Sicily and the Aeolian Islands from Palermo in 9 days

Upon your arrival in Palermo, the capital of Sicily, one of our vehicles will be waiting for you at the airport to transfer you comfortably and quickly to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to relax and begin enjoying Palermo at your own pace.

In the evening, we have included dinner at your hotel.

Greca Tip: As a culmination of your gastronomic experience, try cannoli, the king of traditional Sicilian desserts.

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 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 a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we’ll have free time to continue exploring Catania, a city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its late Baroque architecture and character shaped by volcanic stone.

In the late morning, we’ll transfer to the port of Milazzo to board the ferry to the island of Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands—a natural paradise bathed by the Tyrrhenian Sea. Please note: the transfer to the islands is without a tour escort.

Upon arrival in Lipari, a private transfer will be waiting to take us comfortably to the hotel. The afternoon will be free to begin enjoying the island’s relaxed atmosphere, explore the historic center, or take in the views from one of its scenic lookouts.

Dinner included and overnight stay on the island.

Greca Tip: At sunset, take a walk along Marina Corta and try a granita with sea views—an authentically Aeolian experience.

After a rich breakfast, you will visit the most incredible coves of Lipari and the green island of Salina. After seeing the Castle of Lipari and the bay of Monte Rosa and Canneto, at the port, you will get on a boat to your first stop on the way, Santa Marina di Salina where you will visit the most important town on the island.

Then you will go to the eastern side of the island to contemplate the Malvasia crops, the town of Capo Faro, and the town of Malfa. We will stop for a swim in the surprising bay of Pollara, a crater with views of the sea, black sand beaches, and Carmomid mountain by lava, and also famous for the film "The Postman and Pablo Neruda".

Back to Lipari, you will be able to contemplate the beautiful Lipari caves and take a last swim on Vinci beach, opposite the Faraglioni, two rocks located in the southern part of Lipari, between Lipari and Vulcano.

In the afternoon, you will return to your hotel in Lipari to have dinner.

Greca Tip: If you are curious about Pollara, you can visit Neruda's house.

After a delicious breakfast, you will leave for the port of Lipari for a full-day boat trip to Panarea and Stromboli.

Our first stop, still in Lipari, will be a brief visit to the pumice caves, and then we will continue to the island of Panarea, the smallest of the Aeolians, you will visit the Cave of Lovers and the ancient prehistoric town (14th century BC. ) of Cabo Milazzese, which preserves the plant of 23 cabins, most of them oval and paved with stone.

Then you will have free time for lunch (included) and then continue with the boat to the island of Stromboli, the Mediterranean lighthouse, through the small islands that surround it and discover from the sea the town of Ginostra, the other town of Stromboli.

You will have free time in Stomboli to walk at your own pace, where you can see its extensive black sand beaches and if you move away from the coast, you can wander in its white streets and enjoy the peace that is breathed on the island.

At the end of the tour, you will return to your hotel in Lipari.

Greca Tip: Ceramics and volcanic foam are also popular souvenirs that vacationers enjoy purchasing.

After a pleasant breakfast, you will move to the port of Lipari to get on a ferry to Milazzo, and from there move to Taormina and enjoy an unforgettable day off in this city, one of the most beautiful areas of Sicily, where you will walk along the narrow alleys full of jewelers and elegant shops that retain all their medieval fascination or enjoy its gastronomy.

We suggest you visit 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.

You will then check in at your hotel in Taormina and enjoy a lovely dinner.

Tip Greca: 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!