How many days do you need in Syracuse, Taormina & Palermo?
- Most travelers spend 8-9 days in Syracuse, Taormina, and Palermo combined
- Visiting Syracuse, Taormina, and Palermo in 6 or 7 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
- With 10 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Catania, Agrigento, and Rome
How Many Days Should You Spend in Sicily?
Recommended Itineraries for Syracuse, Taormina & Palermo
Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Palermo | Palermo |
| Day 2 | Guided Tour of Palermo, Visit Monreale | Palermo |
| Day 3 | Drive to Syracuse, Visit Agrigento | Syracuse |
| Day 4 | Day Trip to Ragusa Ibla, Modica & Scicli | Syracuse |
| Day 5 | Explore Syracuse, Day Trip to Noto | Syracuse |
| Day 6 | Drive to Taormina, Guided Mount Etna Hike | Taormina |
| Day 7 | Godfather Movie Set Tour | Taormina |
| Day 8 | Drive to Catania, Depart |
Featuring a combination of culture, adventure, and relaxation, this 8-day self-drive tour of Sicily will bring you to the regional capital of Palermo, the Greek temple ruins of Agrigento, and the brilliant Baroque laneways and staircases of Ragusa Ibla, Modica, and Scicli. Marvel at the impressive Norman-Byzantine details of Monreale Cathedral, hike the slopes of Mount Etna and take in the breathtaking scenery in Savoca and Forza D'Agrò. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
2-Week Itinerary Including Catania
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Palermo, Evening Guided Tour | Palermo |
| Day 2 | Palermo Segway Tour & Cooking Class | Palermo |
| Day 3 | Free Day in Palermo | Palermo |
| Day 4 | Palermo Catacombs & Monreale Cathedral | Palermo |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Syracuse, Afternoon Ortygia Tour | Syracuse |
| Day 6 | Free Day in Syracuse | Syracuse |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Taormina, City Tour | Taormina |
| Day 8 | Mount Etna Tour | Taormina |
| Day 9 | Three Etna Wineries Tour | Taormina |
| Day 10 | Free Day in Taormina | Taormina |
| Day 11 | Transfer to Catania, Self-Guided Exploration | Catania |
| Day 12 | Walking Food Tour of Catania | Catania |
| Day 13 | Free Day in Catania | Catania |
| Day 14 | Depart Catania |
If you have two weeks and a thirst for Sicilian sunshine, delicious street food, and fascinating culture, then this is the trip for you. Spend four days exploring Palermo's diverse history, shopping at bustling markets, and relaxing on sunny beaches. Visit Syracuse—home city of mathematician Archimedes—and explore the Old Town of Ortygia, then head to Taormina to hike Mount Etna and catch a performance at the ancient Greek Theater. End your trip with a street food tour and sunny views of the Ionian Sea in Catania. Read more
How to travel between Syracuse, Taormina & Palermo
How to get from Syracuse to Taormina
Self-driving is the most convenient way to travel the 120 miles (193 km) between Syracuse and Taormina, especially for travelers who plan on venturing beyond the two towns into nearby Mount Etna or Catania. Read more
How to get from Palermo to Syracuse
Traveling across Sicily from Palermo to Syracuse is a 162-mile (261 km) journey that begins along the Tyrrhenian Sea and cuts south across the heart of the island, regardless of what form of transport you choose. Winding your way through the hills that dot the landscape takes some time, so expect to spend at least three hours in transit. Read more
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