OVERVIEW
This unforgettable journey through Italy's Sicily region begins with your arrival in Catania, followed by exploring the beauty of Acireale, Mascali, and Taormina. Witness the grandeur of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, and revel in the charms of Taormina, with its Greek-Roman theater offering spectacular views over the Ionian Sea. Venture to Catania and Syracuse to experience UNESCO-listed Baroque architecture and the island's rich history, from vibrant markets to the stunning archaeological park in Syracuse.
The adventure continues in the Baroque gems of Ragusa, Modica, and Noto, with their ornate buildings and famous Modican chocolate. The journey then leads to the awe-inspiring Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a treasure trove of ancient Greek architecture, before heading to Palermo, Sicily’s bustling capital. Explore Palermo’s stunning blend of Norman, Arab, and Baroque influences, and visit Monreale's impressive cathedral adorned with intricate mosaics. End the adventure with a visit to Segesta's ancient ruins and a scenic detour to the beautiful coastal spots of San Vito Lo Capo or Scopello.
Self Drive 
Honeymoon 
Culture 
Beach & Exotic 
Archaeology 
DAY 1 : ARRIVING CATANIA (DRIVE TO ACIREALE/MASCALI/TAORMINA) KM 50
Arrival at Catania airport, handling of car rental formalities and departure for Riviera Taormina. Hotel accomodation. Free afternoon to explore the surroundings.
Overnight in hotel Acireale/Mascali/Taormina.
DAY 2 : ETNA & TAORMINA (OVERNIGHT IN ACIREALE/MASCALI/TAORMINA) KM 150
Breakfast in the hotel. This day you can decide to visit Etna & Taormina.
Suggested itinerary: In the morning drive to Mt. Etna, the highest peak of Sicily and the most active volcano in Europe. The territory surrounding the volcano constitutes the “Park of Etna”, one of the largest protected areas in Italy: You will be astonished about the great variety of vegetation and landscapes that we will meet along the way before arriving at the “Silvestri Craters” (about 1.900 mt). From here on you will have the option to continue the excursion by jeep. We suggest you to make a stop at a local beekeeper to taste quality honey and have a wine tasting and to see how he is produced.
In the afternoon visit of Taormina, situated on a plateau on the slopes of the steeply dropping Monte Tauro, dominating the Ionian coast from Capo Sant’Andrea to Capo Taormina. Possibility, to visit the Greek-Roman theatre, the 2nd largest classical theatre in Sicily.
Re-entry in hotel. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 3 : CATANIA & SYRACUSE (OVERNIGHT IN RAGUSA/SYRACUSE) KM 140
After breakfast departure to Catania, a city lying on the slopes of Etna, rich in sumptuous and magnificent buildings.
Suggested itinerary: We suggest you to visit the typical fish market (closed Sunday) and to stroll around the city center which, for its historical and typical baroque buildings, has been proclaimed, together with the other towns of the Val di Noto, a World Heritage Site 'HUMANITY' by UNESCO.
After visiting the city, continue to Syracuse, one of the most interesting sites on the island, where you can visit the Archaeological Park, famous for its Roman amphitheater, the Greek theater and the ear of Dionysus. Continue your visit by going to the island of Ortigia, the oldest part of the city, characteristic for its narrow alleys, for its sea views and for the wonderful square with its splendid cathedral. On to Ragusa/Syracuse and overnight.
DAY 4 : RAGUSA, MODICA & NOTO (OVERNIGHT IN RAGUSA/SYRACUSE) KM 110
Breakfast in the hotel. This day you can decide to visit Modica and Noto.
Suggested itinerary: Today it will be possible to discover the less known part of Sicily, dominated by the sumptuous and majestic Baroque style of the buildings, characterized by the numerous UNESCO sites and also known for the television series of "Il Commissario Montalbano". Start your visit from the historic center of the city of Ragusa, "Ibla", characterized by the numerous baroque churches and palaces, as well as by the characteristic domes that dominate the city. Ragusa has become part of the Unesco list, with 18 sites declared World Heritage Sites.
Continue to Modica, a UNESCO World Heritage city especially known for its chocolate as well as for its wonderful buildings. We advise you to wander through the alleys, always moving upwards, once you reach the highest part of the hill you can admire a wonderful panorama of the city. Continue your tour by going to Noto, included by UNESCO in the list of World Heritage Sites in 2002.
Return to the hotel and overnight.
DAY 5 : AGRIGENTO (OVERNIGHT IN PALERMO) KM 267
Breakfast at hotel. Today you will drive to Agrigento to discover the wonderful and well-known Valley of the temples where you can admire the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concordia (one of the best preserved Doric temples in the whole Greek world), the Temple of Hercules and the Temple of Castor and Pollux. Continue to Palermo where you will arrive in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Palermo.
DAY 6 : PALERMO & MONREALE (OVERNIGHT IN PALERMO) KM 25
Breakfast in the hotel. This day you can decide to visit Palermo & Monreale or stay in the beach in Mondello.
Suggested itinerary: Start your visit to this city that never ceases to amaze and which is like an ancient treasure chest that preserves priceless treasures, some of which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your walk on foot from the Cathedral (inside which the tombs of Emperor Frederick II and some Norman kings are kept), crossing a wonderful palm garden head towards the Royal Palace, also called Palazzo dei Normanni, seat of the Sicilian kings from the 11th to the 19th century; here you can admire some rooms in different styles and the Palatine Chapel, famous for its golden mosaics. Crossing Corso Vittorio Emanuele to the point where it meets Via Maqueda, it will be possible to admire the four city songs, an octagonal square whose four corners raise the convex facades of beautiful seventeenth-century buildings. Visit the popular "Il Capo" market, which looks like an Arab souk, where locals prefer to buy local food, in a mix of colors, flavors and smells and finally head to the Teatro Massimo.
In the afternoon go to Monreale, a village 7 km away from Palermo, famous all over the world for its magnificent Cathedral in Arab-Norman style, part of the World Heritage Site (UNESCO), known for its 3,500 square meters of polychrome mosaics on golden background. Near the cathedral you can visit the cloister, with its 80 pairs of twin columns, each different from the others. Return to the hotel for overnight. We suggest you to discover the city with a tour in Ape, a typical local vehicle transport on three wheels, which will allow you, in a very folkloristic way, to admire many hidden corners of the ancient part of the city.
Overnight in Palermo.
DAY 7 : MARSALA, SEGESTA & SAN VITO LO CAPO/SCOPELLO (OVERNIGHT IN PALERMO) KM 130
Breakfast at hotel. Today you will drive to Segesta, one of the most beautiful archeological sites of Sicily, where you should visit the Doric temple whose majestic appearance and dominating position bestows great nobility to the landscape. If you have time you can drive for a swimming to San Vito Lo Capo / Scopello (I suggest you to eat local food PANI CUNSATU) drive to to Palermo.
Overnight in Palermo.
Day 8 : DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Catania or Palermo airport. Release of the car at the car rental desk.
End of our services.
Our services include :
- 2 overnights 4* hotel in Acireale/Mascali/Taormina/Messina area
- 2 overnights in a 4-star hotel in Ragusa/Syracuse
- 3 overnights in a 4-star hotel in Palermo area
- Category C car and “GOLD insurance” included
Our services do not include :
- International airfare
- City tax to be paid on spot
- Lunches and dinners where not mentioned
- Tips and extras of a personal nature
- Porterage service
- Gasoline
- Motorway tolls
- Parkings
- Tickets for plane, ship, train or bus to reach airport
- Entrance to monuments and archaeological parks
- Anything not expressly indicated in "the rate includes"
- Car must be delivery at the same airport or there will be an additional cost to be agreed with the rental company
- Each rental day is a fraction of 24 hours, the vehicle must be returned on time or within the next 59 minutes
- The pick-up and drop-off of the car at the airport will be during the opening hours of the company Noleggiare (everyday from 08:00 to 22:30); after these hours the rental company will charge an extra fee. Please inquire before booking your flightCity taxes (must to be paid on spot)
- Lunches and all the drinks at meals
- Porterages and personal expenses
- Anything not expressly indicated in “the rate includes”
Supplements:
- Local guide in Syracuse half day: € 190,00
- Local guide in Agrigento half day: € 190,00
- Local guide in Taormina half day: € 190,00
- Local guide in Palermo half day: € 240,00
- Tour escort, full day: € 270,00 (per day)
- On request possibility to have a pre/post tour
- Upgrading for the car rental category on request
Important informations:
- Each rental day is a fraction of 24 hours, the vehicle must be returned on time or within the next 59 minutes.
- The pick-up and drop-off of the car at the airport will be during the opening hours of the company Noleggiare (Everyday from 08:00 to 22:30); after these hours the rental company will charge an extra fee. Please inquire before booking your flight.
- Car must be delivery at the same airport or there will be an additional cost to be agreed with the rental company
Car rental terms and conditions :
- The rate includes:
- Category C car, unlimited mileage
- 22% VAT
- Airport, railway and automotive charges
- Motor TPL policy - auto civil liability
- Gold Plan Insurance -resets deductibles for theft and damage. It also covers damage to glass and tyres
- Additional driver
- The rate does not include:
- Fuel
- Fines
- Re-notification fees
- Rental to leave in another airport
- Baby Seat
- Satellite Navigator
- Fuel recovery service, an extra charge of €30,00 will be applied if the car is returned with more than 5 litres of fuel missing
- There is a tolerance of 59 minutes, after which a full day will be charged
- At the time of booking, the car group is guaranteed, not the model
Selected 4-star hotels or similar *:
- Acireale/Mascali: Wave Hotel/Orizzonte ,Kings House/Capo Peloro
- Syracuse: Arethusa, Panorama or similar (*)
- or Ragusa: Mediterraneo Palace or similar (*)
- Palermo: Astoria Palace, San Paolo Palace or similar (*)
- Mondello B&B as Villa Flora/Le Muse/Mondello Felix
Selected hotels in Taormina with supplement:
Taormina area: Albatros Beach hotel, Antares, Caesar Palace, Olimpo or similar (*)
(*)It could happen and i n case of problems the hotels indicated may be replaced with others of the same category located in the same towns or up to 30 km distance where will be possible to realize the program. In case of hotels full booked we reserve to invert the tour and/or confirm the booking in a middle class hotel with a reduction of 5 euro per person per day. The name of the hotel will be sent to you 21 days before the arrival
Italy, renowned for its rich history, art, culture, and culinary delights, offers travelers a captivating journey through iconic landmarks, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cities. Here's a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your trip to Italy :
Rome :
Colosseum: Begin your Italian adventure in Rome, the Eternal City, with a visit to the iconic Colosseum, an ancient amphitheater that once hosted gladiator contests and other spectacles.
Vatican City: Explore Vatican City, home to St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums, which house priceless works of art, including Michelangelo's masterpiece, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Trevi Fountain: Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome and take in the beauty of this Baroque masterpiece.
Florence :
Duomo : Marvel at the breathtaking Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) in Florence, with its iconic dome designed by Brunelleschi, and climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.
Uffizi Gallery: Explore the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world's finest art museums, featuring works by Renaissance masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli.
Ponte Vecchio: Stroll across the historic Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with shops selling jewelry, art, and souvenirs.
Venice :
Grand Canal: Experience the romance of Venice by taking a gondola ride along the Grand Canal, passing by elegant palaces, churches, and historic buildings.
St. Mark's Square: Visit St. Mark's Square and admire the Byzantine splendor of St. Mark's Basilica and the intricate architecture of the Doge's Palace.
Murano and Burano: Take a boat trip to the islands of Murano and Burano to see glassblowing demonstrations and colorful houses along picturesque canals.
Amalfi Coast :
Positano and Ravello: Explore the stunning Amalfi Coast, with its dramatic cliffs, charming seaside towns, and breathtaking views. Visit the picturesque villages of Positano and Ravello, known for their beauty and charm.
Amalfi : Discover the historic town of Amalfi, with its medieval architecture, stunning cathedral, and scenic beaches.
Practical Tips :
Transportation: Italy has an extensive and efficient public transportation network, including trains, buses, and ferries, making it easy to travel between cities and regions.
Language : Italian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Currency : Euro (EUR) is the official currency.
Weather : Italy has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller.
From the ancient ruins of Rome to the Renaissance treasures of Florence and the enchanting canals of Venice, Italy offers a wealth of experiences for travelers to savor and enjoy. Whether indulging in world-class cuisine, admiring priceless works of art, or soaking up the breathtaking scenery, Italy promises an unforgettable journey filled with history, culture, and la dolce vita.
Italy
Cultural Tour of Sicily ( Self Drive)
Reference #: WTP0450
- Mount Etna
- Charm of Taormina
- Greek-Roman theatre
- Catania
- Syracuse Exploration
- Ortigia Island
- Baroque Beauty in Ragusa
- Modica & Noto
- The Majestic Valley in Agrigento
- Palermo & Monreale
- Archaeological Marvels
- Segesta
- San Vito Lo Capo
- Scopello
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This unforgettable journey through Italy's Sicily region begins with your arrival in Catania, followed by exploring the beauty of Acireale, Mascali, and Taormina. Witness the grandeur of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, and revel in the charms of Taormina, with its Greek-Roman theater offering spectacular views over the Ionian Sea. Venture to Catania and Syracuse to experience UNESCO-listed Baroque architecture and the island's rich history, from vibrant markets to the stunning archaeological park in Syracuse.
The adventure continues in the Baroque gems of Ragusa, Modica, and Noto, with their ornate buildings and famous Modican chocolate. The journey then leads to the awe-inspiring Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a treasure trove of ancient Greek architecture, before heading to Palermo, Sicily’s bustling capital. Explore Palermo’s stunning blend of Norman, Arab, and Baroque influences, and visit Monreale's impressive cathedral adorned with intricate mosaics. End the adventure with a visit to Segesta's ancient ruins and a scenic detour to the beautiful coastal spots of San Vito Lo Capo or Scopello.