8-day tour of Italy from Palermo

Welcome to Palermo, the jewel of the Mediterranean.

After our transfer to the hotel, you will have free time to explore this fascinating Sicilian capital at your own pace.

With over half a million inhabitants, Palermo presents itself as a vibrant and deeply authentic city, where history is seamlessly woven into everyday life.

Its rich architecture—bearing the imprint of the many civilizations that once ruled here—reveals Arab, Norman, Aragonese, and Baroque influences, blending in a surprisingly captivating harmony. With its mild climate year-round, lively spirit, and a local cuisine as generous as it is flavorful, this is a city not merely to be visited, but to be lived and felt.

Greca Tip: We recommend a leisurely stroll through the Ballarò Market, where the aromas, colors, and sounds will offer you an unforgettable and truly immersive sensory experience.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, you will take a walk through the historic center of the Sicilian Capital. You will visit its main monuments such as the Palatine Chapel, the Palermo Cathedral, the famous Pretoria Square, an immense fountain completely worked in white Carrara marble with mythological allegories, the Quattro Canti or Piazza Vigliena, in honor of the viceroy under whose mandate it was completed and the four Baroque palaces at the intersection of the ancient roads, Via Vittorio Emmanuele and Via Maqueda dividing the town into quarters. You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, departure to Monreale to visit the historical Norman-Byzantine Cathedral, whose image Christ the Pantocrator gives the optical illusion of Christ looking at you wherever you are in the church. Under the suggestive excuse of a dream-vision in which he found a treasure hidden by his father, the Norman King William II carried out the construction of one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe. Accommodation at the hotel in Palermo.

Greca Tip: You may also take a 30-minute guided tour of the interior of the Teatro Massimo, the largest Opera House in Italy, including tours of the actual auditorium and its boxes.

Early in the morning, we will depart from Palermo, traveling along the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea and enjoying stunning landscapes. We will head inland to discover Castelbuono, a charming and picturesque mountain village that reflects the serenity of the island’s interior, with its ancient walls, imposing castle, and enchanting streets.

Next, we will visit the beautiful coastal city of Cefalù. Its impressive Norman cathedral, with its unique architecture and mosaics, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic center, with its narrow alleyways, panoramic sea views, and lively commercial and tourist atmosphere, will amaze us.

After some free time for lunch, we will continue our journey along the coast toward Tindari. At the top of a mountain overlooking the sea stands the Sanctuary of Tindari, a famous pilgrimage site that houses the image of the Black Madonna and offers breathtaking views. Very close to the sanctuary, we will have the chance to explore the remains of the ancient Greek polis.

Our final stop will be Milazzo, a lively port city located in front of the volcanic Aeolian Islands. Here, we will spend the night, soaking in its atmosphere and preparing for the next stage of our journey.

Greca Tip: In Cefalù, don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes to walk along its cobblestone streets. If we have time, we should climb La Rocca, where we can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the city and the sea.

We will begin our day with a delicious breakfast before setting off on a journey filled with discovery. Today, we will explore two of the Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for their ongoing volcanic activity.

We will board a hydrofoil that will take us to Vulcano, an island known for the intense scent of sulfur that permeates the air and its impressive active fumaroles. The imposing crater dominates the landscape, and its warm beaches invite us to relax. We highly recommend experiencing the island’s famous sulfurous thermal baths, where the mineral-rich mud is said to have beneficial properties for the skin—an unforgettable and truly unique experience.

Later, we will take another hydrofoil, just a 15-minute ride, to Lipari, the largest and liveliest island in the archipelago. Its charming historic center, majestic castle, and vibrant atmosphere invite us to wander through its streets and immerse ourselves in its local charm. You will have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the island at your own pace.

In the afternoon, we will return by boat to Milazzo, from where we will continue our journey toward Taormina. We will arrive at the end of the day and settle into our accommodations in this beautiful town. To conclude the day, we will enjoy an included dinner.

Greca Tip: While visiting the Aeolian Islands, don’t miss the chance to try granita, a refreshing traditional Sicilian dessert—perfect after a day of exploration.

After a carefully prepared breakfast to start the day full of energy, we invite you to discover the charming city of Taormina, a Sicilian gem nestled at the foot of the majestic Mount Etna.

Considered by Winston Churchill as "the most beautiful place in the world," this town captivates with its natural elegance and vibrant atmosphere. You will have the opportunity to stroll through its lively historic center, filled with shops, cafés, and charming corners, and admire the spectacular views from its ancient Greek theater, suspended between the sky and the sea.

Weather permitting, you can also relax on its crystal-clear beaches. To end the day, a dinner is included to complete this experience with local flavor.

Greca Tip: Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes; the cobbled streets of Taormina, though enchanting, require steady steps to fully enjoy the walk without inconvenience.

After enjoying our breakfast, we depart from elegant Taormina and head toward Catania, set at the foot of majestic Mount Etna. This vibrant city blends history, art, and Mediterranean energy, and its Baroque historic center—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—charms us with noble palaces, grand squares, and the lively fish market, one of the most colorful and authentic in Sicily.

We then continue along the Ionian coast to Syracuse, the ancient jewel of Magna Graecia. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Syracuse captivates with the island of Ortigia, the city’s historic heart, linked by bridges. We stroll through narrow, atmospheric streets, discover the cathedral built over a Greek temple, admire the ancient castle, and enjoy seaside terraces and local markets. Free time is granted to explore at leisure and enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, we travel inland toward Agrigento. Before reaching the hotel, from our coach we admire the breathtaking Valley of the Temples, one of the best-preserved Greek archaeological sites in the world, glowing in the warm Sicilian light.

At the end of the day, we return to the hotel to rest. Dinner included and overnight stay.

Greca Tip: In Agrigento, try a glass of local Nero d’Avola wine in the evening—its bold flavor pairs beautifully with Sicilian cuisine and sets the perfect mood after a day of exploration.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at our hotel, we will embark on a day filled with history, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic Sicilian traditions.

We will begin with a guided visit to the famous Valley of the Temples in Agrigento (entrance included), one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Here, we will admire the magnificent Doric temples that have stood proudly for over two thousand years.

Afterwards, we will travel to Marsala, a historic and vibrant city renowned both for its wine production and its role in the Italian unification movement. You will have free time to stroll through its elegant town center and enjoy lunch at your leisure.

Our journey will then take us along the iconic Marsala salt flats—a unique landscape of mirrored waters and white salt mounds—until we reach Erice. This charming hilltop town of Phoenician origin offers spectacular sea views and a magical medieval atmosphere. Here, you will have time to wander its cobbled streets, visit local pastry shops, and admire its well-preserved historic architecture.

Finally, we will head to Palermo, the Sicilian capital, where we will check in to our hotel and enjoy an included dinner to conclude the day.

Greca Tip: While in Erice, be sure to sample the exquisite almond and marzipan pastries—a beloved local specialty that reflects centuries of confectionery tradition.

In the morning, you will enjoy a tasty breakfast and then you will be transferred to Palermo airport, where your tour will come to an end. 

Undoubtedly, having spending a few fantastic days with Greca, we hope to see you again soon to create more memorable moments that will be etched in your memory forever.

Have a nice trip! Or as you may also say, Buon Viaggio!

Greca Tip: You can extend your stay in Palermo at Step 1 of your reservation!