Sicily · 1-HOUR EXPERIENCES
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 8 1-hour experiences worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Ride through Ortigia in a private Ape Calessino with an English or Italian-speaking guide. Stop at Syracuse Cathedral, Arethusa Spring, Maniace Castle, Apollo Temple, and Piazza Archimede while Francesco, Danilo, or Tony shares local stories. Pickup and drop-off near the historic center are included.
“Tony was a great guide, funny and very friendly!”
Ride a private Ape tuk-tuk around Ortigia with an English-speaking driver, stopping at Syracuse Cathedral, Fonte Aretusa, Maniace Castle, Piazza Archimede, and the Temple of Apollo. Francesco is one named guide praised for clear explanations and a friendly manner.
“Very organized and well done. Francesco was GREAT! Saw a lot in a reasonable amount of time. Translation to English done nicely.”
Join an English-speaking guide in Giardini Naxos for a one-hour semi-submarine ride along Isola Bella and the Taormina coast. Large submerged windows reveal fish and the seabed, with a stop at the Blue Grotto. The group is limited to 12 people, and the boat returns to its starting point.
“Mann konnte viele Fische sehen, und wir waren an einer liebes Grotte. Danach hat er uns ein bisschen was zu einem Hotel am Wasser erzählt.”
Take a private one-hour boat ride around Ortigia and its caves in Syracuse, with stories in English and room for up to 12 people. Guide Ninno brings a playful touch that suits families, while the short route works well when you want coastal views without giving up half a day.
“It was informative, a great trip out and Ninno was great with my son and we had a lot of fun and laughs! All round great tour .”
Cruise around Ortigia, enter coastal sea caves, pass beneath a castle, and enjoy a Sicilian aperitivo at sunset. Captains such as Enzo and Mirko have helped with boarding, swimming stops, and local explanations. The one-hour outing costs $24.06 and returns to the starting point.
“My family very much enjoyed this activity. So many beautiful sites to see. I have mobility challenges and the captain and the Sicily In Travel personnel were very helpful and accommodating. They assisted me with getting on and off the boat. There were others on the boat, along with my family, and they all seemed to be having a good time, too.”
You’ll learn the basics, test your quad, then follow the coast from Cefalù toward Sant’Ambrogio before a short off-road run near Guarneri Forest. Guides such as Gabriel, Antonio, Fabio, and Mauro have been praised for patient instruction and careful group control. Bring your original driving licence.
“Wow well what a day! Got met by Gabriel, the sign in was fast and training was concise and brilliant. A quick test of my wife’s and i’s proficiency on the quad and we were away!! The quad was in brilliant shape and a smooth ride (I have repaired and used quads extensively) our trip today was from Cefalù to castelbuono and back.”
Ride a private Calessino, Sicily’s small Ape-style tuk tuk, around Ortigia with a local driver. In one hour, you’ll see Piazza del Duomo, Piazza Archimede, the Arethusa Spring, the old bridge, and the Temple of Apollo, with time for photos.
“Really good experience- great guides and a fun way to see all the sights in one go. The little Apes could go up all the side streets and in and out of the shaded narrow streets. Great time.”
Drive a quad through the Alcantara Valley on a one-hour route that is mostly off road, with trails, valley views, gorge crossings, and some paved roads. An English option is available, and the small group size is capped at 14 people. Wear long trousers because the quad can heat your right leg.
“Esperienza bellissima da premettere che non ho mai guidato un Quad prima. È stato emozionante guidare tra vallate sentieri nel guado delle gole, alcune tratte anche su strada. La guida è stata premurosa e attenta davvero molto bravo, l’unica cosa che consiglio è un pantalone lungo perché il quad scalda un pochino la gamba destra. Io ero in pantaloncini e praticamente mi sono abbronzato la gamba dal calore 😂. Per il resto è un esperienza da fare assolutamente”
Pick a coast, a volcano or a kitchen.
