Sicily · 1-DAY TOURS
22 reviewed
Below are the 15 best 1-day tours in Sicily right now: what each one costs, how long it takes, and which kind of traveller it suits. Start at number one, it is there for a reason.
Small-group Etna trip from Catania with crater walk, lava cave helmets, cantucci and zibibbo, plus sunrise or sunset views.
“The tour guide was outstanding, very knowledgeable and prompt. However, the description of this excursion was very deceiving.. we were not aware we'd be hiking 2100 meters It was very exhausting and unexpected.”
A smooth half-day escape from Palermo to Norman Monreale and seaside Cefalù, with cathedral mosaics, museum pottery, and great coastal views.
“1/2 hour less in Monreale so we can spend more time in Cefalú”
Palermo day trip to Agrigento: Valley of the Temples with free time, plus a quick photo stop at Scala dei Turchi.
“Excellent day trip from Palermo, everything worked out as planned and announced in the itinerary. Simone was great host, engaging throughout the entire trip. Totally recommended!”
Half-day Mount Etna tour from Taormina, Naxos, Letojanni, or Mascali with crater walking at 2,000m, photo stops, and local honey tasting.
“Giovanni was an excellent tour guide and was very knowledgeable about the area.”
Coach from Taormina to Mount Etna with trails from Rifugio Sapienza, plus an optional cable car and jeep to the upper craters.
“This was a once in a lifetime experience that I would highly recommend to anyone! The tour company were amazing- they picked us up from a bus stop very near to our hotel and took us directly to Mount Etna and also dropped us off after too! We chose the cable car and jeep option which is a must, as you get to go very close to the summit of Mount Etna. It is worth it for the extra cost! Every second was absolutely breathtaking!”
Guided Mt Etna hike to craters and a lava cave, lunch with local wine, then a Taormina stroll from Catania.
“The trip was wonderful. Giovanni was a very knowledgeable mountain guide. He drove us smoothly to the winery, the lava tube grotto, walking spot on the etna and Taormina. The lunch and accompanying wines were very nice (better than what you usually get). You have about 2-2.5 hours to roam Taormina which is just about enough to visit the ancient theatre and have a stroll through the city center. 10/10 would recommend.”
A long motorboat day from Taormina to Panarea and Stromboli, ending with night views of Sciara del Fuoco eruptions.
“Very well organised tour and special thanks goes to Franco the tour leader and Giuseppe the driver. Keep it up.”
Visit Erice, Segesta, and Trapani salt pans from Palermo with hilltop views, Doric temple drama, and hands-on history.
“We really enjoyed our trip with a great guide and driver. Thank you for a wonderful time.”
Guided day trip from Palermo to Erice and Marsala Salt Route with winery lunch, wine and olive oil tastings, plus salt windmills.
“Our guide was extremely helpful and went out of his way to give us the ultimate experience. He was attentive and knowledgeable and very pleasant. Erice was a magical place and the views were unbelievable. We were treated to a delicious snack and treated very well at the pastry shop. The wine tour at the Marsala winery was very interesting and the lunch was excellent. Overall it was a very positive experience and well worth the money.”
Half-day Etna from Catania with crater walks, honey tasting, and optional cable car to active craters. Small-group comfort.
“our guide was Orazio. he picked us from the hotel on time, was exceptionally freandly, he's a great guide, who knows a lot about Enta and the region. Also, his English is perfect”
A relaxed full-day minivan ride from Palermo to Erice and Segesta, with big views, medieval lanes, and the Doric temple.
“The Temple complex at Segesta was really stunning, especially the gardens overlooking the Temple from the adjacent hill. Equally impressive was the incredible view from Erice towards the bay far below.”
Palermo to Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples by air-conditioned minivan, with a self-guided ruins visit and expert context in English.
“The actual Valley of the Temples historic site was a wonderful experience. However, it would have been appreciated if the tour guide provided a little more information during the bus trip i.e. about the surrounding area , etc.. The bus driver , Salvatore, was an excellent driver.”
Full-day small-group trip from Catania to Agrigento and Piazza Armerina, featuring the Valley of the Temples and Villa del Casale mosaics.
“Trip with Carmelo was amazing! Of course Agrigento and Piazza Armerina were amazing, but Carmelo showed us also beauty of sicilian countryside too and took us on special photopoint. He is not only great driver, but really careful guide. He stopped us for sandwiches whet he knows that cafes are closed out of season and he gave us bunch of information about Sicily and local lifestyle. Carmelo, thanks for amazing day !!! We hope we meet again”
A long but rewarding day trip from Taormina to Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples and Piazza Armerina’s Villa Romana del Casale mosaics.
“I feel too much time was spent at the valley of the temples with overly long descriptions by the guide. It was too hot and unshaded for such length. My rating is for the Piazza Armerina which was breathtaking but our visit was too short.”
Godfather movie day trip from Catania to Savoca and Forza d’Agrò with stops at Bar Vitelli, San Nicolò wedding church, views, guide.
“Fast and safe transportation to the sites. Andrea was relaxed regarding timings and the overall day trip. We had great lunch in a nice local restaurant. Andrea proposed a couple of extra stops on the way back to Catania and we took very nice pictures at nice viewpoints. Highly recommended”
