Sicily self-drive: heritage, cuisine & coastal beauty

Palermo

Day 1: Welcome to Palermo

Ciao, Italy! After touching down in Palermo Airport, you'll transfer to your accommodation in the city centre for check-in and some time to relax.

Capital of Sicily, coastal Palermo is scenic as can be and filled with historic marvels. If you have energy to burn, spend some time today visiting its top landmarks, from the Baroque-style Piazza Vigliena to the Palazzo dei Normanni, once the seat of the Kings of Sicily. Enjoy traditional Sicilian cuisine for your welcome dinner, before a relaxing overnight stay.

Palermo - Monreale - Palermo

Day 2: The quiet charms of Monreale

This morning, you'll have time to explore more of pretty Palermo: wander through the vibrant Capo Market, experiencing the local culture and sampling Sicilian street food as you go, before stopping at the 12th-century Palermo Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afterwards, you'll get ready to take a short trip to Monreale. Spend a while visiting its cathedral - a vibrant example of Norman architecture - and explore the fertile surroundings filled with fragrant olive, orange and almond trees, basking in the glow of the Italian sunshine.

Back in Palermo, take an evening stroll along the seaside promenade of Foro Italico, enjoying views of the Mediterranean Sea before heading to a seaside restaurant for dinner. Overnight in Palermo.

Palermo - Castelbuono - Palermo

Day 3: Coastal bliss & castle exploration

Today, a wonderful itinerary of historic discoveries is on the cards. First, you'll drive to the coastal city of Cefalù, known for its picturesque old town and impressive Norman cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Later, continue on to the medieval town of Castelbuono, home to the Castello dei Ventimiglia and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Castelbuono. Once you've had your fill of these historic sites, you'll return to Palermo for dinner at a local trattoria - a great chance to savour dishes such as arancini and pasta con le sarde. Overnight in Palermo.

Palermo - Erice - Palermo

Day 4: A day of ancient Greek discoveries

Depart from Palermo for the day as you journey to the ancient Greek ruins of Segesta, for an opportunity to marvel at the well-preserved doric temple dating back to the 5th century B.C.

Explore the lofty hilltop town of Erice, wandering through its narrow cobblestone streets and visiting local landmarks such as the Castle of Venus; it's a remarkably-preserved medieval town, which began as a settlement for an ancient Sicilian tribe and now offers a great day out for history buffs.

Take in panoramic views of the coastline and countryside from the town's scenic viewpoints, before returning to Palermo for an overnight stay.

Palermo - Agrigento

Day 5: Tour the iconic Valley of the Temples

After breakfast, leave Palermo behind as you embark on a journey to Agrigento! There, you'll get to spend time exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Temples, home to spectacular ancient Greek ruins - the Temple of Concordia, Temple of Juno, and Temple of Hercules. This is undoubtedly one of the highlights of your Sicilian adventure, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the moment.

After a day immersed in history and wonder, you'll stop for a delicious Sicilian dinner in Agrigento then settle down for an overnight stay.

Agrigento - Caltagirone - Syracuse

Day 6: A vibrant day out in Caltagirone

Today, you'll depart from Agrigento and drive on to your next port of call, Caltagirone - a vibrant and buzzing city that's famous for its ceramics industry. On the way, make a stop in the town of Piazza Armerina to marvel at the Villa Romana del Casale - an elaborate Roman villa adorned with incredible mosaics.

In Caltagirone, you'll get to soak up the colour and life that fill the streets, as you visit the Scala di Santa Maria del Monte - a grand staircase lined with striking tiles - and explore the local workshops and boutiques. Today is a big-hitter for lovers of art and architecture - slow your pace and make the most of it!

Finally, you'll hit the road one last time to continue your journey to Syracuse, a gem on the Ionian Coast where you'll stop for an overnight stay.

Syracuse

Day 7: Explore Syracuse's ancient ruins

Today, the formidable ancient ruins of Syracuse are calling! You'll have the chance to explore the archaeological park of Neapolis, home to ancient Greek and Roman ruins including the Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysius, and the great Altar of Hieron.

Before retiring to your accommodation for the night, take a leisurely evening stroll along the Lungomare di Levante promenade, soaking in the coastal ambiance as you enjoy the vibrant colours of the setting sun.

Syracuse - Modica - Syracuse

Day 8: Go in search of historic charms & chocolate

After breakfast, hop into your car for a drive to Ragusa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning Baroque architecture. Acuqaint yourself with the historic centre of Ragusa Ibla, admiring landmarks such as the Palazzo Cosentini as you go.

You'll then carry on with your journey, driving to the picturesque town of Modica - a destination made famous by its delicious chocolate. Take a guided tour of a local chocolate factory, during which you'll learn all about the production process and even sample the various flavours. Spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs and artisanal products in Modica's quaint boutiques and speciality shops, before returning to Syracuse for an overnight stay.

Syracuse - Avola - Syracuse

Day 9: At leisure in lesser-known Sicily

From your base in Syracuse, you'll have the day to explore by car and fall in love with Sicily's lesser-known sights. Spend a few hours in the Baroque city of Noto, whose reconstructed cathedral and French-style Palazzo Ducezio are particularly impressive. Visit Avola for some time relaxing on its golden sands and exploring its sea caves by boat; or, if you're looking for rural respite, head out in search of lovely wineries in the area. You'll then return to Syracuse for an overnight stay.

Syracuse - Mount Etna - Taormina

Day 10: Journey to Mount Etna

One of your trip's top highlights is on the menu for today: an unforgettable excursion to Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano!

Take a guided tour of the volcano's crater zones, lava fields and volcanic caves, learning about the geology and natural history of the area as you go. Soak up panoramic views of the Sicilian countryside and coastline from Mount Etna's scenic overlooks, and visit a local winery on its slopes for a chance to taste volcanic wines - these have been produced from grapes grown in the region's unique terroir.

After a morning of heady thrills, sit down for lunch in a country house, then continue to the charming hilltop town of Taormina, known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Overnight in Taormina.

Taormina

Day 11: A day of rest in Taormina

After yesterday's packed programme, you'll no doubt relish taking things a little slower in picturesque Taormina.

Explore the hilltop town's historic centre, wandering through its narrow streets and visiting landmarks such as the Greek Theatre and Palazzo Corvaja. Relax at a cafe or gelateria on the bustling Corso Umberto, then spend the afternoon on one of the town's sandy beaches, soaking up the Sicilian sun and swimming in crystal-clear waters - heaven!

In the evening, you'll dine at a waterfront restaurant in Taormina, enjoying fresh seafood dishes and watching the sunset over the sea. Overnight in Taormina.

Taormina

Day 12: Goodbye, Italy!

Today, you'll sadly bid farewell to Sicily, as you drive from Taormina to Catania Airport for your departure flight home. Have a safe trip and visit again soon!