Cathedral, the Palace of the Normans and Teatro Massimo. Depart to Cefalu, a charming coastal town known for its Arab-Norman cathedral and sandy beaches. Continue to the charming city of  Taormina, located on the east coast of Sicily and called "the pearl of the Ionian Sea".

Head to Milazzo and set sail on an adventure to explore Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands. Your journey includes visits to the picturesque islands of Panarea and Stromboli, as well as a boat excursion to Salina, renowned for its beautiful beaches. Following your island exploration, you'll transfer to Catania, where you'll have the freedom to leisurely explore the historic city center. Your unforgettable trip concludes in Catania.

Peace of mind booking plan
  1. ENTIRE Cooling-Off Period
  2. ENTIRE AUD Prices
  3. ENTIRE Change of Mind
  4. ENTIRE Industry Accredited
  5. ENTIRE On Ground Support
  6. ENTIRE Australian Owned

Inclusions

10-night accommodation in 4-star hotels
1 night in a restored nineteenth-century Baglio
Transportation by deluxe coach or minivan
Return Transfer by hydrofoil Milazzo Harbour/Lipari
Return Transfer by minivan from Lipari Harbour/Hotel
Transfer by minivan Taormina/Milazzo (on day 8) and Milazzo/Catania-Hotel (on day 11)
Daily Breakfast
2 Dinners (Catania on day 1 and Ragusa on day 3)
Street food experience/tour in Palermo and in Catania
Cheese & sicilian products tasting/ light lunch in Ragusa and in Marsala
Almond pastries tasting in Erice
Visit of a cellar and Wine tasting in Marsala and on Mount Etna
Regular multilingual boat excursions from Lipari to Panarea, Stromboli and Salina
Taxi Tour of Lipari Island
English-speaking tour escort
Local guides where necessary
Porterage at hotels (excluded Aeolian Islands)
"Whispers" (audio guide) throughout the itinerary

Day 1 Catania

Make your way to the hotel in Catania. Tonight, you'll enjoy a welcome dinner.

Overnight stay in Catania in a 4* hotel.

Dinner
Catania
Catania

Day 2 Catania Siracusa Catania

After a buffet breakfast, travel to Siracusa

Visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park, including the famous Greek Theatre, the Latomia del Paradiso (entrance tickets not included) and the Ear of Dionysus. Continue to the Island of Ortigia, the small baroque city centre of Siracusa. Visit the Cathedral, which is built on the site of the Temple of Minerva, the legendary Arethuse Fountain and the Temple of Apollo. Free time at disposal to stroll through the streets of the centre and for shopping.

In the afternoon, return to Catania and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to experience the city on your own. 

Overnight stay in Catania in a 4* hotel.

Breakfast
Catania → Siracusa →Catania
Syracuse

Day 3 Catania Ragusa

After a buffet breakfast, departure for a nice walking tour of Catania, stroll through the city centre with your professional guide who will charm you with the history of the city and visit the famous fish market “A PISCARIA”, one of the largest fish markets in Sicily. Here you will have the chance to taste the delights of typical Catania’s street food.

Depart to Ragusa renowned for its cheese production; therefore, we will not miss a tasting of artisan cheeses and sicilian specialties (light lunch).

Then, will visit the enchanting historical centre “Ibla”, with its stunning baroque palaces and churches; together with other seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will continue to the hotel where you have time at disposal to relax at the swimming pool or at the Spa.

In the evening, enjoy a dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Ragusa in a 4* hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Catania → Ragusa

Day 4 Ragusa Agrigento Marsala

After a buffet breakfast, proceed to Agrigento, a hillside town famous for its magnificent Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (entrance tickets not included). Enjoy a guided tour of the Valley, including the Temple of Concordia, which is in almost perfectly preserved condition, the temples of Juno and Heracles.

Free time at disposal for lunch (not included).

In the afternoon we’ll proceed to Marsala, a city on the western coast famous for its production of sweet Sicilian wine. Arrival at Baglio Donnafranca, a perfectly restored nineteenth century baglio, which rises in the Marsala countryside, on the hills in front of the Stagnone Reserve and the Egadi Islands. The baglio was a property of Florio. Here we will have the opportunity to visit the cellar and learn all about winemaking. At the end of the tour, we wil enjoy a wine tasting/light dinner at sunset.

Overnight stay in Marsala in a 4* hotel.

Breakfast, Dinner
Ragusa → Agrigento → Marsala
Valley of Temples

Day 5 Marsala Erice Palermo

After a buffet breakfast, departure to Erice, via the spectacular “Salt Route”, a road flanked by the salt pans, windmills, and the “salt houses” where they still extract the sea salt as the Phoenicians. Arrival in Erice, placed on the top of a hill overlooking the city of Trapani and the Egadi Islands: walk through its tiny and characteristic streets, the winding lanes and, inner courtyards and stop for marzipan and biscuit tasting.

Continue to Palermo, the capital of Sicily. We will enjoy a “street food” lunch in the centre of the town and then we’ll visit the Cathedral, one of the most important architectural monuments. We will continue our visit by walking along Corso Vittorio Emanuele to reach "I Quattro Canti di Città” Piazza Pretoria, Piazza Bellini and we’ll visit the Church of Santa Caterina.

Overnight stay in Palermo in a 4* hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch
Marsala → Erice → Palermo
Palermo

Day 6 Palermo Cefalu Taormina

After a buffet breakfast, departure to visit the town of Monreale, situated on a hill at few kms far from Palermo in panoramic position. Visit of the Cathedral (entrance tickets not included), one of the most beautiful monuments in the world with its Moorish architecture, housing very fine mosaics representing a complete cycle of the Old and New Testaments in Arab-Norman style.

Then departure to Cefalù a former fishing village, now a charming coastal town. Enjoy a walk to the city centre and down main street to reach the Arab-Norman Cathedral and the medieval wash-house built into rock. Proceed to Taormina through the coastal road passing through Messina from where we’ll have the chance to admire the suggestive scenery of the Strait of Messina.

Overnight stay in Taormina in a 4* hotel.

Breakfast
Palermo → Cefalu → Taormina
Cefalu'

Day 7 Taormina Mt Etna Taormina

After a buffet breakfast, excursion to Mount Etna, the highest active Volcano in Europe. Weather conditions permitting, across fascinating landscape with different kind of vegetation, a mixture of citrus groves, vineyards and fruit trees. We will reach a height of 1800 metres to visit the Sylvester Craters where we’ll enjoy a spectacular panorama over the Ionian Sea. Stop at a local vineyard on the eastern slopes of Etna and visit a prestigious cellar . We will have the opportunity to taste different local wines accompanied by local cheese and cold cuts (lunch not included).

In the afternoon back to Taormina, charming city called "the pearl of the Ionian Sea": enjoy time at leisure for shopping or walking through its tiny streets. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight stay in Taormina in a 4* hotel.

Breakfast
Taormina → Mt Etna → Taormina
Taormina

Day 8 Taormina Milazzo Lipari

After enjoying a buffet breakfast, we will proceed with our departure to Milazzo.

Upon arrival at the port of Milazzo, we will board a hydrofoil to reach the charming island of Lipari, which is the largest among the Aeolian archipelago. Once we arrive on Lipari, we will transfer to our hotel and you will have some free time to explore the delightful village of Lipari. Lunch will be at your own expenses.

In the afternoon, we will embark on a taxi tour of the beautiful island. Following the tour, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight stay in Lipari in a 4* hotel.

Breakfast
Taormina → Milazzo → Lipari
Lipari

Day 9 Lipari Panarea & Stromboli Lipari

After a buffet breakfast, you will have a free morning for your own leisure.

In the late morning, there will be a boat departure to Panarea and Stromboli. The first stop will be in Panarea, where you can explore the small village by taking a pleasant walk along the streets lined with traditional white Aeolian-style houses. Afterward, the journey continues to Stromboli, often referred to as the wildest island, as it maintains a strong connection with nature, particularly its volcano, locally known as "Iddu." You'll have free time to explore Stromboli.

Once you get back on the boat, you will continue until you reach the "Sciara del fuoco", a ridge of the crater from where the lava descends. From the boat it will also be possible to witness the evocative eruptions of the volcano that follow one another with intervals of about fifteen minutes. Return to Lipari in the evening.

Overnight stay in Lipari in a 4* hotel.

Breakfast
Lipari → Panarea & Stromboli → Lipari
Stromboli

Day 10 Lipari Salina Lipari

After a buffet breakfast in hotel, departure by boat to Salina. After a stop in the center of S. Marina, continue by boat to circumnavigate the island, swim in Pollara, the beach of the famous film "Il Postino".

Free time for lunch (not included).

Continue to Lingua where there is a salt lake from where salt was extracted in ancient times (hence the name of the island). Return to Lipari in the afternoon.

Ovenight stay in Lipari in a 4* hotel.

Breakfast
Lipari → Salina → Lipari

Day 11 Lipari Milazzo Catania

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the port of Lipari, and boarding on the hydrofoil for Milazzo.
From there, you'll continue your journey to Catania, where you'll check into your hotel.

Lunch will be on your own (not included).

In the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to explore Catania's historic center. Some of the main attractions to visit include Piazza Duomo, Pescheria, Castello Ursino, Piazza San Francesco, via Teatro Greco, Piazza Dante, via Gesuiti, Alessi staircase, Piazza Università, Piazza Vincenzo Bellini, and Piazza San Placido.

Overnight stay in Catania in a 4* hotel.

Breakfast
Lipari → Milazzo → Catania
Catania

Day 12 Catania

Your tour ends after breakfast.

Breakfast

Optional Extras

Entrance tickets Supplement

The Entrance tickets to sites and museums include:

  • The Neapolis in Siracusa and the Dome;
  • Valley of Temples in Agrigento;
  • Santa Cristina Church in Palermo;
  • The Dome in Monreale.

In case of price increases for the entrance fees, we will update you at the time of the booking.
 

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Transfer from Catania Airport to Catania

One way transfer from Catania Airport to Catania Hotel.

*There will be a surcharge for arrivals between 22:00 and 07:00. In addition, a supplementary fee will be applied to all transfer services on the designated bank holidays: January 1st and 6th, Easter Sunday and Monday, April 25th, May 1st, June 2nd, August 15th, November 1st, December 8th, 25th, and 26th.

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Transfer from Catania to Catania Airport

One way transfer from Catania Hotel to Catania Airport.

*There will be a surcharge for arrivals between 22:00 and 07:00. In addition, a supplementary fee will be applied to all transfer services on the designated bank holidays: January 1st and 6th, Easter Sunday and Monday, April 25th, May 1st, June 2nd, August 15th, November 1st, December 8th, 25th, and 26th.

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

Official language
Italian
Local currency
EURO
  • We work with a selection of hotels in each location. All bookings are subject to availability, which means our team will confirm your specific hotels upon confirmation and payment of deposit. The package price is based on 4-star accommodation.
  • A minivan with driver/guide, normally not equipped with wifi, will be provided if the number of participants is equal to or less than eight.
  • For organizational reasons, the itinerary may be reversed or modified without notice. In this case, our supplier ensures similar visits and excursions in accordance with the spirit of the tour program.

  • Blackout dates may apply during festive season.

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package (Entrance tickets to sites and museums)

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

  • They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
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Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

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Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

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For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

  • Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
  • The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

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Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

  • Travel on a specific airline of their choice
  • Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
  • Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
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We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

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