We Love —
- The freedom of driving through beautiful Sicilian landscapes at your own pace, and stopping in charming towns to explore.
- Getting lost in Ragusa's enchanting streets, and gazing at the impressive Duomo di San Giorgio with its striking façade and ornate interior.
- Diving into the dazzling azure waters of by Marzamemi and drying off undr the warm sun before heading to a quaint bar for a cocktail.
Customer reviews —
Your itinerary in brief —
Embark on a 5, 7, or 9-night road trip through Sicily, from the historic marvels of Taormina to the coastal charm of Syracuse.
Discover Taormina's ancient treasures and breathtaking views of Mount Etna before delving into the historical and culinary delights of Syracuse, where ancient theatres, picturesque streets, and Mediterranean flavours await.
5 night road trip:
Day 1: Arrival at Catania airport and car pick-up
Day 2: Catania and Taormina
Day 3: Syracuse and Ortigia
Day 4: Noto and Marzamemi
Day 5: Modica and Ragusa
Day 6: Departure for Catania airport and return of the car
7 night road trip:
Day 1: Arrival at Catania airport and pick-up of car
Day 2: Taormina
Day 3: Etna and Catania
Day 4: Syracuse and Noto
Day 5: Marzamemi
Day 6: Modica and Ragusa
Day 7: Cavagrande
Day 8: Departure for Catania airport and return of the car
9 night road trip:
Days 1- 7: Similar to the 7 night itinerary
Day 8: Caltagirone
Day 9: Scicli or Donnafugata Castle
Day 10: Departure for Catania airport and return of the car
Your hotels may be located inside or outside cities and towns. Please note that you can park your car inside or outside the hotels (subject to availability). Additional charges may apply on site.
Your itinerary in detail —
Syracuse & Noto
Syracuse stands as a captivating blend of architectural magnificence and cultural heritage amidst the picturesque Sicilian countryside. Its Baroque wonders and echoes of Magna Graecia bear testament to a rich history shaped by civilizations spanning centuries, from Romans to Normans. Highlights include Neapolis Park and the historic Ortigia island.
Within the esteemed Val di Noto, Syracuse's province shines as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Noto as its crown jewel. Despite destruction by an earthquake in 1693, Noto's rebirth birthed enduring masterpieces, showcased along Corso Vittorio Emanuele. From the majestic Porta Reale to the opulent Palaces of Nicolaci and Ducezio, Syracuse's timeless charm beckons.
Marzamemi & Etna
A quaint fishing village in the province of Syracuse, Marzamemi lies just a short distance from Pachino and the picturesque baroque town of Noto. With its charming yellow houses and renowned Tonnara di Marzamemi, it's among Italy's most enchanting villages.
From here, explore the Vendicari nature reserve, a European wildlife haven boasting freshwater wetlands, salt-clay plains, and pristine beaches where flamingos, herons, and cormorants abound.
For the adventurous, Mount Etna beckons as Europe's most active volcano, offering a dramatic landscape of dark rock and fiery lava. Climbing to its summit at over 3,000 meters rewards with awe-inspiring crater views at 3,300 meters altitude.
Taormina & Sicily
Perched on Sicily's eastern coast by the Ionian Sea, Taormina draws crowds year-round as one of the globe's most enchanting destinations. Its wealth of attractions and mild climate make it an ideal spot for visitors at any time. The ancient Greek Theatre, dating back to the 3rd century BC, stands as the city's emblematic monument.
Meanwhile, in southeastern Sicily, the picturesque town of Scicli rivals its more famous neighbours in Baroque splendour. Rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, Scicli now boasts charming Baroque churches and palaces lining its old town streets. Begin your exploration at Piazza Busacca, where the statue of local benefactor Pietro di Lorenzo presides, surrounded by historic landmarks like the Chiesa del Carmine and its adjacent convent.
Modica & Ragusa
Nestled in southern Sicily, Ragusa is a Baroque treasure trove rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake. Divided between modern Ragusa Superiore and historic Ragusa Ibla, the latter offers stunning views from below. Don't miss the grand Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista or the multifaceted Donnafugata Castle.
Just a short drive away lies Modica, equally ravishing after its Baroque revival. Divided into Modica Alta and Modica Bassa, it boasts the iconic Cathedral of San Giorgio, designed by Rosario Gagliardi. Wander its streets, discovering hidden gems like the Byzantine cave church of San Nicolò Inferiore.
Amidst daily life's sights and scents, indulge in Modica's famed chocolate - a delicious link to its Aztec-inspired past.
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
Maximum room capacity
At each of your stops, rest and relax in comfortable rooms in carefully chosen hotels.
Your hotels:
Catania or Syracuse area: Hotel Airone Wellness 4* in Zafferana, Villa Favorita in Noto 4* in Noto, Lanterne Magiche Ortigia in Syracuse, Agriturismo Badiula in Carlentini or similar.
Ragusa or Modica area: Relais Parco Cavalonga 4* in Ragusa, Modica boutique hotel 4* in Modica, Poggio del Sole 4* Ragusa or similar.
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Single rooms are available at an additional cost. Maximum room capacity is 2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Your optional excursions —
30-minute helicopter flight around Mount Etna
Discover Sicily on a high! Fly to the Etna volcano and take in breathtaking views of Sicily. Round off your experience with vineyard vistas before landing at Fiumefreddo heliport, where you can relax in a large pool with solarium and enjoy the bar and catering services.
Enjoy views of beautiful sprawling coniferous forests, ancient lava flows, extinct craters and the Piano Provenzana ski resort. Once you've reached an altitude of 3,500 metres, admire the whole of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands and Calabria before descending the volcano's rugged slopes which offer unique views of Catania.
Our advice for a successful excursion? Choose to fly over Sicily at the beginning of your trip! In the event of bad weather, the flight can be rescheduled.
Please note: this flight is shared within the limits of our capacity (5 people).
Practical information:
- Tour type: Helicopter flight
- Guided: no
- Languages: English
- Availability: Flight available every day
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility: no
- Accessible to pregnant women: no
- Recommended minimum age: 5 years.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Maximum weight: For safety reasons, people weighing over 120 kg will occupy two seats, which must be paid for before the flight.
- Duration: 30 minutes flight time + 30 minutes pre-flight preparation / formalities
- Number of seats: 5 passengers
- Transfers: no
- Pick-up and drop-off point: Via Catania Messina, 14, Sicily
Price includes:
- 30-minute helicopter flight (excluding registration fee to be paid on site).
Price does not include:
- 24.50 € registration fee to be paid per person upon check-in at Helipass.com
- Transfers are not included
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the "Price includes" section
- Gratuities, if any
- Personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned in "Price includes".
Private tour of Catania and the Cyclops Riviera
Explore the wonders of Catania and the Cyclops Riviera on an unforgettable excursion. Get ready for a day full of discoveries and emotions, from the baroque monuments of Catania to the breathtaking landscapes of the Cyclops Riviera.
Private tour of Noto and Syracuse - departure from Taormina
Discover the timeless charm of Sicily with a visit to Noto and Syracuse. Immerse yourself in the history, culture and natural beauty of these two UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Excursion to Mount Etna - from Catania
Explore Mount Etna on a group tour departing from your hotel in Catania, including hikes around the craters and a visit to a lava cave. End the day with a tasting of local produce at an organic farm in Zafferana Etnea.
Boat trip to the island of Ortigia - departing from Syracuse
Explore the island of Ortigia from the sea on a boat trip. Learn more about its thousand-year-old history, admire its emblematic sites and enjoy a swim before returning to the port.
Private tour of Noto, Modica and Ragusa - departing from Catania
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Baroque towns of Noto, Modica and Ragusa on a private tour from Catania.
Visit Noto for its palaces and balconies, Modica for its Baroque churches and chocolate factories, and Ragusa for its magnificent landscapes and gardens.
Quad adventure on Mount Etna
Enjoy an unforgettable experience exploring Mount Etna on a quad bike. Admire explosive craters, cross eruptive fractures and discover a fascinating lava cave on this thrilling excursion.
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
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 bursting with wonderful food, ancient ruins, and a dreamy coastline.
With so many cultures having passed through this island, it’s not just Italian culture you can experience but also Greek, Byzantine, and Habsburg influences. Nowhere is this clearer than in Palermo, the island’s capital, with its variety of religious monuments and cuisine, or the chic town of Taormina, with its ancient theatre - a rare treasure trove of Greek & Roman architecture.
In the northeast of the island, Mount Etna presides over the city of Catania, with its UNESCO-listed historic centre and grandiose palazzos. If you’re pining for a more relaxed stay, the fishing village of Cefalu is a wonderful spot, with plenty of vantage points for stunning coastal views and a variety of beaches with crystal-clear waters.
In the south of the island, Licata is a quieter, family-friendly destination with a tranquil beach and delicious fresh seafood.