Highlights of Calabria, Mount Etna and Sicily: RATW Week 1

Travel through southern Italy and Sicily on this 15 night guided journey from Naples to Palermo, following the opening stretch of the new series of Race Across the World, which begins in Sicily before heading through Calabria on its way towards the final destination in India. This route puts you right into the same part of the world seen in the first episode, from coastal towns and hilltop villages to Mount Etna and the Valley of the Temples, but with the time to actually enjoy each stop along the way.

Highlights of Calabria, Mount Etna and Sicily: RATW Week 1

Naples to Civita and Pollino National Park

Start in Naples before heading south into Calabria, reaching the hilltop village of Civita. This is a quieter side of Italy, where you can walk through the village and see a different pace of life. A nature based hike in Pollino National Park gives you time in the mountains, with views across the landscape and coastline.

Naples with Mt Vesuvius in background
Naples with Mt Vesuvius in background
Pollino National Park
Pollino National Park

Tropea and Stromboli

Continue to Tropea, set on cliffs above the sea, where you can explore the town or spend time by the water. From here, head out by boat to Stromboli. This is one of the standout parts of the trip, with the chance to see volcanic activity by night from the water, something you do not get to experience often.

Santuario di Santa Maria dell'Isola di Tropea
Santuario di Santa Maria dell'Isola di Tropea
Mt Stromboli
Mt Stromboli

Reggio Calabria to Taormina and Catania

Travel along the coast to Reggio Calabria and visit the Archaeological Museum to see the Riace Bronzes. Cross into Sicily and continue to Taormina for a private boat trip along the coastline, with time on the water and the option to swim. In Catania, take a guided walk through the city and try local granita, with Mount Etna visible in the background.

Ancient theatre of Taormina
Ancient theatre of Taormina

Mount Etna and Syracuse

Spend a full day on Mount Etna, walking across volcanic terrain, visiting lava caves and seeing the landscape up close. Continue to Syracuse where a guided walk introduces you to the city, followed by free time to explore the old town, visit archaeological sites or spend time along the waterfront.

Castello Maniace, Syracuse
Castello Maniace, Syracuse

Noto, Ragusa and Agrigento

Travel through the baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa, known for their architecture and layout, before reaching Agrigento. A guided visit to the Valley of the Temples brings the site to life, with time to walk through the ruins and take in views across the surrounding landscape.

Noto Cathedra
Noto Cathedra

Erice and Palermo

Finish in western Sicily, stopping in the hilltop town of Erice to try local sweets before continuing to Palermo. A guided Anti Mafia walking tour gives you a different perspective on the city, visiting key locations and meeting local people. You then have time to explore Palermo before the trip ends.

Erice
Erice

Included in this Itinerary

Return flights from Dublin with Aer Lingus and Swiss International Air Lines via Naples, Palermo and Zurich, 15 night guided tour from Naples to Palermo, transport throughout by train, public bus, private vehicle and ferry, accommodation throughout in hotels and guesthouses, 15 breakfasts. Included activities: Civita nature based hike, Stromboli by night boat trip, Reggio Calabria Archaeological Museum visit, Taormina private boat excursion, orientation walks in Taormina, Catania and Syracuse, Mount Etna day trip with lava cave visit, Noto and Ragusa day trip, guided visit to the Valley of the Temples, Erice local sweets tasting, Palermo Anti Mafia walking tour. Flights depart Dublin on 30 August 2026. Price is correct at the time of posting (02 April 2026). Offers are subject to change.

Price from €5,800 per person

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Finding your match...

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