10-Day Sicily Tour: Taormina, Palermo, Etna & Syracuse

Upon your arrival in Catania, one of our vehicles will be waiting for you at the airport to welcome you and comfortably and quickly transfer you to your hotel. After you check-in, the rest of the day will be free for you to relax and begin enjoying Catania at your own pace. 

Catania is a beautiful city located on the east coast of Sicily. It has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The city has witnessed the influence of different civilizations, including Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Normans, which is why the historic center of Catania is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Greca Tip: Head to Piazza Umberto and try the traditional and highly refreshing drink “completo” (orzata, fresh lemon juice, anise, and soda water) at one of the square's kiosks.

After a delicious breakfast, you will leave for Syracuse, the most important ancient Greek city in Sicily that extends along the sea, next to the island of Ortigia, a World Heritage Site and connected to the rest of the city through two bridges: the Neapolis Archaeological Park.

The visit will begin with the oldest Doric temple in Italy, the Greek Theater, and the Roman Amphitheater and will continue with the Latomy of Paradise (a series of artificial caves that were formed by using the rock as a quarry and later used as a prison) and the Ear of Dionysus, the main cave of the Latomy of Paradise. You will also visit the historic center of Ortigia, with the magnificent Duomo Square and its Cathedral.

You will then head towards Noto, a city that like a Phoenix rose from its ashes after the earthquake of 1693, becoming the summit of Baroque in Italy. A majestic city declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site.

You will have free time to walk through the streets of the center to marvel at the splendor and fine work of its architecture in which the Municipal Square stands out, flanked by imposing buildings such as Noto Cathedral, the most striking building, the Landolina Palace or the Ducezio Palace, headquarters of the town hall.

Vittorio Emanuele Street, barely a kilometer from end to end, is a veritable baroque marvel. You will have some time free to walk in its streets and then you will leave for Ragusa, where you will enjoy dinner and spend your night.

Greca Tip: In Noto and at Cafe Sicilia you can taste the best granita in all of Sicily.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for the charming town of Modica, one of the Baroque gems of the UNESCO-listed Val di Noto. During our visit, we will stroll through its elegant streets, admire its historic churches and palaces, and take in the beautiful panoramic views that make this Sicilian town so unique. We will also stop at the renowned Sabadì chocolate boutique, where we will enjoy a tasting of its award-winning artisan chocolate, certified with the I.G.P. designation and recognized by Slow Food.

Next, we will enjoy lunch at a traditional local restaurant before continuing to Piazza Armerina. Here, we will visit the magnificent Villa Romana del Casale, one of Italy's most important archaeological sites, famous for its remarkably preserved Roman mosaics and outstanding artistic heritage.

After the visit, we will continue to Agrigento, where we will enjoy dinner before checking in to our hotel for an overnight stay.

Greca Tip: Villa Romana del Casale is home to over 3,500 square meters of exceptionally preserved Roman mosaics, among the finest surviving examples in the world.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will begin the day with an unforgettable visit to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, one of the most impressive archaeological sites of the classical world. We will explore the remains of the ancient city of Akragas, walking among majestic temples such as those of Juno, Concordia, and Hercules, where history and architecture blend in a truly unique setting.

Later, we will continue to Marsala, a city rich in history, renowned for Garibaldi’s landing and its elegant noble palaces. Strolling through its charming historic center, we will admire beautiful Baroque monuments and experience its Mediterranean soul.

The tour continues with a wine experience at the renowned Cantine Florio, a symbol of Marsala wine production. There, we will discover historic cellars with massive 19th-century barrels still in use today. We’ll enjoy a light lunch paired with local wines in an atmosphere full of tradition.

In the afternoon, we will explore the evocative Salt Route, visiting the ancient salt flats of Marsala, where white mounds of salt reflect on the shallow waters of the Stagnone Lagoon, creating a landscape that feels otherworldly.

Finally, we will arrive in Palermo, where you’ll have free time to dine at the restaurant of your choice and return to the hotel to rest.

Greca Tip: Looking for the perfect sunset photo? The salt flats of Marsala, with their windmills and pink-tinged waters, offer one of the most magical views in all of Sicily. Don’t forget your camera!

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will begin the day with a visit to Monreale, renowned for its imposing Arab-Norman Cathedral. Inside, we’ll be amazed by the dazzling Byzantine mosaics that depict biblical scenes with a golden brilliance like no other. We will also explore the Cloister, with its finely carved columns evoking the delicacy of medieval art.

We will then head to Palermo, the Sicilian capital nestled at the foot of Mount Pellegrino. This city is a true melting pot of cultures, reflected in its unique architecture that blends Arab, Norman, Gothic, and Baroque influences.

Our visit begins at the Cathedral of Palermo, an architectural gem that encapsulates centuries of history. We will continue to the Church of La Martorana, famous for its exquisite mosaics, and to the Palatine Chapel, a masterpiece of Norman art, with a carved wooden ceiling and radiant golden mosaics.

At midday, we’ll enjoy a typical Sicilian lunch at a local restaurant, perfect for savoring the aromas of island tradition.

In the afternoon, we will admire the elegant Teatro Massimo, one of the largest opera houses in Europe, and the Fountain of Piazza Pretoria, known as the “Fountain of Shame” for its nude statues and Renaissance design.

The day concludes with free time for dinner and return to your accommodation.

Greca Tip: To experience Palermo like a local, try a panelle or an arancina at one of the historic markets such as Ballarò or Vucciria—a truly authentic bite in the heart of the city!

After a rich breakfast, you will leave for Cefalu, a small and beautiful fishing village, famous for its Norman cathedral, its medieval old town, its archaeological museum, and its gastronomy loaded with seafood.

You will stroll through the charming streets of the center and you will have the possibility of visiting the famous Mandralisca Museum that exhibits one of the most beautiful and mysterious portraits of Antonello Da Messina, the portrait of the "Unknown Man", whose enigmatic smile seems to have inspired the Mona Lisa of Leonardo da Vinci.

You will have a stop to have lunch in a famous restaurant.

Then you will continue to Catania, a city that was not lucky in terms of the countless invasions in the course of history, but that was able to find a balance in the beauty of its historical center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Once in Catania, you will walk through the historical center passing through the old fish market in Plaza Alonso de Benedetto until reaching the Plaza del Duomo with the Cathedral of Santa Agata, rebuilt after the earthquake in 1693, and then the fountain with a stone elephant holding an obelisk on his back (symbol of the city).

We will make a stop at a very cozy bar where you will taste the typical sweet granita with brioche.

After this amazing tour, we will have accommodation in Catania.

Greca Tip: If you like taking panoramic photos, go up to the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Ágata.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will begin the day by immersing ourselves in the lively atmosphere of Catania’s traditional fish market—a vibrant place filled with colors, aromas, and authentic scenes of local life.

Next, we will head to the majestic Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe and one of the most impressive in the world. We’ll cross the Etna Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and arrive at Rifugio Sapienza, where we’ll marvel at the volcanic landscape: lava fields, dormant craters, and astonishing natural scenery. We’ll explore the Silvestri Craters and enjoy a tasting of artisanal honey and other local specialties.

In the afternoon, we will travel to the charming town of Taormina. We’ll pause for lunch at a restaurant in the historic center and then visit the iconic Greco-Roman Theater, offering an unforgettable view of the Gulf of Naxos.

We'll enjoy the rest of the afternoon strolling, shopping, or simply soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere.

In the evening, you will have free time to dine at your leisure and return to your accommodation in Taormina to rest.

Greca Tip: In Taormina, don’t miss the chance to try the granita with brioche, a refreshing delight that’s part of the soul of Sicily.

After a delicious breakfast, you will leave for Castelmola, declared one of the most beautiful villages in Italy with its medieval streets, squares, and churches its elevated situation makes it the ideal place to obtain wonderful views of Etna, the Ionian coast, the Gulf of Giardini-Naxos, the Strait of Messina and the coasts of Calabria.

At the highest point of the town, we can see the remains of the Castle of Mola, in the Greco-Byzantine style.

Then you will go to Savoca, a beautiful medieval town with a well-preserved old town that mixes medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Its churches and the famous "Vitelli bar" stand out, which put this town on the map thanks to the film "The Godfather", by Francis Ford Coppola.

Finally, you will return to Taormina to have a free afternoon and continue enjoying this city at your own pace.

In the evening, you will have dinner and sleep in Taormina. 

Greca Tip: At Savoca, you can try "zuccarata", a very crunchy local cookie covered with sesame seeds.

After a wonderful breakfast, you will enjoy a free day to visit Taormina, one of the most beautiful areas of Sicily to stroll through the narrow streets full of jewelers and elegant shops that retain all their medieval fascination or visit the famous Greco-Roman Theater, a typical postcard of Taormina, you will marvel at its architecture and the panoramic view with Etna in the background.

The theater was built in Hellenistic times and was almost entirely rebuilt in the times of Roman rule when the venue was used for gladiatorial fighting. Currently, the Taormina Film Festival is held here.

We suggest visiting Bella Island, one of the most beautiful beaches, known as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean", a quiet beach protected from currents by a natural bay and the mountains, and one of the best places for snorkeling and diving in Sicily.

At the end of the day, you will enjoy dinner at your hotel and a good night's sleep. 

Greca Tip: You cannot leave Taormina without trying the almond wine.

After a delicious breakfast, we will be transferred to Catania airport.

After spending some fantastic days with Greca, we hope to see you again to enjoy some wonderful moments that will remain forever in your memory.

Have a good trip! Or, as you say: "Buon Viaggio!"

Greca Tip: You can extend your stay by adding more nights at Step 1 of your reservation!