Sicily Day Tour: Mount Etna & Syracuse (Extended Full Day)

Do you want to visit Sicily, our neighbouring island? book this tour and don’t miss out on the opportunity to take an unforgettable day trip to Sicily.

Travel in style and explore some of Sicily’s most spectacular attractions, including the largest active volcano in Europe, ancient baroque towns and historical landmarks. Experience breath-taking scenery and the island’s distinctive culture and way of life. With our state-of-the-art high-speed catamaran, you will reach Sicily in just under 2 hours.

On arrival at the port, you will check-in and board the Catamaran. The crossing is estimated to take 1 hour 45 minutes. The Catamaran is equipped with restrooms, a very good cafeteria serving a variety of hot or cold snacks and beverages, and a small boutique/gift shop.

On arrival in Pozzallo, you will be guided to your coach or bus to begin your fantastic day trip through Sicily.

◆ Mount Etna:

You will depart from Pozzallo to reach Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.

On the way to Mount Etna, we include a stop so you can sample some typical Sicilian delicacies, including wines, almond sweets, and honey. This is a short stop, but it does give you an opportunity to purchase some genuine local specialities (no obligation to buy).

The drive up to the mountain slopes will take you through picturesque villages and an ever-changing landscape. The lower slopes of the volcano are extremely fertile, with groves of oranges, lemons, and other Mediterranean flora, and of course, vines that produce Sicily’s best wines.

You will go through forests of chestnut trees, which gradually give way to oak, beech, birch, and pine. Our tour to Mount Etna will take you to 2000 metres above sea level, stopping at the Silvester Craters. From here, you can appreciate a panoramic view of the vast base of the Etna and the effects of the most recent eruptions.

After your visit to Mount Etna, you will then proceed to the beautiful city of Syracuse.

◆ Syracuse:

Your second stop includes a visit to the ancient city of Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, Syracuse is notable for its rich Greek and Roman history, culture, amphitheatres, architecture, and as the birthplace of the pre-eminent mathematician and engineer Archimedes. This 2700-year-old city played a key role in ancient times, when it was one of the major powers of the Mediterranean region.

The heart and soul of the ancient city of Syracuse is the small island of Ortygia, joined to the mainland by a short bridge. The island, also known as “Città Vecchia” (the Old City), contains many historical landmarks. Ortygia, being an island just off the coast, was easily transformed into a natural fortress with harbours and was big enough that it could hold a significant population in ancient times. Therefore, the history of Ortygia is synonymous with the early history of Syracuse.

At the centre of Ortygia is the Piazza Duomo, here the main attraction is by far the imposing Duomo di Siracusa (Cathedral of Syracuse), originally built by the Greeks as the Temple of Athena.

When the Byzantines conquered Syracuse, instead of demolishing the temple, as so often happened, they converted it into a Christian church.

The Normans modified the interior and built a more Christian façade. When the façade was destroyed in the 1693 earthquake, the baroque façade that we see today was erected. The Duomo is one of the oldest sites of continued worship in the world and is a unique example of Greek, Byzantine, Norman, and Baroque architecture all in one.

End your tour with a visit to one of the many cafeterias and enjoy some of the traditional sweets, cannoli, or locally made ice cream—simply divine!

After your visit to Syracuse, you will return to the port of Pozzallo to board the Catamaran for your journey back to Malta.

Upon your arrival in Malta, if you have booked any option including transfers, our driver will be waiting for you at the port to take you back to your accommodation (or) your original pick-up location.