8-Day Sicily Tour: Palermo, Catania, Etna & Baroque Towns

Upon our arrival in Catania, one of our vehicles will be waiting at the airport to welcome us and transfer us comfortably and quickly to the hotel for check-in.

Enjoy your free time to begin discovering the charm of Catania, a vibrant city nestled between the sea and the majestic Mount Etna, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique Baroque architecture.

In the evening, you can dine at the restaurant of your choice, explore the exquisite local cuisine, and then return to the hotel to rest.

Greca Tip: To fully experience the peak of Sicilian gastronomy, don't miss trying cannoli, the king of traditional Sicilian desserts.

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 enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will begin the day by exploring the charming fishing village of Cefalù, known for its majestic Norman Cathedral—an architectural gem that dominates the landscape with its imposing towers.

We will have free time to wander through the narrow streets of the historic center or visit the famous Mandralisca Museum, home to a fascinating collection of art and archaeological pieces.

At midday, we’ll stop at a local restaurant to indulge in the authentic flavors of Sicilian cuisine.
Later, we’ll set off for Catania, a vibrant city that welcomes us with its historic center in late Baroque style, characterized by the use of volcanic stone from Mount Etna.

We will stroll through Piazza Duomo, where we’ll admire the Cathedral of Sant’Agata and the iconic stone Elephant, the symbol of the city. We’ll continue toward Piazza Università and walk along Via dei Crociferi, the baroque soul of Catania, home to the imposing Monastery of San Benedetto.

In the evening, you’ll have time to dine wherever you prefer and return to the hotel to recharge.

Greca Tip: Don’t miss the magic of Cefalù at sunset—the golden light over the sea and the cathedral is a truly unforgettable scene.

After a delicious breakfast, you will make a quick visit to the historic fish market. Then you will go to visit Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will arrive at the Sapienza Refuge at 1,800 meters of altitude where we will visit the extinguished craters or, "Crateri Silvestri". The beauty of this place is based on the fact that for centuries the volcano has created a place where nature, culture, and history have come together to give rise to a unique place in the world.

Then you will visit a beekeeping company, exactly a honey extraction laboratory, you will taste artisan honey and typical products of the area.

At the end you will continue to Taormina, where you will enjoy a lunch in a restaurant in the old town. Later you will be able to discover the romantic streets of the city or to visit the famous Greco-Roman Theater, a typical postcard image of Taormina, we 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.

The day will end with panoramic views of the splendid Cyclops Riviera.

After the tour has finished, you will return to your hotel in Catania. 

Greca Tip: Remember to bring a coat with you to avoid getting cold in the Sapienza Refuge.

After enjoying breakfast, and at the time indicated, we will transfer you to Catania Airport to board your departure flight.

After spending a few fantastic days with Greca, we hope to see you again to create some more wonderful moments that will be lovingly etched in your memory forever.

Have a nice trip! Or as Italians say: "Buon Viaggio!"

Greca Tip: If you wish to carry on exploring the busy streets of Catania, you can add more nights during step 1 of 3 of your reservation.