Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Catania
You'll land in Catania and head into the city using public transport. Once you reach your hotel, how you spend the rest of the day depends on your arrival time. If you get there early, you might walk around and get a feel for the place. If not, settling in works fine too. You're staying here for three nights total.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Catania city surroundings
- Day 2
Mount Etna and Alcantara Gorge
This morning, you'll drive up Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano and a UNESCO site. The route takes you through vineyards and past old lava flows until you reach the Silvestri craters at about 1,900 meters, then you'll hike through the otherworldly landscape. After lunch, head to Alcantara Gorge to see those unusual basalt rock formations. Back in Catania by evening, your guide walks you through the city center and shares local recommendations for dinner and nightlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive through vineyards and lava flows to Silvestri craters (approximately 1,900 meters)
- Hike through lunar landscape on Mount Etna
- Visit Alcantara Gorge
- Orientation walk in Catania with tour guide
- Tasting of locally produced Etna liqueur
Optional Activities
- Cable car and jeep ride up to 2,800 meters with guided hike (approximately 80 € p.p., bookable on site)
Landmarks/POIs Mount Etna Silvestri Craters Alcantara Gorge - Day 3
Syracuse and Noto
Start your morning in Syracuse checking out the archaeological park, where you'll see the Greek theater and the Ear of Dionysius carved into rock. Then wander through Ortigia's old town on the island, walking narrow streets and seeing the cathedral. In the afternoon, drive to Noto, one of Sicily's most beautiful baroque towns and another UNESCO site. You'll stroll through and look at the cathedral's baroque architecture from the outside.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Syracuse archaeological park with Greek theater
- Explore the Ear of Dionysius
- Walk through old town of Ortigia
- View Syracuse Cathedral
- Visit Noto (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- View Noto Cathedral exterior (Sicilian Baroque style)
Landmarks/POIs Syracuse Archaeological Park Greek Theater of Syracuse Ear of Dionysius Ortigia Island Syracuse Cathedral Noto Noto Cathedral - Day 4
Villa Romana del Casale and Valley of the Temples, Agrigento
This morning, stop at Villa Romana del Casale to see the well-preserved Roman mosaics that show what ancient life looked like. Then continue to Agrigento for the Valley of the Temples, with its impressive Greek temples still standing. After checking into your hotel, you'll have dinner to wrap up the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at hotel)
Included Activities
- Visit Villa Romana del Casale with Roman mosaics (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Explore Valley of the Temples with Greek temples
- Dinner at hotel
Landmarks/POIs Villa Romana del Casale Valley of the Temples - Day 5
Selinunte, Mazara del Vallo, and Trapani
Early on, explore the huge Greek temple complex at Selinunte on your own, one of Europe's largest. Then travel to Mazara del Vallo, a busy port city with a strong Middle Eastern influence. You'll walk colorful alleyways and see the fish market that shows the city's mixed cultural character. After that, continue to Trapani where you'll stay for three nights.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Explore Selinunte Greek temple complex
Optional Activities
- Self-guided exploration of Selinunte
Landmarks/POIs Selinunte Mazara del Vallo Mazara del Vallo Fish Market - Day 6
Trapani and Erice
Spend the morning in Trapani looking at the salt pans and the old harbor area. In the afternoon, take the cable car up to Erice, a medieval town with winding streets and great coastal views from up top. There's time to stop at an almond bakery for something local and sweet. Then head back down to Trapani for the rest of your evening on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Trapani salt pans
- Explore Trapani old harbor
- Cable car ride to Erice
- Explore medieval town of Erice with winding alleyways
- Stop at almond bakery in Erice
- Tasting of various Sicilian almond pastries
Landmarks/POIs Trapani Erice - Day 7
Marsala, Wine Tasting, and Mozia Island
Head to Marsala to try the local wine near the salt pans in the Isole dello Stagnone nature reserve. You'll take a boat out to Mozia, an old Phoenician island where you can walk around the ruins and visit the Whitaker Museum. The boat brings you back to Trapani afterward.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Marsala
- Marsala wine tasting at salt pans in Isole dello Stagnone nature reserve
- Boat trip to Mozia island
- Explore Phoenician ruins on Mozia
- Visit Whitaker Museum
Landmarks/POIs Marsala Isole dello Stagnone Mozia Island Whitaker Museum - Day 8
Mondello and Palermo
You'll drive toward Palermo with a stop in Mondello, a famous coastal area with a beach, an Art Nouveau pavilion, and some nice Liberty villas. There's time to walk around, grab lunch, or swim if you want. Next, visit the sanctuary of St. Rosalia on Monte Pellegrino before heading to your hotel for three nights.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Mondello coastal district
- Visit Sanctuary of St. Rosalia on Monte Pellegrino
Optional Activities
- Swim in Mondello beach
- Lunch in Mondello
Landmarks/POIs Mondello Monte Pellegrino Sanctuary of St. Rosalia - Day 9
Palermo Free Day
The whole day is yours in Palermo. You could wander through the markets and historic squares at your own pace, or use tips from your guide about where to go. Another option is the beach at Mondello, or you could hike up Monte Pellegrino for nice views across the city and coast. It's completely flexible.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Palermo markets
- Visit historic squares in Palermo
- Visit Mondello seaside resort
- Hike up Monte Pellegrino for views
Landmarks/POIs Palermo - Day 10
Palermo Market and Monreale Cathedral
This morning, hit a busy market in Palermo and try some street food in the old town area. Then travel to Monreale to see Sicily's most famous cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with incredible mosaics and decoration. Back in Palermo, your guide shows you the key sights around the city. The afternoon is relaxed with time to yourself.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Sicilian finger food in old town)
Included Activities
- Visit lively market in Palermo
- Sample Sicilian finger food in old town
- Market visit with regional specialties
- Visit Monreale Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- City tour of Palermo with most important sights
Landmarks/POIs Palermo Old Town Monreale Cathedral - Day 11
Cefalù and Return to Catania
Spend the day in Cefalu, one of Sicily's nicest coastal towns. You could stay at the beach all day, or explore the charming old town with its Norman cathedral and narrow lanes full of cafes and shops. Later, return to Catania, checking into your hotel for three nights.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at hotel)
Included Activities
- Visit Cefalù
- Explore Norman cathedral in Cefalù
- Explore old town of Cefalù
- Dinner at hotel in Catania
Optional Activities
- Beach day in Cefalù
Landmarks/POIs Cefalù Cefalù Norman Cathedral - Day 12
Ragusa Ibla and Castello di Donnafugata
After breakfast, head to Ragusa Ibla, the historic old town known for its baroque architecture and a UNESCO site. Walk through Giardino Ibleo gardens with their nice valley views, and there's time for a picnic with local food. Then check out Castello di Donnafugata with its park, exotic plants, and stone maze. You'll get back to Catania in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Picnic (Picnic with regional specialties in Giardino Ibleo)
Included Activities
- Visit Ragusa Ibla (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Walk through Giardino Ibleo gardens
- Picnic with regional specialties in Giardino Ibleo
- Visit Castello di Donnafugata
- Explore castle park with exotic plants and stone labyrinth
Landmarks/POIs Ragusa Ibla Giardino Ibleo Castello di Donnafugata - Day 13
Taormina Free Day
Today is completely yours. Explore Taormina at whatever pace you like, relax on the beach, or take a trip somewhere nearby like Mount Etna or along the coast. No scheduled activities.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Taormina at your own pace
- Relax on Taormina beaches
- Day trip to Mount Etna
- Day trip to coast
Landmarks/POIs Taormina - Day 14
Departure
After spending a week exploring around Sicily, it's time to head home. You'll travel back to the airport independently using public transport and start your journey back.
- Meals
- Breakfast
