The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is bursting with wonderful food, ancient ruins, and a dreamy coastline. With so many cultures having passed through this island, it’s not just Italian culture you can experience but also Greek, Byzantine, and Habsburg influences. Nowhere is this clearer than in Palermo, the island’s capital, with its variety of religious monuments and cuisine, or the chic town of Taormina, with its ancient theatre - a rare treasure of Greek and Roman architecture.

In the northeast of the island, Mount Etna presides over the city of Catania, with its UNESCO-listed historic centre and grandiose palazzos. If you’re pining for a more relaxed experience, the fishing village of Cefalu is an incredible spot, with plenty of vantage points for stunning coastal views and a variety of beaches with crystal-clear waters.

On this tour, you will have the freedom to drive around Sicily at your own pace and at your own leisure. You can decide the cities and places in which you wish to visit. We will provide the car rental, accommodation and breakfast each morning to make your holiday even more seamless and hassle-free.

On this self-drive tour you will stay in Palermo and Catania in carefully selected hotels for a duration of 5, 7 or 9-nights:

Detailed Itinerary Description: 

5-night Tour:

Day 1: Arrival in Palermo and pick up rental car.

Day 2: Palermo and Monreale.

Day 3: Cefalù and Castelbuono.

Day 4: Towards Catania (we recommend a visit to Enna).

Day 5: Etna and Taormina.

Day 6: Departure to Catania airport and rental car return.

7-night Tour:

Day 1: Arrival in Palermo and pick up rental car.

Day 2: Palermo and Monreale.

Day 3: Segeste and Castellamare del Golfo

Day 4: Cefalù and Castelbuono.

Day 5: Towards Catania (we recommend a visit to Enna).

Day 6: Etna and Taormina.

Day 7: Syracuse and Noto.

Day 8: Departure to Catania airport and rental car return.

9-night Tour: 

Day 1: Arrival in Palermo and pick up rental car.

Day 2: Palermo and Monreale.

Day 3: Segeste and Castellamare del Golfo Day 4: Cefalù and Castelbuono.

Day 5: Towards Catania we recommend a visit to Enna.

Day 6: Etna and Taormina.

Day 7: Syracuse and Noto.

Day 8: Modica and Ragusa.

Day 9: Vendicari and Cavagrande.

Day 10: Departure to Catania airport and rental car return.

Please not that the tour programme is a suggestion.

Please note that if you opt for the 5 night-tour or 7 night-tour you will have fewer nights in the hotels, and time may prohibit you for visiting all of our suggested locations as below. 

DAY 1 - PALERMO: Arrive in Palermo and pick up your car rental. Drive to your hotel and check in. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city of Palermo. 

Palermo is the perfect backdrop for a captivating stay, where cultural interests, breathtaking panoramas and beautiful beaches are found.

For lovers of art and culture, the historical centre is a must to discover the Siculo-Norman monuments of the city: the Cathedral of the Assumption, the Norman Palace, the Teatro Massimo, the Church and Cloister of S. Giovanni degli Eremiti (St. John of the Hermits). If you are interested in archaeology, explore Addaura caverns where rugged etchings dating back to the Paleolithic are housed.

DAY 2 -5 - PALERMO - MONREALE - CEFALU: After starting your day in Palermo, make your way to Monreale. About a 30-minute drive away, you can visit one of the world's most stunning architectural treasures, the Duomo, located in the heart of Monreale. This splendid cathedral that was once a mosque still bears its columns, each decorated with unique mosaic patterns, no two the same. From this city, you can take in the stunning views of the Conca d'Oro, a lush valley in which Palermo grew.

Head to the coastal city of Cefalù, just an hour drive away from Palermo. Here, you can lay out on sandy beaches, walk the Medieval streets and shop the charming boutiques. There are several restaurants serving the freshest fish, be sure to stop for lunch before visiting the Norman cathedral. Norman King, Roger II constructed the cathedral in 1131 and today, the monument shows an exquisite example of Sicilian Romanesque style. Take your time in this city as it is one of the top destinations for travellers with its beautiful houses, architecture and monumental rock that dominates the city and known as the "promontory of Hercules".

Check in to your hotel in Catania and set off for an adventure on the east side of Sicily. 

Defined by Etna (even the city’s main street is named after the volcano) and the ubiquitous black volcanic stone in pavements and buildings, Catania was rebuilt on a grand scale, making full use of the lava that had been the old city’s nemesis.

Dominated by the Monti Iblei hills, Sicily's southeast harbours some of the island's most beautiful towns. In particular, UNESCO-listed Noto, Modica - famous for its chocolate - and Ragusa stand out for their sumptuous baroque architecture and stunning historic centres.

We suggest you visit the city of Taormina, an hour drive from Catania. Here, you can enjoy hilltop views of Sicily's coast. Visit the ancient theatre, which gives you the most gorgeous views of the sea, when the sky is clear as well as Porta Messina, the northern entrance of the city where you can visit the many antique shops, craft shops and multi-coloured alleys.

Close to Taormina is Mount Etna, the highest active volcano - a must-see if in the area. You can go on a trekking nature excursion up the mountain or go on a wine tour of the several vineyards in the region. There is so much to see and discover!

Other suggestions: Syracuse, located in the Archaeological Park Neopolis where you can see Roman amphitheatre, Teatro Greco and the Orecchio di Dionisio, Enna, located in the centre of Sicily and known for towering above the lovely countryside.

DAY 10 - DEPARTURE: Check out of your hotel and drop off your car rental. Depending on the duration you choose and the city you started with on your tour, you will depart from either the Palermo or Catania Airport.

On your road trip through stunning landscapes and beautiful cities, you will rest comfortably in Classic Rooms in carefully selected hotels. 

Your hotels:

In the Palermo area: Domina Zagarella Sicily 4* in Santa Flavia, BB hotel 4 Canti in Palermo or similar.

In the Catania area: Grand Hotel Faraglioni in Acritrezza, Hotel Nettuno in Catania or similar.

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.

For first-time visitors, we recommend beginning your adventures in the thriving capital, Palermo, where no end of historical monuments sit side by side with ornate palaces, ancient churches and sprawling museums. Finally, no stay in sun-soaked Sicily is complete without at least one day spent lounging on the beach!

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 bucketlist 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 leave you head over heels for this unparalleled destination.

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.

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is bursting with wonderful food, ancient ruins, and a dreamy coastline. With so many cultures having passed through this island, it’s not just Italian culture you can experience but also Greek, Byzantine, and Habsburg influences. Nowhere is this clearer than in Palermo, the island’s capital, with its variety of religious monuments and cuisine, or the chic town of Taormina, with its ancient theatre - a rare treasure of Greek and Roman architecture.

In the northeast of the island, Mount Etna presides over the city of Catania, with its UNESCO-listed historic centre and grandiose palazzos. If you’re pining for a more relaxed stay, the fishing village of Cefalu is a wonderful spot, with plenty of vantage points for stunning coastal views and a variety of beaches with crystal-clear waters. In the south of the island, Licata is a quieter, family-friendly destination with a tranquil beach and delicious fresh seafood.