8-Day Autumn Adventure in Sicily from Zürich

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Palermo

Palermo, Italy on October 4, 2025

10:00am

Flight arrival and transfer

Arrive in Palermo from Zürich and transfer to your hotel to settle in. Prepare for an exciting week ahead.
EUR0, 1h0m

11:30am

Breakfast at Antico Caffè Spinnato

Enjoy traditional Sicilian pastries like cannoli and granita with coffee in this historic Palermo café, perfect to start your day.
EUR10, 1h0m

12:30pm

Visit Palermo Cathedral

Explore this impressive Norman cathedral characterized by its unique Arab-Norman architectural style. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR5, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Ballarò

Taste authentic Sicilian street food like arancini and panelle in this lively eatery near the Ballarò market.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Ballarò Market Visit

Stroll through Palermo’s famous open-air market to experience local life, fresh produce, and crafts. Great for photos and souvenirs.
EUR0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Foro Italico

Walk through this beautiful seaside park to unwind and enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea before dinner.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Ai Cascinari

Dine on traditional Sicilian dishes such as pasta alla Norma, complemented by local wines in a cozy setting.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 2: Historic Cefalù Visit

Cefalù, Italy on October 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a light Italian breakfast at your accommodation before traveling to Cefalù.
EUR0, 0h45m

9:00am

Travel to Cefalù

Drive or take the train east along the coast to the charming town of Cefalù. Journey lasts approximately 1h15m.
EUR10, 1h15m

10:30am

Visit Cefalù Cathedral

Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site with its stunning Norman architecture and vibrant mosaics. Open 9:00am-6:00pm.
EUR6, 1h0m

11:45am

Climb La Rocca

Hike the short but scenic trail up the massive rock overlooking Cefalù for panoramic views of the town and sea.
EUR0, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Il Normanno

Savor fresh seafood dishes like swordfish or pasta with sardines in a charming, local restaurant near the beach.
EUR30, 1h15m

3:00pm

Relax on Cefalù Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon walking or resting on Cefalù’s sandy beach with its clear blue water.
EUR0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return to Palermo

Travel back to Palermo for overnight stay to prepare for the next day’s travel east towards Taormina.
EUR10, 1h15m

8:00pm

Dinner at Ferro di Cavallo

Enjoy hearty Sicilian dishes and local wine in this bustling Palermo favorite close to your hotel.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 3: Taormina’s Ancient Charm

Taormina, Italy on October 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have your morning meal at your accommodation before heading to Taormina.
EUR0, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Taormina

Travel about 3 hours east to the hilltop city of Taormina, famous for its picturesque views and ancient ruins.
EUR0, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Ancient Theatre of Taormina

Explore the stunning Greco-Roman theatre with spectacular views of Mount Etna and the southern coast of Sicily. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR10, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Don Ciccio

Relish Sicilian specialties like caponata and fresh pasta dishes while enjoying the quaint ambiance.
EUR30, 1h0m

1:45pm

Walk Corso Umberto

Stroll this lively pedestrian street filled with boutiques, cafes, and gelato shops, soaking in the local vibe.
EUR0, 1h15m

3:15pm

Visit Isola Bella

Take a short walk down to this beautiful bay and protected nature reserve for swimming, sunbathing or photography.
EUR0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Check-in and rest at hotel

Relax at your hotel after an active day before dinner.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Zagara

Enjoy freshly made Sicilian dishes emphasizing seafood and local ingredients with a lovely garden setting.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 4: Mount Etna Experience

Mount Etna, Sicily on October 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before embarking on your volcanic adventure.
EUR0, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Mount Etna

Head to Europe’s most active volcano, about an hour from Taormina.
EUR0, 1h0m

9:00am

Mount Etna Guided Tour

Join a half-day guided excursion including hiking and visiting craters with insights into the volcano’s geology and history. Tours typically run 9:00am-1:00pm.
EUR60, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Rifugio Sapienza

Enjoy local mountain cuisine with stunning views of Etna’s slopes right after your hike.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Etna Wine Region

In the afternoon, visit a nearby vineyard for a wine tasting and tour to experience Etna’s unique volcanic wines.
EUR30, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Taormina

Transfer back to your hotel to rest.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Villa Zuccaro

Treat yourself to a delicious Sicilian pizza or fresh pasta in a casual setting favored by locals.
EUR25, 1h0m

Day 5: Syracuse Historical Tour

Syracuse, Italy on October 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a little rest and breakfast before heading south to Syracuse (approx. 1h15m).
EUR0, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Syracuse

Travel south to Syracuse, a coastal city rich in ancient Greek history and architecture.
EUR0, 1h15m

9:30am

Visit Archaeological Park Neapolis

Explore Greek and Roman ruins, including the impressive Greek Theatre and Ear of Dionysius. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

11:45am

Walk through Ortigia Island

Discover the historic heart of Syracuse with beautiful baroque architecture, shops, and waterfront views.
EUR0, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch at Apollonion Osteria da Carlo

Dine on fresh seafood dishes like grilled swordfish and Sicilian pasta specialties in Ortigia.
EUR35, 1h15m

2:30pm

Visit Syracuse Cathedral

See the stunning cathedral built on the site of an ancient temple, showcasing a blend of styles from Greek to Baroque.
EUR3, 1h0m

4:00pm

Coffee at Café VizioVirtù

Rest with a coffee or gelato at a popular local café while enjoying Ortigia’s bustling atmosphere.
EUR8, 0h45m

5:00pm

Check into hotel in Syracuse

Relax and freshen up after a full day of sightseeing.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria da Liolà

Enjoy authentic Sicilian dishes with a warm atmosphere, featuring local ingredients and traditional recipes.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 6: Baroque Noto Exploration

Noto, Italy on October 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Begin with breakfast before a short 40-min drive to Noto, famed for its exquisite baroque buildings.
EUR0, 0h45m

9:00am

Walking tour of Noto

Spend the morning wandering Noto’s stunning Corso Vittorio Emanuele, visiting the Noto Cathedral and Palazzo Nicolaci.
EUR0, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Caffè Sicilia

Taste some of the region’s best granita and pastries along with light Sicilian lunch options.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:15pm

Visit Vendicari Nature Reserve

A short drive from Noto, enjoy walking trails, bird watching, and some beach time in this beautiful coastal reserve.
EUR0, 3h0m

4:30pm

Return to Syracuse

Drive back to Syracuse to prepare for the next day's journey west to Agrigento.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Don Camillo

Finish the day with a sophisticated Sicilian meal featuring fresh, local produce in the heart of Syracuse.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 7: Valley of the Temples

Agrigento, Italy on October 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before the drive to Agrigento (about 2h30m) to explore the famous archaeological area.
EUR0, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Agrigento

Travel to Agrigento in western Sicily to visit the ancient Greek ruins.
EUR0, 2h30m

10:30am

Valley of the Temples Tour

Explore one of Sicily’s most iconic archaeological sites including the Temple of Concordia. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR12, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria dei Templi

Delight in local Agrigento specialties close to the archaeological site.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:45pm

Visit Agrigento Old Town

Wander Agrigento’s historic center with charming streets, cafes, and views over the coast.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:30pm

Drive to Palermo

Return to Palermo (approx. 2h30m) for your last night in Sicily.
EUR0, 2h30m

7:30pm

Farewell dinner at Bisso Bistrot

Enjoy a modern twist on Sicilian cuisine in an elegant Palermo setting, perfect to conclude your trip.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 8: Departure

Palermo, Italy on October 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final morning meal in Palermo at the hotel before heading to the airport.
EUR0, 0h45m

9:00am

Transfer to Palermo Airport

Travel to Palermo Airport for your flight back to Zürich.
EUR0, 1h0m