We Love —
- Being in beautiful Sicily and discovering the wonders of this Italian island.
- Soaking up centuries of history and landscapes of breathtaking beauty.
- Visiting different cities in Sicily like Palermo, Syracuse and more!
Customer reviews —
Your itinerary in brief —
Enjoy an exciting journey through Sicily for 7, 9, or 11 nights! Discover incredible landscapes, picturesque villages, historical sites, and unique flavours.
Our suggested itineraries:
7-night tour:
- 3 nights in the Palermo or Cefalù region + 2 nights in the Catania or Messina region + 2 nights in the Syracuse or Ragusa region
or
- 2 nights in the Cefalù or Palermo region + 2 nights in the Catania or Messina region + 3 nights in the Syracuse or Ragusa region
9-night tour:
- 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 tour:
- 3 nights in the Palermo or Cefalù region + 4 nights in the Catania or Messina region + 4 nights in the Syracuse or Ragusa region
OR
- 4 nights in the Palermo or Cefalù region + 4 nights in the Catania or Messina region + 3 nights in the Syracuse or Ragusa region
Important: Your itinerary can start in Palermo and end in Catania (as indicated above) or start in Catania and end in Palermo (reverse direction).
All mentioned visits are for guidance only and are not included in the price.
Due to the unique topography and character of your destination, parking may be available in the vicinity of the hotels, although is not guaranteed (unless otherwise stated). It is possible that hotels might not be located directly in the city centre and additional driving time may be required to reach them. Many of the perfectly picturesque streets in Italy are cobbled, narrow, sometimes steep and often part of a one-way system. Our members are invited to contact our Customer Service after booking their tour and in advance of departure - to discover the parking options available.
Your itinerary in detail —
7-Night Tour
Important: Your itinerary can start in Palermo and end in Catania, depending on the chosen arrival and departure airports, or start in Catania and end in Palermo (the reverse direction). The itinerary presented below starts with arrival in Palermo but can be done in either direction.
Day 1: Arrival in Palermo
Arrival at Palermo airport and pick up your rental car.
Days 2 and 3: Palermo, Monreale, and Cefalù
- Explore Palermo's historic centre, starting with a general tour of the city, including the "Quattro Canti," a crossroads dividing Palermo into 4 districts.
- Visit the Martorana or Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio church, an exquisite Norman building housing beautiful mosaics
- Explore the Cathedral of Palermo, a significant Norman structure representing various architectural styles from the 12th to 19th centuries.
- Head to Monreale to admire the Cathedral of William II, known for its golden mosaics.
- Consider continuing to Montepellegrino for panoramic views of Palermo and a visit to the Sanctuary of Saint Rosalie.
Days 4 and 5: Etna and Taormina
- Experience Mount Etna, the most active volcano on the planet, with its lunar landscapes and volcanic craters.
- Explore Taormina, one of the world's most beautiful destinations, featuring the ancient Greek theatre and charming medieval streets.
Days 6 and 7: Syracuse and Ortigia, Noto, or Vendicari Nature Reserve
- Discover Syracuse, a city rich in architectural and cultural treasures, including the Neapolis Archaeological Park and the historic island of Ortigia.
- Visit Noto, known for its Baroque architecture, or explore the Vendicari Nature Reserve with its pristine beaches and archaeological sites.
Day 8: Catania
- Departure towards Catania airport and return your rental car.
9-Night Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Palermo
- Arrive at Palermo Airport and pick up the rental car.
Days 2 and 3: Palermo, Monreale, and Cefalù or Segesta and Erice
- Explore the picturesque medieval town of Cefalù with its narrow streets, ancient royal palace, and cathedral.
- In Palermo, start with a general tour of the city, visiting landmarks such as Quattro Canti and the Martorana or Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio church.
- Visit Monreale to admire the Cathedral of William II with its golden mosaics, then consider continuing to Montepellegrino for panoramic views.
- Alternatively, explore Segesta, an ancient city with a well-preserved Doric temple, and Erice, a medieval town perched on a hill.
Days 4 to 6: Etna and Taormina
- Explore Mount Etna, the world's most active volcano, with options for day or half-day excursions to admire the craters.
- Visit Taormina, considered one of the most beautiful places in the world, with its Greek theatre and medieval charm.
Days 7 to 9: Syracuse and Ortigia, Noto, or Vendicari Nature Reserve
- Discover Syracuse, a city rich in architectural treasures and witness the splendour of Magna Graecia, with attractions like the Neapolis Archaeological Park and Ortigia Island.
- Explore Noto, the capital of Baroque, with its UNESCO-listed historic centre, or visit the Vendicari Nature Reserve with its wild beaches and archaeological sites.
Day 10: Catania
- Departure towards Catania Airport and return the rental car.
11-night Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Palermo
- Arrive in Palermo and pick up your rental car.
Days 2 and 3: Palermo and Monreale
- Palermo is a fascinating city waiting to be discovered, with its blend of art, culture, and history shaped by Arab and Norman influences.
- Explore the historic centre, marvel at landmarks like Quattro Canti and the Martorana Church, and indulge in Sicilian cuisine.
- Visit Monreale to admire the stunning Cathedral of William II and the panoramic views from Montepellegrino.
Days 4 to 6: Cefalù or Segesta and Erice
- Cefalù is a charming medieval town known as the "pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea," offering a captivating historic centre and picturesque landscapes.
- Alternatively, explore Segesta, an ancient city with a well-preserved Doric temple, and Erice, a medieval town perched atop Mount Eryx.
Days 7 and 8: Etna and Taormina
- Discover Mount Etna, the world's most active volcano, with options for excursions to admire the craters and landscapes of dark stone and incandescent lava.
- Explore Taormina, renowned for its beauty and historic sites like the ancient Greek Theatre.
Days 9 to 11: Syracuse and Ortigia, Noto, or Vendicari Nature Reserve
- Experience the rich architectural and cultural treasures of Syracuse, including the Neapolis Archaeological Park and the island of Ortigia.
- Explore Noto, a UNESCO-listed Baroque town, or visit the Vendicari Nature Reserve with its pristine beaches and archaeological sites.
Day 12: Departure from Catania Airport
- Return your rental car to Catania Airport and catch your flight home after an unforgettable journey.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in thoughtfully chosen hotels. These establishments included in your self-drive tour, may be located either inside or outside the town centres.
Your hotels during the tour:
In the Syracuse or Ragusa region:
- Noto: Villa Favorita 4*
- Carlentini: Agriturismo Badiula
- Raguse: Relais Parco Cavalonga 4*
In the Catania or Messina region:
- Patti: Hotel Terre di Eolo 4*
- Zafferana Etnea: Airone Wellness 4*
- Acitrezza: Sicilia's Art
- Catania: Hotel Nettuno 4*
In the Cefalù or Palermo region:
- Casteldaccia: Domina Zagarella Sicily 4*
- Terrasini: My Hotel Terrasini
- Balestrate: Marina Holiday 4* or Hotel Casena dei Colli 4*
Please note: If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Your dining choices
Throughout your tour, you will enjoy a bed and breakfast stay.
Your journey to Sicily —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking. This flight may include one or more stopovers. The stopover may be technical (without a change of aircraft) or transit (with a change of aircraft).
Luggage information
Baggage, meals and other services on board certain flights may be subject to a charge. You will find out whether your airfare includes baggage when you choose your airline and timetable. If your fare does not include baggage, please go to the airline's website before your departure with your travel file reference to find out the exact fare and purchase your extra baggage. If you choose a low-cost airline, you will be able to add your baggage during the booking process. For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving baggage, so you will have 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 destinations —
Palermo
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.
Cefalù
Welcome to Sicily, to the small village of Cefalu. By the sea, enjoy the sunny climate and the exceptional setting between history and nature. A true crossroads of civilizations, you will discover places, monuments and traditions coming from Greek, Roman, Byzantine or Arab cultures. Many discoveries are available to you to let you know the charm and history of this beautiful region. Come and enjoy la dolce vita.
Siracusa
The landscape of Sicily is beautiful and varied. In the north-east, Mount Etna, with its fertile slopes and valleys, supports a number of vineyards. In the south-east there are the beautiful forest-covered mountains; the landscape characterised by soft hills, with vineyards, olive groves, almond trees, citrus and the characteristic carob trees. To the west, the landscape becomes gentler with soft, rolling hills, and it is here one finds long sandy beaches. The weather is mild all year round and temperatures will not normally drop below 15 degrees, even in the coldest months.
Sicily is rightly considered one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations. It is the largest island in the Mediterranean and has long been known as a 'melting pot' of ancient cultures due to its location on the major Mediterranean shipping routes.
Siracusa 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.