Things to do in Catania, Sicily: The Best Cultural Tours

April 21, 2022 Natalie Tallman

Catania has been a prize of many empires over the centuries, from Greeks to Romans to Arabs to Normans to Spaniards (to name a few). But its citizens have a more dangerous enemy right in their backyard—Mount Etna, Europe's largest and most active volcano, which destroyed the city with earthquakes and lava flows in 1693. Look closely at the baroque buildings dating from after the eruption—you'll notice a creative use of lava.
Restaurants in Catania

1. Private 8 Days Tour of Sicily: Highlights

Sicily Activities
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Discover Sicily in a  Private Tour. 8 Days / 7 Nights visiting Taormina, Godfather Villages, Mt. Etna, Noto, Syracuse, Agrigento and Palermo. Enjoy the best highlights of Sicily: Greek Theatre, Temples Valley, Baroque Towns, Cathedrals Discover Sicilian Culture, History, Lifestyle, Food & Wine. 7 Tours/Activities with Licensed Local Guide. Accommodation options in 3* 4* or 5* Hotels.  Overnights in Taormina, Syracuse & Palermo. All ground Transfers in 8 seats A/C Mercedes Minivan or Mercedes Car and licensed driver, including Pick up and drop off to Airport. 24 hours coordination from arrival to departure.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, 7 NIGHTS IN 4 STARS HOTEL, PRIVATE DRIVER FOR EVERY TRANSFER INCL. AIRPORT TRANSFERS, 8 BREAKFASTS IN HOTEL, 4 LUNCHES DURING ACTIVITIES, ALL OTHER FOOD AND WINE TASTINGS MENTIONED IN ITINERARY, TAORMINA WALKING TOUR & GREEK THEATRE VISIT, GODFATHER VS MAFIA TOUR WITH LIGHT LUNCH , ETNA TRIP UNTIL 1900MT WITH LUNCH IN ETNA WINERY, NOTO WALKING TOUR WITH LUNCH , ORTIGIA WALKING TOUR, TRIP TO AGRIGENTO, GUIDED VISIT OF TEMPLE VALLEY AND LUNCH, PALERMO WALKING TOUR

Exclusions: OPTIONAL ETNA ASCENT UNTIL 3000MT;, ENTRANCE FEES TO MONUMENTS;, CITY TAX (2-3€ per person per night) TO BE PAID IN HOTEL;

Reviewed By Lulu8London

2020 was a difficult year to travel, but if you can make it, it is all worth it! Given the various restrictions imposed on tourism during this period, Activity Sicily still delivered a rich and smooth programme: food was great, tours are interesting, hotels are comfortable and in great locations, and the cooking class is particularly fun. We focused on the food and wine aspects in this tour, the knowledge behind the food provided great insight into Sicilian people, history and culture. Massimo was hands-on all way through the tour to make sure everything went well, and all the guides are professional, knowledgable, and helped us to make the most of the trip during this difficult time. That said, the bonus is -- with hardly any tourists around, we really got to see the place as it is! Thanks Activity Sicily.

2. Taormina Savoca and Castelmola one day tour from Syracuse

96100 Syracuse, Province of Syracuse, Italy Sicily Day By Day
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Taormina, Savoca and Castelmola: Visit the beauties of these three famous towns in Sicily, starting from “The Godfatther” scenery!

Inclusions: Fuel surcharge, FREE Snack with typical Sicilian street food, water and wine, Driver, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport with air-conditioned minivan, Landing and facility fees, Snacks, Bottled water

Exclusions: Touristic Guide

Reviewed By Michel M

I planned my day of holiday on the tour from Catania to the Aolian Island that was advertised for the following day. I sent several texts and around 8 emails for them to confirm where they could take me. The answer after 4 emails was just to clarify the question. I phoned at the end of the day and I was told that the tour on Viator for the following day is not theirs. Then I checked again, and I sent another link to show them it was theirs. The woman then told me that it is theirs, but if I book, she will cancel. She said several times "as I told you", with no apology for the false advertising. It seems they do that for a lot of tours. I wanted to rent a car from them in Mazolli, the agents that happened to be theirs were so rude! Don’t trust this company.

3. Taormina, Castelmola, Giardini Naxos, Isolabella (max 20 pax)

Catania Tour Private Day Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Enjoy the beauties of the most beautiful coast of Sicily, visiting 4 amazing sites: Taormina, Giardini Naxos, Isolabella and Castelmola, with a special stop to take pictures of the coast and Isolabella with its breathtaking views.

Inclusions: Professional English - speaking driver (or other language you prefer), Transportation by Mercedes luxury AC vehicle, all taxes and parking fees., Port pickup and drop-off, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Bottled water

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By Trench50

Tour knew our port was changed right when we did and adjusted the itenirary. Guide was very knowledgeable about the different areas. She also went out of her way to take us to the theatre in Taormina. Was one of the top days on entire trip.

4. INSIDE THE ARISTOCRACY : CATANIA and FIUMEFREDDO

Sicily By Experts
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Highlights during this excursions: Private visit of Palazzo Biscari in catania Visit the fish market in Catania private visit of the Godfather's villa "oscar film location"

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, English speaking Driver escort , Private visit Palazzo Biscari, Private visit Godfather Castle

Exclusions: Gratuities, Licensed tourist guide ( our drivers are tour escort and not local guides) , Lunch

Reviewed By R2566PLhelens

I had no idea what to expect when I travelled to Sicitly. But I was amazed by the scenery, culture, food and mostly the history. Angela our tour guide was very knowledgeable, professional and great fun to be around, nothing was too much trouble. Her home town of Cefalu was amazing! Giuseppe our bus driver was the best and did a fantastic job driving us around safely and I was amazed that he could fit all bags in! If you want to experience definatley contact Angela at Sicily By Experts.

5. Private Tour Etna and Taormina from Catania

porto di Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy Sicily Best Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Experience the landscapes of the largest active Volcano in Europe recognized as Unesco heritage, taste the flavors of typical Sicilian products and be fascinated by the Greek Roman history that Taormina offers us.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Driver or Hostess speaking the language of the tour you have chosen for explanations on the mini van, Bottled water

Exclusions: Entrance fees to museums, theaters, food and drinks, entrance to the cable car, Tips (optional), Authorized Tour Guide

Reviewed By Diana Z

Sicily is beautiful and very different. Definitely a place to return. Though would not advise to stay in Giardini Naxos, the only benefit being sandy beaches.

6. Noto - half day tour (departure from Syracuse)

Grand Hotel Villa Politi, Via M, Via Maria Politi Laudien, 2, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy Wellsicily - All colours of Sicily
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Noto, a city of art rich in charm that has earned the title of “Stone Garden” as well as the Sicilian capital of Baroque. In 2002 it was named UNESCO as a World Heritage Site along with all Baroque cities of the Noto Valley. Starting from Porta Reale, you will pass through the main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, where on both sides you can admire baroque churches and palaces then passing for the jewel of Baroque par excellence: the Cathedral.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Multilanguage guide

Exclusions: All Fees and Taxes

7. My sailing tour in Catania

Port WINTER Coffee, Banchina Centrale, Via Cardinale Dusmet, 95121 Catania CT, Italy My Personal Tour
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

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.

Inclusions: Use of Snorkelling equipment, Lunch

Exclusions: Private transportation

Reviewed By jenniesusan

We had a great time at Nonna Amalia's home cooking experience. The cooking class was hosted by Valeria at her gorgeous home and the kitchen was fully equipped. We choose to cook homemade pasta (tagliatelle) with tomato sauce and ravioli filled with pureed eggplant. It all turned out being great! For the dessert we made paste di mandorla! Everything was delicious and we really enjoyed the experience. I can really recommend this cooking class if you are looking to learn some Sicilian home cooking.

8. Tour Sicily BAROQUE

Catania Fontanarossa Airport, Via Fontanarossa, 95121 Catania CT, Italy Insolita Travels │Tours SICILIA
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This is a free tour that allows you to visit the jewels of Sicilian baroque from Syracuse to Noto, from Modica to Ragusa Ibla passing through Scicli and Catania.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Assistance during the trip

Exclusions: Scheduled flights, Rental cars, Anything not mentioned in "included"

9. Etna and Taormina Full-Day Tour from Catania

Etna Tribe
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4.8 based on 353 reviews

This full-day tour goes from Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, to the beautiful and characteristic town of Taormina in the afternoon. In the first part of the excursion, submerge in nature and visit old craters and lava flow caves, enjoy breathtaking views, and taste the typical local products. In the afternoon, before visiting Taormina, you will stop and see the beautiful "Isola Bella".

Inclusions: Shuttle bus (return), Multilingual guide, The kit for visiting the Cave, Sampling, Trekking shoes (on request), INFANT price - Baby seat and baby carrier included

Exclusions: cableway + 4x4 minibus + alpinist guide to reach 3000 m € 66.00 (to pay on the spot), Authorized tourist guide in Taormina (on request), All that is not specified under “the cost includes

Reviewed By Jololo37

Perfecto! Guide really friendly! Interesting tour with children. Etna is beautiful! If you are near Catania, do this tour!

10. Giardini Naxos, Taormina and Castelmola Half-Day Tour from Catania

Etna Tribe
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4.8 based on 21 reviews

See the coast where Greeks first landed in Sicily, and admire the medieval architecture of Taormina whose palaces and monuments witnessed a long and meaningful history. Enjoy the panoramas which overlook the Ionian sea and on Nebrodi mountains from the high Castelmola, a natural balcony on Taormina. See traditional products of the artisanal shops and the elegance of the boutiques which make Taormina a little jewelry box.

Inclusions: Shuttle bus (return), Multilingual guide, INFANT - Baby seat

Exclusions: Authorized tourist guide in Taormina (on request), All that is not specified under “the cost includes"

Reviewed By Jololo37

Perfecto! Guide really friendly! Interesting tour with children. Etna is beautiful! If you are near Catania, do this tour!

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