Sicily City Break – From Palermo to Catania, 5 Days
1/11
- Duration
- 5 days
- Guiding Style
- Fully Guided
- Hotel Rating
- 4 star hotels
- Start / End
- Palermo → Catania
- Group Size
- Min 1 / Max 50
- Physical Rating
- Easy Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Highlights
Embark on a captivating journey through Sicily, starting in the vibrant city of Palermo, where you'll explore the stunning Norman Cathedral of Monreale and Palermo's diverse architectural heritage, including Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Byzantine influences. Savour local delicacies and visit iconic landmarks like Teatro Massimo and Pretoria Square. Discover the medieval charm of Cefalù and its Norman Dome, then delve into Catania's UNESCO-listed historic centre, renowned for its Baroque architecture and ancient lava stone structures.
Experience the grandeur of Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, and enjoy breathtaking views from its craters. In Taormina, visit the Greek theater and stroll through medieval streets, admiring local crafts. Conclude your adventure with the scenic beauty of the Riviera dei Ciclopi before departing from Catania.
- Visit the Norman Cathedral of Monreale – known as the Eighth Wonder of the World – and its stunning Arab-Norman style Cloister
- Explore Palermo's iconic landmarks including the Cappella Palatina, Martorana Church, Teatro Massimo and the 16th-century fountain in Pretoria Square
- Discover the enchanting medieval town of Cefalù on Sicily's northern coast and visit its impressive Norman Dome
- Walk through Catania's UNESCO-listed Baroque historic centre – Duomo Square, Via dei Crociferi and the S. Benedict Monastery – and taste traditional granita & brioche
- Ascend Mount Etna – Europe's tallest active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – to Rifugio Sapienza and the Crateri Silvestri with panoramic views of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands
- Visit the Greek theater of Taormina with breathtaking views of Giardini Naxos bay and Mount Etna, and browse medieval streets for local crafts
- Taste Sicilian specialties throughout – local lunch in Palermo, granita & brioche in Catania, and honey tasting at a beekeeping company on Mount Etna
- 4 nights in centrally located 4-star hotels with daily breakfast and 3 lunches included
5-Day Sicily Tour Itinerary
-
Day 1
Arrival in Palermo
Welcome to Palermo! Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel in this charming city. Overnight stay in Palermo (optional private transfer available upon request).
-
Day 2
Monreale Exploration & Palermo Highlights with Local Lunch
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit Monreale to see the stunning Norman Cathedral, known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, and its beautiful Arab-Norman style Cloister. Next, discover the historic city of Palermo, located in a bay overlooked by Mount Pellegrino. Palermo's architectural diversity includes Baroque structures, Punic walls, Art Nouveau mansions, and 17th-century squares. Visit landmarks like the eclectic Cathedral, the Martorana Church, and the Cappella Palatina, showcasing a blend of Byzantine, Muslim, and Latin influences thanks to Ruggero II's patronage.
Enjoy a lunch of local specialties. Along the way, see the famous Teatro Massimo and the intricate 16th-century fountain in Pretoria Square in the Kalsa district. Overnight stay in Palermo.
-
Day 3
Discovering Cefalù and Catania
After breakfast, head to the enchanting medieval town of Cefalù on Sicily's northern coast. The first stop is the impressive Norman Dome, a symbol of the town's rich history. Enjoy some free time to wander through Cefalù's quaint streets or visit the culturally significant Mandralisca Museum. Savour a lunch at a distinguished restaurant before continuing to Catania.
In Catania, explore its UNESCO-listed historic centre, known for its unique Baroque architecture made from black lava stone. The walking tour starts at the beautiful Duomo Square, featuring the stunning Cathedral and the famous Liotru statue crafted from ancient lava stone. Move through University Square and stroll along the elegant Via dei Crociferi, an iconic 18th-century street, visiting the renowned S. Benedict Monastery — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A stop at a historic city-centre bar lets you indulge in the traditional granita & brioche treat. Overnight stay in Catania.
-
Day 4
Exploring Mount Etna and Taormina
Start the day with a visit to Catania's famous pescheria, the historic fish market. Then head to the awe-inspiring Mount Etna — Europe's tallest and one of the world's most active volcanoes, standing at about 3,350 metres and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The regional park surrounding Mount Etna spans 59,000 hectares, preserving unique geology, flora, fauna, and traditional crafts. As you travel to Rifugio Sapienza, marvel at the stunning landscapes leading to Crateri Silvestri, dormant cones set amid ancient lava flows. From the mountain's various cones and craters, enjoy panoramic views of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands and Calabria. Sample local honey at a beekeeping company and enjoy regional delicacies before lunch at a cosy restaurant.
Next, explore Taormina, a charming town perched above the sea with spectacular views of Mount Etna. Visit the Greek theater for breathtaking vistas of Giardini Naxos bay and Etna. Wander through the medieval streets, shop for local crafts like coral jewellery, intricate lace, ceramics and pastries. End the day with the scenic beauty of the Riviera dei Ciclopi before returning to Catania. Overnight in Catania.
-
Day 5
Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before concluding our services.
What's Included
Accommodation
- 4 nights in charming 4-star hotels, mostly located in the city centre
- Palermo: Mercure Palermo Centro 4* / Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal 4* or similar
- Catania: Il Principe Hotel 4* / Romano House Hotel 4* or similar
Guided Tours & Experiences
- Multilingual tour leader and professional travel guide (English, Italian or Spanish) for the whole tour
- Local guides or audio-guides where necessary from Day 2 to the evening of Day 4
- Visits to main UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Monreale, Palermo, Cefalù, Catania city centre, Etna
- Tasting of Sicilian granita & brioche in Catania (Day 3)
- Visit to a beekeeping honey company and honey tasting on Mount Etna (Day 4)
Meals
- 4 breakfasts (daily international breakfast at hotel)
- 3 lunches (Days 2, 3 and 4)
Transport
- Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Pre & post tour accommodation
- Optional experiences
- City tax (payable directly at the hotel)
- Other activities and services not 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: 267867
Dates & Availability
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes 4 nights in 4-star hotels (2 in Palermo, 2 in Catania) with daily breakfast, 3 lunches, transportation by deluxe motorcoach, a multilingual tour leader and professional travel guides for the whole tour, visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Monreale, Palermo, Cefalù, Catania city centre and Mount Etna, plus Sicilian food tastings including granita & brioche and honey tasting at a beekeeping company.
The tour starts in Palermo and ends in Catania. You spend the first 2 nights in Palermo and the final 2 nights in Catania, travelling through Cefalù, Mount Etna and Taormina along the way.
The tour uses 4-star hotels centrally located in each city. In Palermo the hotel is Mercure Palermo Centro 4* or Ibis Styles Palermo Cristal 4* or similar. In Catania the hotel is Il Principe Hotel 4* or Romano House Hotel 4* or similar. All hotels include daily international breakfast.
In Palermo you will visit the Norman Cathedral of Monreale — known as the Eighth Wonder of the World — and its Arab-Norman Cloister, the eclectic Cathedral, Martorana Church, the Cappella Palatina with its Byzantine, Muslim and Latin influences, the famous Teatro Massimo, the intricate 16th-century fountain in Pretoria Square, and the Kalsa district.
The Mount Etna excursion visits Catania's historic fish market before travelling to Europe's tallest active volcano — a UNESCO World Heritage Site standing at around 3,350 metres. You travel to Rifugio Sapienza and the Crateri Silvestri dormant cones, enjoy panoramic views of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands and Calabria, and visit a beekeeping honey company for a honey tasting, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.
Yes. On Day 4, after Mount Etna, you explore Taormina — a charming town perched above the sea with spectacular views of Mount Etna. You visit the Greek theater with breathtaking vistas of Giardini Naxos bay, wander through medieval streets, and browse local crafts including coral jewellery, lace, ceramics and pastries. The day concludes with the scenic Riviera dei Ciclopi before returning to Catania.
The tour starts from US $1,184 per person, reduced from the standard price of US $1,850 — a saving of 36%. Price varies by departure date.