10-Day South Italy Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day South Italy tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaSouth Italy travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in Sicily, incl. Palermo and Mount Etna

  Southern Italy's highlights unfold over 10 days, from Palermo's Baroque churches to Mount Etna's volcanic landscapes. Medieval towns like Erice and Cefalù, Syracuse's ancient Greek theater, and local flavors through granita tastings in Catania and wine sampling at historic Florio cellars in Marsala create lasting memories.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Palermo & Monreale

    Begin your journey in Palermo. "The Cappella Palatina's gold mosaics left me speechless," shared one traveler. Get to the chapel by 8:30 AM before the crowds arrive. Take a 30-minute bus ride to see Monreale's Norman Cathedral in the morning light. Visit the cloisters before noon for the best views. Back in Palermo you can explore the Kalsa quarter and grab authentic sfincione at Antica Focacceria San Francesco.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Cefalù & Catania

    Take a 1-hour drive to Cefalù. Start with an early climb up La Rocca for beautiful coastal views. The Norman cathedral reopens at 3 PM. Drive 2.5 hours to reach Catania. Visit the fish market by 7 AM for the full experience. One traveler shares: "The vendors' calls and seafood displays are a sensory overload - bring your camera!"

    
  • Days 4-5

    Mount Etna & Taormina

    Head to Mount Etna in the morning (1.5 hour drive). Pack sturdy shoes for the uneven volcanic terrain. Visit Taormina later in the day after most tourists leave. Watch the sunset from the Greek theater for incredible coastal views. A reviewer suggests: "Book your Etna guide in advance - the best ones fill up quickly in peak season."

    
  • Days 6-7

    Syracuse & Noto

    Drive an hour to Syracuse. Start at the archaeological park when it opens at 8:30 AM. Spend time walking through Ortygia island's streets and visiting its market for local produce. Visit Noto next to see its beautiful honey-colored Baroque buildings in the afternoon light. "The gelato at Caffè Sicilia is worth the wait," says one traveler.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Ragusa, Modica & Agrigento

    Explore the Baroque towns of Val di Noto. Wear good walking shoes for Ragusa Ibla's steep streets. Stop at Antica Dolceria Bonajuto in Modica for chocolate tasting. Drive 2 hours to see Agrigento's Valley of Temples. Visit right at opening (8:30 AM) or before sunset to avoid crowds and get better photos.

    
  • Day 10

    Return to Palermo

    Take the 3-hour coastal route back through the Salt Road between Marsala and Trapani. The salt pans look most beautiful at sunset. Complete your Sicily journey back in Palermo.

    

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• Sensational Sicily

  A 10-day route through South Italy covers 13 cities, with luxurious stays at 4-star hotels including Il Principe Hotel in Catania and Mercure Palermo Centro. The tour showcases UNESCO sites like Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. Visitors enjoy wine tasting in Marsala, honey sampling at Etna's foothills, and visits to ancient Greek theaters.

  

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  • Palermo Italy

    6 mi

  • Monreale Italy

    6 mi

  • Palermo Italy

    36 mi

  • Cefalu Italy

    68 mi

  • Catania Italy

    17 mi

  • Mount Etna Italy

    17 mi

  • Taormina Italy

    26 mi
  • Show 4 more

  • Catania Italy

    31 mi

  • Syracuse Italy

    17 mi

  • Noto Italy

    18 mi

  • Ragusa Italy

    37 mi

  • Piazza Armerina Italy

    43 mi

  • Agrigento Italy

    70 mi

  • Marsala Italy

    13 mi

  • Saline di Nubia Italy

    48 mi

  • Palermo Italy

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• 10 Days in Southern Italy, incl. Rome and Sicily

  The South Italian circuit spans 11 cities in 10 days, featuring Pompeii's UNESCO ruins, Matera's cave dwellings, and Agrigento's Valley of Temples. Comfortable coach travel, ferry crossings, and authentic local dining create a memorable experience.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Rome & Pompeii

    Start in Rome with an evening walk through the historic center. "Wear comfortable shoes - Rome's cobblestones are beautiful but unforgiving." The next day, take a 3-hour drive south to Pompeii. Arrive by 9 AM to avoid crowds and peak heat. Set aside 3-4 hours for the ruins - the site is huge and offers little shade.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Amalfi Coast & Matera

    Stay in Salerno for better Amalfi Coast access. "Skip the SITA buses in peak season - they get incredibly crowded. The ferry from Salerno to Positano is more scenic and reliable." On day 4, take a 4-hour drive to Matera. Visit the cave dwellings in late afternoon when it's cooler. Getting a local guide is worth it to understand the rich history.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Alberobello & Taormina

    See Alberobello's trulli houses first thing before the crowds show up. Take the coastal route to Sicily by ferry (6 hours total). Spend two nights in Taormina. "Take the cable car to Mazzarò Beach rather than navigating the steep stairs in summer heat. Book dinner reservations in advance - the best terraces fill up quickly."

    
  • Days 7-8

    Agrigento & Palermo

    Drive to Agrigento via Syracuse (3.5 hours). Plan to see the Valley of Temples at sunset. Head to Palermo the next day, stopping at Cefalù. "Skip the touristy restaurants near the cathedral. The best local food is in the Vucciria market area, but don't go after dark."

    
  • Days 9-10

    Overnight Ferry & Rome Return

    Explore Palermo before taking the overnight ferry to Naples (12 hours). "Book a cabin even if traveling solo - the deck chairs get uncomfortable quickly." Take a 3-hour coach back to Rome, arriving mid-afternoon. Schedule evening flights to allow for potential ferry delays.

    

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