We love —
- Driving through Sicily’s ever-changing landscapes, from Tyrrhenian shores to the slopes of Mount Etna.
- Exploring the golden mosaics of Monreale and the grandeur of Palermo’s layered architecture.
- Sailing along the Ionian coast from Giardini Naxos, with views of Taormina and Etna rising beyond.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected for our members by our experts
Your itinerary in brief —
Set off on a Sicilian road trip and explore the island at your own rhythm, behind the wheel of your rental car. From golden Norman cathedrals and medieval hilltop towns to dramatic coastlines and ancient Greek temples, each stage of the journey reveals a new facet of Sicily’s layered history.
Travel from the vibrant streets of Palermo to the seaside charm of Cefalù, wander through the mosaic-filled wonders of Monreale, and admire the Doric temple of Segesta set against untamed landscapes. Continue east towards Syracuse and Taormina, where Ionian waters and Mount Etna create a breathtaking backdrop.
Your suggested itinerary:
Day 1: Palermo - Arrival → Cefalù
Day 2: Cefalù & Castelbuono
Day 3: Palermo & Monreale
Day 4: Segesta & Erice
Day 5: Palermo / Cefalù region
Day 6: Palermo / Cefalù region → Syracuse / Taormina region
Day 7: Coastal cruise from Giardini Naxos & visit of Taormina
Day 8: Catania - Departure
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
The freedom to explore:
Discover our expertly curated self-guided tours, designed to offer the perfect balance of structure and flexibility. While our travel experts suggest itineraries to help you explore each destination in depth, you have the freedom to tailor activities and pace to suit your personal preferences. Rest assured, the carefully selected hotels will remain as listed, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience throughout your journey.
Your itinerary in detail —
DAY 1 | PALERMO - ARRIVAL → CEFALÙ
Arrival at Palermo Airport and collection of your rental car.
Drive to your hotel in the Palermo or Cefalù region according to your travel voucher. After check-in at Domina Zagarella, enjoy free time to relax or take a first stroll in the surroundings.
- Overnight at Domina Zagarella Hotel
- Dinner included
DAY 2 | CEFALÙ & CASTELBUONO
After breakfast, depart for Cefalù, a picturesque medieval seaside town.
Explore its historic centre with narrow streets, the Osterio Magno (former royal palace), the Arab-Norman medieval washhouse carved into the rock, and the Cathedral Square. Here, admire the Convent of Saint Catherine (now Town Hall), the Bishop’s Palace and the famous Norman Cathedral. Inside, the apse is dominated by the majestic mosaic of Christ Pantocrator.
In the afternoon, optional continuation to Castelbuono, a charming medieval village set within the Madonie Natural Park.
- Overnight at Domina Zagarella Hotel
- Breakfast included
DAY 3 | PALERMO & MONREALE
Visit the historic centre including Quattro Canti, the monumental crossroads dividing the city into four quarters. Discover La Martorana (Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio), a 12th-century Norman masterpiece known for its Byzantine and Baroque mosaics.
Continue to Palermo Cathedral (Madonna Assunta), built on the site of a former basilica and mosque, reflecting Sicily’s architectural evolution from the 12th to the 19th century. Inside, a chapel houses the relics of Saint Rosalia.
Proceed to Monreale, overlooking Palermo, to admire the cathedral of William II, whose walls are entirely covered in 12th- and 13th-century gold mosaics. Possibility to continue to Monte Pellegrino for panoramic views over the city.
- Overnight at Domina Zagarella Hotel
- Breakfast included
DAY 4 | SEGESTA & ERICE
After breakfast, depart for Segesta, an ancient Elymian city founded between the 12th and 11th centuries BC. In a dramatic mountainous setting, discover the magnificent Doric Temple of Segesta, a true masterpiece of Greek architecture.
In the afternoon, continue to Erice, a beautiful medieval town perched on Mount Eryx overlooking the sea, Trapani and the Egadi Islands. Walk through its walled old town with cobbled streets and admire the exterior of the Castle of Venus.
- Overnight at Domina Zagarella Hotel
- Breakfast included
DAY 5 | PALERMO / CEFALÙ REGION
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore at your own pace. Relax at the hotel, discover the Tyrrhenian coastline beaches, or take an optional excursion to the Egadi Islands from Trapani or Marsala.
- Overnight at Domina Zagarella Hotel
- Breakfast included
DAY 6 | SYRACUSE / TAORMINA REGION
After breakfast, depart east towards the Syracuse / Taormina region.
Arrival and check-in at Dolce Monasteri.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a welcome aperitif included at the hotel, a relaxing moment in an elegant setting.
- Overnight at Dolce Monasteri
- Breakfast included
DAY 7 | CRUISE FROM GIARDINI NAXOS & VISIT OF TAORMINA
After breakfast, depart for Giardini Naxos for a 2-hour cruise included along the Ionian coast. Sail past stunning coves, sea caves and cliffs, with views over Taormina and Mount Etna (weather permitting).
In the afternoon, free time to discover Taormina, renowned for its Greco-Roman Theatre overlooking the sea and volcano, as well as the lively Corso Umberto.
- Overnight at Dolce Monasteri
- Breakfast included
DAY 8 | CATANIA - DEPARTURE
After breakfast, return your rental car at Catania Airport and end of services.
- Breakfast included
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 —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
Settle into a comfortable Standard Room in carefully selected properties throughout your journey.
Your hotels:
Palermo region: Domina Zagarella
Syracuse region: Dolce Monasteri
If any of the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be accommodated in hotels of a similar standard. Local standards apply.
The maximum capacity of the rooms is 2 adults + 1 baby. Single rooms are available at an extra cost.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Your included excursions —
Boat excursion - Taormina coast
After breakfast, departure for Giardini Naxos for a 2-hour cruise along the Ionian coastline. Sail past beautiful coves, sea caves and striking cliffs, with stunning views over Taormina and Mount Etna (weather permitting).
Your optional excursions —
Urban Art in the heart of Palermo
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.
Helicopter flight over Mount Etna - 30 mins (1 to 5 people)
Fly over Mount Etna in a helicopter for 30 minutes and admire active craters, lava flows and exceptional panoramic views of Sicily, Taormina, Catania and the Aeolian Islands for an unforgettable experience.
Your included services —
1 x welcome dinner at Domina Hotel
Begin your stay on a delightful note with a welcome dinner at the Domina Hotel, complete with included drinks, the perfect way to settle in and start your holiday in style.
Your journey to Italy —
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.
