Welcome to Rome! Start your journey with an authentic Italian lunch at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 near the Pantheon. After lunch, visit the Pantheon, one of the most well-preserved ancient Roman buildings, dating back to 27 BC. Continue on to Piazza Navona, a beautiful square with three fountains and stunning baroque architecture. End your day with a visit to Trevi Fountain, a popular spot to toss a coin and make a wish.
Visit the world-famous Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica early in the morning to avoid crowds. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely walk through the lush Vatican Gardens. Take a break for lunch and then explore ancient Rome in the afternoon, starting with a visit to the Colosseum, the world's largest amphitheatre. Then, visit the Roman Forum, once the center of ancient Roman life, and end your day with a visit to the Pantheon for a stunning night view.
Take a morning break and enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast at Pasticceria Valzani. Walk around the charming Trastevere neighborhood, dotted with cobblestone streets, piazzas, and medieval-era buildings. Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome. Enjoy a leisurely lunch followed by a scenic walk through Villa Farnesina, a stunning Renaissance villa with frescoes painted by Raphael. End your day with a dinner and drinks at Bottega Trattoria, a popular local spot for traditional Roman cuisine.
Take an early morning walk around Piazza del Popolo, one of Rome's most famous and picturesque squares. Afterward, grab a quick bite to eat and take a taxi to Fiumicino Airport for your flight to Palermo, Sicily. Once you arrive in Palermo, relax and unwind before starting your Sicilian adventure tomorrow. Enjoy dinner at Antica Caffetteria Spinnato, an iconic Sicilian café on the city's main boulevard, Via Maqueda.
Start your day in Palermo with a visit to the Palermo Cathedral and Palazzo dei Normanni, a stunning example of Norman architecture. Afterward, head to the lively Ballaro Market for a taste of authentic Sicilian street food. In the afternoon, take a short trip to Monreale to visit the Monreale Cathedral, a breathtaking example of Arab-Norman architecture. End your day with a romantic dinner at Bacio di Latte, a cozy gelateria and café featuring delicious homemade gelato and pastries.
Take an early morning drive to the stunning Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Explore ancient Greek temples, including the Temple of Concordia, one of the best-preserved temples of its kind. Afterward, take a scenic drive to the charming town of Sciacca for lunch at Trattoria Zia Maria, a cozy family restaurant with delicious seafood dishes. End the day with a visit to the Scala dei Turchi, a stunning white limestone cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Take a scenic drive to the picturesque town of Taormina. Start your day with a visit to the Greek Theater, offering stunning views of the Ionian Sea. Take a walk through charming streets and enjoy a delicious lunch at Porta Messina, a cozy trattoria famous for its pizzas. In the afternoon, visit the Mt. Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Take a cable car ride up to the summit and explore the volcano's craters and lava flows. End your day with dinner at Ristorante La Capinera, a stunning restaurant in a Mediterranean garden with a sea view.
Start your day with a visit to the charming town of Catania, famous for its stunning Baroque architecture. Visit the Piazza del Duomo, home to the town's stunning cathedral, and explore the lively fish market. After lunch, head to the ancient Greek town of Syracuse, located on the Ionian Sea. Visit the stunning Ortigia Island, known for its charming piazzas, narrow streets, and ancient ruins. End your day with a seafood dinner at Ristorante Don Camillo, located on the island's main promenade.
Take an early morning walk around the lovely Ortigia Island and enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast at one of the town's many cafes. Head to Catania Airport for your return flight home.
Throughout the nine-day trip, travelers should consider taking taxis, trains, and flights to travel between destinations. For intercity travel in Sicily, consider renting a car for ease of mobility. Estimated costs for transportation will be €500 and travel time will vary depending on the destination and mode of transport.
If travelers have more time, they might consider a trip to the beautiful Amalfi Coast or picturesque Tuscany. If time is limited, consider removing a day from Rome and adding it to Palermo to experience more of Sicily. Additionally, travelers may want to consider visiting during the off-season to avoid crowds at popular tourist spots.
Rome has two main airports: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) and Ciampino Airport (CIA). Palermo has Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO). Catania has Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). All airports are located outside the city centers, with travel times ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour.