Start your luxurious Sicilian trip in Catania, where breathtaking baroque architecture, delicious food, and stunning sea views meet. Spend your first day at the heart of the city, Piazza del Duomo, where the imposing Cathedral and the exquisite Fontana dell'Elefante resplendently stand. Take a stroll to the lively fish market to sample the freshest seafood dishes and then head to the charming Via Etnea, one of the city's most remarkable shopping streets. End your day with an elegant dinner at Vicari, an exquisite Michelin-starred restaurant.
On your second day, take a day trip to Taormina, the stunning hilltop town perched above the Ionian Sea. Explore the Greek Theater and the lush gardens of Villa Comunale, where you can admire breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the sea. Afterward, descend to the gorgeous Mazzarò Beach, where you can relish the crystal-clear waters in a private beach club, such as La Pigna, while indulging in refreshing cocktails and delicious light bites.
Travel to Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to discover the Valley of the Temples. The archaeological park lies on a ridge amidst almond groves, and it features some of the most outstanding examples of ancient Greek architecture, including the astonishing Temple of Concordia, which dates back to the 5th century BCE. If you have time, visit the impressive Archaeological Museum, which displays an extensive collection of ancient artifacts.
Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, boasts fascinating historic palaces, stunning churches, and bustling markets. You can begin your day at the splendid Palermo Cathedral, which showcases an array of styles, from Norman to Baroque, and houses King Roger II's tomb. Then, stroll along the vibrant Mercato del Capo, an excellent spot to shop for local delicacies and souvenirs. End your day at the Michelin-starred Bye Bye Blues, renowned for an innovative and sophisticated cuisine that blends traditional flavors with contemporary twists.
On your final day, venture to Cefalù, a picturesque seaside town whose stunning golden beach, charming historic center, and impressive Norman-Arab Cathedral make it a must-visit destination. Explore the winding streets of the old town adorned with colorful buildings, sample the traditional pane cunzatu, a delicious bread stuffed with fresh ingredients, and take a leisurely stroll on the gorgeous beach. End your day on a high note by watching the sunset with a refreshing cocktail at the chic Le Calette Beach Club.
To explore Sicily during five luxurious days, we highly recommend renting a private car and driver. Despite being a small island, transportation can be complicated, and a private car guarantees comfort, safety, and punctuality. Additionally, it grants more independence and flexibility to the traveler, who can easily adjust the itinerary to personal preferences. The estimated cost of the driver is around €600 for five days, but it may vary depending on the rental company and the season.
If you have more time, we recommend exploring the charming town of Syracuse, the world-famous seaside resort of Taormina, and the ancient city of Segesta. You can also indulge in the Italian Dolce Vita by staying at one of the luxurious resorts in Taormina or on the Aeolian Islands. If you have less time, we suggest trimming the itinerary by skipping either Agrigento or Cefalù.
Sicily has two international airports: Catania and Palermo. Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is situated 5 km southwest of the city center, and it operates with many airlines, such as Ryanair, Alitalia, Lufthansa, and Wizz Air. Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) is 19 km west of Palermo, and it also serves several airlines, including EasyJet, Ryanair, and Air France. Both airports offer excellent public transportation options, such as buses and taxis, to reach the city centers.