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Treasures of Sicily
9-night road trip from Palermo to Mount Etna & Taormina
Sicily is an island that invites you to explore, whether that’s wandering through ancient streets, standing on the slopes of an active volcano or discovering quiet coastal corners shaped by centuries of history. This journey takes you across the island’s most exciting highlights, blending lively cities, timeless ruins and dramatic natural landscapes with moments to slow down and soak it all in. From the raw power of Mount Etna to elegant seaside towns and hill villages, each stop reveals a different side of Sicily’s rich character.
This can be a self-drive itinerary or we can organise private transfers between the different areas for you.
Itinerary overview
Arrive in Palermo, Sicily’s lively capital, where centuries of history, architecture and culture ...
This morning, delve into Palermo’s vibrant street‑food culture before heading east. A visit to th...
Today is dedicated to relaxation or independent exploration from your coastal base. You may choos...
Leaving the north coast, travel south west towards Sciacca, passing through landscapes rich in an...
Today’s journey showcases the cultural richness of southern Sicily. Pause in Ragusa, a stunning e...
Spend the day discovering Syracuse, once one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. Wa...
Travel north along the Ionian coast towards Taormina, framed by the dramatic presence of Mount Et...
Today brings one of Sicily’s most unforgettable experiences: Mount Etna. With a guide you'll trav...
Enjoy a relaxed final day in Taormina, making the most of its spectacular setting between sea and...
After breakfast, drive to Catania Airport, return your hire car and begin your journey home, refl...
Extend your journey with four nights in the Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO‑listed volcanic archipelago...
Highlights of trip
On this guided full day tour, you will explore Europe’s highest volcano, Mount Etna. Designated a UNESCO site since 2013, Etna rises 3,350 metres above Sicily. Depart by coach to the first stop at Rifugio Sapienza. Located at 1,900 metres there is the possibility to trek to see the most recent lava flows and the now extinct Silvestri Craters. Lunch or snacks are available as optional extras. Next you will travel by cable car up to 2,500 metres where, with the assistance of the Italian Alpine Club, Jeeps will take you up to the authorised crater zones at 3,000 metres. Dependent on weather, here you will see the activity of the craters at the summit.
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This is the ultimate Sicilian experience for movie buffs; follow in the footsteps of Marlon Brando and Al Pacino to the movie locations made famous by Francis Ford Coppola’s epic movie The Godfather. Plus, a private car and driver means you’ll have the freedom to choose how long you spend in each traditional Sicilian town.
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Palermo
Arrive in Palermo, Sicily’s lively capital, where centuries of history, architecture and culture collide. After picking up your car hire and transferring to your elegant central hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to acclimatise. Enjoy a gentle evening stroll through Palermo’s atmospheric streets or settle into a traditional trattoria for your first taste of Sicilian cuisine. Palermo is particularly atmospheric after dark, when locals spill into piazzas and cafés, bringing the city to life.
In the heart of Palermo, just a short stroll from Teatro Massimo, this historic hotel blends Belle-Époque elegance with a confident modern revival.
Cefalù
This morning, delve into Palermo’s vibrant street‑food culture before heading east. A visit to the bustling Ballarò and Capo markets is highly recommended, where you can sample authentic Sicilian specialities such as arancini and panelle. Continue your journey along the northern coastline towards Cefalù, a charming seaside town crowned by a Norman cathedral and backed by golden sands. Before settling into your coastal resort, be sure to try a brioche con gelato – a beloved local favourite that’s as filling as it is delicious.
Perched on a pine-covered promontory between Cefalù and the Madonie mountains, Mangia’s Pollina Resort delivers one of the most dramatic vantage points on Sicily’s north coast
Cefalù
Today is dedicated to relaxation or independent exploration from your coastal base. You may choose to visit Cefalù’s historic centre and climb La Rocca, rewarding you with sweeping views across the Tyrrhenian Sea, or explore nearby Caccamo Castle, one of Sicily’s most impressive medieval fortresses. For a slower pace, enjoy beach time, soaking up the laid‑back rhythm of Sicilian coastal life. Sightseeing is best enjoyed early or later in the day, particularly in warmer months.
Perched on a pine-covered promontory between Cefalù and the Madonie mountains, Mangia’s Pollina Resort delivers one of the most dramatic vantage points on Sicily’s north coast
Sciacca
Leaving the north coast, travel south west towards Sciacca, passing through landscapes rich in ancient history. En route, you may wish to stop at the renowned Valley of the Temples in Agrigento or explore the ruins of Selinunte, both offering striking insights into Sicily’s Greek past. Arrive in Sciacca in the afternoon, a town often described as one of Sicily’s hidden gems. To truly experience it, explore its different levels. From the bustling fishing port to the atmospheric historic centre and make sure to look out for its beautifully crafted ceramics.
Perched above a long sandy beach on Sicily’s south-west coast, this resort keeps the sea in sight and the pace pleasantly slow.
Syracause
Today’s journey showcases the cultural richness of southern Sicily. Pause in Ragusa, a stunning example of late Baroque architecture and continue to Modica, famed for its unique Aztec‑influenced chocolate, still produced using ancient methods. By late afternoon, arrive in Syracuse and settle into your hotel close to the historic heart of Ortigia.
Sea in front, baroque Syracuse behind. Grand Hotel Des Étrangers occupies one of the most enviable addresses on Ortigia.
Syracause and Ortigia
Spend the day discovering Syracuse, once one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. Wander around Ortigia Peninsula, where Baroque buildings, narrow lanes and seafront promenades create a wonderfully evocative setting. Visit ancient archaeological sites at your own pace, or simply enjoy the relaxed ambience of piazzas and cafés. Gelato lovers should not miss the pistachio flavour here, it's widely regarded as some of the best in Sicily.
Sea in front, baroque Syracuse behind. Grand Hotel Des Étrangers occupies one of the most enviable addresses on Ortigia.
Taormina
Travel north along the Ionian coast towards Taormina, framed by the dramatic presence of Mount Etna. An optional stop in Catania offers insights into a city shaped by volcanic stone. Arriving in Taormina, check in to your hotel and enjoy an evening exploring the pedestrianised historic centre, where elegant boutiques, cafés and panoramic terraces create a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.
The large clifftop pool is the perfect spot in Taormina on a warm summer’s day.
Taormina
Today brings one of Sicily’s most unforgettable experiences: Mount Etna. With a guide you'll travel to Rifugio Sapienza to explore lava flows and Silvestri craters, followed by a cable car and 4x4 jeep ride towards the upper crater zones (weather permitting).
The large clifftop pool is the perfect spot in Taormina on a warm summer’s day.
Taormina
Enjoy a relaxed final day in Taormina, making the most of its spectacular setting between sea and volcano. You may choose to explore Forza d’Agrò, the charming hill village featured in The Godfather, or take the cable car to Mazzarò for views of Isola Bella, often called the Pearl of the Ionian Sea.
The large clifftop pool is the perfect spot in Taormina on a warm summer’s day.
Departure
After breakfast, drive to Catania Airport, return your hire car and begin your journey home, reflecting on Sicily’s extraordinary contrasts — from ancient ruins and volcanic landscapes to elegant towns, beaches and vibrant local life.
Aeolian Islands
Extend your journey with four nights in the Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO‑listed volcanic archipelago of dramatic landscapes and elemental beauty. Travel from Taormina to Milazzo Port and by ferry to Lipari, where there is time to explore Lipari town. Discover the island by scooter or e‑bike, following the scenic coastal loop past villages with unforgettable views from Belvedere Quattrocchi towards the Faraglioni sea stacks and neighbouring Vulcano. Continue by ferry to Vulcano Island, known for its raw volcanic scenery, where you can relax in the Laghetto di Fanghi natural mud baths or enjoy easy coastal walks. A highlight is the Gran Cratere hike, a moderate walk offering panoramic views across the Aeolian Islands.
A hidden gem on the coast of the island of Vulcano with a relaxed, yet sophisticated style.
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