We Love —
- Enjoying the freedom of the great open road on this fabulous road trip through Sicily!
- Exploring the ancient ruins and architecture of historic Syracuse.
- Discovering the treasures of this gorgeous region resting in the heart of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
Your Itinerary In Brief —
Adventure through picturesque villages and past breathtaking panoramas on this unforgettable 5, 7 or 9 night road trip in Sicily. Starting from Catania, resting at the foot of Mount Etna, continue your journey past pretty villages and dazzling coastlines in the land of volcanoes and sunshine. Thoughtfully selected hotels, delicious breakfasts and included car rental complete the trip.
For total ease, your itinerary has already been planned and will be confirmed approximately 14 days before departure, alongside details of your hotels.
Recommended 5-night itinerary :
Day 1 : Arrive in Catania and pick up your car
Day 2 : Syracuse - Ortigia
Day 3 : Noto and Marzamemi
Day 4 : Modica
Day 5 : Cavagrande or Ragusa
Day 4 : Depart from Catania and return your car
Recommended 7-night itinerary :
Day 1 : Arrive in Catania and pick up your car
Day 2 : Syracuse - Ortigia
Day 3 : Noto
Day 4 : Marzameni and the Vendicari nature reserve
Day 5 : Cavagrande or Caltagirone
Day 6 : Ragusa
Day 7 : Modica and Scicli
Day 8 : Depart from Catania and return your car
Recommended 9-night itinerary :
Day 1 : Arrive in Catania and pick up your car
Day 2 : Syracuse - Ortigia
Day 3 : Noto
Day 4 : Marzamemi & Vendicari Nature Reserve
Day 5 : Cavagrande
Day 6 : Ragusa
Day 7 : Modica - Scicli
Day 8 : Caltagirone
Day 9 : Donnafugata Castle
Day 10 : Depart from Catania and return your car
Due to the unique topography and character of your destination, parking may be available in the vicinity of the hotels, although is not guaranteed (unless otherwise stated). It is possible that hotels might not be located directly in the city centre and additional driving time may be required to reach them. Many of the perfectly picturesque streets in Italy are cobbled, narrow, sometimes steep and often part of a one-way system. Our members are invited to contact our Customer Service after booking their tour and in advance of departure - to discover the parking options available.
Your Itinerary In Detail —
5-Night Tour
Catania
Touch down in beautiful Catania to discover the pretty streets, large piazzas and lava stone architecture that define this welcoming city.
Siracuse
Continue to Syracuse, a historic city where the remnants of a thriving ancient Greek society stand beside baroque architecture from the Renaissance period. Stop by the San Giovanni catacombs and the Santuario Madonna delle Lacrime, stroll through charming alleyways, walk along the Ortygia peninsula, and admire medieval buildings, palaces and baroque churches. Linger at the port and feel the liveliness of this city, a crossroads of civilizations. Head to the impressive church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, where you can admire Caravaggio's painting: the burial of Saint Lucia.
7-Night Tour
Modica
Discover Modica, one of the richest strongholds on the island since the Middle Ages. Its unique architecture reflects its incredible history, with Norman, Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Don't forget to sample the best chocolate in Sicily!
Noto
The most important baroque city in Sicily, Noto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whilst situated in an area of famed natural beauty, visitors can also find incredible churches and palaces round every corner. Learn more about its history and the baroque style that is so typical of the city centre. Indulge in the local wine, moscato di Noto, for a heavenly taste experience.
9-Night Tour
Marzamemi
Located in the south of the island, Marzamemi is an old fishing village that has retained its authenticity. Stroll along its harbours, wander narrow streets and admire buildings brimming with character and charm. Several beaches invite you to stretch out and relax.
Cavagrande
An abundance of arid rock, canyons, gorges and natural pools make this the perfect place for nature lovers. Find prehistoric traces of life in the caves cut directly into the rock, and admire fantastic panoramic scenery.
Scicli
A real gem located 25 km from Ragusa, Scicli will charm you with the magnificent church of San Matteo, watching over the village from the hill. Learn about its history, which dates back to well before 1693. Explore narrow streets full of character and admire the beauty of this UNESCO-listed town. Fans of Inspector Montalbano will recognise some of the locations where the show was shot!
Ragusa
Totally destroyed after an earthquake at the end of the 1600s, Ragusa was rebuilt in the Baroque style and is now divided into two settlements: Ragusa Ibla, considered the modern part, and Ragusa Superiore, situated on a cliff. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old town is home to many baroque buildings, and a spectacular church with breath-taking stained-glass windows.
Portopalo di Capo Passero
An old fishing village, Portopalo di Capo Passero has beautiful unspoilt beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or long walks on the sand. You can also spend time on the island of Capo Passero or on the Isola delle Correnti. Heavenly panoramas await...
Your Hotels —
Hand-picked Just For You
Maximum room capacity
At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable Standard Rooms in thoughtfully chosen hotels.
Your hotels during the tour:
Syracuse : Lanterna Magiche Ortigia (or similar)
Noto : Villa Favorita 4* (or similar)
Carlentini : Agriturismo Badiula (or similar)
Modica : Modica boutique hotel 4* (or similar)
Ragusa : Poggio del sole 4* (or similar)
Hygiene and safety measures :
Throughout your tour, your establishments are committed to respecting the sanitary measures in force to ensure your safety and well-being.
Your dining choices
This offer is based on a Bed and Breakfast stay. Please note that due to the current global health pandemic (COVID-19), certain restaurants and buffets may be closed or places and tables may be limited. We strongly recommend that you contact the hotel for further information two days before your arrival.
Your Journey to Catania —
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.
Car hire:
Discover the magic of Malta's landscapes in complete freedom. The car will be available the day after arrival. Car rental conditions:
1) You must contact the car rental company (in English) at least 48 hours before your arrival to confirm your car rental. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of your car hire entitlement and no car will be delivered to the airport without recourse at a later stage.
2) We will provide you with the supplier's e-mail address ([email protected]). This address must be printed on your travel documents.
3) When you contact the car hire company, you must also confirm your flight details. If you do not, the car may not be delivered at the right time.
4) Delivery will normally take place at the airport. If delivery is to take place at the hotel, this must be communicated and agreed with the car hire company.
5) Any other arrangements/changes to drop-off and collection times/addition of items, etc. must be agreed between you and the car hire company.
6) If a booking does not specify a car hire, and you choose to request one at the station, the car will be subject to availability and the conditions set by the car hire company.
7) If you choose to have your car delivered to the hotel, you must book your Meeting Point transfers separately to avoid being stuck at the airport.
8) Please note that for the best service, all travel vouchers should be bilingual, including English, as current vouchers are only available in the language of booking.
9) The car hire company may request credit card details to guarantee a deposit, depending on the services requested.
Offer period:
Car hire applies until 31 October 2022 (last night included)
Offer includes:
- Modern entry-level quality city car (Peugeot 108 or similar / Group A / Max 4 adults)
- Unlimited mileage
- Free 24-hour roadside assistance
- Free map
- Taxes and road charges
- Car hire booked for a minimum of 3 days
The offer does not include full insurance coverage, vehicle delivery (delivery outside office hours, to a location other than the airport, etc.), fuel, upgrades, insurance and optional accessories.
The driver must be aged between 25 and 70 and must present a valid driving licence and credit card. A full driving licence held for at least 2 years must be presented at the time of hire.
Drivers aged 21 to 24 and adult drivers aged 71 to 75 can be insured for a daily premium of €10 inc. including VAT per day. Drivers aged between 71 and 74 must provide a medical certificate attesting to the fact that their insurance cover does not include VAT.
Customers are required to upgrade the vehicle's insurance to full coverage. The options are as follows:
- Full cover with an excess of €350 at a cost of €14 per day (minimum 3 days hire)
- Full cover with ZERO liability excess, costing €25.00 per day (minimum 3 days hire)
Collection of vehicles / Airport
Cars are collected and/or dropped off at the airport - no pick-up or drop-off charges will apply during office hours from 9:00 am to 8.00 pm.
Cars picked up and/or dropped off at the airport - pick-up and drop-off charges apply between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. + €25 per service on public holidays.
Cars picked up and/or dropped off at the hotel (09:00 - 15:00 / time to be agreed with the car hire company) will be charged €15 / one way.
Fuel:
Cars will be delivered with a full tank of fuel. Customers are required to return vehicles with a full tank of fuel.
Customers who do not return the car with a full tank will be charged for the missing fuel as well as an administration fee of €25 inc. VAT.
Car upgrades:
Customers will have the opportunity to upgrade the vehicle in advance by paying a daily supplement. More information can be requested from the car hire company.
The supplement will vary according to the choice of car category and the agreement made with the car hire company.
All rates quoted are inclusive of all taxes and VAT. All payments are made between the customer and First Car Rental.
Car hire : Car rental category B - Economy (Fiat Panda or similar) : Car rental office opening hours : Palermo APT Punta Raisi: 08:00 - 23:59 (car rental company Holiday Car Rental or Europ Car) Catania APT Fontanarossa: 08:00 - 23:59 (car rental company Holiday Car Rental or Europ Car) Car rental conditions : Pick-up and drop-off will take place at the airport. The price includes : - Free second driver - Unlimited mileage - (V.A.T.) 22% OF THE RENTAL PRICE - Airport fee (12% of the rental price). - CDW, PAI and TP insurance for the following risks: damage to the vehicle with an excess of € 1,210.00, fire, insurance for the driver and passengers, third parties and theft of the vehicle (in case of total or partial theft of the vehicle: € 1,710.00 excess) The price does not include : - Everything that is not explicitly mentioned in "the price includes" - Costs for additional drivers (except for the free second driver) - Fees for car pick-up outside office hours, from midnight to 8.00 am. - Parking tickets and petrol for which a deposit must be paid by credit card on arrival. - The deposit will be refunded provided the car is returned with a full tank; otherwise, in addition to the fuel surcharge, an additional charge of approximately €12.50 will be applied for the service. - Mandatory additional fee of €40 to be paid at the counter if the vehicle is picked up or returned at Trapani airport. Mandatory conditions : - the main driver must be at least 25 years old and hold a "B" driving licence for at least one year - a credit card as a guarantee (prepaid recharge is not accepted) A deposit will be requested on arrival as a guarantee. This deposit will be refunded upon return (with undamaged vehicle and full tank); otherwise, the cost of recharging plus €12.50 will be charged - possibility to rent a car from 21 years old and before 25 years old (not over) for a supplement of 21 € to be paid on site at the rental office. Conditions of use : The maximum waiting time for car rental is until midnight. After this time and if the passengers' flight has been delayed, the customer is obliged to inform the car rental agencies of the new expected arrival time. The vehicle must be returned at the same time as collection. Any delay of more than 30 minutes will result in a one-day surcharge, calculated on the basis of the official local rate applied by the owner, to be paid on the spot. If the specified car category is not available, another category with the same characteristics will be issued. In case of non-use or partial use of the rental car, no refund will be given. EUROPCAR and HOLIDAY CAR RENTAL only accept the following debit cards, which are only provided by banks: VISA DEBIT, MASTERCARD DEBIT, V-PAY. Prepaid and/or electronic cards belonging to the circuits described above and not linked to a customer bank account will not be accepted. No car rental service is provided at Comiso Airport.
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.
