Sicily, Italy · Route map
A Sicilian Summer Romance
Focusing entirely on Sicily allows you to experience Italy's most dramatic coastlines, ancient history, and richest food scene without rushing.
- 1
Palermo
3 nights
Street food, chaotic markets, and Norman history
- 2
Cefalù
2 nights
Sandy beaches and local seaside charm
- 3
Taormina
4 nights
Clifftop views, ancient Greek theatre, and Etna
- ✦3 stops · 9 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Welcome to Vibrant Palermo
Arrive into Palermo Airport
Flight · Morning · Palermo
Private transfer to Palermo center
Transfer · Morning · Palermo
A 45-minute drive from Falcone-Borsellino Airport into the historic heart.
Orientation walk of Quattro Canti and Kalsa
Excursion · Afternoon · Kalsa
Look up at the Spanish Baroque facades where the city's four historic quarters meet.
Overnight in Palermo
Accommodation · Evening · Palermo
Stay around Via Maqueda for easy walking access to the main sights.
Palermo Streets and Arab-Norman Splendor
Street food crawl in Capo Market
Excursion · Morning · Il Capo
Sample panelle, mangia e bevi, and sfincione with a local guide.
Look for the stall with the longest queue of locals for the freshest arancine.
Explore the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel
Excursion · Afternoon · Albergheria
The glittering gold Byzantine mosaics in the chapel are world-class masterpieces.
Late afternoon stroll along the Foro Italico
At leisure · Afternoon · La Marina
Overnight in Palermo
Accommodation · Evening · Palermo
Monreale Mosaics and Coastal Views
Local taxi to Monreale Cathedral
Transfer · Morning · Monreale
A short 20-minute drive up the hill from Palermo.
Marvel at Monreale Cathedral mosaics
Excursion · Morning · Monreale
Pay the small fee to climb to the roof for views over the Golden Shell valley.
Return taxi to Palermo
Transfer · Afternoon · Palermo
Sunset drinks at Terrazza Rinascente
Excursion · Afternoon · Palermo
Order a classic Aperol Spritz with a view over Piazza San Domenico.
Overnight in Palermo
Accommodation · Evening · Palermo
Eastward to Seaside Cefalù
Train from Palermo to Cefalù
Transfer · Morning · Cefalù
A scenic regional train journey of just under one hour.
Discover Cefalù's Norman Cathedral
Excursion · Afternoon · Cefalù
Unwind in the quiet cathedral square with a brioche con gelato from Bar Serafino.
Stroll down the old pier at sunset
At leisure · Afternoon · Cefalù
This is where Cinema Paradiso was filmed; the light is pure magic.
Overnight in Cefalù
Accommodation · Evening · Cefalù
La Rocca Hike and Beaches
Hike up La Rocca mountain
Excursion · Morning · Cefalù
A steep 45-minute climb to the Temple of Diana and castle ruins.
Start by 8:00 AM to beat the Mediterranean heat and secure empty trails.
Relax on Cefalù beach
At leisure · Afternoon · Cefalù
Rent a lounger at Lido Peter Pan for the best seaside service.
Overnight in Cefalù
Accommodation · Evening · Cefalù
The Road to Taormina
Pick up hire car in Cefalù
Car hire · Morning · Cefalù
Self-drive Cefalù to Taormina
Self-drive · Morning · Taormina
A stunning northern coastal drive of roughly 2.5 hours.
Wander the public gardens of Villa Comunale
Excursion · Afternoon · Taormina
These lush gardens built by an English noblewoman offer the quietest Etna views.
Overnight in Taormina
Accommodation · Evening · Taormina
Make sure your hotel includes parking, as Taormina is mostly pedestrian-only.
Greek Theater and Chic Beaches
Visit the Ancient Teatro di Taormina
Excursion · Morning · Taormina
Book the first entry time slot to see Etna framed by ancient ruins without crowds.
Take the cable car to Mazzarò
Transfer · Afternoon · Mazzarò
A quick 5-minute ride down the cliffs to the sea.
Explore Isola Bella reserve
Excursion · Afternoon · Isola Bella
Wear water shoes for the rocky path out to the islet.
Overnight in Taormina
Accommodation · Evening · Taormina
Summiting Mighty Mount Etna
Self-drive Taormina to Mount Etna
Self-drive · Morning · Mount Etna
Drive 1 hour up winding roads to Rifugio Sapienza.
Guided 4x4 volcanology tour and trek
Excursion · Morning · Mount Etna
Pack a windbreaker and sturdy sneakers even in midsummer; it gets chilly up here.
Wine tasting on Etna's volcanic slopes
Excursion · Afternoon · Castiglione di Sicilia
Stop at Murgo winery for exceptional volcanic sparkling wine and local olive oil.
Self-drive back to Taormina
Self-drive · Afternoon · Taormina
A 1-hour return drive down the mountain.
Overnight in Taormina
Accommodation · Evening · Taormina
The Godfather's Villages
Self-drive to Savoca
Self-drive · Morning · Savoca
A beautiful 30-minute mountain drive north of Taormina.
Granita at Bar Vitelli
Excursion · Morning · Savoca
Sit under the vines where Al Pacino filmed and order the lemon granita.
Return drive to Taormina
Self-drive · Afternoon · Taormina
A 30-minute drive back down to the coast.
Final sunset stroll on Corso Umberto
At leisure · Afternoon · Taormina
Stop by Bam Bar for one last almond granita.
Overnight in Taormina
Accommodation · Evening · Taormina
Farewell Sicily
Self-drive Taormina to Catania Airport
Self-drive · Morning · Catania
A direct 1-hour drive south along the highway.
Drop off hire car at Catania Airport
Car hire · Morning · Catania
Departure flight from Catania Airport
Flight · Afternoon · Catania
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