13-Day Scenic Road Trip from Naples to Sicily for Couples in Their 50s

Day 1: Naples Exploration

Naples, Italy on May 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Gran Caffè Gambrinus

Enjoy traditional Neapolitan espresso and sfogliatella pastries in this historic cafe close to Piazza del Plebiscito.
EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Visit Naples National Archaeological Museum

Explore one of Italy's premier archaeological museums featuring artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, a must for history enthusiasts.
EUR15, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria da Nennella

Savor authentic Neapolitan dishes in a lively, local atmosphere famed for its fresh seafood and pasta.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Stroll through Spaccanapoli and visit the Duomo di San Gennaro

Walk the narrow historic street Spaccanapoli and see the stunning Naples Cathedral, known for the miracle of the blood of San Gennaro.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Palazzo Petrucci

Dine in style at this Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined Neapolitan cuisine with views over the Gulf of Naples.
EUR80, 2h
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Day 2: Amalfi Coast Drive

Amalfi Coast, Italy on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Sorrento at Bar Syrenuse

Start your day with classic espresso and cornetti in the heart of Sorrento, overlooking the marina.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Explore Sorrento Old Town

Wander charming alleyways, visit the Cathedral, and browse artisan shops in this vibrant town.
Free, 1.5h

11:00am

Drive along Amalfi Coast to Positano

Enjoy a scenic coastal drive with spectacular cliffside views, stopping at scenic overlooks for photos.
Fuel approx. EUR15, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Pergola, Positano

Dine on fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine with breathtaking sea views.
EUR40, 1.5h

2:30pm

Relax at Spiaggia Grande beach

Unwind on the main beach of Positano, enjoy the sun and vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Drive to Amalfi town and visit the Cathedral

Visit the iconic Amalfi Cathedral with its stunning facade and cloisters, explore the piazza.
EUR3, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Marina Grande, Amalfi

Seafront dining featuring traditional Amalfi flavors and fresh ingredients.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 3: Calabria Coastal Journey

Tropea, Calabria, Italy on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Amalfi

Light breakfast with local pastries and coffee to fuel the day.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Drive to Tropea, Calabria

Scenic 3.5-hour drive south through the coastal highway of Calabria.
Fuel approx. EUR30, 3.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Il Convivio, Tropea

Enjoy Calabria specialties like ‘nduja and fresh seafood in this charming eatery.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:00pm

Explore Tropea Old Town and Beaches

Visit the historic center with cliff-side views and relax on the famous sandy beaches.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Visit Santa Maria dell’Isola Church

A picturesque cliff-top church offering panoramic sunset views over the sea.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Pimm's

Savor Mediterranean dishes with a modern touch in an elegant setting.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 4: Messina and Eastern Sicily Start

Messina, Sicily, Italy on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local cafe in Tropea

Coffee and sweet pastries to start off the travel day.
EUR8, 0.5h

8:00am

Drive to Villa San Giovanni and ferry to Messina

About 2 hours drive, then 20-minute ferry crossing to Sicily.
Fuel EUR20, Ferry EUR30, 2.5h

11:00am

Visit Messina Cathedral and Bell Tower

Explore the historic cathedral with its beautiful mosaic floor and astronomical clock show at noon.
EUR3, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Casa di Ramella, Messina

Traditional Sicilian cuisine with fresh local ingredients and a cozy atmosphere.
EUR35, 1.5h

2:30pm

Drive to Taormina

Short 45-minute scenic drive to the hilltop town of Taormina.
Fuel EUR5, 0.75h

3:15pm

Visit Greek Theatre of Taormina

Ancient open-air theatre with stunning views of Mt Etna and the coastline, open until 7pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

5:00pm

Stroll Corso Umberto and Piazza IX Aprile

Enjoy shopping, sightseeing and coffee in the charming main street and square.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Griglia

Fine dining featuring Sicilian grilled specialties located near the town center.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 5: Catania and Mt. Etna

Catania, Sicily, Italy on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bam Bar, Taormina

Known for its granita and pastries, a refreshing local specialty.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Mt. Etna for Guided Tour

Approximately 1 hour drive to the base; guided tours depart morning and afternoon, reserve ahead.
EUR70, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Rifugio Sapienza

Mountain refuge with hearty Sicilian and mountain dishes, ideal after hiking.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Drive to Catania City Center

30 minutes drive, arriving mid-afternoon to explore.
Fuel EUR5, 0.5h

3:30pm

Visit Piazza Duomo and Catania Cathedral

View the famous Elephant Fountain and explore the baroque cathedral at the city center.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Explore La Pescheria Market

Lively fish market offering a sensory feast of Sicilian food culture, open daily until 7pm.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Antonio

Traditional Catanese cuisine with fresh seafood, pasta and excellent local wines.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 6: Syracuse Charm

Syracuse, Sicily, Italy on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Letterario in Ortigia

Light breakfast in the historic center with coffee and fresh croissants.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Syracuse

Short scenic 1 hour drive along east coast to historic Syracuse.
Fuel EUR5, 1h

10:00am

Visit Neapolis Archaeological Park

Explore Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, and the Ear of Dionysius, open 9am-7pm.
EUR12, 2.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria La Foglia

A quaint restaurant offering authentic Sicilian dishes in Ortigia's old town.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:00pm

Wander Ortigia Island

Enjoy the baroque streets, visit Piazza Duomo and the waterfront promenade.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Don Camillo

Elegant dining experience with Sicilian seafood specialties and local wines.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 7: Modica and Ragusa

Modica & Ragusa, Sicily, Italy on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Syracuse

Simple and fresh Italian breakfast to start the day.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Drive to Modica

About 1 hour and 30 minutes drive inland into the Baroque towns of Val di Noto.
Fuel EUR10, 1.5h

10:00am

Tour Modica’s Historic Center and Chocolate Shops

Discover charming streets and enjoy tasting famous Modica chocolate.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Antica Dolceria Bonajuto

Historic chocolate and cafe where you can enjoy light meals and sweet treats.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Ragusa Ibla

Short 25-minute drive to the beautifully preserved Baroque quarter of Ragusa Ibla.
Fuel EUR3, 0.5h

2:00pm

Explore Ragusa Ibla

Stroll quaint piazzas, visit the Cathedral of San Giorgio and the Giardino Ibleo gardens.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Duomo (Michelin-star)

Exceptional Sicilian cuisine focusing on local products in elegant surroundings.
EUR100, 2h
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Day 8: Agrigento and Valley of the Temples

Agrigento, Sicily, Italy on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Ragusa

Light breakfast to prepare for travel day.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Drive to Agrigento

Approximately 2 hours drive along scenic roads to the Valley of the Temples.
Fuel EUR15, 2h

10:30am

Visit Valley of the Temples

UNESCO World Heritage site featuring well-preserved ancient Greek temples, open 9am to 7:30pm.
EUR12, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria dei Templi

Enjoy traditional Sicilian fare with views over the archeological park.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Explore Agrigento Old Town

Visit the Cathedral and charming streets to get a feel of the town’s character.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Drive to Sciacca, check in hotel

45-minute drive to coastal town Sciacca ideal for overnight stay.
Fuel EUR7, 0.75h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Sikania

Famous for fresh fish dishes and Mediterranean cuisine with peaceful sea views.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 9: Western Sicily and Palermo

Palermo, Sicily, Italy on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Sciacca

Simple coastal breakfast focused on coffee and pastries.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Palermo

Roughly 2 hours drive up the coast towards Sicily’s capital city.
Fuel EUR15, 2h

11:30am

Visit Palermo Cathedral and Palazzo dei Normanni

Experience Norman architecture and ornate interiors of Palermo’s highlights, open 9am–7pm.
EUR12, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Antica Focacceria San Francesco

Iconic spot for authentic street-food style Sicilian cuisine in historic Palermo.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Explore Quattro Canti and Piazza Pretoria

Discover the baroque open-air squares and fountains in central Palermo.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Shopping and strolling in the historic market of Ballarò

Experience vibrant local life, grabbing artisanal goods and tasting street snacks.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria dei Vespri

Elegant restaurant offering traditional Sicilian specialties with a contemporary flair.
EUR60, 2h
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Day 10: Monreale and Relaxation

Monreale & Palermo, Sicily, Italy on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Palermo

Start the day with a classic Italian breakfast.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Drive to Monreale

20-minute drive to see the famous Monreale Cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman architecture.
Fuel EUR2, 0.5h

9:30am

Visit Monreale Cathedral

Admire the spectacular golden mosaics inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site, open 8:30am-6:30pm.
EUR6, 1.5h

11:30am

Return and relax in Palermo’s Foro Italico Park

Enjoy a leisurely walk or rest in the large seaside park with views of the harbor.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria ai Cascinari

Home-style Sicilian cooking in a cozy setting, perfect for a casual mid-day meal.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Free afternoon for shopping or visiting museums such as Museo Salinas

Explore Palermo’s art and archeology museum or browse boutiques at your own pace.
EUR8, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Il Mirto e la Rosa

Delight in Sicilian gourmet dishes using fresh, local ingredients in an elegant atmosphere.
EUR60, 2h
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Day 11: Zingaro Nature Reserve

Scopello, Sicily, Italy on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Palermo

Enjoy a relaxed morning meal to prepare for outdoor activity.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Drive to Zingaro Nature Reserve

A scenic 1.5-hour drive to one of Sicily’s best-preserved coastal parks with hiking and beaches.
Fuel EUR10, 1.5h

9:30am

Hike in Zingaro Nature Reserve

Experience spectacular coastal trails, coves and diverse flora. Park open 7:30am-8pm.
EUR6, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch in Scopello at Il Principe del Mare

Seaside restaurant with fresh caught seafood and local dishes.
EUR40, 1.5h

3:00pm

Relax at nearby beaches or explore the historic Tonnara di Scopello

Enjoy the crystal waters or visit the old tuna fishery with incredible views.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Drive back to Palermo

Return drive after a rewarding day in nature.
Fuel EUR10, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bye Bye Blues (Michelin-star)

Celebrate the trip with creative and refined Sicilian cuisine in Palermo.
EUR100, 2h
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Day 12: Relax and Departure Prep

Palermo, Sicily, Italy on May 29, 2025

8:30am

Leisurely breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final full day at a relaxed pace with hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Visit Mercato di Capo

Explore one of Palermo’s vibrant street markets for last-minute shopping and local treats.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Ballarò

Traditional Sicilian lunch with lively atmosphere near markets.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Optional visit to Palatine Chapel or relax at hotel

Choose a cultural visit to the chapel with its extraordinary mosaics or unwind at your accommodation.
EUR12, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Trattoria ai Normanni

Enjoy your last evening with traditional Sicilian dishes and excellent wine selection.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 13: Departure Day

Palermo, Sicily, Italy on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and check out

Enjoy your last Italian breakfast and prepare for departure.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Return rented car and travel to airport

Allow adequate time to return the car and check in for flight from Palermo airport.
Fuel EUR5, 2h
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