Top Catania Historical Tours

Marvel over the geological wonders of Mount Etna, then visit the elegant resort town of Taormina on this action-packed full-day tour from Catania. Soak up the dramatic scenery of Europe’s highest active volcano as you visit the hilltop resort of Rifugio Sapienza; ride the cable car to the 9,514-foot (2,900-meter) peak of Mount Etna (optional) and explore a natural lava cave. Then, cool off with a swim on Isola Bella island, before spending the afternoon enjoying Taormina’s medieval churches, ancient Greek theater, and lively shopping district.

Delve into ancient Roman and Greek history on a visit to both Neapolis Archaeological Park and Ortygia Island in Syracuse. Neapolis is home to some of Syracuse's most notable ruins, including a massive Greek amphitheater that is still used for performances during the summer months. Marvel at age-old quarries and a Roman amphitheater where gladiators fought each other to the death. Afterward, head over to Ortygia Island―a small island that serves as Syracuse's historic center―and nearby Noto, a stunning town filled with exquisite, photo-worthy baroque architecture.

Leave the navigating to your driver and explore the history and architecture of Sicily with this full-day tour. See several popular landmarks in one day, including the Greek ruins of Agrigento and the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina. This small group tour through the Valley of the Temples offers an intimate atmosphere.

You will visit the highest active volcano in Europe,declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. You will visit Silvester Craters at 2000 meters above the sea level. You will also visit Taormina, the most worldwide famous tourist destination in the east of Sicily and the Isola Bella nature riserve

Visit Sicily’s first Greek colony of Giardini Naxos as well as Isola Bella, Castelmola, and Taormina on a half-day trip from Catania. The 5-hour experience includes a seafront drive alongside Naxos Bay in the history-steeped seaside town of Giardini Naxos, followed by a dip in the sea at Isola Bella. Check out the Mother Church of Castelmola on a walk around its historical center, then visit Taormina to hear its history and shop in its artisanal boutiques.

Sicily’s small towns bring sea views, medieval and ancient history, and vibrant culture. This full-day tour visits the towns of Taormina, Savoca, and Castelmola in a small group setting. Your first stop is medieval Savoca and its Bar Vitelli, where scenes from The Godfather were filmed. Next, you’ll explore the terraced seaside town of Taormina, followed by the mountaintop town of Castelmola.

The historic towns of Taormina and Castelmola are two of the most scenic in eastern Sicily, and with this tour you can visit both without the hassle of public transportation or the stress of navigating the island’s twisting roads. Take in the highlights of Taormina at your own pace and relax over lunch, then head to Castelmola to enjoy the sweeping views over the coastline from its medieval center.

Ascending the southern slope of Mount Etna, we will cross the lava flow of 1983 and 2002, and see up close its destructive effects. We will reach an altitude of 2.000 meters, where you can visit the Silvestri Craters originated from the eruption of 1892. Here you will walk on the edge of the craters, admiring the breathtaking landscape. On the way back, we will stop in a Honey Farm where you can learn the procedures for production of organic honey and taste varieties of honey and many other typical products like extra virgin olive oil, wine, Sicilian pesto etc. In Taormina, you will walk through the town enjoying the beauty of the historical center and the city's main attractions (Greek Theater, Cathedral, Belvedere Square). Afterwords, we will visit the characteristic medieval village of Castelmola with its Cathedral and the main square with its wonderful view on Mount Etna. An almost compulsory stop is Turrisi Coffee Shop, where it is possible to taste a special almond wine.

Sicily is home to some of the most spectacular Greek and Roman archaeological sites in Italy, but visiting on your own means navigating the island’s confusing rural roads. With this tour, reach Villa Romana Del Casale in Piazza Armerina and the Valley of Temples in Agrigento with a private driver for a stress-free jaunt through ancient history, taking in these remarkable ruins at your own pace.

Perfect for movie-buffs and die-hard “Godfather” fans, this walking tour takes you deep into the Sicilian settings of the Francis Ford Coppola classic. You’ll get a first-hand peek at backdrops for the film’s standout scenes. Discover hidden landmarks along the way, like a 15th-century synagogue and Roman-built village centers. Admire spectacular views along the Ionian coast with free time to explore at your own pace.

Towering Mount Etna is one of the most popular sights in all of Sicily, but organizing transportation to the volcano’s craters can be a challenge. This convenient bus tour from Taormina makes it possible to drive past charming villages along the way to Etna, spend a few hours at the Silvestri Craters, and shop for local products and souvenirs (own expense) without worrying about parking. Plus, you’ll be back in Taormina by lunchtime.

Visit the amazing valley of Noto, cradle of the late Sicilian baroque style and UNESCO world heritage. Travel to the Suth East of SIcily and stop at Noto, Modica and Ragusa. Visit the oldest chocolate factory of Sicily and have a free tasting.

Head from Catania to three of Sicily’s top destinations during this full-day, attraction-packed guided tour. Travel comfortably by air-conditioned minivan, with shared hotel transfers. Highlights include the Neapolis archaeological park in Syracuse (admission tickets purchased separately), a visit to the Greek and Baroque-influenced island of Ortigia, and a stop in picturesque, UNESCO-listed Noto.

Let's explore and rediscover Ragusa, Modica and Scicli. The tour follows an itinerary which includes history, art, faith and culture. We invite you to spend one day visiting the greatest laboratory of Baroque urban development and its surroundings. Hundreds of churches scattered around, impressive basilicas, half-hidden small churches in crowded alleys, buildings with unusual architectural solutions, portals, stories about the ancient noble families, represent the precious heritage of the greatest flowering of Sicilian Baroque art, which makes these places, their atmosphere and their landscape really unique.

Taking in the views from Mt Etna and the ancient amphitheater in Taormina in one day takes careful planning. Avoid the hassle of complicated logistics with this tour that includes transportation from Catania to the the foot of Mt Etna, a cable car ride up to the peak, and a turn along the crater’s edge via off-road vehicle. Enjoy free time to explore Taormina in the afternoon before the return trip to Catania.

Dive into the world of ‘Commissario Montalbano,’ the hit Italian TV series that follows a Sicilian police chief who solves crimes by reconstructing the events. Visit a number of filming locations around southern Sicily that are used to portray the fictional city of Vigata on television. This small-group tour is ideal for fans of the show and includes round-trip transportation from your Catania hotel.

Discover southeastern Sicily on this private excursion from Catania or Taormina. See the ancient Greek and Roman ruins at the Neopolis Archeological Park of Syracuse; explore the quaint streets of Ortigia admiring its famous Cathedral and Aretusa Fountain; and take in the beauty of the UNESCO-listed baroque architecture of Noto. A private, air-conditioned vehicle and guide are included.

In all our tours, according to the one you choose, you will eat local products to better understand Sicily and its beauties. All the tours include free pick up from your accommodation in Catania and surroundings. Under request trekking shoes are provided.

In 2015 UNESCO declared the itinerary "Palermo Arab Norman and the Cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale" a World Heritage Site. The wealth of this island is also due to the peoples who invaded it and left their inheritances as well as, after the storms, corals and starfishes remain on the shore. With this tour, UNESCO celebrates in particular the legacy of two civilizations - that of the Arabs and that of the Normans, a people of warriors from Scandinavia with influences from Romanesque and Byzantine art - that have deposited in Sicily unparalleled architectural and artistic treasures. We will accompany you to the discovery of these and many other treasures which make our land unique and unmatched with the comfort and safety of our vehicles truly conducted by our reliable and professional drivers.

It will be an opportunity to see the naturalistic beauties of the Baia dei Ciclopi such as the Faraglioni of Acitrezza or the Natural Reserve of Vendicari. You will have the opportunity to take a bath in crystal clear waters, to fish with the rod or doing underwater fishing. Depending on the weather conditions and the time available, it may be possible to see the dolphins or the magnificent backdrops. A professional skipper will also teach you the first elements to be able to learn to drive a boat in total safety. Thanks to the presence of a skipper with twenty years experience, the tour takes place in compliance with absolute safety conditions.

Get value for time and money by packing a lot in one day on this Etna and Taormina day trip. Get picked up from your hotel in Catania in a 4X4, take off-road and on-foot excursions on Mount Etna, and spend your afternoon in seaside Taormina. It’s more adventurous than a bus tour and includes a traditional Sicilian lunch at a chalet.

You will visit the highest active volcano in Europe, declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. You will reach Mount Etna at 2000m above the sea level. You will visit two extinct craters and a lava cave. You will have the opportunity to take stunning photos at the amazing Valle del Bove. Last but not least, you will have the chance to taste typical local products, such as honey, wine, olive oil and much more, at a farm located in Zaffeana Etnea

A trip to an unknown Sicily, unknown to the majority of tourists, away from the usual tourist spot. A true Sicily to discover and enjoy! The small village of Buscemi, with the houses of the historical center faithfully restored as they were more than a century ago, to let you experience a leap back in time to understand how life took place at that time. Palazzolo Acreide, located in the Sicilian hinterland, in the middle of Iblei mountains. To reach it, you must travel a very beautiful landscape with panoramic views completely different from those that can be seen along the coast. The town is enchanting, with some of the most beautiful baroque churches of Sicily, so much that it was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2002. Marzamemi is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, where everything smells of the sea between old stone houses, wooden boats and picturesque views. The perfect place where to taste the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean sea.

Taormina, Savoca and Castelmola: visit the beauties of these three famous towns in Sicily, starting from "The Godfather" scenery, in a private way!