8 Days • 7 Nights
Sicily Uncovered: Palermo, Taormina & Etna
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Dive into the markets, cathedral and golden mosaics of Palermo, stand in awe among the Greek temples of Agrigento, wander the baroque island of Ortigia, and base yourself in clifftop Taormina with Mount Etna smoking on the horizon — before ascending the volcano itself for a tasting on its fertile slopes.
It is one of Italy's most rewarding and characterful journeys, superb as a standalone adventure or as an add-on to the mainland.
Trip Highlights
- The Valley of the Temples, Agrigento – among the best-preserved Greek ruins anywhere in the world
- Taormina – a clifftop town with an ancient Greek theatre and sweeping views to Etna and the sea
- Mount Etna – ascend Europe's most active volcano and taste wine grown on its fertile slopes
- Palermo & Monreale – vibrant markets, a grand cathedral and dazzling golden Byzantine mosaics
- Baroque Ortigia & Syracuse – honey-stoned lanes and a magnificent ancient Greek theatre
- Sicilian street food – arancini, cannoli and the island's legendary markets
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
You are met on arrival at Palermo airport and transferred to your hotel in the vibrant Sicilian capital. Settle in, then take an evening stroll through the atmospheric old town, where markets, palazzos and street-food stalls hum with life. A first taste of Sicily's legendary cuisine awaits.
Explore Palermo with your private guide — the bustling Ballaro and Capo markets, the grand cathedral, and the layered Arab-Norman architecture that makes the city unique. Continue to nearby Monreale to marvel at its cathedral's dazzling golden Byzantine mosaics, among the finest in the world. The evening is free for a Sicilian street-food feast.
Travel south across the island to Agrigento and the magnificent Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where colossal Greek temples stand against the sky, among the best-preserved anywhere on earth. Your guide brings the ancient city of Akragas to life before you settle into your Agrigento hotel for the night.
Journey to the south-east and the enchanting island of Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse, with its honey-stoned baroque lanes, seafront and lively market. Explore the ancient Greek theatre and the Neapolis archaeological park before continuing to clifftop Taormina, your base for the next three nights.
A free day to fall in love with Taormina, perched high above the sea. Visit its remarkably preserved ancient Greek theatre with Etna as a backdrop, wander the boutiques of Corso Umberto, descend to the beach and the tiny island of Isola Bella, or simply enjoy the views with a granita in hand.
Today you ascend Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano and a living, breathing giant. Travel by cable car and 4x4 up the lunar slopes past old craters and lava flows, learning about the mountain's fiery history from an expert guide. Descend to a vineyard on its mineral-rich slopes for a tasting of the distinctive Etna wines.
Another free day to enjoy the good life in Taormina — a boat trip along the coast, a Sicilian cooking class, more time on the beach, or a lazy lunch overlooking the sea. Your guide can arrange any optional experience you fancy.
After breakfast, your private transfer takes you to Catania airport for your onward flight, leaving Sicily with a full heart and, most likely, a suitcase heavier with cannoli and wine.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private arrival transfer from Palermo airport to your hotel
- 2 nights in Palermo with daily breakfast
- Guided tour of Palermo and the mosaics of Monreale
- Guided visit to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento with entrance fees
- 1 night in Agrigento with daily breakfast
- Guided visit to baroque Ortigia and Syracuse
- 3 nights in Taormina with daily breakfast
- Guided Mount Etna excursion with cable car and 4x4, and a wine tasting
- A free day in Taormina
- Private departure transfer to Catania airport
- Daily breakfast at your hotels
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and experiences listed in the itinerary
- Private, licensed English-speaking local guides
- Comfortable private air-conditioned vehicles for transfers and tours
- Warm meet-and-greet on arrival
- Complimentary 24/7 in-trip travel assistance
- All applicable local taxes and service charges
Exclusions
- International airfare and applicable airport taxes
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Lunches, dinners and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards, shopping and minibar
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and hotel staff
- Optional excursions and activities not listed in the inclusions
- Room, flight and category upgrades
- Early hotel check-in and late check-out charges unless specified
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Passport & Visa: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Most nationalities require a Schengen visa for Italy — please check your own requirements and apply in good time
- Currency: Italy uses the euro (EUR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry some cash for markets, cafes, tips and small vendors
- Getting Around: Your trip uses Italy's high-speed trains between cities and a private air-conditioned car with driver for day tours and transfers
- Weather & Packing: Pack comfortable, broken-in walking shoes for cobbled streets, layers for changeable weather, sun protection and a light rain jacket
- Church & Site Etiquette: Dress modestly to enter churches, cathedrals and religious sites — shoulders and knees should be covered
- Dining Hours: Italians eat late — lunch from around 1pm and dinner after 8pm. Reservations are advised for popular restaurants
- Stay Connected: Local SIM cards and eSIMs are inexpensive and give excellent coverage across Italy
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive insurance covering medical care, cancellation, delays and belongings is strongly recommended
- Pace of Travel: There is a good deal of walking at the historic sites; let us know if you would like a gentler pace and we will adjust
- Local Customs: A friendly 'buongiorno' opens doors, and it is polite to ask before photographing people
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sicily safe for tourists?
Yes, the tourist regions are welcoming and well set up; take normal precautions with valuables.
Can we climb Mount Etna?
Yes, a guided ascent by cable car and 4x4 is included, subject to volcanic and weather conditions.
When is the best time to visit Sicily?
April to June and September to October offer ideal weather and fewer crowds.
Is the food a highlight?
Very much — Sicilian street food, seafood and sweets are among the finest in Italy.
Are meals included?
Daily breakfast plus lunches at Agrigento and on Etna; other meals are left free.
Can we combine Sicily with the mainland?
Yes, it pairs well with Rome, Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
How much driving is involved?
Sicily's roads are scenic but winding; a private driver makes it effortless.
Is this trip suitable for families?
Yes, with the pace and activities easily adjusted for children.
Do you use local guides?
Yes, expert licensed Sicilian guides lead all the sightseeing.
What is the weather like?
Warm and Mediterranean, hot in high summer and mild in spring and autumn.
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