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Air Canada Vacations

Catania & Syracuse City Break

Overview

Discover the best of Sicily on this 9-day journey from Catania to Syracuse. Explore Baroque towns, ancient ruins and volcanic landscapes, from the slopes of Mount Etna to the seaside charm of Taormina. With guided walking tours and leisure time, experience Sicily’s history, flavours and vibrant Mediterranean spirit.

This tour includes More Moments, activities included with your package.

This itinerary includes Out & About suggestions for activities that are not included in your package, but they are great tips for places to visit and things to do. 

Format

Self-guided

Locations

  • Catania
  • Syracuse

Inclusions

  • Round-trip flights to Catania 
  • 7 nights of accommodation
  • 7 full breakfasts                                   
  • Round-trip transfers from Catania airport to the hotel
  • Round-trip rail ticket from Catania to Taormina in 2nd class service
  • Round trip rail ticket Catania to Syracuse in 2nd class service
  • More Moments activities included:
    • Hop-On Hop-Off pass in Catania
    • Full-day guided tour of Mount Etna
    • Syracuse guided walking tour
  • Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Canada

Fly to Catania, Sicily.

Day 2

Catania: Sightseeing

Upon arrival at Catania airport, meet your driver for your transfer to your hotel and check in. Take advantage of your Hop-On Hop-Off pass to discover Catania’s landmarks at your own pace.  

More Moments Activities Included

  • Hop-On Hop-Off pass

    Explore the highlights of the city with the flexibility to stop where you choose. See the UNESCO-listed Baroque old town, the Roman Amphitheatre, vibrant markets and seaside views along the Ionian coast.

     

Day 3

Catania – Visit Mount Etna

Today, experience one of Sicily’s most iconic landmarks: Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Join a guided excursion that takes you through lava fields, craters and panoramic viewpoints. Taste local products made from volcanic soil, such as honey and wines, for a true Sicilian flavor.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Etna Tour

    Explore the fascinating landscapes of one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 4

Catania – Visit Taormina

Board your train for your self-guided day trip to Taormina. Explore the charm of Taormina at your own pace: wander through its historic streets, visit the ancient Greek Theatre and enjoy stunning views of Mount Etna and the coast. Relax at local cafés or browse artisan shops in the heart of town.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 5

Catania - Syracuse

Make your own way to the train station and board the train and journey south along the coast to the historic city of Syracuse, once one of the most important cities of the ancient Greek world. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel and check in for your 3-night stay. The rest of the day is yours to relax and wander the streets of this UNESCO-listed gem.

 

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 6

Syracuse: Sightseeing

Today, uncover the rich history and timeless beauty of Syracuse on a guided walking tour.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Walking Tour of Syracuse

    Explore Ortigia Island, the heart of the city, where winding medieval lanes open into sunlit squares. Your guide will bring to life tales of ancient Greece, Roman grandeur and Sicilian tradition as you discover why Syracuse has captivated travellers for centuries.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 7

Syracuse: At leisure

Spend your final full day in Syracuse as you wish. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, browse local boutiques for Sicilian ceramics or delicacies, or indulge in gelato while people-watching in Piazza del Duomo. 

($) Optional Activities

  • Optional Activity ($)

    For those interested in history, visit nearby Noto, renowned for its golden Baroque architecture, or the charming fishing villages along the coast.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 8

Syracuse – Catania

After breakfast, return by train to Catania. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel and enjoy your final evening in Sicily. You may wish to take one last stroll through Catania’s lively streets, savor fresh seafood at a local trattoria, or toast your journey with a glass of Sicilian wine.

 

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 9

Catania - Return to Canada

After breakfast, take your transfer to the airport and board your flight back home.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Accommodations

Where you'll stay

The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your travel agent prior to departure.

Comfort Accommodation

Location

Hotel

Catania
BW Mediterraneo Hotel (or similar)
3
Syracuse
Grand Hotel Villa Politi (or similar)
4

Room details

 Bed size(s): 1 Italian standard double bed or 2 Italian standard single beds

Room occupancy: Maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child

Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room during the trip.

Important Information

  • Daily from June 4 to October 23, 2026

  • Not included

    • Meals, unless specified
    • Activities and excursions
    • Gratuities
    • Porterage
    • City taxes, payable at the hotel directly
  • The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, or replaced with an alternate option depending on availability, weather, seasonality and operational reasons beyond the supplier’s control. 

  • The order visited may change due to operational restrictions. The itinerary above is for reference only.

  • City taxes are applicable for hotel stays in Italy and are payable in local currency upon checkout.