📍
Italy
SICILY COMPLETE: PALERMO, ETNA AND MEDITERRANEAN SPLENDOR
Volcanic peaks commanding sky, baroque cities pulsing with energy, ancient temples crowning hills. Sicily in all its island soul.
≈ 18
Days
1299
Km
15
Stops
Dive into Palermo and its Arab-Norman influences, then let Taormina lift you above the sea under Etna's gaze. Sail to the Aeolian Islands, volcanoes set upon deep waters, before walking among Agrigento's temples. In Ragusa, baroque revives in bright lanes and lively squares.
- Palermo: arab-norman chaos baroque
- Taormina: clifftop etna view
- Agrigento: greek temple hillside
- Ragusa: baroque earthquake rebirth
- Aeolian: volcanic island chain
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Palermo historic center - Sicilian capital with Norman palaces and Byzantine churches
2
Historic markets Vucciria, Ballarò and Borgo Vecchio - colorful stalls of local products and street food
Activities
→
Swimming at Mondello - urban sandy beach between Monte Gallo and Monte Pellegrino
→
Tasting of Sicilian specialties in the alleys of the historic center
Next stop
Distance:
76 km
Travel time:
1h31
2
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Cefalù - fishing village dominated by an imposing rock and a Norman cathedral
2
Duomo di Cefalù - cathedral with golden Byzantine mosaics from the 12th century
Activities
→
Stroll through medieval alleys lined with shops and restaurants
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Sunset over the golden beach at the foot of the old town
Next stop
Distance:
84 km
Travel time:
1h40
3
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Parco dei Nebrodi - largest natural park in Sicily with dense forests and wildlife
2
Rocche del Crasto - spectacular rock formations refuge of golden eagles
Activities
→
Hike to Cascata del Catafurco - impressive waterfall in a wooded canyon
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Observation of Biviere di Cesarò - natural high-altitude lake surrounded by beech forests
Next stop
Distance:
78 km
Travel time:
1h34
4
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Lipari - main island of the Aeolians with fortified citadel and archaeological museum
2
Vulcano - volcanic island with active fumaroles and sulfur mud baths
Activities
→
Ferry crossing from Milazzo to the UNESCO-listed archipelago
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Ascent of Vulcano crater for panoramic view over the archipelago
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Observation of the starry sky thanks to the absence of public lighting on the islands
Next stop
Distance:
97 km
Travel time:
1h56
5
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Teatro Greco di Taormina - ancient 4th century theatre with views of Etna and the sea
2
Corso Umberto - main thoroughfare lined with medieval palaces and elegant shops
Activities
→
Descent to Isola Bella - islet connected to the beach by a narrow strip of sand
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Swimming in the bay of Mazzarò with crystal-clear waters
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Excursion to Giardini Naxos - seaside resort at the foot of Taormina
Next stop
Distance:
36 km
Travel time:
44min
6
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Monte Etna - highest active volcano in Europe, UNESCO listed, lunar landscapes
2
Crateri Silvestri - accessible volcanic cones with views of lava flows
Activities
→
Cable car excursion then 4x4 to the summit craters
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Hiking in chestnut forests and solidified lava flows
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Wine tasting of Etna wines in the cellars of the volcanic slopes
Next stop
Distance:
37 km
Travel time:
44min
7
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Catania historic center - baroque city rebuilt in lava stone after the 1693 earthquake
2
Fontana dell'Elefante - symbol of the city topped with an Egyptian obelisk
3
Teatro Romano e Odeon - ancient remains in the heart of the historic center
Activities
→
Visit to Castello Ursino - 13th century Swabian fortress housing the municipal museum
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Discovery of La Pescheria fish market with its spectacular stalls
Next stop
Distance:
67 km
Travel time:
1h20
8
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Parco Archeologico della Neapolis - ancient complex with Greek theater and Roman amphitheater
2
Orecchio di Dionisio - artificial cave with exceptional acoustics
3
Isola di Ortigia - historic heart with medieval alleys and baroque palaces
Activities
→
Stroll along the Ortigia waterfront at sunset
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Visit to Fonte Aretusa - freshwater spring with papyrus by the sea
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Discovery of the Duomo built on a Greek temple whose columns are still visible
Next stop
Distance:
68 km
Travel time:
1h22
9
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Noto - capital of Sicilian baroque with carved golden facades listed by UNESCO
2
Ragusa Ibla - historic quarter with baroque palaces and churches below the upper town
3
Modica - terraced town on gorges with traditional artisanal chocolate making
Activities
→
Visit to Val di Noto - ensemble of 8 baroque towns inscribed as world heritage
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Tasting of Modica chocolate prepared according to Aztec recipe
→
Walk through Scicli - natural setting of the Montalbano series
Next stop
Distance:
144 km
Travel time:
2h52
10
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Valle dei Templi - seven Greek temples from the 5th-6th centuries among the best preserved in the world
2
Tempio della Concordia - intact Doric temple symbol of ancient Sicily
3
Temple of Juno - temple dominating the ridge with sea view
Activities
→
Night visit of the illuminated Valley of the Temples
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Walk among the centuries-old olive trees surrounding the archaeological site
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Discovery of the Garden of Kolymbethra - green oasis in the heart of the site
Next stop
Distance:
95 km
Travel time:
1h54
11
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Archaeological Park of Selinunte - largest archaeological site in Europe facing the sea
2
Acropolis and temples - white columns contrasting with the blue of the sky and the Mediterranean
Activities
→
Walk among the ruins of the Greek city destroyed by Carthage
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Visit to the Archaeological Museum of Palermo to see the sculpted metopes
Next stop
Distance:
86 km
Travel time:
1h43
12
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
San Vito Lo Capo - nicknamed the Sicilian Caribbean with white sand and emerald waters
2
Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro - Sicily's first protected reserve with wild coves
Activities
→
Coastal hiking in the Zingaro reserve between cliffs and turquoise sea
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Swimming in isolated coves accessible only on foot
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Climbing on limestone cliffs popular with climbers
Next stop
Distance:
58 km
Travel time:
1h10
13
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Favignana - main island of the Egadi with ancient tufa quarries and crystalline waters
2
Cala Rossa - spectacular cove in a former stone quarry
3
Levanzo - small peaceful islet with white houses and prehistoric cave
Activities
→
Ferry crossing from Trapani to the Egadi archipelago
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Cycling tour of Favignana island between coves and abandoned tonnare
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Snorkeling in the translucent waters of Marettimo with blue doors
Next stop
Distance:
166 km
Travel time:
3h19
14
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Pantelleria island - volcanic island with lunar landscape between Sicily and Tunisia
2
Lago di Venere - caldera lake with thermal waters surrounded by black hills
Activities
→
Flight from Trapani to Pantelleria - island 110 km from Sicily
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Swimming in coastal caves with natural pools at different temperatures
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Discovery of dammusi - traditional dwellings with white dome roofs
Next stop
Distance:
207 km
Travel time:
4h08
15
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Lampedusa - largest of the Pelagie Islands between Malta and Tunisia
2
Spiaggia dei Conigli - voted most beautiful beach in the world with white sand and crystal-clear waters
Activities
→
Flight to Lampedusa - Italy's southernmost island
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Day at Rabbit Beach integrated into a protected nature reserve
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Observation of sea turtles that lay eggs on the beach protected 24/7
+1 Optional activities
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🛡️ Travel advice - Italy
Check official recommendations
❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, ideal touring conditions.
Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, vibrant atmosphere, beach season, festival time.
Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, harvest season, wine tourism, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful colors, culinary focus.
Winter (November-March): Mild southern weather, Christmas markets, lowest prices, minimal crowds, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere, indoor attractions.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 14 and 22 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in Italy?
Cultural masterpiece with incredible art, cuisine, and historical heritage from Rome to Venice. Experience Renaissance treasures, regional diversity, and authentic Italian lifestyle. The country offers cultural immersion with culinary excellence and artistic heritage. Italy provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and natural beauty.