We Love —
- Driving along at your own pace with included car hire, and returning to your comfortable accomodation after perfect days spent meandering through Sicily.
- Wandering the sun-drenched streets of Noto's UNESCO-listed centre and gazing at stunning, ornate Baroque buildings - a freshly-made gelato in hand.
- Seeing Mount Etna's crater up close on the 7 night trip, and tasting the fruity aromas of wines made from Nero d'Avola grapes grown in local vineyards.
Your itinerary in brief —
Set off on an unforgettable 5, 7 or 9 night road trip along the East Coast of Sicily.
Discover the splendour of Catania, with its bustling streets, baroque palaces and effervescent atmosphere, and soak up the beauty of Taormina, with its breathtaking panoramic views and picturesque cobbled alleyways.
Explore Syracuse, a city steeped in Greek and Roman antiquity - and be sure to check out the charming island of Ortigia - which is quite the perfect place for an aperitivo at golden hour.
5 night road trip:
- Day 1: Arrival in Catania
- Day 2: Catania & Taormina
- Day 3: Syracuse & Ortigia
- Day 4: Noto & Marzamemi
- Day 5: Modica & Ragusa
- Day 6: Departure
7 night road trip:
- Day 1: Arrival in Catania
- Day 2: Taormina
- Day 3: Etna & Catania
- Day 4: Syracuse & Noto
- Day 5: Marzamemi
- Day 6: Modica & Ragusa
- Day 7: Cavagrande
- Day 8: Departure
9 night road trip:
- Days 1 - 7: Similar to the 7 night itinerary
- Day 8: Caltagirone
- Day 9: Scicli or the Chateau of Donnafugata
- Day 10: Departure
Please note that the order of activities may be changed without affecting the interest of the programme.
Your hotels may be located inside or outside cities and towns. Please note that you can park your car inside or outside the hotels (subject to availability). Additional charges may apply on site.
Your itinerary in detail —
5 night road trip
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN CATANIA
- Arrive at Catania Airport (CTA) and pick up your hire car.
- Set off on your Sicilian adventure.
Overnight stay in Catania or Taormina.
DAY 2: CATANIA & TAORMINA
- Considered the pearl of the Sicilian east coast, Catania is a place where history and natural beauty merge together, set against the imposing backdrop of Mount Etna.
- Taormina is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit. The scent of fragrant Mediterranean plants fills the medieval-like streets, and the Greek theatre is a must-see.
Overnight stay in Catania or Taormina.
Breakfast included.
DAY 3: SYRACUSE & ORTIGIA
- Rich in Baroque architecture, Syracuse was once conquered by Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans, all of whom left an indelible mark on the city's culture.
- Monuments of great interest include the park of Neapolis and the beguiling island of Ortigia where you'll find lively squares and historic sites such as the Temple of Apollo.
Overnight stay in Catania or Taormina.
Breakfast included.
DAY 4: NOTO & MARZAMEMI
- Noto's historic centre has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, making it a must-see on your tour of eastern Sicily. Enter the heart of the city through the historic Porta Reale, an imposing nineteenth-century archway overlooking Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
- Along this street you will find priceless Baroque buildings such as the Church of Santa Chiara with its panoramic terrace and the Cathedral of San Nicolò - the patron saint of the city.
- Marzamemi is an enchanting fishing village characterised by little yellow houses and the famous Tonnara di Marzamemi.
Overnight stay in Syracuse or Ragusa.
Breakfast included.
DAY 5: MODICA & RAGUSA
- Famous for its handmade chocolates, the winding streets of Modica's old town also reveal ornate churches and elegant palaces.
- Divided between the old town, Ragusa Ibla, and the new, Ragusa Superiore, Ragusa charms with its remarkable Baroque architecture, sumptuous churches and charming alleyways.
Overnight stay in Syracuse or Ragusa.
Breakfast included.
DAY 6: DEPARTURE
- After a final Sicilian breakfast, depart for Catania Airport (CTA) and return your hire car.
- Depart for home.
Please note: This itinerary is an example only. The order of stops depends on where the first hotel is located. The example above starts in the Catania or Taormina area and ends in the Syracuse or Ragusa area. In the event of arrival in the Catania or Taormina region and departure from Syracuse or Ragusa, the order of stops will be reversed.
7 night road trip
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN CATANIA
- Arrive at Catania Airport (CTA) and pick up your hire car.
- Set off on your Sicilian adventure.
Overnight stay in Catania or Taormina.
DAY 2: TAORMINA
- See day 2 of the 5 night road trip for a description of Taormina.
- Taormina is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit. The scent of fragrant Mediterranean plants fills the medieval-like streets, and the Greek theatre is a must-see.
Overnight stay in Catania or Taormina.
Breakfast included.
DAY 2: ETNA & CATANIA
- The most active volcano on the planet, Etna rises to over 3,000 metres and has a lunar landscape of dark stone and glowing lava. Opt to take a day or half-day excursion to admire the various craters.
- Considered the pearl of the Sicilian east coast, Catania is a place where history and natural beauty merge together, set against the imposing backdrop of Mount Etna.
Overnight stay in Catania or Taormina.
Breakfast included.
DAY 4: SYRACUSE & NOTO
- Noto's historic centre has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, making it a must-see on your tour of eastern Sicily. Enter the heart of the city through the historic Porta Reale, an imposing nineteenth-century archway overlooking Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
- Along this street you will find priceless Baroque buildings such as the Church of Santa Chiara with its panoramic terrace and the Cathedral of San Nicolò - the patron saint of the city.
Overnight stay in Syracuse or Ragusa.
Breakfast included.
DAY 5: MARZAMEMI
- Marzamemi is an enchanting fishing village characterised by little yellow houses and the famous Tonnara di Marzamemi.
Overnight stay in Syracuse or Ragusa.
Breakfast included.
DAY 6: MODICA & RAGUSA
- Famous for its handmade chocolates, the winding streets of Modica's old town also reveal ornate churches and elegant palaces.
- Divided between the old town, Ragusa Ibla, and the new, Ragusa Superiore, Ragusa charms with its remarkable Baroque architecture, sumptuous churches and charming alleyways.
Overnight stay in Syracuse or Ragusa.
Breakfast included.
DAY 7: CAVAGRANDE
- Cavagrande is famous for its spectacular gorges and deep blue lakes.
- Located near Avola, this enchanting site offers visitors panoramic hiking trails, revealing breathtaking views of canyons, waterfalls and lush Mediterranean vegetation.
Overnight stay in Syracuse or Ragusa.
Breakfast included.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
- After a final Sicilian breakfast, depart for Catania Airport (CTA) and return your hire car.
- Depart for home.
Please note: This itinerary is an example only. The order of stops depends on where the first hotel is located. The example above starts in the Catania or Taormina area and ends in the Syracuse or Ragusa area. In the event of arrival in the Catania or Taormina region and departure from Syracuse or Ragusa, the order of stops will be reversed.
9 night road trip
DAYS 1 - 7:
- Similar to the 7 night itinerary.
Overnight stays in Catania or Taormina, Syracuse or Ragusa.
Breakfast included.
DAY 8: CALTAGIRONE
- Caltagirone's cobbled streets wend their way between ancient churches and Baroque palaces, but it's the town's reputation as a ceramics centre that sets it apart.
- Colourful workshops display unique artistic pieces, while the emblematic Santa Maria del Monte staircase, adorned with colourful majolica tiles, offers panoramic views over the town.
Overnight stay in Catania or Taormina.
Breakfast included.
DAY 9: SCICLI OR THE CHATEAU OF DONNAFUGATA
- The town of Scicli is a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificently ornate churches, majestic palaces and picturesque alleyways.
Overnight stay in Syracuse or Ragusa.
Breakfast included.
DAY 10: DEPARTURE
- After a final Sicilian breakfast, depart for Catania Airport (CTA) and return your hire car.
- Depart for home.
Please note: This itinerary is an example only. The order of stops depends on where the first hotel is located. The example above starts in the Catania or Taormina area and ends in the Syracuse or Ragusa area. In the event of arrival in the Catania or Taormina region and departure from Syracuse or Ragusa, the order of stops will be reversed.
Important information about your trip and visits Hotels that meet local standards are indicative and may be substituted locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary may be changed for compelling reasons such as flight delays, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
Relax in comfortable rooms in carefully-chosen accommodation during your road trip, which can be located inside or outside the city.
In the Catania or Syracuse area:
- Zafferana: Hotel Airone Wellness 4*
- Noto: Villa Favorita in Noto 4*
- Siracusa: Lanterne Magiche Ortigia
- Carlentini: Agriturismo Badiula
In the Ragusa or Modica area:
- Ragusa: Relais Parco Cavalonga 4*
- Modica: Modica boutique hotel 4*
- Modica: Poggio del Sole 4*
Stay length (depending on your chosen road trip):
5 night road trip:
- 3 nights in Catania or Taormina + 2 nights in Syracuse or Ragusa
OR
- 2 nights in Catania or Taormina + 3 nights in Syracuse or Ragusa
7 night road trip:
- 4 nights in Catania or Taormina + 3 nights in Syracuse or Ragusa
OR
- 3 nights in Catania or Taormina + 4 nights in Syracuse or Ragusa
9 night road trip:
- 5 nights in Catania or Taormina + 4 nights in Syracuse or Ragusa
OR
- 4 nights in the Catania or Taormina area + 5 nights in the Syracuse or Ragusa area
Please note:
- Your hotels may not be located directly in the city centre, and you may have to drive a little further to reach them.
- Parking is available in the vicinity of the hotels, but is not guaranteed.
- If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Your optional excursions —
30-minute helicopter flight around Mount Etna
Discover Sicily on a high! Fly to the Etna volcano and take in breathtaking views of Sicily. Round off your experience with vineyard vistas before landing at Fiumefreddo heliport, where you can relax in a large pool with solarium and enjoy the bar and catering services.
Enjoy views of beautiful sprawling coniferous forests, ancient lava flows, extinct craters and the Piano Provenzana ski resort. Once you've reached an altitude of 3,500 metres, admire the whole of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands and Calabria before descending the volcano's rugged slopes which offer unique views of Catania.
Our advice for a successful excursion? Choose to fly over Sicily at the beginning of your trip! In the event of bad weather, the flight can be rescheduled.
Please note: this flight is shared within the limits of our capacity (5 people).
Practical information:
- Tour type: Helicopter flight
- Guided: no
- Languages: English
- Availability: Flight available every day
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility: no
- Accessible to pregnant women: no
- Recommended minimum age: 5 years.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Maximum weight: For safety reasons, people weighing over 120 kg will occupy two seats, which must be paid for before the flight.
- Duration: 30 minutes flight time + 30 minutes pre-flight preparation / formalities
- Number of seats: 5 passengers
- Transfers: no
- Pick-up and drop-off point: Via Catania Messina, 14, Sicily
Price includes:
- 30-minute helicopter flight (excluding registration fee to be paid on site).
Price does not include:
- 24.50 € registration fee to be paid per person upon check-in at Helipass.com
- Transfers are not included
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the "Price includes" section
- Gratuities, if any
- Personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned in "Price includes".
Private tour of Catania and the Cyclops Riviera
Explore the wonders of Catania and the Cyclops Riviera on an unforgettable excursion. Get ready for a day full of discoveries and emotions, from the baroque monuments of Catania to the breathtaking landscapes of the Cyclops Riviera.
Private tour of Noto and Syracuse - departure from Taormina
Discover the timeless charm of Sicily with a visit to Noto and Syracuse. Immerse yourself in the history, culture and natural beauty of these two UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Excursion to Mount Etna - from Catania
Explore Mount Etna on a group tour departing from your hotel in Catania, including hikes around the craters and a visit to a lava cave. End the day with a tasting of local produce at an organic farm in Zafferana Etnea.
Boat trip to the island of Ortigia - departing from Syracuse
Explore the island of Ortigia from the sea on a boat trip. Learn more about its thousand-year-old history, admire its emblematic sites and enjoy a swim before returning to the port.
Private tour of Noto, Modica and Ragusa - departing from Catania
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Baroque towns of Noto, Modica and Ragusa on a private tour from Catania.
Visit Noto for its palaces and balconies, Modica for its Baroque churches and chocolate factories, and Ragusa for its magnificent landscapes and gardens.
Quad adventure on Mount Etna
Enjoy an unforgettable experience exploring Mount Etna on a quad bike. Admire explosive craters, cross eruptive fractures and discover a fascinating lava cave on this thrilling excursion.
Your journey to Sicily —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking. This flight may include one or more stopovers. The stopover may be technical (without a change of aircraft) or transit (with a change of aircraft).
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destinations —
Catania
Sicily has often been described as Italy’s most cosmopolitan region, with so many cultures having passed through the island. Catania is a city that illustrates this rich heritage thanks to its history, culture, beautiful natural surroundings and wonderful food.
Whether you prefer to relax and sip an espresso at a sidewalk café or discover Catania and the Sicilian countryside, you won’t run out of things to do in this region.
With a Unesco-listed historic centre, grandiose black and white palazzi tower over baroque piazzas and a vibrant fish market, Catania is a city bursting with life. With a rich history dating back to early 4th & 5th centuries BC, Catania has seen recent renovations in the early 2000s which preserved the story of this unique city.
Come to Catania to discover the sights and sounds. Sample typical products of this region at the bustling fish market, marvel at the stunning views of Mount Etna and take in the inspirational detail of Baroque architecture.
Syracuse
The landscape of Sicily is beautiful and varied. In the north-east, Mount Etna, with its fertile slopes and valleys, supports a number of vineyards. In the south-east there are the beautiful forest-covered mountains; the landscape characterised by soft hills, with vineyards, olive groves, almond trees, citrus and the characteristic carob trees. To the west, the landscape becomes gentler with soft, rolling hills, and it is here one finds long sandy beaches. The weather is mild all year round and temperatures will not normally drop below 15 degrees, even in the coldest months.
Sicily is rightly considered one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations. It is the largest island in the Mediterranean and has long been known as a 'melting pot' of ancient cultures due to its location on the major Mediterranean shipping routes.
Syracuse is a city that combines rich architectural and cultural treasures with the charm of the ancient Sicilian countryside. Rich in Baroque architecture and witness to the splendour of Magna Graecia, it was conquered by Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans, all of whom left an indelible mark on the city's culture.
Taormina
Famed for its dazzling coastline, stunningly diverse history and delectable cuisine, Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a destination that constantly impresses and evolves, welcoming a consistent flock of year-round tourists.
Aside from the capital Palermo, another prime spot for your island bucket list has to be Sicily's 'pearl' - Taormina, where captivating views of Mount Etna accompany azure waters, quaint beachside cafés, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.
Make sure to take some time to visit the Teatro Antico di Taormina, a Greco-Roman theatre commanding stunning views of the coastline, or just spend your days lounging on the beach - the beaches of Sicily are bound to have you fall head over heels for this very special destination.
