Sicily is large enough that a tour only makes sense when it matches a region: the volcano and the east coast, the Greek temples of the south-west, the Aeolian Islands offshore, or the food scene in Palermo. This page compares the tours worth booking across the island, by type, operator and price. For each city’s own operators, see our Palermo tours, Syracuse tours and Taormina tours pages.
Distances drive the choice. Palermo to Agrigento is about 2 hours by road, Catania to Etna about 1 hour, and Milazzo to the Aeolian Islands 1 to 2 hours by hydrofoil. Prices below are indicative for 2026 from booking platforms and operator sites, and change with season and group size. Our Sicily island guide covers where to base yourself and how to get around.
Mount Etna Summit Craters Trek
Duration: 6-7 hours | From: approximately 75 per person
Etna is Europe’s most active volcano, and the standard route runs by cable car and 4x4 from Rifugio Sapienza (1,900m) to around 2,900m, where certified volcanological guides lead groups along the crater rim. The Funivia dell’Etna operates the cable car, and guided departures from Catania and Taormina bundle the transfer, boots and a jacket. Summit access depends on the INGV alert level, so ask the operator which crater zone is open on your day. Sunset departures cost more but give a rare view of the lava fields turning red, with a cold descent.
Valley of the Temples, Agrigento
Duration: 3 hours | From: approximately 35 per person
The Parco Archeologico Valle dei Templi holds seven Doric temples on a ridge above the sea, with the Temple of Concordia among the best preserved in the Greek world. Guided tours from Palermo or Agrigento add context on Akragas, a city that rivalled Athens in the 5th century BC. Entry is separate from guide fees on many listings, so check what is included. Go in the early morning or at sunset in summer, when the stone is gold and the heat is bearable.
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Stromboli Evening Hike and Aeolian Islands Cruise
Duration: Full day | From: approximately 60 per person
From Milazzo or Lipari, day cruises combine Vulcano’s mud baths, Lipari’s old town and a sunset stop at Stromboli. The summit hike needs a licensed guide above 400m, and groups time the climb to watch explosions after dark. Magmatrek and other local guide offices run this climb, usually priced separately from the boat. A headtorch, hiking boots and a windproof layer are essential, and boat departures are cancelled in rough sea.
Palermo Street Food and Market Tour
Duration: 3-4 hours | From: approximately 45 per person
Palermo’s Ballaro, Capo and Vucciria markets reward a local guide who knows which stalls sell panelle, sfincione, arancine and pani ca meusa. Walking food tours typically include five to eight tastings and a short history of Arab, Norman and Spanish influence on Sicilian cooking. Small groups of up to 10 are common. Go hungry, wear flat shoes, and book mornings, when the markets are busiest and freshest.
Syracuse and Ortigia Boat and Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours | From: approximately 30 per person
Ortigia is the old island core of Syracuse, and a boat loop around it passes the Castello Maniace, sea caves and the Fountain of Arethusa. Many tours pair the boat with a guided walk through the Greek theatre and the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Small boats leave from Foro Italico and run in spring and summer, weather allowing. It is one of the easiest half-day tours to add to a southeast Sicily route.
Wine and Food Day Tours: Etna and Marsala
Duration: 6-8 hours | From: approximately 90 per person
Etna’s black volcanic soil produces distinctive Nerello Mascalese reds, and day tours from Catania or Taormina visit two or three family estates with tastings and a light lunch. On the west coast, Marsala tours cover the salt pans, windmills and fortified wine cellars. Most include a driver, so everyone can taste without worrying about the road home.
Practical Information
Best season: April to June and September to October give the best weather for Etna, temples and boats. In July and August, book summit treks and Aeolian cruises 1 to 2 weeks ahead. Sicily’s national tourism site, VisitSicily, lists current site opening times.
Where to base yourself: Taormina or Catania for Etna, Palermo for Agrigento and food tours, Syracuse for the southeast. Most tours include hotel pickup within these hubs; confirm the meeting point when booking.
Prices: Prices are approximate as of 2026 and exclude personal entry costs on some listings. Compare the sister island in our Sicily vs Sardinia guide if you are still choosing.
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Where to stay: see our hotel guide for Sicily for the best areas and options at every budget.