Sicily Grand Tour, Self-drive

Arrive at Palermo Airport and pick up the car. Reach your hotel in Palermo and check in. In the afternoon meet your private guide at the hotel and enjoy an unforgettable tour of the historical city center of Palermo. As part of your tour, you’ll visit the golden interior of the Capella Palatina, a spectacular private chapel built by the Norman King Roger II and decorated with ornate mosaics. Featuring both Arab and Byzantine influences, this chapel is one of Palermo’s most spectacular jewels. You will also get the opportunity to visit the Cathedral, a real amalgam of architectural styles, it’s believed that even before the existing cathedral was created, the site was previously home to a Roman temple, a Byzantine Basilica and later even a mosque. The tour will end with a visit to the beautiful La Martorana Church. 

Overnight in Palermo.

After a tasty breakfast, drive to your next hotel in Taormina. In the afternoon, meet your private guide in the hotel to enjoy a walking tour of the little city. The tour will take you through the highlights of the town, including a visit to the stunning Greek theatre and ancient Roman Odeon. You’ll be able to soak up the views from the Piazza IX Aprile and visit the beautiful Duomo as you explore. At the end of the tour, you’ll taste the famous “granita with brioche” in one of the oldest bars of the city.

Overnight in Taormina. 

Wake up to a rich breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a day exploring Mount Etna with a local volcanologist as you traverse the mountainside learning about the volcanology of the region and enjoying some wonderful views. This adventure tour will take you through the pine forests of the lower slopes to visit a range of ancient and modern lava flows and give you a unique glimpse into the somewhat precarious existence of living on the slopes of an active volcano.  Your driver will take you to a local winery for a tasting lunch paired with a selection of local wines. 

Overnight in Taormina.

Have a delicious breakfast at the hotel, and make your own way to the next destination: Syracuse. In the afternoon, meet your private guide in the hotel for your private walking tour of Ortigia, the jewel of Sicily’s southeast which offers a fascinating window into ancient Mediterranean history that you’ll be able to explore with your guide.

Overnight in Syracuse.

Delight in a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Today you’ll have a free day to relax. We suggest spending some hours at the beautiful beaches of “Fontane Bianche” or “Arenella”, both with spectacular white sand and crystalline water. For sunset we suggest reaching Marzamemi, the old fishing village. The village is washed by the Ionian Sea and the level is lower than the sea. Enjoy an aperitif or dinner there with unspoiled views of small boats bobbing in the water.

Overnight in Syracuse. 

After breakfast at the hotel, reach your next hotel in Noto. Enjoy your morning at leisure. In the afternoon, you’ll meet your private guide at the hotel to discover the beauty of this stunning old city. Noto boasts beautiful Baroque architecture, including the reconstructed 18th-century Noto Cathedral. Across the street is the Palazzo Ducezio, now the town hall, with the Hall of Mirrors embellished by gilding and stuccos. The city is atmospheric and amazing for a leisurely stroll.

Overnight in Noto. 

After breakfast at the hotel, reach Ragusa. An expert guide will wait for you to introduce you to this Baroque town. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1693, the rebuilt Baroque town of Ragusa is one of the most beautiful in Sicily. Wandering the alleys, you’ll find elaborate churches and streets lined with the grand mansions of noble families. In the afternoon reach Modica, the city of the famous chocolate, where your guide will wait for you. You’ll start your visit at one of the stunning viewpoints for some wonderful views of the town’s steep hillsides, blanketed by sepia toned buildings and imposing Baroque façades before descending on foot through the warren of steps to the heart of the town. As you stroll along the elegant main street, famous for its wealth of chocolate shops, your guide will take you to one of the town’s oldest chocolatiers for a short demonstration and tasting experience.

Overnight in Noto. 

After breakfast at the hotel, reach your next destination, Agrigento. After check-in free time for lunch. In the afternoon, your private guide will meet you at the Valley of the Temples. You’ll be able to enjoy a gentle stroll through the archaeological area and learn about the ruins of what was once the great city of Akragas, founded in 581 BC. Today, the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes a grid of ancient streets as well as the five massive Doric temples from which the valley takes its name. You’ll see the two spectacular temples within the site, the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Juno. 

Overnight in Agrigento.

After breakfast, enjoy your free day in Agrigento. We suggest reaching the famous “Scala dei Turchi” beach or having a walk in Marsala, Trapani and Erice, other beautiful destinations of North Sicily.

Overnight in Agrigento. 

After breakfast, enjoy your last day in Agrigento and take your time before reaching Palermo for the last night.

Overnight in Palermo.

Have your last Sicilian breakfast before reaching the airport and returning the car.