We Love —
- Exploring the north-east of Sicily at our own pace with the included car rental, while uncovering the region's rich history, charming towns, and stunning coastal landscapes.
- Relaxing in comfortable hotels and soothing rooms, perfect for unwinding after days filled with cultural and natural discoveries.
- Savouring local culinary specialities, from traditional arancini and caponata to fresh seafood dishes, immersing in Sicily’s renowned gastronomic heritage.
Customer reviews —
Your itinerary in brief —
Discover the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture of Sicily during a road trip of 7 or 9 nights, immersing yourself in the timeless charm of the dolce vita.
With a category B hire car (Fiat Panda or similar) included for the duration of your stay, you’ll have the freedom to explore Sicily’s captivating towns, hidden beaches, and rolling countryside. From ancient ruins to lively markets, every corner of the island offers something new to uncover.
Embrace the warmth of the island of Sicily as you savour local culinary treasures. Indulge in freshly caught seafood, hearty caponata, and sweet cannoli that capture the essence of the island. Whether driving through picturesque coastal routes or enjoying leisurely strolls in traditional villages, Sicily invites you to experience its rich tapestry of culture and cuisine at every turn.
Choose from the following itineraries:
7 night itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Palermo
Day 2 -4: Cefalù, Palermo, Monreale, Segesta, and Erice
Day 5-7: Etna, Taormina, Syracuse, and Ortigia
Day 8: Departure from Catania
9 night itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Palermo
Day 2 -5: Cefalù, Palermo, Monreale, Segesta, and Erice
Day 6-9: Etna, Taormina, Noto, Syracuse, and Ortigia
Day 10: Departure from Catania
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
Please note that your hotels may be located inside or outside cities and towns. You may park your car inside or outside the hotels (subject to availability). Additional charges may apply on-site.
Your itinerary in detail —
7 night road trip
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN PALERMO
- Touch down in Palermo Airport (PMO) and collect your hire car, before setting off for your hotel and settling in
- Overnight hotel stay
DAY 2 -DAY 4: CEFALÙ, PALERMO, MONREALE, SEGESTE & ERICE
Cefalù:
- Explore Cefalù's town centre, with its narrow streets, from the architecture of the Osterio Magno, the king's former palace, to the medieval Arab-Norman washhouse dug into the rock.
- In Piazza del Duomo, you can admire a number of interesting buildings, including the convent of Santa Caterina, now the seat of the Town Hall, and the eighteenth-century Palazzo dell'Evêche.
- In the same square, the cathedral is one of the most important buildings from the Norman period. Inside, the great vault of the apse is entirely covered by the majestic image of Christ ‘Almighty’.
Palermo:
- Start with a general tour of the city, beginning in the historic centre to admire the ‘Quattro Canti’, the intersection of 2 avenues that divide the city. Palermo in 4 districts. ‘La Martorana’ or ‘Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio’, a Greek Orthodox church, a splendid Norman edifice built by Admiral George of Antioch in 1143, whose interior features beautiful mosaics and a blend of Byzantine and Baroque art.
- The ‘Cathedral of Madonna Assunta’, dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption, was built on the site of an ancient basilica that had already been transformed into a mosque by the Arabs, and represents the architectural styles that succeeded one another in Sicily from the twelfth to the nineteenth centuries. Inside, in a chapel, lie the relics of Saint Rosalie, the city's patron saint.
Monreale:
- Admire the Cathedral of William II, whose walls are entirely decorated with gold mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries.
- After your ascent to Monreale, why not continue towards Montepellegrino, Palermo's most important mountain, along a panoramic road that offers views over the city of Palermo. Here you will find the sanctuary dedicated to Santa Rosalia, a place of pilgrimage since the seventeenth century, which shows the devotion of the people through the characteristic ex voto brought by the faithful who have received graces.
Segeste:
- Explore this ancient city, founded by the Elymians between the 12th and 11th centuries BC on the slopes of Mount Barbaro.
- Set in a wild and mountainous landscape, the site boasts the stunning and solitary Doric temple of Segeste, a true masterpiece of Greek architecture.
Erice:
- Situated on Mount Eryx, this medieval town offers sweeping views of the sea, the Egadi Islands, and Trapani.
- The charming old town, with its winding streets and fortified walls, is dominated by the Venus Castle (exterior visit), built atop a former Roman temple dedicated to the goddess of love.
- Breakfast
- Overnight stays as per the itinerary (hotels to be confirmed in due course)
DAY 5 TO DAY 7: ETNA, TAORMINE, SYRACUSA & ORTIGIA
Syracusa:
- A city rich in architectural and cultural treasures, Syracuse blends the elegance of Ancient Greece with the charm of the Sicilian countryside.
- Key attractions include the Neapolis Park and the island of Ortigia, the oldest part of the city. Syracuse is also part of the UNESCO-listed Val di Noto, renowned for its late Baroque architecture.
- Beyond its historical significance, Syracuse offers stunning landscapes, with its emerald and blue seas and natural sites in the hinterland.
- Breakfast
- Overnight stays as per the itinerary (hotels to be confirmed in due course)
DAY 8: DEPARTURE FROM CATANIA
- Depart for Catania Airport (CTA) and return your hire car at the airport before boarding your flight for home.
Please note: According to your preference, the itinerary can also be done in reverse, starting in Catania and ending in Palermo.
9 night road trip
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN PALERMO
- Upon arrival in Palermo, pick up your car at the airport
- Overnight hotel stay
DAY 2 TO DAY 5: CEFALU, PALERMO, MONREALE, SEGESTE AND ERICE
Same programme as the 7-night self-guided tour.
DAY 6 TO DAY 9: ETNA, TAORMINA, NOTO, SYRACUSE AND ORTIGIA
Same programme as the 7-night self-guided tour.
DAY 10: DEPARTURE FROM CATANIA
- Departure for Catania airport and return of the car at the airport
Please note: you have the option of doing the tour in reverse order, starting in Catania and finishing in Palermo.
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
For your stay, we have carfully selected comfortable and convenient accommodation in the following hotels, based on your itinerary:
Palermo/Cefalù region:
- Domina Zagarella 4* in Santa Flavia (or similar)
- Casena dei Colli 4* in Palermo (or similar)
Taormina/Catania region:
- Airone Wellness 4* in Zafferana Etnea (or similar)
- Sicilia's Art in Acicatena (or similar)
- Eli Hotel 4* in Giardini Naxos Sant'Alessio Siculo (or similar)
The listed hotels are included in the programme; in case of unavailability, accommodations will be provided in hotels of a similar category.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay. Take the opportunity to savour the excellent local specialities that Sicily has to offer. Don’t leave without trying the caponata, a succulent traditional dish made with aubergines, olives, celery, tomatoes and... almonds. It's delicious on its own or spread on crusty bread as an antipasto, or even enjoyed as a side dish.
Optional extras & excursions —
Mobile data
Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for the modern traveller. Activate your eSIM and enjoy a connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family, with no risk of going over the limit.
Hardback photo album - 21x27 cm (24 pages)
Create a beautiful hardback photo album, personalised and printed on premium paper, to bring your holiday memories to life.
Pack of 50 classic photo prints - 10x15 cm
Preserve your favourite memories with this pack of 50 classic photo prints, easy to print in just a few clicks to display, share and relive every moment.
Your journey to Sicily —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
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 destination —
Sicily
The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is a crossroads of civilisations, blending Greek, Byzantine, Arab, and Norman influences into its rich cultural tapestry. From ancient ruins to Baroque towns, and from rugged landscapes to vibrant culinary traditions, this is an island of endless discovery and charm.
Must-sees:
- Palermo Cathedral: A fusion of Arab-Norman architecture with Byzantine mosaics.
- Valley of the Temples: Ancient Greek ruins near Agrigento set amid olive groves.
- Mount Etna: Europe’s most active volcano, offering scenic hiking and wine-tasting opportunities.
Culinary culture:
Sicily’s cuisine reflects its diverse history, combining Mediterranean flavours with bold spices and textures. Indulge in arancini, golden rice balls stuffed with meat or cheese, and pasta alla Norma, a celebration of aubergine, tomato, and ricotta. Don’t miss the cassata or cannoli, two of the island’s most beloved desserts. For a truly local experience, visit Palermo’s bustling markets to sample panelle, fried chickpea fritters served in sandwiches.
Dive deeper:
Beyond the iconic sites, Sicily rewards those who linger with its lesser-known gems. Explore Licata, a peaceful coastal town famed for its fresh seafood and sandy beaches. Wander the medieval streets of Erice, perched atop a hill with breathtaking views. For art lovers, the mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina reveal intricate glimpses of Roman life.
Good to know:
The currency is the Euro, and Sicily’s Mediterranean climate makes it a year-round destination, with spring and autumn offering the best weather. Public transport connects major cities, but renting a car is ideal for exploring remote areas. Sicilian hospitality is warm and welcoming, making every visitor feel at home.
