Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Palermo - Trapani - Realmonte - Ragusa - Milo (Etna)
100% customisable for you
Rise and shine: your Sicilian adventure begins today. After whizzing through security and relaxing in the airport lounge, it’s time to board your three-hour flight to Palermo, the island’s capital.
Once you touch down, you’ll be privately transferred to your charming, centrally-located hotel. Spend the rest of the day settling in and exploring the city, from its Baroque churches and palaces to its bustling markets.
After an authentic Italian breakfast this morning, it’s time to get to know Palermo. Alongside a local guide, take a tour of some of the city’s most famous attractions, from the Palazzo Abatellis, home to the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia (one of Sicily’s most renowned art galleries), to the Santa Caterina church and the Capuchin Catacombs. You’ll also visit a few of Palermo’s Norman monuments, such as the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Norman Palace.
Once you’ve been suitably wowed, the rest of the day is yours for the taking. Wander along the city’s narrow streets, sip an ice-cold Messina beer in a local restaurant, or sample arancini and panelle (chickpea fritters) at a bustling market. If you fancy a little more culture, head to the Archaeological Museum to marvel at Greek and Phoenician art before rounding off your day with a drink in one of the old town’s lively bars.
Today, you’ll be privately transferred back to the airport to pick up your trusty rental car before beginning the drive west to Trapani, about an hour and a half away.
You’ll be spending two nights in the countryside here, so once you arrive, drop your bags and spend the afternoon relaxing. Come evening, treat yourself to a sunset aperitif overlooking the sea before enjoying an authentic Sicilian dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Today’s all about Trapani. Spend the day exploring this coastal region at your leisure, whether you fancy heading into the city or venturing further afield.
If jaw-dropping landscapes are your thing, spend the day discovering the beauty of the coast, from the scenic views of the Zingaro Nature Reserve to the ancient ruins at the Greek city of Selinunte. Further inland, you can visit the Doric Temple of Segesta before taking the funivia (cable car) to the beautiful and historic Mount Erice.
Fancy a dip in the beautiful Sicilian seas? Head to the Aegadian Islands for a day of swimming in Favignana’s turquoise waters and rocky coves or diving in Marettimo’s magnificent spots.
We could arrange for you to round off the day by visiting a Marsala vineyard to enjoy a tasty dinner accompanied by a wine tasting.
Today, hop back in your car and head southeast towards Realmonte di Agrigento, about a two-hour drive away. On the way, visit Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, armed with queue-jumping tickets. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this area is home to ancient temples that bear witness to the glory of Magna Graecia, a historic Greek colony founded in 6 BC.
When you reach Realmonte, you’ll spend the night in an elegant masseria (large farmhouse). Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your busy morning, before enjoying a delicious dinner made with fresh, local produce.
After a quick stop in Realmonte, it’s time to drive to Ragusa, which takes around two-and-a-half hours. To break up the journey, stop at the charming city of Caltagirone, famous for its ceramics and impressive Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte, decorated with intricate colourful tiles. Fancy a little more history? Hop out of the car and stretch your legs at Villa Romana del Casale instead, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed villa home to one of the world’s most diverse collections of Roman mosaics.
Once you reach Ragusa, check into your hotel and set down your suitcases for two nights in the city’s old town, where you’ll be perfectly placed for exploring the city on foot.
Today is yours to discover Ragusa at your leisure. Perched on a towering 1,800ft cliff, Ragusa is one of the country’s finest examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture. In 1693, a great earthquake destroyed the city, leaving the locals with a choice: to rebuild in the same place, or to set up elsewhere. In the end, they couldn’t decide, so there are now two different (but equally enticing) sides of Ragusa for you to explore.
Both sides of the city are home to equally impressive religious sites. In Ragusa Ibla, where the ancient city stood, you’ll find the 18th-century Church of San Giorgio and the elegant Chiesa del Purgatorio; higher up, in Ragusa Superiore, is the San Giovanni Battista cathedral. Alongside these religious monuments are beautiful palaces and buildings, set in a maze of cobbled streets.
Ragusa is also home to some fabulous restaurants that showcase the region’s best produce. If you’re not sure where to go, don’t worry – our clued-up Concierge is on hand to recommend the best of the best.
It’s time for the last leg of your Sicilian road trip. Today, you’ll be driving just over two hours to the north of the island, passing Catania to reach the small town of Milo, set on Mount Etna’s eastern flank.
You’ve got a jam-packed two days ahead of you, so once you’ve checked in, spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool before sitting down to a tasty Sicilian dinner (accompanied by some of the region’s best vintage wines, of course).
Milo is chock-full of romantic scenery and rich history, so spend the next two days discovering the best of this pretty Sicilian town. Nature lovers can visit the Mount Nebrodi Nature Reserve, Sicily’s largest national park, and take in the scenic Alcantara Gorges, while history buffs can explore the charming city of Taormina, with its ancient Greek Theatre and seafront stage.
It would be criminal not to visit Mount Etna while you’re here, so we’ll arrange a private tour during your stay. Head to the volcano via the eastern slope, passing through small villages that will help inform your understanding of the region’s history and cuisine. Etna might be one of the most active volcanoes in the world, but don’t let this put you off, as thankfully it also has the world’s most advanced monitoring system. This iconic natural wonder boasts idyllic lemon and orange orchards, lush forests and swirling solidified lava flows.
Today it’s time to say arrivederci to Sicily and head home. After one last tasty Italian breakfast, hop in the car and drive one hour to Catania Airport.
Once you arrive, return your rental car and enjoy one last tipple in the airport lounge before boarding your flight home. You’ll touch down in the UK three and a half hours later, ready to regale your friends and family with tales of your Sicilian adventure.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
