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 Catania

  A 10-day tour of South Italy's 15 key destinations showcases UNESCO treasures from Palermo's Arab-Norman sites to Agrigento's Valley of Temples. Guests stay in 4-star hotels including Mercure Palermo Centro while enjoying included lunches and authentic cultural experiences.

  

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  • Day 1

    Palermo Arrival

    The transfer from Palermo Airport to the city center takes about an hour due to typical city traffic. A recent guest shared: "The Mercure Palermo Centro's central location made it easy to start exploring the city on foot that first evening."

    
  • Days 2-3

    Palermo & Monreale

    Your first full day is for Palermo's main attractions like the Cappella Palatina and Cathedral. On day 3 take a quick 30-minute drive to see Monreale's Norman Cathedral. According to a recent visitor: "The mosaics in Monreale's cathedral are absolutely breathtaking - go early around 8:30 AM before the tour buses arrive."

    
  • Day 4

    Cefalù & Catania

    Travel east to Cefalù which is 2 hours from Palermo. Take time to see the Norman cathedral and walk through the medieval streets before the 2.5-hour drive to Catania. A traveler tip: "Don't miss Catania's fascinating fish market - but go in the morning when it's most active."

    
  • Day 5

    Mount Etna & Taormina

    Start early for Mount Etna just an hour from Catania. Bring extra clothes since it gets quite cold at higher elevations. Spend your afternoon in beautiful Taormina. One reviewer suggests: "The Greek theater views over the bay and toward Etna are incredible - try to time your visit for late afternoon light."

    
  • Day 6

    Catania/Free Day

    Spend more time in Catania or return to Taormina. A traveler recommends: "The Riviera dei Ciclopi with its dramatic coastal rock formations makes for a great half-day trip from Catania."

    
  • Day 7

    Syracuse & Noto

    Drive an hour to Syracuse to see the archaeological park and Ortigia island. Visit baroque Noto later in the day. A visitor notes: "The late afternoon sun on Noto's honey-colored baroque buildings creates magical photo opportunities."

    
  • Day 8

    Ragusa & Modica

    Visit both baroque towns and try Modica's famous chocolate. A recent traveler advises: "The walk up Ragusa's ancient steps is steep - wear good shoes and carry water, especially in summer months."

    
  • Day 9

    Agrigento & Marsala

    Start early at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to avoid crowds and heat. Continue to Marsala for wine tasting and see the Salt Road between Trapani and Marsala for unique views and birdwatching.

    
  • Day 10

    Erice & Departure

    Spend your final morning in the medieval town of Erice before the 1.5-hour drive back to Palermo. Book a later flight to enjoy your morning visit.

    

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• 10 Days in Sicily, incl. Palermo and Catania

  Sicily's finest sites unfold during this 10-day tour. UNESCO treasures from Palermo's Arab-Norman architecture to Piazza Armerina's Villa Romana del Casale captivate visitors. Four-star hotels in Palermo, Catania, Ragusa, and Agrigento provide comfortable bases.

  

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  • Days 1-2,

    Palermo & Monreale:

    Begin your Sicily journey in lively Palermo. Visit the Arab-Norman sites early morning to avoid crowds. Take a 30-minute bus ride to Monreale on day 2 before 9 AM to see its stunning Byzantine mosaics without tour groups. A recent visitor shared: "The Palatine Chapel's golden mosaics are mind-blowing, but bring a light jacket as it gets chilly inside the stone walls."

    
  • Days 3-5,

    Catania & Mount Etna:

    Take the train east along the coast to medieval Cefalù (2.5 hours) before continuing to Catania. You can use Catania as your starting point for Mount Etna adventures. Book an early morning volcano tour when visibility is best. Remember that Rifugio Sapienza sits at 1,923m and temperatures can change quickly. Make time for Catania's morning fish market near Piazza del Duomo. A traveler noted: "The granita and brioche at Caffè del Duomo was the perfect breakfast after watching vendors auction off fresh swordfish."

    
  • Days 6-7,

    Syracuse & Baroque Towns:

    Move south to Syracuse to explore ancient Greek ruins and Ortygia island. Get to the archaeological park when it opens at 8:30 AM. Visit the beautiful baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa next. The streets are quite steep so pack good walking shoes. Stop in Modica to check out its chocolate shops.

    
  • Days 8-9,

    Agrigento & Western Coast:

    Spend your morning at the Valley of the Temples. Pack water and sun protection since there's minimal shade. Travel west to sample wines in Marsala and see Trapani's salt pans. End your day in Erice's medieval streets before heading back to Palermo.

    
  • Day 10,

    Palermo:

    Spend your last morning in the capital. Visit Ballaro market before 11 AM when it's most active. Leave plenty of time to reach the airport - at least 35 minutes or more during rush hour.

    

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• 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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