After landing and collecting your rental, drive north with a coffee stop in Vicenza to stretch your legs and admire the Palladian villas along the town's elegant squares. Continue into the foothills, pausing at Lago di Fimon for an easy lakeside walk and birdwatching before a scenic late-morning climb into the Dolomites, arriving at your first base in time to check in and relax.
After checking in and unwinding, take a relaxed drive up to the scenic hamlet of Asiago for a late-afternoon stroll through its pine-scented streets and a visit to the panoramic terrace at Piazza Carli. Finish with a gentle, 30-45 minute walk along the easy lakeside path at Lago di Caldonazzo (a short detour on the way to your base) and enjoy an aperitivo at a waterside café before returning to your Dolomites accommodation.
Unwind with dinner in the charming mountain village of Cortina d'Ampezzo, where you can stroll the pedestrian-friendly Corso Italia and choose a cozy trattoria for Tyrolean-inspired pasta and polenta. After dinner, take a short, gentle walk to the wooden bridge by Rifugio Faloria for a twilight view of the jagged peaks, then return to your base for an early night to rest before tomorrow's hikes.
Ease into mountain mode with a relaxed walk along the tree-lined trails around Lago di Braies-take the flat lakeside path for gentle views of the emerald water and the craggy reflections, and pause at the boathouse for photos. Afterward, drive a short distance to Prato Piazza for a mellow chairlift ride that gains altitude without effort; enjoy coffee on the terrace and a 30-45 minute panoramic stroll on the easy alpine meadows, letting the altitude settle before longer hikes later in the week.
Take a gentle drive to the nearby alpine hamlet of San Candido (Innichen) and stroll its sunlit pedestrian heart, stopping for cake and espresso at a terrace café near Piazza Municipio. Afterwards, ride the short valley cable car to Monte Baranci for an easy, level meadow walk with sweeping views of the peaks and a relaxed lunch at Rifugio Baranci, then return to your base for a slow-paced late-afternoon rest and aperitivo.
As the light softens, take a short drive to Corvara for an easy evening stroll through the village streets, stopping at Piazza Marconi to watch locals and hikers gather over aperitivi. Finish with a relaxed dinner at Rifugio Piz Arlara (reachable by a brief shuttle or easy walk) where you can savor regional cheeses and speck while the terrace offers sweeping views of the sunset over the limestone spires.
Set out after breakfast for a peaceful morning on the well-graded trail up to Rifugio Biella, where a 1-1.5 hour walk from the valley gains gentle elevation and rewards you with sweeping views of the Sella Group; pause on the rifugio terrace for coffee and strudel while absorbing the panorama. Afterward, continue along the meadowed ridge toward Puez-Odle Panorama Trail for a short, level section of boardwalk and alpine wildflowers, keeping the outing within your five-mile / ~1,000 ft comfort range before returning to base for a leisurely afternoon.
After your peaceful morning, drive to the charming hamlet of Colfosco and take the easy, flower-lined stroll from the village up to Rifugio La Crusc, where you can linger over a leisurely lunch on the terrace with views of the jagged Sella ridges. Later, enjoy a gentle, mostly level walk along the valley floor toward Val Badia-pause at a family-run farmstand to sample local cheeses and apple strudel, then return to base in the late afternoon for an aperitivo and relaxed evening.
After a satisfying day on the trails, take a short drive to the peaceful alpine village of La Villa for an unhurried aperitivo on a sunlit terrace overlooking the valley, then wander the village lanes to the historic Chiesetta di San Pietro for quiet sunset views. Finish with dinner at a family-run osteria in Corvara in Badia (choose a place serving local barley soup and speck), followed by a gentle post-meal stroll along the illuminated promenade beside Rio Boè before returning to your base.
Spend a relaxed morning driving to the storybook village of Santa Cristina Val Gardena and wander its timbered streets, stopping at Casa della Cultura to see local crafts and Ladin heritage. From there, take the short, fragrant walk through larch meadows up to Rifugio Daniel, where you can savor coffee on the terrace while enjoying close-up views of the towering Odle peaks before a gentle return to your base for a slow afternoon.
Drive to the picturesque village of Santa Maddalena (St. Magdalena) for a gentle stroll beneath the iconic bell tower with sweeping views of the Odle range, then pause at a café for homemade strudel and espresso. Continue to the tranquil hamlet of Ortisei's Seceda viewpoint (reachable by short cable car) for an easy, level meadow walk along the ridge with panoramic photo stops, finishing the afternoon with a visit to a local woodcarver's workshop in Ortisei to see traditional crafts and pick up a small souvenir before returning to your base.
As twilight falls, drive to the postcard hamlet of San Vigilio di Marebbe for a leisurely aperitivo on a terrace overlooking the valley, then take a gentle, 30-40 minute riverside stroll along the easy Rio Stava path to watch the light soften on the peaks. Finish the evening with a relaxed dinner at a cozy family-run inn in La Perara, sampling hearty Tyrolean stews and local polenta while swapping photos from the day's walks before returning to your base for a restful night.
After a leisurely check-out, drive the scenic SS244 toward your second base with a photo stop at the dramatic cliffs of Passo Sella, then continue to the charming high-mountain hamlet of Canazei for a coffee and market-browsing among local crafts. From there, take a short, well-graded walk up to Rifugio Contrin-an easy 40-60 minute uphill trail offering broad views of the Marmolada glacier and a terrace lunch option-before finishing the drive to your new Dolomites base in time to settle in.
After settling into your new base, take a relaxed drive to the high pasture of Passo Gardena and enjoy an easy, level stroll along the meadow rim with sweeping views of the Sella and Sassolungo groups; pause at Rifugio Jimmy or a nearby terrace for cappuccino and cake. Later, visit the charming village of Selva di Val Gardena to wander its pedestrian lanes, pop into a traditional woodcarver's shop, and finish with a gentle riverside walk along the Rio Gardena before returning to your accommodation for an aperitivo.
Unwind after the day's drive with a gentle stroll through the timbered lanes of Corvara's quieter residential quarter, pausing at Pasticceria Rocco for a sweet pastry and espresso on an outdoor bench. As dusk falls, head to the small hilltop hamlet of Colfosco Alta for a short, level walk to the panoramic viewpoint above Val Mezdì, then enjoy a relaxed dinner at Osteria Al Solì, sampling local canederli and a regional wine while you compare notes from the day's scenery before returning to your new base.
Begin with a steady, well-marked hike from Rifugio Gardeccia toward the gentle saddle below Catinaccio d'Antermoia, keeping the outing to about 3-4 miles and under 1,000 ft of gain so it stays comfortable while delivering dramatic cliff-and-meadow panoramas; pause at Rifugio Ciampedie for coffee and apple strudel on the sunlit terrace. After descending, take a short drive to the peaceful mountain hamlet of Molin for a late-morning stroll through flowered pastures and a visit to a family-run alp cheese dairy to taste fresh ricotta and local forms of toma before returning to your base for a leisurely lunch.
After your morning hike, drive to the peaceful plateau of Passo Falzarego and take the short, scenic walk along the World War I open-air museum trail to the historic Lagazuoi cable car for panoramic photos without a strenuous climb. Later, unwind with a relaxed visit to the alpine hamlet of Arabba, stroll its sunlit lanes, enjoy a late-afternoon espresso and slice of schiacciata at a local café, then finish with a gentle lakeside walk around Lago di Fedaia beneath the southern face of Marmolada before returning to base for aperitivo.
After a restorative afternoon, drive to the charming hamlet of Pozza di Fassa for an easy evening promenade along the pedestrian Corso, stopping to sample gelato or local strudel at a family-run café. Finish with dinner on a terrace at Ristorante El Pael (or a similar village osteria) where you can sip a regional Pinot Grigio and enjoy hearty polenta and mushroom dishes while watching the alpenglow wash the surrounding peaks, then take a short post-meal stroll to the riverbank by Rio Travignolo before returning to your base.
After a relaxed breakfast, make a scenic, unhurried drive down the valley with a photo stop at Lago di Carezza to admire the jewel-toned water and take a lakeside stroll; afterward, detour through the timbered lanes of Predazzo for a quick visit to a local bakery and the small geological museum showcasing the Dolomites' rock formations. Continue toward the lowlands with a final alpine pause at Folgaria for a gentle walk through fragrant meadows and a casual lunch at a family-run trattoria before completing the drive to return your rental near Venice Marco Polo Airport or Milan Malpensa, arriving with time to settle into your airport-area hotel.
After a leisurely check-out, take a scenic detour through the Val di Fiemme and stop for a restful stroll and photo break at Lago di Stramentizzo, where the easy shoreline paths and mountain reflections are perfect for stretching your legs. Continue downriver to the historic town of Trento for a relaxed late-afternoon visit to Piazza Duomo and a coffee at a shaded café, then drive on toward the airport, returning your car and settling into an airport-area hotel for an early, easy evening before your Sicily flight.
On the way down from the mountains, pause for a sunset aperitivo on the terrace at Malga Ciapela (a gentle, short stroll to the nearby viewpoint), enjoying local speck and polenta while the Marmolada's silhouette softens. Continue toward the lowlands with a relaxed stop in Bassano del Grappa to wander its historic wooden bridge and sample grappa at a reputable distillery shop, then head to your airport-area hotel for an early night before tomorrow's flight to Sicily.
After your flight, collect your rental and drive to your first Sicilian base, stopping for a relaxed seaside pause at Scoglitti to stretch legs on the pebbled shore and sample freshly grilled sardines at a waterfront chiosco. Continue inland to the hilltop town of Modica for a gentle stroll through baroque lanes, visit a traditional chocolate shop to taste the signature spicy Modica chocolate, and settle into your accommodation in time for a late-morning espresso on a shaded piazza terrace.
After checking in and freshening up, drive to the clifftop village of Punta Secca for a relaxed seaside lunch at a beachfront trattoria and a gentle stroll past the famous Montalbano lighthouse. Later, explore the nearby salt pans of Marzamemi-wander the village's sunlit piazza, browse artisan shops, and pause for a tasting of local couscous and roasted tuna at Tonnara di Marzamemi before returning to your base for an evening aperitivo.
As dusk falls, enjoy a relaxed seafood-focused dinner in the nearby fishing village of Pachino, lingering over grilled swordfish and a bottle of local Nero d'Avola at a waterfront osteria. Afterwards, take an easy post-meal stroll through the salt-tinged lanes to Portopalo di Capo Passero's tiny harbor, watch the lights wink on fishing boats, and finish with gelato on a seaside bench while the Mediterranean breeze cools the evening.
Start with a slow breakfast on the harbor at Marina di Ragusa, then stroll the palm-lined promenade toward the historic Porto Vecchio, pausing to watch fishermen mend nets and browse the morning market stalls for local ricotta and sun-dried tomatoes. Continue with an easy, coastal cliff walk to Donnafugata Castle's gardens - the shaded paths and lemon trees make a restful short loop - and finish the morning with a relaxed espresso on the terrace of Piazza San Giovanni while planning a light seafood lunch nearby.
Drive a short distance to the sun-drenched promontory of Punta Braccetto for a relaxed seaside lunch at a beachside trattoria, then wander the gentle shoreline path toward the sculpted coves and tide pools-great for spotting small fish and coastal birds. Later, visit the peaceful hilltop village of Scicli, stroll its Baroque streets and Piazza Italia, and stop at a local pasticceria to sample cassata slices before returning to your base for an evening aperitivo.
As twilight falls, enjoy a seafood dinner at a waterside osteria in Marzamemi's Piazza Regina Margherita, lingering over grilled octopus and a bottle of local Nero d'Avola while watching the harbor lights. Afterwards, take a gentle moonlit stroll along the promenade to Isola delle Correnti viewpoint-pause on the low cliffs to listen to the surf and spot fishing boats returning-and finish with gelato at a beachfront bar before returning to your base.
Begin with a gentle coastal nature walk through the fragrant dunes and low cliffs of Vendicari Nature Reserve, following flat boardwalks to spot herons and flamingos in the salt pans before pausing at Calamosche Beach for a restful swim and picnic. Afterward, drive a short distance inland to the sun-dappled terraces of Cave di Cusa for an easy, 1-2 mile stroll among ancient, unfinished stone columns-perfect for lingering over scenic views and snapping photos while keeping the day's exertion comfortably within your limits.
Drive inland to the fragrant vineyards around Caltagirone for an easy 1-2 mile loop through terraced fields and olive groves, stopping at a family-run cantina for a guided tasting of Nero d'Avola and a plate of fresh ricotta. Later, wander the sunlit ceramic-lined streets of Caltagirone's upper town, pause at a panoramic terrace for views over the Val di Noto, then finish with a relaxed seaside detour to Marina di Modica for a gentle shoreline stroll and an evening aperitif by the water.
As evening falls, drive to the hilltop village of Ispica for a relaxed stroll through its ancient stone streets and a visit to the atmospheric Grotta dei Cordari, then pause on a panoramic terrace to watch the low sun gild the Val di Noto. Follow this with a leisurely seafood dinner in Marzamemi Vecchio-choose a waterside trattoria to savor grilled red mullet and a chilled Grillo-and finish with a short moonlit walk along the harbor to the little jetty for a final view of the stars reflected on the Mediterranean.
Leave your southeastern base after breakfast and drive northwest with a leisurely stop in Enna, where you can stretch your legs on the short, paved path up to Castello di Lombardia for sweeping views over the Sicilian interior and a coffee at a nearby café. Continue toward the Palermo region with a scenic detour through olive-dotted countryside to Caccamo, where a gentle stroll through the medieval lanes leads to the fortress terrace of Castello di Caccamo-perfect for photos and a light mid-morning snack before arriving at your new accommodation near Palermo to unpack and relax.
After arriving and settling into your Palermo-area accommodation, drive a short distance to the hilltop town of Monreale to wander its shaded cloister and admire the glittering mosaics of Duomo di Monreale, then linger on the terrace above the valley for relaxed panoramic views. Later, head into nearby Partinico for a late-afternoon visit to a family-run olive mill-take a gentle tour of the presses and join a guided tasting of freshly pressed extra-virgin olive oil paired with local bread and ricotta before returning to your base to freshen up for the evening.
After freshening up at your Palermo-area base, head into the city for an aperitivo and light dinner in the lively La Vucciria market neighborhood, where you can sample arancini and fresh seafood from a stall-side osteria while watching vendors and musicians. Finish the night with a relaxed stroll through the moonlit cloister garden of Palazzo dei Normanni's outer grounds (the palace exterior is evocative at dusk) and a gelato stop near the bustling Piazza Pretoria before returning to your accommodation.
Drive a short, scenic route to the seaside town of Mondello for a gentle shoreline walk along the curved bay and a morning espresso at a beachfront café, then follow the coastal road a little farther to the fragrant pine-clad promontory of Capo Gallo for an easy, well-marked 1-2 mile loop along shaded paths and rocky coves where you can watch seabirds and spot hidden coves. After the walk, pause at the cliffside terrace of Sferracavallo for fresh catch-of-the-day fritters and panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian, returning to your Palermo-area base in time for a relaxed midday packing and an aperitivo.
Drive up the scenic road to Monte Pellegrino and take the easy 1-2 mile paved loop to the Santuario di Santa Rosalia, pausing on the clifftop viewpoints for sweeping panoramas of Palermo and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Later, meander through the fragrant citrus groves of Villa Niscemi and finish with a relaxed late-afternoon coffee and pastry at the historic Antico Caffè Spinnato before returning to your base to pack and enjoy a final aperitivo.
For a gentle final evening, drive to the hilltop village of Bagheria to wander its elegant villas-pause at Villa Palagonia to admire the quirky sculptures in the twilight and enjoy a peaceful stroll through the formal gardens. Afterwards, head to the evocative seaside hamlet of Aspra for a seafood dinner on the harbor-sample freshly grilled pesce spada at a family-run trattoria and finish with a leisurely promenade along the breakwater as fishing boats bob under the stars.
On your final morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast near the harbor at Foro Italico and take a short, restorative stroll through the palm-lined promenade to soak in last views of the Tyrrhenian before heading back to the hotel. Allow time for a final visit to Mercato del Capo for quick purchases of packed arancini and local olives to take home, then drive calmly to Falcone-Borsellino Airport with plenty of buffer for car return and check-in.
Spend a relaxed final afternoon strolling the elegant gardens and terraces of Villa Giulia, then pause at the nearby Via Maqueda for a last coffee and a quick pastry from a traditional pasticceria. If time allows, visit the small but atmospheric Mercato del Capo annex stalls for last-minute purchases of olives and sun-dried tomatoes, then return to your base to collect luggage and drive to Falcone-Borsellino Airport, allowing generous time for car return and international check-in.
For a calm final evening, enjoy a sunset aperitivo on the terrace of Chiesa della Magione's nearby square, then stroll through the fragrant orange trees of Orto Botanico di Palermo to savor one last patch of Mediterranean green before dinner. Finish with a relaxed waterfront meal at La Cala marina-choose a table facing the harbor for grilled fish and a final glass of Sicilian Marsala-then return to your accommodation to collect luggage and make the short drive to Falcone-Borsellino Airport with time for car return and check-in.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rental car (Europe, 12 days split between N. Italy and Sicily) - per person (4 sharing) | €200 |
| Fuel and tolls (approx. driving route Dolomites→Venice/Milan→Sicily→Palermo) - per person | €120 |
| Venice Marco Polo Airport parking/one-way rental drop fee (if applicable) - per person | €25 |
| Milan Malpensa Airport parking/one-way rental drop fee (if applicable) - per person | €25 |
| Coffee stop in Vicenza (coffee + pastry) | €4 |
| Lago di Fimon - lakeside walk | Free |
| Asiago visit / Piazza Carli terrace (aperitivo) | €8 |
| Lago di Caldonazzo - lakeside path and aperitivo | €10 |
| Dinner in Cortina d'Ampezzo (mid-range trattoria) - per person | €35 |
| Rifugio Faloria short twilight walk (no entry fee) | Free |
| Lago di Braies - lakeside stroll | Free |
| Prato Piazza chairlift (round trip) - per person | €12 |
| Coffee/refreshments at chairlift terrace - per person | €6 |
| San Candido (Innichen) visit / espresso & cake | €6 |
| Monte Baranci cable car / short meadow walk - per person | €10 |
| Dinner at Rifugio Piz Arlara (light meal) - per person | €25 |
| Rifugio Biella short hike / coffee & strudel | €8 |
| Puez-Odle Panorama Trail short section (park access) | Free |
| Rifugio La Crusc lunch - per person | €20 |
| Val Badia farmstand tasting (cheese/apple strudel) - per person | €6 |
| La Villa aperitivo / Chiesetta di San Pietro visit | €8 |
| Corvara evening stroll / pastry at Pasticceria Rocco | €5 |
| Rifugio Daniel coffee on terrace - per person | €6 |
| Santa Maddalena stroll / espresso & strudel | €5 |
| Ortisei Seceda cable car (round trip) - per person | €20 |
| Woodcarver workshop visit in Ortisei (small purchase) | €15 |
| Rio Stava riverside stroll (San Vigilio di Marebbe) | Free |
| Passo Sella photo stop (no fee) | Free |
| Canazei market browsing / coffee | €5 |
| Rifugio Contrin hike & terrace lunch - per person | €20 |
| Passo Gardena meadow stroll / cappuccino & cake | €8 |
| Osteria Al Solì dinner (mid-range) - per person | €35 |
| Rifugio Gardeccia hike / Rifugio Ciampedie coffee | €8 |
| Molin hamlet visit & cheese dairy tasting - per person | €10 |
| Passo Falzarego WWI open-air museum cable car / Lagazuoi panoramas - per person | €15 |
| Lago di Fedaia lakeside stroll | Free |
| Pozza di Fassa gelato / promenade | €5 |
| Lago di Carezza lakeside visit | Free |
| Trento Piazza Duomo coffee | €4 |
| Malpensa/Venice airport-area hotel (overnight near airport) - per person | €35 |
| Flight Venice/Milan to Sicily - per person (economy, one-way estimate Sept 2029) | €120 |
| Scoglitti seaside pause / grilled sardines (light meal) | €12 |
| Modica chocolate shop tasting | €6 |
| Punta Secca seaside lunch (mid-range) - per person | €20 |
| Marzamemi village stroll / Tonnara di Marzamemi tasting (light plate) | €18 |
| Pachino seafood dinner (mid-range) - per person | €30 |
| Marina di Ragusa breakfast & harbor stroll | €8 |
| Donnafugata Castle gardens entry (estimate) | €5 |
| Punta Braccetto seaside lunch | €18 |
| Scicli pasticceria cassata slice | €4 |
| Marzamemi dinner at Piazza Regina Margherita (seafood mid-range) | €30 |
| Vendicari Nature Reserve entrance & boardwalks | Free |
| Calamosche Beach picnic / beach access | Free |
| Cave di Cusa visit (self-guided) - per person | €4 |
| Caltagirone vineyard tasting (guided tasting) - per person | €20 |
| Marina di Modica shoreline stroll & aperitif | €8 |
| Ispica Grotta dei Cordari visit (small entry/donation) | €3 |
| Marzamemi Vecchio seafood dinner (mid-range) - per person | €30 |
| Enna Castello di Lombardia short visit (entry) | €4 |
| Caccamo Castello di Caccamo terrace visit (entry) | €5 |
| Monreale Duomo entry (cathedral) - per person | €6 |
| Olive mill tour & tasting near Partinico - per person | €15 |
| La Vucciria market snacks / arancini & street food evening | €12 |
| Palazzo dei Normanni exterior / cloister garden evening stroll | Free |
| Mondello beach breakfast & shoreline walk | €8 |
| Capo Gallo 1-2 mile loop (free reserve) | Free |
| Sferracavallo cliffside terrace lunch - per person | €18 |
| Monte Pellegrino Santuario di Santa Rosalia visit (donation/entry) | €2 |
| Villa Niscemi citrus grove stroll | Free |
| Antico Caffè Spinnato coffee & pastry | €6 |
| Bagheria Villa Palagonia visit (entry) | €6 |
| Aspra harbor seafood dinner (mid-range) - per person | €28 |
| Mercato del Capo quick purchases (arancini/olives) - per person | €8 |
| Villa Giulia gardens visit | Free |
| Via Maqueda coffee & pastry | €5 |
| Falcone-Borsellino Airport car return / short-term parking | €10 |
| La Cala marina waterfront dinner (final night) - per person | €35 |
| Travel insurance (recommended per person for international trip) | €45 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | €1971 |