Morning: Arrive at Catania Fontanarossa Airport at 14:20 and take a pre‑booked shuttle to your hotel in the historic centre. After check‑in, unwind with a short walk to the nearby Piazza Duomo to admire the Baroque architecture.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional trattoria, sampling local specialties such as pasta alla Norma. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the lively Via Etnea shopping street and the ancient Roman theatre.
Evening: Dine al fresco at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Mount Etna’s silhouette, then stroll along the waterfront promenade before retiring for the night.
Find HotelsMorning: Join a guided bus tour from Catania Central Bus Station to Mount Etna. The guide will take you to the crater rim where you can walk among volcanic rocks and enjoy panoramic views.
Afternoon: After descending, stop at the charming village of Zafferana Etnea** for a tasting of local honey and pistachio treats. Return to Catania for a brief rest.
Evening: Experience Catania’s vibrant nightlife with a visit to the historic Fish Market (La Pescheria) and a glass of Sicilian wine at a nearby enoteca.
Find HotelsMorning: Check out of the Catania hotel and catch a regional bus to Milazzo, a scenic coastal town with stunning sea views. Upon arrival, board a ferry for a short ride to the island of Lipari.
Afternoon: Explore Lipari’s historic centre, visiting the Archaeological Museum and the medieval Castello di Lipari. Enjoy a seaside lunch featuring fresh fish and caponata.
Evening: Relax on the beach at Giardini Naxos or take a sunset walk along the harbor promenade before checking into your island accommodation.
Find HotelsMorning: Embark on a guided kayak tour around the Aeolian archipelago, paddling through crystal‑clear waters and discovering hidden coves and sea caves.
Afternoon: After lunch, board the ferry back to Milazzo and catch the regional train to Palermo. The scenic ride along the northern coast offers glimpses of rugged cliffs and olive groves.
Evening: Arrive in Palermo, pick up a rented scooter, and settle into a boutique hotel in the historic quarter. Enjoy a casual dinner of street‑food arancini in the bustling Vucciria Market.
Find HotelsMorning: Start early and ride your scooter south along the coastal highway, stopping at the picturesque town of Scicli for a coffee and a quick photo‑op at its baroque façades.
Afternoon: Continue to Selinunte Archaeological Park, where you’ll wander among towering Greek temples and the ancient city walls. The park’s museum provides deeper insight into the site’s history.
Evening: Return to Palermo via the coastal route, passing the charming fishing villages of Marina di Ragusa and Portopalo di Capo Passero. Stop for a seaside dinner of grilled swordfish before heading back to the city.
Find HotelsMorning: Ride westward toward the historic town of Monreale, famed for its golden‑mosaic cathedral overlooking Palermo. Take time to explore the cathedral’s interior and the surrounding gardens.
Afternoon: Follow the coastal road to Cefalù, a medieval seaside resort with a stunning Norman cathedral. Spend a few hours lounging on the beach and strolling the narrow alleys lined with pastel‑coloured houses.
Evening: Return to Palermo, enjoying a sunset ride along the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve. Dine at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city’s skyline.
Find HotelsMorning: Head inland to the hill town of Polizzi Generosa, known for its medieval architecture and panoramic vistas of the Madonie Mountains. Visit the local craft shops for ceramics and lace.
Afternoon: Continue to the historic town of Corleone**, famous for its cultural heritage and the Museo della Tradizione. Enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring traditional Sicilian dishes.
Evening: Ride back to Palermo, stopping at a countryside trattoria for a final taste of rustic Sicilian cuisine. Arrive in the city for a relaxed evening strolling the lively Via Roma promenade.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore Palermo’s historic centre on foot, visiting the majestic Palermo Cathedral, the ornate Palazzo dei Normanni, and the vibrant Ballarò Market for local snacks.
Afternoon: Take a short scooter ride to the seaside district of Mondello for a beachside lunch and a dip in the turquoise waters. Return to the city to enjoy an afternoon coffee at a historic café.
Evening: Celebrate the final night with a gourmet dinner at a renowned Palermo restaurant, sampling dishes like pasta con le sarde and cannoli for dessert.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack your belongings and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at a local bakery, savoring fresh sfogliatelle and espresso.
Afternoon: Return the scooter and take a pre‑booked transfer to Palermo Falcone‑Borsellino Airport for your flight back to Rotterdam.
Evening: Depart Sicily with fond memories and a camera full of breathtaking photos.
Find HotelsFor a more relaxed pace, consider adding an extra day on Lipari to explore the neighboring islands of Vulcano and Salina, or extend your stay in Palermo to delve deeper into its museums and street food scene. If you need to shorten the trip, you could skip the inland day (Day 7) and use the saved time for a longer beach day in Mondello or a quick ferry to the stunning town of Taormina, which is easily reachable from Catania.