13 days in Sicily | Tours of Italy

Route

You start in Palermo and drive westwards through temples and coastlines to the west of Sicily. Then you head south with stops in Agrigento and the baroque Ragusa. The journey ends on the east coast at Taormina, with a view of Mount Etna.

Pace

Three different regions, each with several nights in the same place. You never drive extremely long distances and combine culture, nature and coastline.

Highlights

You will see the temples of the Valley of the Temples, stroll through the Baroque streets of Noto and Modica, and discover the ancient city of Syracuse on the island of Ortigia. In the west, you will drive past the salt flats of Trapani and medieval Erice. The journey ends in Taormina with a view of Mount Etna.

Accommodation

Small-scale hotels with character: a city hotel in Palermo, a charming stay in the Baroque south and a hotel on the east coast near Taormina.

Profile

For travellers who want to discover Sicily in one trip. Ideal for those who want to combine archaeology, Baroque cities, nature and coastal landscapes.

Day 1 and 2: Departure to Palermo From Palermo airport, take a taxi or public transport to a hotel in the city centre or just outside the city. Palermo is a lively city with a special southern flair. In its narrow streets with Moorish domes and Norman palaces, you will find opulent Baroque and beautiful Renaissance buildings alongside medieval marketplaces and nostalgic monasteries. In addition to the numerous buildings and rich history, the Palermitans themselves create a unique atmosphere in this colourful city. Just outside Palermo, above the “Conca d'Oro”, Monreale with its impressive cathedral and magnificent mosaics is definitely worth a visit.

Days 3 and 4: Palermo - Segesta - Marsala or Menfi

Pick up your hire car in the centre of Palermo or at the airport. Drive via Segesta, with its stately Doric temple surrounded by colourful fields, to your next hotel. Discover the “Via del Sale”, salt hills with canals and windmills, and the picturesque medieval town of Erice. If you are staying near Menfi, be sure to visit the coastal town of Mazara del Vallo and the mysterious interior of Sicily, with beautifully situated typical villages such as Caltabellotta and Prizzi.

Days 5 and 6: Selinunte - Sciacca - Agrigento

Today you will visit Selinunte, with its elegant Greek temples, and Sciacca, a colourful southern fishing port, also known for its carnival. Agrigento is famous for its unrivalled temple valley: the most fascinating collection of Greek temples outside Greece, surrounded by fragrant almond trees. The elegant “Tempio della Concordia”, one of the best-preserved temples, bears witness to the enormous architectural ingenuity of the master builders of Antiquity. If you wish, you can also visit the impressive white limestone rock “Scala dei Turchi” or take a trip to Piazza Armerina to see the imposing Roman “Villa del Casale” with its magnificent mosaics.

Day 7: Agrigento - Ragusa - Noto or Syracuse

You will cross the rugged Sicilian landscape towards the baroque south-east of Sicily. On the way, you will visit the historic centre of Ragusa Ibla. You will stay in small, charming hotels near Noto, Syracuse or Ragusa.

Day 8 and 9: Modica - Noto - Syracuse

Two days dedicated to Baroque. You will visit beautiful Modica and the picturesque Baroque town of Noto, with its magnificent cathedral, charming squares and lavishly decorated balconies. Continue to Syracuse, once one of the most beautiful and richest cities of the Greek empire, located in a beautiful bay. You will delve into its fascinating history during a visit to the impressive archaeological site with the large Greek theatre, the Roman amphitheatre and the mysterious “Ear of Dionysius” in the impressive “latomie”. On the beautiful peninsula of Ortigia, charming little alleys with flower-filled balconies and lots of atmosphere criss-cross the old heart of the city. Elegant buildings in the typical white tuff stone embrace the magnificent “Piazza Duomo” and sparkle solemnly in the bright afternoon sun.

Days 10, 11 and 12: Noto or Syracuse - Taormina (± 145km to 120km)

On to Taormina, where you can relax or enjoy the tourist town. It is wonderful to stroll past the beautiful boutiques and charming bars in Corso Umberto, while the maze of streets on either side of this main street invite you to get lost. From the famous Greek theatre, you have a breathtaking view of the coastline and Europe's largest active volcano: the majestic Etna with its beautiful white snow cap and often graceful white plume of smoke. This legendary black mountain, the pride of many Sicilians, is without doubt the most spectacular attraction in Sicily. The panoramic views from the top are dizzying, the natural spectacle overwhelming. Centuries-old almond and citrus trees, graceful vines and tasty pistachios at the foot of the volcano indicate that life is particularly pleasant under the watchful gaze of this mountain.

Day 13: Return home

You drive back to the airport where you take the plane back home and reminisce about all the good memories of your trip.

Frequently asked questions about this tour of Sicily

Do I need a hire car for a tour of Sicily?

Yes. Many places are located outside the major cities and are best reached by car. For example, you will drive between Palermo, Agrigento, Ragusa and Taormina. With a car, you can also reach sites such as the Valley of the Temples and villages in the interior.

When is the best time to take this tour of Sicily?

April to June and September to October are ideal. Temperatures are usually between 23 and 28 degrees. Cities such as Noto and Syracuse are more pleasant to explore then than in the hot high season.

What makes a tour of Sicily so special?

The island combines different cultures and landscapes. You can see Greek temples at Agrigento, Baroque cities such as Ragusa and nature around Mount Etna. This makes each region feel different during the trip.