Italy Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts in Italy
The salt pans of Marsala at sunset
Map of 3 Days in Sicily - 2 Coastal Itinerary Ideas
3 Days in Sicily - 2 Coastal Itinerary Ideas

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.

The ruins of Taormina at sunset
Map of Road Trip Around the Scenic Sicilian Coast - 15 Days
Road Trip Around the Scenic Sicilian Coast - 15 Days

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.

A woman walks the empty beach of Cefalu in the winter.
Best Time of Year to Visit Sicily

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.

Sicily's east coast is a colorful and vibrant region.
Map of Discover Sicily's East Coast: Picturesque and Stunning Sicily - 8 Days
Discover Sicily's East Coast: Picturesque and Stunning Sicily - 8 Days

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!

Cefalú at sunset
Map of Spectacular Self-Drive Tour Around Sicily - 14 Days
Spectacular Self-Drive Tour Around Sicily - 14 Days

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 stunning monuments and vibrant local markets and Taormina, the elegant village famous for its Greek theater and the postcard views. You'll also visit Syracuse and Agrigento, with their archaeological masterpieces, and hike Mt. Etna—Europe's most active volcano.

Discovering the Italian Highlights: Rome, Florence, Venice - 8 Days
Map of Discover Italy's Highlights: Rome, Florence, Venice - 8 Days
Discover Italy's Highlights: Rome, Florence, Venice - 8 Days

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 Tuscan countryside to taste its tradition, culture and famous Italian food and wine.

Agrigento
Map of Sicily Highlights Tour - 7 Days
Sicily Highlights Tour - 7 Days

Explore the highlights of Sicily beginning in its capital of Palermo. In this cultural melting pot, the aromas of exotic spices carry from backstreet markets to cobbled throughways lined with Arab-Norman buildings. Then it's off to the Baroque gem of Catania, where en route you'll stop at Greco-Roman ruins and medieval fortress towns guarding long stretches of postcard beaches.

The town of Manarola
Map of Active Cinque Terre - 8 Days
Active Cinque Terre - 8 Days

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.

Alicudi panoramic view
Map of Volcanoes of Sicily: Aeolian Islands & Mt. Etna - 9 Days
Volcanoes of Sicily: Aeolian Islands & Mt. Etna - 9 Days

Dominated by volcanic peaks, some of them still active, Sicily and the Aeolian islands offer dramatic coasts and fertile interiors. Explore the beautiful Aeolian Archipelago—7 diverse islands including Lipari, Vulcano, and Stromboli—whose active volcanic cone dominates the horizon. End your trip with a climb to the top of Mt Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano.

Sunset view from the island of Alba
Map of Adventures in Southern Italy - 7 Days
Adventures in Southern Italy - 7 Days

Visit the island of Capri, the remains of Pompeii, and charming Naples on this active and culinary trip. Experience a landscape that varies from Mediterranean macchia (shrub) to cultivated terraces of citrus and olives, sampling fresh seafood, mozzarella, and pasta along the way.

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