DURATION: 5, 7 or 9 nights

BEST FOR: Cultural immersion

PACE: Relaxed

Explore Sicily

Embark on a journey through Sicily where vibrant streets, golden domes, and sunlit shores unfold before you. From Palermo to Cefalù, lose yourself in a tapestry of cultures, wandering bustling markets and discovering Norman treasures. Pause in nature to take in sweeping Mediterranean panoramas and wild, untamed trails at your own pace. Then journey east where baroque Ortigia or the towering Etna reveal their grandeur and inspire awe at every turn. Each stop is a celebration of the senses, with local wines, rich regional flavours, and the timeless pleasures of Sicilian life.

Choose the length of your stay: 

5-night road trip: 3 nights in Palermo & 2 nights in Catania or Syracuse 

7-night road trip: 5 nights in Palermo & 2 nights in Catania or Syracuse

9-night road trip: 5 nights in Palermo & 4 nights in Catania or Syracuse

The order of your stay depends on your arrival airport. If you arrive at Palermo Airport (PMO) first, your trip begins with nights in Palermo before continuing to Catania or Syracuse. If you arrive at Catania Airport (CTA) first, you will start your stay in Catania or Syracuse and finish in Palermo.

Suggested 7-night road trip

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN PALERMO

Step off your flight at Palermo Airport (PMO) and collect your hire car before heading to your hotel. As the afternoon unfolds, meander through winding streets, lively piazzas, and bustling markets filled with local aromas. Pause to enjoy the gentle Sicilian sunlight and the inviting scent of pastries in the air. End your first day with a relaxed dinner, soaking in the atmosphere of your new surroundings.

Included:

• Arrival at Palermo Airport (PMO)
• Pick up car hire
• Night at Domina Zagarella 4*, Torre Normanna 4*, or Ella Apartments

DAY 2: PALERMO

The morning unfolds with a visit to Palermo’s historic streets, where Arab-Norman architecture and baroque churches tell stories of the city’s rich past. Lose yourself in bustling local markets, sampling aromas of freshly baked bread and ripe olives. Pause for a coffee on a sunlit terrace before strolling to the seafront, enjoying a gentle breeze and panoramic views of the coast. The day closes with a relaxed return to your hotel, carrying the city’s energy into the evening.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Night at Domina Zagarella 4*, Torre Normanna 4* or Ella Apartments

DAY 3: PALERMO ⇄ MONREALE & CEFALU

After breakfast, journey through rolling hills toward Monreale, where the cathedral’s mosaics shimmer with vivid gold and deep blues. Wander through peaceful cloisters, absorbing the calm and artistry of centuries past. Continue to Cefalù, a jewel of the northern coast, exploring its medieval streets and stopping at the cathedral, a marvel of Norman architecture. Later, stroll along the sandy shore or simply soak in the serene coastal views before returning to your hotel.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Night at Domina Zagarella 4*, Torre Normanna 4* or Ella Apartments

DAY 4: PALERMO - SICILIAN NATURE & PANORAMAS

As the morning unfolds, immerse yourself in Sicily’s quiet panoramas. Hike through the Zingaro Reserve, where cliffs rise above crystalline waters and fragrant herbs perfume the trail. Another option is to explore charming villages nestled in the hills, their terraces framing sweeping views over vineyards, olive groves, and the sparkling sea. Those preferring leisure may enjoy a slow morning at the hotel or by the beach, savouring the warmth of the sun and the fresh Mediterranean air. Return to Palermo in the gentle glow of late afternoon.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Optional excursion to Zingaro Nature Reserve or Sicilian hilltop villages
• Night at Domina Zagarella 4*, Torre Normanna 4* or Ella Apartments

The day opens with a slow morning, allowing time to savour the scents of citrus groves and the gentle warmth of Sicilian light. Drive through the countryside, stopping at family-run vineyards and olive farms to taste wines and oils steeped in local history. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon wandering through artisan boutiques or relaxing at a café terrace. As the evening falls, a farewell dinner brings the region’s culinary traditions to life, a final indulgence in the flavours of western Sicily.

Included:

• Breakfast and farewell dinner included
• Night at Domina Zagarella 4*, Torre Normanna 4* or Ella Apartments

DAY 6: PALERMO → CATANIA OR SYRACUSE

Depart Palermo and follow scenic roads eastward, passing through olive groves and sunlit hills that hint at Sicily’s diverse landscapes. En route, take in vistas of the coast and the looming presence of Etna, its slopes etched against the sky. Check in to your hotel in Catania or Syracuse and enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the immediate surroundings, perhaps pausing for a coffee in a sun-dappled piazza. As twilight falls, the gentle hum of the city and the Mediterranean breeze set the tone for the days ahead.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Night at Airone Wellness 4*, Sicilia’s Art 4* or Monasteri 4*

DAY 7: CATANIA OR SYRACUSE

Today offers the chance to witness Sicily’s contrasting landscapes. From Catania, travel up Mount Etna, where volcanic ridges and craters offer extraordinary vistas and a hint of the island’s fiery heart. In Syracuse, meander through Ortigia’s narrow streets, lined with cafés, artisan shops, and baroque façades glowing in the sunlight. The evening invites a reflective pause, watching the waves or the city lights, embracing the unique character of eastern Sicily.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Half-day guided excursion to Mount Etna or Ortigia, Syracuse
• Night at Airone Wellness 4*, Sicilia’s Art 4* or Monasteri 4*

DAY 8: DEPARTURE FROM CATANIA OR SYRACUSE

As the trip draws to a close, enjoy a final leisurely breakfast before setting out for the airport. The drive past eastern Sicily’s vineyards, villages, and volcanic terrain provides one last moment to savour the island’s beauty. Return your car and prepare for departure, carrying the impressions of Sicily with you.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Drop-off of car hire
• Departure from Catania Airport (CTA)

At each of your stops, you will be staying in thoughtfully selected hotels.

Your hotels (or similar):

• Palermo: Domina Zagarella 4*, Torre Normanna 4* or Ella Apartments
• Syracuse or Catania: Airone Wellness 4*, Sicilia’s Art 4* or Monasteri 4*

If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.

Discover how street art is transforming Palermo's historic centre into an open-air gallery on this guided tour dedicated to urban art. This tour immerses you in a dynamic urban regeneration, where the city's walls become the canvases of international artists, offering a new perspective on local history and culture. 

Glide along Taormina’s sculpted coastline by boat, pausing for a refreshing swim as prosecco and sweet almond pastries are served against luminous Sicilian seascapes.

Sip expressive Sicilian wines on a sunlit terrace above rolling vineyards, accompanied by rustic local delicacies that celebrate the warmth of the island’s terroir.

A sun-drenched mosaic of cultures, Sicily is a land where ancient history and dramatic landscapes collide. Greek temples rise from golden plains, Baroque cities gleam under the Mediterranean sun, and Mount Etna smoulders on the horizon. Whether you're drawn to its archaeological wonders, pristine beaches, or time-honoured traditions, Sicily captivates with its raw beauty and rich heritage.

Don’t miss:

• The Valley of the Temples – an awe-inspiring collection of ancient Greek ruins in Agrigento
• Palermo’s vibrant markets – a sensory overload of colour, noise, and mouth-watering street food
• Taormina’s ancient theatre – a spectacular setting with Mount Etna as a backdrop
• The Aeolian Islands – a volcanic archipelago perfect for hiking, diving, and unwinding
• Baroque splendour in Noto, Ragusa, and Modica – stunning towns that are works of art in themselves

Culinary culture:

Sicilian cuisine is a feast of sun-ripened flavours and multicultural influences. Cannoli and cassata showcase the island’s sweet tooth, while arancini – crisp, golden rice balls – are a beloved street food staple. Seafood lovers can savour pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines) and fresh swordfish, while the island’s citrus groves provide zesty delights. Pair it all with a glass of bold Nero d’Avola or a chilled Marsala wine for the perfect taste of Sicily.

Dive deeper:

Beyond the postcard sights, Sicily is home to unique cultural gems. Witness the fiery spectacle of Easter’s Processione dei Misteri in Trapani or experience the age-old Opera dei Pupi, a traditional marionette theatre. In the countryside, age-old bagli (fortified farmsteads) offer a glimpse into Sicily’s rural soul, while Marsala's salt pans shimmer in pink and gold hues at sunset.

Good to know:

Sicily enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters – spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing. Public transport links major cities, but renting a car is the best way to explore remote villages and coastal hideaways. The currency is the euro, and while Italian is the official language, many locals speak Sicilian, a distinct and poetic dialect shaped by the island’s layered history.