Best of Sicily: Catania, Agrigento, Taormina, Syracuse & Palermo – 10 Days

Highlights

• Visit Monreale's Norman Cathedral — the Eighth Wonder of the World — and explore Palermo's Cathedral, Martorana Church, Cappella Palatina and Teatro Massimo
• Discover medieval Cefalù and the UNESCO Baroque centre of Catania, including S. Benedict Monastery and a traditional granita & brioche tasting
• Explore Mount Etna to Rifugio Sapienza and the Crateri Silvestri with honey tasting, then visit Taormina's Greek theatre and medieval streets
• Enjoy a free day exploring the enchanting city of Catania at your own leisure
• Explore UNESCO Syracuse — the Archaeological Park of Neapolis and Ortigia — then stroll through the Baroque streets of Noto
• Discover UNESCO Ragusa Ibla and its 50+ Baroque churches, then enjoy chocolate tasting at award-winning Sabadì in Modica and visit Villa Romana del Casale
• Walk among the UNESCO Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, tour Florio Cellars for a Marsala wine tasting, and explore the historic Salt Road
• Visit hilltop Erice with its cathedral and Venere Castle, and the ancient Doric temple and theatre of Segesta
• 9 nights in centrally located 4-star hotels with daily breakfast, 5 lunches and 2 dinners included

10-Day Best of Sicily Tour Itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1

   Arrival in Palermo

   Welcome to Palermo — independent arrival to your hotel in Palermo (optional private transfer on request). Overnight stay in Palermo.

2. 2

   Day 2

   Monreale and Palermo: Sicily's Cultural Delights

   After breakfast, explore Monreale's famous Norman Cathedral and its stunning Cloister, a masterpiece blending Arab-Norman architectural styles. Then venture into Palermo, a city steeped in history and artistry. Admire its diverse architecture, from Baroque to Art Nouveau, and visit landmarks like the Cathedral, Martorana Church, and Cappella Palatina, showcasing cultural convergence. Enjoy a traditional lunch and marvel at Teatro Massimo and Pretoria Square's fountain. Overnight in Palermo.

3. 3

   Day 3

   Sicily Discovery – Cefalù to Catania Heritage and Architecture Tour

   After breakfast, head to Cefalù, a charming medieval town on Sicily's northern coast. Explore the stunning Norman Dome, take leisurely strolls, or visit the famous Mandralisca Museum. Enjoy lunch at a well-known restaurant before moving on to Catania, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its original Baroque architecture. Walk through Duomo Square, home to the magnificent Cathedral and the iconic "Liotru" statue — an antique lava-stone elephant symbolising the city. Explore University Square and the Baroque Via dei Crociferi, adorned with landmarks like the famous S. Benedict Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. End your day with a break at a historic city-centre bar, savoring the traditional Sicilian delicacy granita & brioche. Overnight stay at hotel in Catania.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Mount Etna & Taormina: Sicily's Volcanic Wonders and Charming Town

   Start with Catania's ancient fish market, then head to Mount Etna — Europe's highest active volcano and a UNESCO site covering 59,000 hectares. En route to Rifugio Sapienza, enjoy views of Crateri Silvestri and sample local honey at a beekeeping company. Taormina, perched above the sea, offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna. Explore the Greek theatre and medieval streets, indulge in local crafts, and admire the Riviera dei Ciclopi before returning to Catania. Overnight stay in Catania.

5. 5

   Day 5

   Day at Leisure in Catania

   Enjoy a leisurely day in the enchanting city of Catania. Overnight at a hotel in Catania.

6. 6

   Day 6

   Syracuse to Noto: Sicily's UNESCO Gems

   After breakfast, head to Syracuse — famed as Sicily's most stunning Greek colony and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour begins at the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, featuring the remarkable Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, Latomie of Paradise, and the Ear of Dionysius. Next, explore Ortigia, Syracuse's historic core. The majestic Cathedral, once a Doric temple, dominates the square with its Sicilian-Baroque facade. Admire Arethusa's Fountain before free time for lunch (not included). Moving on to Noto — a UNESCO site renowned for its Sicilian Baroque — explore the golden limestone facades exemplified by Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata. Transfer to Ragusa for dinner and overnight stay.

7. 7

   Day 7

   Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Piazza Armerina & Villa Romana del Casale

   Journey through historical gems: Ragusa Ibla — the birthplace of Sicilian Baroque and a renowned filming location for the Inspector Montalbano TV series. With over 50 churches and splendid Baroque architecture, Ragusa Ibla is among Italy's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore the grand Cathedral and Giardino Ibleo for stunning views at 383 metres above sea level. Next, discover Modica — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Indulge in the renowned Modica chocolate at Sabadì, featuring flavours like wild mint and Sicilian lemon. Enjoy local delicacies at Orti di San Giorgio for lunch. The journey proceeds to Piazza Armerina and the famed Villa Romana del Casale — explore its splendid polychrome mosaics depicting ancient Roman life and mythology. Head to Agrigento for dinner and overnight stay.

8. 8

   Day 8

   Agrigento's Valley of the Temples to Marsala's Vineyards & Salt Road

   Explore Agrigento's famed Valley of the Temples — a UNESCO site praised as the most beautiful mortal city. Wander among its 5th-century Doric Temples including Hera, Concordia and Heracles, nestled in almond groves. Venture to Marsala, where Garibaldi made history in 1860. Tour the Florio Cellars, marvelling at 19th-century vats and enjoying wine tastings in rooms named Donna Franca and Duca Enrico. Discover the historic Salt Road, tracing centuries-old salt marshes that shaped Sicily's oldest salt industry from Trapani to Marsala. Conclude with a transfer to Palermo for a relaxing evening at the hotel.

9. 9

   Day 9

   Erice & Segesta: Ancient Wonders and Scenic Views

   After breakfast, head to Erice — an ancient Elymian settlement atop Mount S. Giuliano, offering charming streets and panoramic vistas of Trapani bay and Valderice valley. Explore its cathedral and Venere Castle. In the afternoon, visit Segesta, home to a majestic Doric temple and theatre dating back to the 3rd century BCE, nestled amidst rolling hills. Later, check into accommodations in Palermo as the day comes to a close.

10. 10

    Day 10

    Departure from Palermo

    Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before the conclusion of services. Option to extend your stay in Palermo with additional nights at extra charge.

What's Included

Not Included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Optional – SILVER – City taxes & all entrance fees (highly recommended to add at the time of booking)
• City tax (payable locally)
• Drinks on meals
• Entrance fees at monuments/museums
• Meals not included in the programme
• Beverages
• Airport transfers
• Tipping for guide, driver and hotel staff
• Personal expenses
• Any item, product or service not specifically listed under Included

Additional Information

• You will receive an e-ticket for this tour.
• This tour operates year-round, subject to availability.
• Multilingual guides available in English, Italian or Spanish.
• Tour reference code: 321232

Dates & Availability

Frequently Asked Questions