We Love —
- Exploring Palmero's historic centre, marvelling at landmarks like Quattro Canti and the Martorana Church, and indulging in divine Sicilian cuisine.
- Discovering Mount Etna’s craters and dark volcanic landscapes, then savour local wine made from nearby Nero d’Avola grapes.
- Enjoying the freedom of your own car, to get off the beaten track and explore undiscovered Sicilian treasures.
Customer reviews —
Your itinerary in brief —
Enjoy an exciting journey through Sicily on a 7, 9, or 11 night road trip and discover incredible landscapes, picturesque villages, historical sites and unique flavours.
Our suggested itineraries:
7-night road trip:
- Day 1: Arrival at Palermo airport and collect the car hire
- Days 2-3: Palermo, Monreale and Cefalù
- Days 4-5: Mount Etna and Taormina
- Days 6-7: Syracuse and Ortigia, Noto or the nature reserve of Vendicari
- Day 8: Departure to Catania airport and return the car hire
9-night road trip:
3 nights in the Palermo or Cefalù region + 3 nights in the Catania or Messina region + 3 nights in the Syracuse or Ragusa region
11-night road trip:
3 nights in Palermo or Cefalù + 4 nights in Catania or Messina + 4 nights in Syracuse or Ragusa
OR 4 nights in Palermo or Cefalù + 4 nights in Catania or Messina + 3 nights in Syracuse or Ragusa
Please note: All mentioned visits are for guidance only and are not included in the price
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 —
Suggested itinerary: 8 days / 7 nights
Important: your itinerary may start in Palermo and end in Catania, depending on your chosen airport of arrival and departure (as shown above), or it may start in Catania and end in Palermo (in the opposite direction). The itinerary shown below starts from an arrival in Palermo but can be done in both directions.
Please note: All mentioned visits are for guidance only and are not included in the price
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN PALERMO
- Arrive at Palermo Airport (PMO).
- Collect your car hire.
DAYS 2 -3: PALERMO, MONREALE & CEFALÙ
Cefalù is a picturesque medieval town by the sea.
Explore the town centre, with its narrow streets, former king's palace and medieval washhouse... The cathedral square is home to a number of interesting buildings, including the convent of Sainte Catherine, now the seat of the town hall, and the 18th-century Evêche palace. 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’.
In 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 Palermo into 4 districts. ‘La Martorana or Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, a Greek Orthodox church, is a splendid Norman edifice built by Admiral George of Antioch in 1143, whose interior features beautiful mosaics and is 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 century. Inside, in a chapel, lie the relics of Saint Rosalie, the town's patron saint.
Then head for Monreale, high above Palermo. Admire the Cathedral of William II, whose walls are entirely decorated with gold mosaics from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. After climbing 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 population through the characteristic ex voto brought by the faithful who have received graces.
Overnight stay at the hotel of your chosen category.
Breakfast included.
DAYS 4 - 5: ETNA AND TAORMINA
Etna is the most active volcano on the planet, rising to over 3,000 metres and offering lunar landscapes of dark stone and glowing lava. You can take a day or half-day excursion to admire the various craters. If you're feeling more sporty, you can reach the highest point of Mount Etna and admire the craters at an altitude of 3,300 metres.
Taormina is considered one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world. Situated on the east coast, it looks out directly onto the Ionian Sea, and its many attractions, along with Sicily's mild climate, make it an ideal year-round destination. Its medieval village feel blends with the colours and scents of the Mediterranean vegetation. The Greek theatre, or Teatro Antico, which dates back to the 3rd century BC, is the city's most representative monument. Come and discover all the colours, flavours and atmosphere of a land that two thousand years ago was chosen as a colony by the Greeks and Romans.
DAYS 6 -7: SYRACUSE AND ORTIGIA, NOTO OR VENDICARI NATURE RESERVE
Syracuse is a city that combines rich architectural and cultural treasures with the charm of the ancient Sicilian countryside. Rich in Baroque architecture and witness to the splendour of Magna Graecia, it was conquered by Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans, all of whom left an indelible mark on the city's culture. Monuments of great interest include the park of Neapolis and the island of Ortigia, the oldest part of the city. Its province is part of the magnificent Val di Noto, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose historical and architectural monuments are considered to be among the highest expressions of late Baroque in Europe. But Syracuse is more than just history and art: its seascape is an expanse of emerald blue and green, and the hinterland is populated by numerous natural sites.
Noto, the capital of Baroque, with a historic centre that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, is a must-see on your tour of eastern Sicily. You will find yourself in a city that was built relatively recently, following the earthquake that struck the island in 1693, which gave rise to numerous masterpieces in the style of the period. You enter the heart of the city through the historic Porta Reale, an imposing nineteenth-century archway overlooking Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, you'll find priceless Baroque buildings such as the Church of Santa Chiara with its panoramic terrace, the Cathedral of San Nicolò, the symbol of the city, the Palace of the Princes of Nicolaci and Palazzo Ducezio.
The Vendicari Nature Reserve, one of Europe's most beautiful wild oases, can be explored along 3 itineraries. With 1,500 hectares of nature, wild beaches, crystal-clear waters and archaeological sites, the beaches of Eloro, Calamosche di San Lorenzo and Vendicari, dominated by the Tonnara and Torre Sveva, are not to be missed.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
- Enjoy a final delicious Sicilian breakfast, before departure for Catania Airport (CTA).
- Return your car hire and depart for home.
Suggested itinerary: 10 days / 9 nights
Please note: All mentioned visits are for guidance only and are not included in the price
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN PALERMO
- Arrive at Palermo Airport (PMO) and pick up your car hire.
DAYS 2-3: PALERMO, MONREALE AND CEFALÙ OR SEGESTA & ERICE
Cefalù is a picturesque medieval town by the sea.
Explore the town centre, with its narrow streets, former king's palace and medieval washhouse... The cathedral square is home to a number of interesting buildings, including the convent of Sainte Catherine, now the seat of the town hall, and the 18th-century Evêche palace. 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’.
In 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 Palermo into 4 districts. ‘La Martorana or Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, a Greek Orthodox church, is a splendid Norman edifice built by Admiral George of Antioch in 1143, whose interior features beautiful mosaics and is 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 century. Inside, in a chapel, lie the relics of Saint Rosalie, the town's patron saint.
Then head for Monreale, high above Palermo. Admire the Cathedral of William II, whose walls are entirely decorated with gold mosaics from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. After climbing Monreale, why not continue towards Montepellegrino, Palermo's most important mountain, along a panoramic road that offers views over the city of Palermo. Segesta, an ancient city near the Gulf of Castellamare, was founded on the slopes of Mount Barbaro by the Helimes between the twelfth and eleventh centuries B.C. and then inhabited by other colonisers of the island until the Middle Ages. In a wild and mountainous setting, you can admire the magnificent and solitary Doric temple of Segesta, a true masterpiece in Greek style.
Erice is a magnificent medieval town perched on Mount Eryx overlooking the sea, the Aegadian Islands and Trapani. The old town, surrounded by ramparts and made up of a maze of winding streets of incomparable charm, is dominated by the Castle of Venus (visit outside), built on an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the goddess of love.
DAYS 4-6: ETNA AND TAORMINA
Etna is the most active volcano on the planet, rising to over 3,000 metres and offering lunar landscapes of dark stone and glowing lava. You can take a day or half-day excursion to admire the various craters. If you're feeling more sporty, you can reach the highest point of Mount Etna and admire the craters at an altitude of 3,300 metres.
Taormina is considered one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world. Situated on the east coast, it looks out directly onto the Ionian Sea, and its many attractions, along with Sicily's mild climate, make it an ideal year-round destination. Its medieval village feel blends with the colours and scents of the Mediterranean vegetation. The Greek theatre, or Teatro Antico, which dates back to the 3rd century BC, is the city's most representative monument. Come and discover all the colours, flavours and atmosphere of a land that two thousand years ago was chosen as a colony by the Greeks and Romans.
DAYS 7-9: SYRACUSE AND ORTIGIA, NOTO, OR VENDICARI NATURE RESERVE
Syracuse is a city that combines rich architectural and cultural treasures with the charm of the ancient Sicilian countryside. Rich in Baroque architecture and witness to the splendour of Magna Graecia, it was conquered by Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans, all of whom left an indelible mark on the city's culture. Monuments of great interest include the park of Neapolis and the island of Ortigia, the oldest part of the city. Its province is part of the magnificent Val di Noto, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose historical and architectural monuments are considered to be among the highest expressions of late Baroque in Europe. But Syracuse is more than just history and art: its seascape is an expanse of emerald blue and green, and the hinterland is populated by numerous natural sites.
Noto, the capital of Baroque, with a historic centre that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, is a must-see on your tour of eastern Sicily. You will find yourself in a city that was built relatively recently, following the earthquake that struck the island in 1693, which gave rise to numerous masterpieces in the style of the period. You enter the heart of the city through the historic Porta Reale, an imposing nineteenth-century archway overlooking Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, you'll find priceless Baroque buildings such as the Church of Santa Chiara with its panoramic terrace, the Cathedral of San Nicolò, the symbol of the city, the Palace of the Princes of Nicolaci and Palazzo Ducezio.
The Vendicari Nature Reserve, one of Europe's most beautiful wild oases, can be explored along 3 itineraries. With 1,500 hectares of nature, wild beaches, crystal-clear waters and archaeological sites, the beaches of Eloro, Calamosche di San Lorenzo and Vendicari, dominated by the Tonnara and Torre Sveva, are not to be missed.
DAY 10: CATANIA
- Enjoy a final delicious Sicilian breakfast, before departure for Catania Airport (CTA).
- Return your car hire and depart for home.
Suggested itinerary 12 days / 11 nights
Please note: All mentioned visits are for guidance only and are not included in the price
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN PALERMO
- Arrive in Palermo Airport (PMO) and pick up your car hire.
DAYS 2-3: PALERMO & MONREALE
Palermo is a fascinating city just waiting to be discovered: an explosion of art, culture and history, where Arab and Norman influences coexist. The city's multi-ethnic past can be traced back to Greek and Roman influences, and later to the conquests of the Arabs, Normans and Swabians. Stroll through the streets and admire the beauty of monuments such as the cathedral, the Palazzo dei Normanni and the many squares and fountains. One of the most important squares is the Gothic Piazza Pretoria or Piazza della Vergogna. Enjoy the warmth of the Sicilians and their cuisine.
Then head for Monreale, high above Palermo. Admire the Cathedral of William II, whose walls are entirely decorated with gold mosaics dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. Further on, after climbing Monreale, why not continue towards Montepellegrino, Palermo's most important mountain, along a panoramic road that allows you to admire the city of Palermo. This is the site of the sanctuary dedicated to Saint Rosalia, a place of pilgrimage since the seventeenth century.
DAYS 4 -6: CEFALÙ OR SEGESTA & ERICE
Cefalù is an ancient medieval town with a fascinating history. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with the apt nickname of ‘Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea’. It is an ideal stopover for tourists from all over the world, who are captivated by the beauty of its historic centre, with its Moorish and Norman accents, and by the picturesque vastness of its landscape.
Segesta, an ancient town near the Gulf of Castellamare, was founded between the 12th and 11th centuries BC on the slopes of Mount Barbaro. In a wild mountainous region, you can admire the magnificent and solitary Doric temple of Segesta, a true masterpiece of Greek style.
Erice is a magnificent medieval town perched on Mount Eryx, overlooking the sea, the Aegadian Islands and Trapani. The old town, surrounded by walls and made up of a tangle of winding streets of incomparable charm, is dominated by the Castle of Venus (visit outside), built on an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the goddess of love.
DAYS 7-8: ETNA AND TAORMINA
Etna is the most active volcano on the planet. It rises to over 3,000 metres and offers lunar landscapes of dark stone and glowing lava. You can take a day or half-day excursion to admire the various craters. If you're feeling more sporty, you can reach the highest point of Mount Etna and admire the craters at an altitude of 3,300 metres.*
Taormina is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit. Situated on the east coast, directly on the Ionian Sea, it is an ideal year-round destination thanks to its many tourist attractions and the mild Sicilian climate. The look of a medieval village blends with the colours and scents of the Mediterranean vegetation. The Greek Theatre or Teatro Antico, dating back to the 3rd century BC, is the city's most representative monument. Discover all the colours, flavours and atmosphere of a country chosen as a colony by the Greeks and Romans two thousand years ago.
DAYS 9-11: SYRACUSE AND ORTIGIA, NOTO, OR VENDICARI NATURE RESERVE
Syracuse is a city that combines rich architectural and cultural treasures with the charm of the ancient Sicilian landscape. Rich in Baroque architecture and witness to the splendour of Magna Graecia, the city has been conquered by Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans, all of whom have left their own mark on the city's culture.
Noto, the Baroque capital with its historic centre listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, is an absolute must on your voyage of discovery in eastern Sicily. Built relatively recently after the 1693 earthquake that shook the island, Noto is a city that has produced many masterpieces in the style of the period.
The Vendicari nature reserve, one of Europe's most beautiful wild oases, can be discovered via three itineraries. With 1,500 hectares of nature, wild beaches, crystal-clear waters and archaeological sites, the beaches of Eloro, Calamosche di San Lorenzo and Vendicari, dominated by La Tonnara and Torre Sveva, are not to be missed.
DAY 12: CATANIA
- Enjoy a final delicious Sicilian breakfast, before departure for Catania Airport (CTA).
- Return your car hire and depart for home.
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
At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in thoughtfully chosen hotels. These establishments included in your road trip may be located either inside or outside the town centres.
In the Cefalù or Palermo region:
- Casteldaccia: Domina Zagarella Sicily 4* (or similar)
- Terrasini: My Hotel Terrasini (or similar)
- Balestrate: Hotel Casena dei Colli 4* (or similar)
In the Catania or Messina region:
- Patti: Hotel Terre di Eolo 4* (or similar)
- Zafferana Etnea: Airone Wellness 4* (or similar)
- Acitrezza: Sicilia's Art (or similar)
- Catania: Hotel Nettuno 4* (or similar)
In the Syracuse or Ragusa region:
- Noto: Villa Favorita 4* (or similar)
- Carlentini: Agriturismo Badiula (or similar)
- Raguse: Relais Parco Cavalonga 4* (or similar)
Please note: If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Maximum room capacity: 3 adults OR 2 adults + 1 child. Single rooms available at extra cost.
Your dining choices
Throughout your tour, you will enjoy a bed and breakfast stay.
Your optional excursions & extras —
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.
Cooking classes
Your culinary experience begins at 11am with a market visit alongside the chef, followed by a hands-on cooking class and a leisurely lunch paired with a fine glass of local wine.
Street food in Palermo
Street food includes a number of typical dishes eaten on the street, such as Arancina, a type of fried rice noodle stuffed with stew, ham, cheese, etc., and other local specialities.
Mini-cruises to the Aeolian Islands (Lipari and Vulcano)
Enjoy a mini-cruises to the Aeolian Islands (Lipari and Vulcano).
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.
