Since you've likely arrived and settled in, spend a relaxed morning wandering the lively heart of Catania: start with a cappuccino near Piazza del Duomo, then explore the bustling stalls of La Pescheria (Catania's fish market) for an authentic sensory introduction to Sicilian life; pause to admire the Baroque façade of Cattedrale di Sant'Agata and the nearby Fontana dell'Elefante before a light lunch at a nearby trattoria serving fresh arancini and granita.
After lunch, take a gentle stroll up Via Etnea toward Giardino Bellini, where shaded paths and panoramic views of Mount Etna offer a calm post-arrival pause; linger over a gelato on a bench and watch locals pass. Later, explore the elegant shops and cafés around Piazza Stesicoro, then finish the afternoon with a rooftop aperitivo overlooking the city at Terrazza Teatro (or a similar terrace bar) to ease into Sicilian evenings and plan tomorrow's Mount Etna excursion.
As dusk falls, wander the lively lanes around Via Crociferi, admiring its Baroque churches and candlelit façades before settling for dinner at Osteria Antica Marina to sample fresh pasta alla Norma and a local Nero d'Avola. After the meal, head to Piazza Vincenzo Bellini for live street music or a relaxed drink on the steps of Teatro Massimo Bellini, soaking in Catania's nocturnal atmosphere and planning tomorrow's Mount Etna adventure.
Set out early for a guided hike on the lower slopes of Mount Etna, starting from the Rifugio Sapienza area where volcanic landscapes and lava flows are close at hand; a knowledgeable guide will point out volcanic craters and alpine flora as you walk. After the trek, warm up with a tasting and cellar tour at Tenuta delle Terre Nere or Benanti Winery, sampling Etna DOC wines paired with local cheeses and honey while enjoying sweeping views back toward Catania.
After a morning on the slopes, descend to the southern foothills for a leisurely afternoon visiting Castiglione di Sicilia, where narrow streets and panoramic viewpoints invite a slow wander; stop at Pasticceria Russo for a sweet treat and a coffee. Continue to Cantina Zitelli for an informal cellar visit and tasting of lesser-known Etna varieties paired with local olive oil and pistachio products, then drive a short stretch to Lago di Pergusa to stretch your legs with a lakeside walk as the sun softens the volcanic landscape.
As the sky deepens, drive to the charming hill village of Linguaglossa for dinner at Trattoria da Antonio, where hearty Sicilian stews and grilled local meats pair perfectly with Etna rosato; linger over a slow meal while watching village lights appear against the volcanic slopes. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed nighttime tasting at Cantine Russo (or a similar family-run cellar nearby) where host-led pours of late-harvest and passito wines are accompanied by stories of winemaking on Etna, then finish with a moonlit stroll through Piazza Umberto I before returning to Catania.
Begin your morning with a leisurely stroll along Corso Umberto, popping into boutique shops and stopping for a cappuccino at Bar Turrisi before the crowds arrive; the street's elegant palazzi and floral balconies set a charming tone. Then head up past the gardens to the dramatic hilltop Ancient Greek Theatre (Teatro Antico di Taormina) for panoramic views of the Ionian coast and Mount Etna, followed by a short walk to the scenic overlook at Piazza IX Aprile to watch fishing boats and cliffside villas come to life.
After the morning sights, descend toward the sea for a relaxed coastal afternoon: stroll the dramatic seafront promenade to Isola Bella, where you can explore the pebble beach, visit the tiny nature reserve at low tide, and swim in crystalline water. Later, take the cable car down to Mazzarò Bay for a seaside aperitivo at a beach club, sample fresh granita with brioche at Bar Turrisi al Mare, and if time allows, join a short boat tour from the harbor to admire Taormina's cliffs and hidden coves before returning to town for evening plans.
As dusk deepens, wander down the quieter lanes to Porta Messina and follow stone steps toward the harbor, pausing for a seafood aperitivo at Ristorante La Cambusa with views of fishing boats and the silhouette of Isola Bella. Later, enjoy a sunset drink on the terrace of Bar San Domenico before dining on fresh fish and Sicilian flavours at Trattoria Da Nino, then finish the night with a relaxed coastal stroll along Lungomare Giardini Naxos under the stars, soaking in the gentle sound of the sea.
Leave Catania after breakfast and enjoy a scenic coastal drive to Syracuse, stopping first at Parco Archeologico della Neapolis to wander ancient Greek and Roman ruins and stand inside the enormous Greek Theatre with views toward the sea. Afterward head into Ortigia to stroll the sunlit lanes, visit the bustling Mercato di Ortigia for fresh citrus and local pastries, and climb the sea-facing ramparts by Castello Maniace for early-afternoon panoramas before settling at a café on Piazza del Duomo to watch the island wake up.
After a leisurely lunch on Piazza del Duomo, wander the quieter alleys of Ortigia toward the waterfront and board a short boat trip from Marina di Ortigia to skirt the island's coastline and see hidden grottos and sea caves up close. Back on land, browse artisanal shops along Via Roma, sample pistachio pastries at Pasticceria Laganà, then climb the panoramic terrace of Palazzo Bellomo for late-afternoon light over the harbour before pausing for an aperitivo at Anoxerina Café to watch the sunset paint the Baroque facades.
As the day cools, wander the romantic lanes of Ortigia toward the waterfront and enjoy a seafood-focused dinner at Osteria da Mariano, sampling local swordfish and lemon-infused dishes while watching fishing boats return. After dinner, take a moonlit stroll along the seafront promenade to Punta dell'Arenella for coastal views, then finish with cocktails at the intimate rooftop bar of Hotel Gutkowski or a late-night gelato from Gelateria Lina, soaking in the island's nocturnal calm and the soft glow on the harbour.
Start early in Noto with a peaceful passeggiata along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele to admire the honey-coloured facades, then step inside Cattedrale di San Nicolò to see its restored interior and climb the bell tower for morning light over the valley. Afterwards drive south to Palazzolo Acreide for a guided stroll through its quiet Baroque streets and a visit to the atmospheric Teatro Greco ruins on the town edge, finishing with a coffee and a freshly baked cannolo at Caffè Kairòs before continuing toward Modica.
After lunch, head to Modica Alta to wander its steep lanes and visit Chiesa di San Giorgio, then descend to Via Castello for famed chocolate tastings at Antica Dolceria Bonajuto where you can sample traditional Modican chocolate paired with a local zibibbo. Continue toward Ragusa Ibla in the late afternoon to stroll through the terraced gardens of Giardino Ibleo and admire the layered façades of Duomo di San Giorgio as the golden light softens the Baroque stone, finishing with an aperitivo on a small piazza while watching locals gather.
As twilight falls, arrive in Scicli for an atmospheric stroll through its lamp-lit lanes-pause at Palazzo Beneventano to admire the carved balconies from the piazza and sip an aperitivo at Caffè del Corso while locals gather. Later, head to Marina di Ragusa for a seaside dinner at Ristorante Il Mirto serving fresh grilled seafood, then finish with a digestivo under the stars at the harborfront bar Bar Caffè Europa, letting the gentle sea breeze close a day of Baroque explorations.
After a scenic drive from the Val di Noto region, arrive in Agrigento and begin your day with a relaxed coffee in the shadow of Via Atenea, then follow the sun-drenched lane down toward the ancient landscape. Spend the morning exploring lesser-known corners of the archaeological area-walk the quiet Via dei Templi to reach the atmospheric Temple of Concordia and continue to the viewpoint at Giardino della Kolymbethra to wander its citrus groves and restored irrigation channels, finishing with a light picnic of local cheeses and bread while admiring the valley views.
After a morning among the temples, take a short drive into Agrigento's historic centre to explore Via Atenea's cafés and artisan shops, then visit the atmospheric Monastero di Santo Spirito for quiet cloistered gardens and views back toward the archaeological ridge. Later, wander the restored orchards and terraces of Giardino della Kolymbethra's neighbouring paths, pause for a tasting of local olive oil and almond pastries at Caffè Teatro near the central piazza, and finish the afternoon with a sunset walk along the elevated Belvedere of Scalea dei Turchi viewpoint to watch the light soften the temple silhouettes before dinner.
As twilight deepens, wander the atmospheric lanes of the historic centre toward Piazza Municipio and settle for an aperitivo at Caffè Pirandello, watching locals gather and the town lights warm the stone. For dinner, choose a trattoria near Via Atenea Nuova-such as Trattoria dei Templi-to enjoy slow-cooked caponata and fresh seafood, then finish with a digestivo on the terrace of B&B La Terrazza where you can gaze back toward the illuminated silhouette of the temples across the valley.
Depart Agrigento after breakfast and drive along the coast to the chalk cliffs of Scala dei Turchi, where you can walk the terraces, photograph the dramatic white steps and swim (weather permitting) from the pebbled shore; pause at the nearby seaside village of Realmonte for a coffee and fresh brioche. Continue north with a scenic stop in Selinunte Archaeological Park to stroll among hilltop temples and sea views before resuming the drive toward Palermo, arriving in time to check into your hotel and stretch your legs with an introductory walk through a neighbourhood piazza.
After exploring the cliffs, continue north and pause in the fishing hamlet of Porto Empedocle for a waterfront walk along the promenade and a lunchtime plate of freshly grilled sardines at Ristorante La Focacceria; stroll the nearby streets to browse local ceramics at Ceramiche Fichetto. Later, as you approach Palermo, detour through the panoramic hilltop village of Caltabellotta to wander its medieval alleys and visit the peaceful terraces of Belvedere San Pellegrino for late-afternoon views across the coast before driving on to your Palermo hotel.
After checking into Palermo, wander the atmospheric streets of Vucciria as the market vendors slow down-stop for a glass of local Marsala at Osteria Ballarò and sample street-food staples like pane con panelle from a well-regarded stall. Later, head to the elegant Quattro Canti area for an aperitivo on a terrace, then enjoy a Sicilian seafood dinner at Osteria dei Vespri followed by a nighttime passeggiata along the lit promenade of Foro Italico to feel the city's coastal breeze and settle into Palermo's lively rhythm.
Begin with a lively stroll through Ballarò Market, sampling warm pane con panelle and crisp sfincione from street vendors, then wander up to the nearby Chiesa del Gesù (Casa Professa) to admire its exuberant Sicilian Baroque interior. From there, head to Piazza San Domenico for a café break under the cloistered arcades before joining a short guided walk through the historic Kalsa quarter to discover hidden palazzi and rooftop views over the harbour.
After a morning at Ballarò, wander toward the elegant heart of the city to explore Piazza Pretoria with its ornate fountain and then step into Quattro Canti to feel the pulse of Palermo's Baroque crossroads; pause for an espresso at a nearby café and watch local life unfold. Continue with a guided visit to the nearby Palazzo Abatellis to admire its medieval and Renaissance art, then descend to Mercato del Capo for a late-afternoon street-food crawl-try warm stigghiola or a slice of rosticceria while chatting with vendors-before finishing the stretch with a relaxed aperitivo at Piazza Bologni as the light softens over the historic rooftops.
As night falls, head to Piazza Marina where the grand Ficus tree and twinkling lights set a relaxed scene-pause for an aperitivo at Caffè del Kassaro and watch locals stroll by. For dinner, follow the aroma of grilling to Via Roma's Trattoria da Pino (or a nearby seafood osteria) for freshly caught swordfish or pasta with sea urchin, then finish with a late-night passeggiata through Piazza Sant'Anna toward the lit façade of Chiesa di Santa Caterina and a gelato at Gelateria Casa del Dolce, soaking in Palermo's layered evening atmosphere.
Catch an early commuter bus or short taxi ride up to Monreale and begin at the soaring Cattedrale di Monreale, where you can linger beneath its golden Norman mosaics before climbing to the cloister of Chiostro dei Benedettini to admire its carved columns and quiet gardens. Afterward, stroll the village lanes to visit Pasticceria Savia for a morning sfogliatella and coffee, then walk to the panoramic terrace by Belvedere di Monreale for sweeping views across Palermo's bay before descending to explore a family-run olive mill such as Frantoio Garozzo for a tasting of freshly pressed extra-virgin olive oil paired with local bread and cheeses.
After lunch, head down from the hill to explore the artistic side of Monreale: visit Museo Diocesano di Monreale to see medieval liturgical objects and learn about Norman Sicily, then wander the nearby artisan quarter of Via Roma to browse workshops making carved wood, ceramics and traditional embroidery. Finish the afternoon with a tasting at Enoteca Il Loggiato for regional wines and a plate of local cheeses and marmalades while enjoying panoramic views back toward Palermo before returning to the city for evening plans.
Return to Palermo and unwind with an aperitivo on the elegant terrace of I Cuochini near Piazza Croci, sampling local Sicilian tapas and a chilled Grillo while the city lights come up; afterward, join a guided evening street-food tour through the lively stalls around Mercato del Capo, tasting warm arancine, spicy sfincione and creamy cannoli from artisan vendors. Finish the night with a contemplative walk along the lit promenades of Foro Italico Umberto I, pausing at the seaside benches to watch Palermo's harbour glow and to reflect on the day's Norman mosaics and local crafts.
Ease into your final morning with a gentle seaside walk along Foro Italico Umberto I, stopping for a late breakfast of brioche and granita at Bar Touring while watching the morning light on the harbour; afterwards, wander the shaded promenades of Villa Giulia to enjoy its palms and calm fountains. Before checking out, visit Mercato della Vucciria (now quieter in the morning) to pick up packaged treats-citrus marmalade, almond paste and local nougat-from Antica Confetteria as souvenirs and savour one last espresso at a nearby café.
Spend a tranquil afternoon lingering in the elegant Kalsa district: sip a leisurely iced coffee at Caffè del Cassaro, then browse contemporary Sicilian crafts and ceramics at Botega dei Sette, where you can pick last-minute gifts. Later, unwind with a restorative walk through Orto Botanico di Palermo-pause by the shaded ponds and tropical palms before a relaxed airport transfer, taking with you the calm of Palermo's green heart.
As twilight falls, enjoy a relaxed final evening with a seafood-focused meal at Osteria dei Vespri (if you fancy a return to refined flavours) or an informal dinner at Trattoria Ai Cascinari for comforting house-made pasta; both offer warm service and a chance to toast your Sicilian journey. After dinner, take a slow stroll through the atmospheric gardens of Giardino Inglese, pause on a bench to watch the city lights come on, then finish with a nightcap at Bye Bye Blues Bar-a cosy spot for one last glass of local Marsala before your departure.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Piazza del Duomo (Catania) | Free |
| La Pescheria (Catania fish market) | Free |
| Cattedrale di Sant'Agata | Free |
| Fontana dell'Elefante | Free |
| Light lunch at a trattoria (arancini, granita) | €12 |
| Giardino Bellini | Free |
| Terrazza Teatro (rooftop aperitivo estimate) | €10 |
| Via Crociferi (walking) | Free |
| Osteria Antica Marina (dinner estimate) | €30 |
| Piazza Vincenzo Bellini / Teatro Massimo Bellini (street music) | Free |
| Guided hike from Rifugio Sapienza (lower Etna) - per person group tour | €40 |
| Tenuta delle Terre Nere - cellar tour & tasting (per person) | €30 |
| Benanti Winery - tasting (per person) | €25 |
| Castiglione di Sicilia (walking & viewpoints) | Free |
| Pasticceria Russo (coffee/pastry) | €4 |
| Cantina Zitelli - informal tasting (per person) | €20 |
| Lago di Pergusa (walk) | Free |
| Trattoria da Antonio (dinner, Linguaglossa) | €28 |
| Cantine Russo (nighttime tasting estimate) | €20 |
| Piazza Umberto I (Linguaglossa) - stroll | Free |
| Corso Umberto (Taormina) - stroll/shopping | Free |
| Bar Turrisi (cappuccino) | €3 |
| Teatro Antico di Taormina (Ancient Greek Theatre) - entry | €12 |
| Piazza IX Aprile (overlook) | Free |
| Isola Bella nature reserve (access / beach) | Free |
| Cable car Taormina-Mazzarò (single return) | €5 |
| Boat tour from Taormina (short coastal tour) | €25 |
| Ristorante La Cambusa (aperitivo/seaside snack) | €15 |
| Bar San Domenico (sunset drink) | €8 |
| Trattoria Da Nino (dinner) | €30 |
| Parco Archeologico della Neapolis (Syracuse) - entry | €12 |
| Mercato di Ortigia | Free |
| Castello Maniace (ramparts) - visit | Free |
| Boat trip from Marina di Ortigia (short) | €20 |
| Pasticceria Laganà (pastry) | €3 |
| Palazzo Bellomo (entry) | €6 |
| Anoxerina Café (aperitivo) | €8 |
| Osteria da Mariano (dinner, Ortigia) | €30 |
| Punta dell'Arenella (walk) | Free |
| Noto - Corso Vittorio Emanuele (stroll) | Free |
| Cattedrale di San Nicolò (entry / bell tower climb estimate) | €3 |
| Palazzolo Acreide - Teatro Greco (visit) | Free |
| Caffè Kairòs (coffee/cannolo) | €4 |
| Chiesa di San Giorgio (Modica) | Free |
| Antica Dolceria Bonajuto (chocolate tasting) | €6 |
| Giardino Ibleo (Ragusa Ibla) | Free |
| Duomo di San Giorgio (viewing) | Free |
| Caffè del Corso (aperitivo, Scicli) | €6 |
| Ristorante Il Mirto (Marina di Ragusa dinner) | €28 |
| Bar Caffè Europa (digestivo) | €6 |
| Via Atenea (Agrigento) - stroll/coffee | Free |
| Valle dei Templi / Temple of Concordia (entry included in park) | €12 |
| Giardino della Kolymbethra (entry/tour) | €8 |
| Monastero di Santo Spirito (visit) | Free |
| Caffè Teatro (tasting estimate) | €5 |
| Belvedere of Scala dei Turchi viewpoint (sunset walk) | Free |
| Scala dei Turchi (walk / beach access) | Free |
| Selinunte Archaeological Park (entry) | €6 |
| Porto Empedocle promenade (walk) | Free |
| Ristorante La Focacceria (lunch estimate) | €18 |
| Caltabellotta / Belvedere San Pellegrino (view) | Free |
| Vucciria market (Palermo) - evening visit | Free |
| Osteria Ballarò (Marsala / drinks) | €8 |
| Osteria dei Vespri (Palermo dinner) | €40 |
| Foro Italico promenade (evening stroll) | Free |
| Ballarò Market (street food sampling) | €10 |
| Chiesa del Gesù (Casa Professa) - entry | €3 |
| Guided walk Kalsa quarter (short) | €15 |
| Piazza Pretoria / Quattro Canti (visit) | Free |
| Palazzo Abatellis (entry) | €6 |
| Mercato del Capo (street-food crawl) | €10 |
| Piazza Bologni (aperitivo) | €8 |
| Piazza Marina / Caffè del Kassaro (aperitivo) | €8 |
| Trattoria da Pino (dinner, Via Roma) | €25 |
| Piazza Sant'Anna / Chiesa di Santa Caterina (evening) | Free |
| Monreale Cathedral (Cattedrale di Monreale) - entry | €6 |
| Chiostro dei Benedettini (Monreale cloister) - entry included | €6 |
| Pasticceria Savia (Monreale pastry) | €3 |
| Belvedere di Monreale (view) | Free |
| Frantoio Garozzo (olive oil tasting estimate) | €10 |
| Museo Diocesano di Monreale (entry) | €4 |
| Enoteca Il Loggiato (wine tasting) | €12 |
| I Cuochini (aperitivo, Palermo) | €8 |
| Evening street-food tour (Mercato del Capo) - guided | €35 |
| Foro Italico Umberto I (evening stroll) | Free |
| Bar Touring (breakfast brioche & granita) | €6 |
| Villa Giulia (park visit) | Free |
| Mercato della Vucciria (souvenirs purchase estimate) | €12 |
| Caffè del Cassaro (iced coffee) | €4 |
| Botega dei Sette (crafts / small purchase estimate) | €20 |
| Orto Botanico di Palermo (entry) | €6 |
| Osteria dei Vespri (final evening dinner, alternate) | €40 |
| Trattoria Ai Cascinari (alternate dinner) | €25 |
| Giardino Inglese (evening stroll) | Free |
| Bye Bye Blues Bar (nightcap) | €8 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | €976 |