8 days in Eastern Sicily | Tours of Italy

Route

You land in Catania and drive south-east for three nights near Syracuse and Noto. Then you travel via Caltagirone and Piazza Armerina to the region around Taormina and Mount Etna, where you stay for four nights.

Pace

Three nights in the Baroque region, four nights near Mount Etna or Taormina. You combine city visits with nature and beach, without having to move every day.

Highlights

You walk through the archaeological park of Syracuse and across Ortigia, admire the cathedral and balconies of Noto and drive on to Ragusa and Modica. The mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale display Roman grandeur. Then Mount Etna awaits with its craters and black lava fields, and the Greek Theatre of Taormina with its view of the sea and volcano. If you wish, you can visit Savoca and Forza d'Agrò, famous from The Godfather.

Accommodation

Small-scale relais and masseria among olive trees in the south and charming accommodation near Taormina or by the sea. Swimming pool or beach nearby.

Profile

For those who really want to understand eastern Sicily: Baroque towns, archaeology and Mount Etna in one week. Ideal for travellers who prefer simplicity, local cuisine and authentic villages to large resorts.

Day 1: Flight to Catania - Syracuse - Noto

You arrive at the airport and pick up your hire car to drive straight to your first accommodation. Cities such as Noto, Syracuse, Ragusa and Modica are never far away.

Day 2: Syracuse

Today you will visit this archaeological gem, with its 5th century BC amphitheatre, its ancient “latomie” (quarries) and its Ortigia peninsula, where time has stood still.

Day 3: Noto

Noto is a Baroque gem: don't miss the beautiful cathedral, the charming squares and the decorated balconies in the “Via Corrado Nicolaci”. If you can't get enough of Baroque, you can continue on to Modica, located in a narrow valley with some beautiful Baroque buildings, and to Ragusa with its magnificent San Giorgio church in the old town.

Day 4: Caltagirone - Piazza Armerina

You will drive via Caltagirone, with its monumental staircase covered with ceramic tiles, and Piazza Armerina, with its magnificent mosaics in the Villa Romana del Casale, on your way to your second stay in Carruba di Riposto or near Calatabiano. Those who prefer to stay in Taormina can choose one of our hotels in this charming town.

Day 5: Mount Etna

Europe's largest active volcano awaits you. A cable car or 4x4 jeep will take you to the top, where you can explore some of the craters on foot with a volcano guide. Those who reach the summit will be treated to breathtaking panoramas and a fantastic natural spectacle. Be sure to ask about our excursion options; we offer a wide range of activities, suitable for all ages and levels.

Day 6: Taormina - Castelmola

You will visit Taormina and its beautiful Greek theatre, with breathtaking views of the majestic Etna. From Taormina, you will drive to the higher and typical Castelmola, a charming village known for its sweet almond wine.

Day 7: Forza d'Agro - Savoca

You can relax by the pool or at the beach for a day. Or you can visit the typical medieval villages of Forza d'Agro and Savoca, which served as the backdrop for some scenes in the film “The Godfather”.

Day 8: Return home

You drive back to Catania airport, where you return the hire car and take the plane back home.

Frequently asked questions about mountains of fire and baroque cities

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

April, May, June, September and October are ideal for a tour of Eastern Sicily. Temperatures are pleasant for an excursion to Mount Etna and for city visits to Syracuse and Noto.

During these months, you avoid the extreme heat of July and August and Taormina is quieter. The sea often remains warm enough for swimming in the autumn.

Is a hire car necessary for this trip through eastern Sicily?

Yes, a hire car is highly recommended. Baroque towns such as Noto, Ragusa and Modica are difficult to reach by public transport. With your own car, you can easily drive from Syracuse to the mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale and on towards Mount Etna.

What makes this Sicily trip different from a standard island holiday?

You focus on eastern Sicily instead of crossing the entire island. Baroque cities such as Noto and Syracuse, Mount Etna and the Greek Theatre of Taormina form a coherent route.