An island as beautiful and historically rich as Sicily deserves to be experienced at a leisurely pace. This 15-day itinerary features beaches and cathedrals, fishing villages and urban markets, a volcano and ancient archeological sites. Take your time as you circumnavigate this stunning region of Italy.
If you have a week in Sicily, it’s best to focus on one or two regions as opposed to trying to see everything. There's the wine country of the west, the medieval villages of the southeast and the giant Etna volcano in between. The following 7-day itineraries offer some of these attractions, plus incredible food, dramatic coastal views and a history and culture that stretches to time immemorial.
With three days you can encounter a slice of Sicily and its wonderful coastlines, culture and ancient ruins. We have brought together two itineraries that show off these highlights and more. One trip starts from the bustling city of Palermo and continues to the scenic wineries of western Sicily. The other takes you to the younger Catania, located in the shadow of Mt. Etna and close to quaint seaside resorts. Both itineraries will introduce you to Sicily's culture of wine, food and music that together create an unforgettable experience.
Sicily can be experienced in as little as 3 to 5 days if you are short on time and interested in a quick coastal retreat. However, it’s much better to spend at least a week discovering this Mediterranean paradise. If you have 7 days you can explore a meaningful section of the island. Lucky travelers who have 14 days for their trip to Sicily can comfortably drive around Italy's entire coastline, experiencing the island's colorful clash of amazing flavors, ancient ruins, medieval villages, beaches and volcanoes.
Sicily's iconic beaches, historic palaces and cathedrals are best visited from May to June or September to October, when temperatures hover around 70ºF (21ºC). While the weather is ideal during these periods, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices. Prices for accommodation drop and the tourist crowds thin out at other times of the year, making off-season travel a good option. Travel in November and December is highly recommended for these reasons.
Many of Sicily's highlights — volcanoes, ancient ruins, beautiful beaches and great cuisine — are found along the region's east coast. This 8-day tour will guide you through these stunning coastal towns at a comfortable pace and set you up at comfortable boutique hotels each night. You'll visit the natural wonders of Mt. Etna and Ciclopi Riviera, as well as enjoy some of the more refined aspects of Sicily, such as its great wine!
Experience Sicily in all its glory by driving around the island in 2 weeks. Highlights of this tour include Palermo, a cultural melting pot with its stunning monuments and vibrant local markets; Taormina, the elegant village famous for its Greek theater and the postcard views of Mount Etna; The continuous activity of the volcano Stromboli and its breathtaking coastal scenery; Syracuse and Agrigento with their archaeological masterpieces and Mt Etna: Europe's highest active volcano.
Discover the sights and delights of Italy on this week long highlights tour. Visit Rome, the Eternal City, Florence the Renaissance Jewel and Venice one of the world's most romantic cities. Then head to the picturesque Tuscan countryside to taste its tradition, culture and famous Italian food and wine.
Over the centuries, the island of Sicily was colonized by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Muslims and Normans. This 7-day itinerary will let you discover the cultural footprints all these conquerors left behind. You will travel to some of the most impressive and best preserved Greco-Roman sites in the Mediterranean, have a stroll under Baroque façades and enjoy the colorful and vibrant local markets, while enjoying spectacular scenery, and experiencing the relaxed island lifestyle, cuisine and wine of Sicily.
This one week tour of National Park of Cinque Terre lets you explore this UNESCO heritage site in all its glory. This is a unique area where houses are painted in vivid multi-colored shades and the sea is brighter than the sky. The hiking routes consist of ancient paths and mule tracks. Short train rides connect its five classic colorful fishing villages.
Dominated by volcanic peaks, some of them still active, Sicily and the Aeolian islands offer dramatic, rumbling cones, stunning coasts, and fertile interiors. Explore the beautiful Aeolian Archipelago, made up of 7 diverse islands including Lipari, Vulcano and Stromboli, whose active volcanic cone dominates the horizon. The literal highlight of this trip is the climb to the top of Mt Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, with its combination of nature and the uncontrollable essence of fire. During your trip you will enjoy panoramic walks, wonderful beaches and excellent Sicilian food and wine.
Explore Naples and the Amalfi Coast on this active and culinary 7 day trip. You will visit the island of Capri and the fascinating remains of the Roman town of Pompeii as well as vibrant Naples, an incredible city rich with culture, museums and food. The landscape varies from typical Mediterranean macchia (shrub), to the cultivated terraces of citrus, olives, and vines. Lemons from the Sorrentine Peninsula have inspired the liqueur limoncello, sipped ice cold after dinner. Fresh seafood, mozzarella, and pasta dishes unique to the region are among other tastes to be savored in this exploration of a mythical coastline.