7 days
Apulia Highlights Tour
7-day Apulia tour: Lecce, Salento wine, and coastal villages
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Sicily Highlights Tour
7-day tour of Sicily's historic cities and coastal gems
7 days
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Moderate difficulty
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Est. €480
Day 1: Palermo: Markets and Baroque Splendor
Arrive in Palermo and explore the historic center, focusing on the vibrant Ballarò Market and the stunning Cathedral.
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09:00
Ballarò Market
Explore the chaotic and colorful historic open-air market, sampling local street food and observing daily life.
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10:30
Walk to Cathedral
Short walk through the historic center to the Duomo.
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11:30
Palermo Cathedral
Visit the magnificent cathedral showcasing Norman, Gothic, and Baroque styles.
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13:00
Lunch in Historic Center
Traditional Sicilian lunch at a local trattoria.
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15:00
San Cataldo Cemetery
Visit the 19th-century cemetery known for its elaborate tombs and artistic monuments.
Meals:
Lunch at Historic Center , Dinner at Vucciria Area
Where to stay: Stay in the Historic Center (Kalsa or Politeama areas) for easy access to sights.
Getting around: Walking is sufficient for the city center. Avoid driving in the ZTL zones.
Day 2: Trapani, Erice and Salt Flats
Drive west to Trapani, take the cable car to medieval Erice, and visit the salt flats.
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09:00
Drive to Trapani
Pick up rental car in Palermo and drive to Trapani (approx. 1.5 hours).
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10:30
Villa Igiea Gardens
Stroll through the Liberty-style villa gardens with English park and Italian garden.
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11:30
Drive to Erice Cable Car
Short drive to the base of the cable car.
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12:00
Cable Car to Erice
Take the 10-minute ascent to the medieval town of Erice with panoramic views.
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14:00
Lunch in Erice
Lunch with a view in the medieval town.
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15:30
Castle Walls & Palazzo della Cultura
Walk the castle walls for Mediterranean views and visit the scientific culture center.
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17:00
Trapani Salt Flats
Return to Trapani to see the iconic salt flats and windmills.
Meals:
Lunch at Erice , Dinner at Trapani
Where to stay: Stay in Trapani for a quieter night.
Getting around: Rental car essential for this day. Park in Trapani and use local transport/taxis to Erice if preferred, but driving is easier.
Day 3: Agrigento: Valley of the Temples
Drive south to Agrigento to witness the ancient Greek temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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08:30
Drive to Agrigento
Drive from Trapani to Agrigento (approx. 2 hours).
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11:00
Valley of the Temples
Explore the Parco Archeologico, focusing on the Temple of Concordia and Juno. (Note: Specific slug not in list, but implied by location Agrigento).
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14:00
Lunch in Agrigento
Traditional lunch near the archaeological park.
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15:30
Porto Empedocle
Visit the birthplace of Andrea Camilleri, gateway to the Pelagie Islands.
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17:00
Drive to Ragusa
Drive east towards Ragusa Ibla (approx. 2 hours).
Meals:
Lunch at Agrigento , Dinner at Ragusa Ibla
Where to stay: Stay in Ragusa Ibla for the best Baroque architecture experience.
Getting around: Rental car required. Roads can be winding.
Day 4: Ragusa Ibla and Modica
Explore the UNESCO Baroque lower district of Ragusa Ibla and the chocolate town of Modica.
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09:00
Ragusa Ibla
Wander the stone palaces and steep streets of the UNESCO Baroque lower district.
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10:30
Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Scale
Visit this stunning Baroque church in Ragusa Ibla.
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11:30
Chiesa di San Giuseppe
See the distinctive onion dome of this Baroque church.
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12:30
Lunch in Ragusa
Lunch with local specialties.
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14:00
Drive to Modica
Short drive to nearby Modica.
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14:30
Modica Old Town
Explore the chocolate-making town and its unique architecture.
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17:00
Drive to Catania
Drive east to Catania (approx. 1.5 - 2 hours).
Meals:
Lunch at Ragusa , Dinner at Catania
Where to stay: Stay in Catania, near the port or historic center.
Getting around: Rental car required. Parking in Ibla can be difficult; use park-and-ride if available.
Day 5: Catania and Mount Etna
Explore Catania's Roman and Baroque heritage, followed by a trip to Mount Etna.
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09:00
Castello Ursino
Visit the medieval fortress housing diverse archaeological collections.
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10:30
Catania Historic Center
Walk through the Piazza del Duomo and see the Elephant Fountain.
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12:00
Lunch in Catania
Try Arancini and fresh seafood.
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13:30
Transfer to Etna
Drive or join a tour to Mount Etna base.
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15:00
Mount Etna Excursion
Visit the volcanic craters and landscapes. (Note: Specific Etna attraction not in list, but standard for Catania).
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18:00
Return to Catania
Drive back to Catania.
Meals:
Lunch at Catania , Dinner at Catania
Where to stay: Stay in Catania.
Getting around: Rental car recommended for Etna access, or book a guided tour from Catania.
Day 6: Taormina and Greek Theater
Drive north to Taormina, a glamorous hilltop town with ancient Greek ruins and stunning views.
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09:00
Drive to Taormina
Drive from Catania to Taormina (approx. 1 hour).
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10:30
Teatro Antico di Taormina
Visit the ancient Greek theater with iconic views of Mount Etna.
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12:30
Lunch in Taormina
Lunch with a view.
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14:00
Taormina Town Center
Stroll through Isola Bella and the main shopping streets.
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16:00
Isola Bella Beach
Relax at the small, picturesque island beach.
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18:00
Drive to Cefalù
Drive north along the coast to Cefalù (approx. 1.5 hours).
Meals:
Lunch at Taormina , Dinner at Cefalù
Where to stay: Stay in Cefalù for a seaside evening.
Getting around: Rental car required. Parking in Taormina is expensive; use the park and ride.
Day 7: Cefalù and Return
Explore the Norman cathedral and beach in Cefalù before concluding the tour.
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09:00
Cefalù Cathedral
Visit the UNESCO-listed Norman cathedral with stunning mosaics.
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10:30
Parco della Rimembranza
Visit the memorial park honoring fallen soldiers with great views.
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12:00
Lunch in Cefalù
Seafood lunch by the port.
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13:30
Cefalù Beach
Relax on the sandy beach.
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15:30
Return to Palermo Airport
Drive back to Palermo for departure (approx. 1 hour).
Meals:
Lunch at Cefalù
Where to stay: Departure day.
Getting around: Rental car return at Palermo Airport.
Practical Information
The optimal time to visit Sicily is during the shoulder seasons of April–May or September–October. These periods offer mild temperatures ideal for hiking and sightseeing, avoiding the intense heat and crowds of July and August. While summer provides the best beach weather, it brings high humidity and significant tourist congestion. Winter is mild but can be rainy, with some coastal attractions operating on reduced hours.
Transportation strategy is critical for a one-week itinerary. While trains efficiently connect major hubs like Palermo, Catania, and Siracusa, they are slow and unreliable for reaching remote villages or Mount Etna. A rental car is highly recommended for flexibility, particularly for accessing inland towns like Ragusa, Modica, and Noto, or for day trips to Agrigento and Trapani. However, avoid driving in Palermo due to chaotic traffic; instead, pick up your rental car after departing the capital. Use comparison platforms like Discover Cars to find local agencies, but exercise caution with driving conditions, which can be aggressive. Public buses are generally less convenient and should be a last resort for remote areas.
For accommodation, base yourself in strategic hubs to minimize transit time. In the east, Catania offers a lively urban base with easy access to Mount Etna and Taormina. For the Baroque towns, consider staying in Noto or Modica to explore on foot. In the west, Palermo is essential for history, but staying in Trapani or near Segesta can provide a quieter retreat. If focusing on the south, Agrigento or Ragusa serve as good central points for visiting the Valley of the Temples and the Iblei Mountains.
Budgeting should account for car rental, fuel, and parking fees, which add up quickly. Accommodation costs vary significantly between luxury hotels in Taormina and budget-friendly B&Bs in smaller towns. Meals range from inexpensive street food like arancini and panelle to high-end dining in historic centers. Always verify if museum tickets are included in city passes.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for summer, but include layers for cooler evenings and mountain hikes. Essential items include sturdy walking shoes for uneven cobblestones, sunscreen, and a hat. For temple sites like Agrigento, modest attire may be required. Carry a portable power bank and offline maps, as signal can be spotty in rural areas. Finally, learn basic Italian phrases; while English is spoken in tourist areas, it is less common in smaller villages.