5-Day Scenic and Cultural Journey Through Sicily, Italy

Day 1: Historic Palermo Exploration

Palermo, Italy on May 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Antico Caffè Spinnato

Enjoy traditional Sicilian pastries and rich Italian coffee in this historic Palermo café, open from 7am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Palermo Cathedral

Explore this architectural masterpiece showcasing Norman, Moorish, and Baroque influences, open 7:30am to 7pm.
EUR5, 1h30m

11:00am

Teatro Massimo Tour

Tour Italy’s largest opera house for its stunning interior and historical significance, open 9am-6pm.
EUR8, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Ballarò

Taste authentic Sicilian dishes like pasta alla Norma near the famous Ballarò market, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Ballarò Market

Wander through Palermo’s vibrant street market featuring fresh produce, seafood, and local crafts, open until 6pm.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Palazzo dei Normanni and Cappella Palatina

Discover the stunning royal palace and its magnificent Byzantine mosaics, open 8:15am-5:30pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Ai Cascinari

Dine on traditional Sicilian cuisine in a cozy setting, popular for fresh seafood and local recipes, usually open until 10pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 2: Monreale and Coastal Cefalù

Monreale and Cefalù, Italy on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Rusticana, Monreale

Have freshly baked pastries and coffee before visiting the cathedral, open from 7am.
EUR8, 45m

9:00am

Monreale Cathedral Visit

Admire spectacular Norman-Byzantine mosaics inside this UNESCO World Heritage cathedral, open 8am-7pm.
EUR6, 1h30m

11:00am

Travel to Cefalù (Approx 1hr)

Scenic drive along the northern Sicilian coast to the charming town of Cefalù for the afternoon.
EUR0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Brace

Enjoy seafood specialties near Cefalù beach, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR22, 1h

1:30pm

Cefalù Cathedral and Old Town

Visit the Norman cathedral and stroll the medieval streets and sandy beaches, cathedral open 9am-7pm.
EUR5, 2h

3:30pm

Climb La Rocca

Hike up to the ancient fortress and enjoy panoramic views of Cefalù and the sea, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Il Normanno

Savour traditional Sicilian dishes using fresh local ingredients, open until 10pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 3: Taormina’s Charm

Taormina, Italy on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bam Bar

Famous for granita and freshly brewed Italian coffee, open from 7am.
EUR10, 45m

8:30am

Travel to Taormina (Approx 2hrs from Cefalù)

Drive southeast along the coast to the beautiful hilltop town of Taormina.
EUR0, 2h

10:30am

Greek Theatre of Taormina

Explore the 3rd-century BCE ancient Greek theatre with amazing views of Mount Etna, open 9am-7pm.
EUR10, 1h

11:45am

Walk along Corso Umberto

Enjoy shopping, cafes and historical architecture in Taormina’s lively main street.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Capinera

Michelin-starred dining offering exquisite Sicilian cuisine with a sea view, open 12pm–2:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Isola Bella

Relax on this tiny island nature reserve with a pebble beach, open daily, entrance free but boat trips may have a fee.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Coffee break at Caffè Wunderbar

Historic café perfect for a refreshment before evening activities.
EUR7, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria RossoDiVino

Enjoy refined local dishes paired with Sicilian wines, open until 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 4: Mount Etna and Catania

Mount Etna and Catania, Italy on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at your hotel in Taormina

Fuel up for an active day with a hearty Italian breakfast before departing.
EUR10, 30m

7:30am

Travel to Mount Etna

Drive up towards Europe’s highest and most active volcano; guided tours available starting 8am.
EUR0, 1h

8:30am

Mount Etna Guided Tour

Join an organized group or private guide for exploring volcanic craters and lava fields, tours last about 3-4 hours.
EUR50, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Rifugio Sapienza

Casual lunch at the mountain refuge featuring local specialties, open daily.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Catania

Descend to Catania city for more sightseeing, about 1 hour drive.
EUR0, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Piazza Duomo and Catania Cathedral

Explore the lively city centre with its baroque cathedral and Elephant Fountain, open freely all day.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit La Pescheria Market

Discover this vibrant fish market, a great place for local culture, open until early evening.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Antonio

Sample authentic Sicilian dishes including pasta and fresh fish, open until 10pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 5: Historic Syracuse Discovery

Syracuse, Italy on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Moak, Catania

Indulge in a robust Sicilian coffee and pastries before traveling to Syracuse, open from 7:30am.
EUR8, 45m

9:00am

Travel to Syracuse (Approx 1hr)

Drive southward to the historic coastal town of Syracuse.
EUR0, 1h

10:00am

Archaeological Park of Neapolis

Visit a remarkable site including the Greek Theatre and Ear of Dionysius, open 9am-6:30pm.
EUR10, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Sicilia in Tavola

Enjoy authentic Sicilian cuisine featuring fresh seafood in a warm atmosphere, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Ortigia Island

Stroll through historic streets, visit the cathedral and enjoy seaside views, accessible all day.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Gelato break at Gelateria Fiordilatte

Taste some of the best artisan gelato in Sicily.
EUR5, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Don Camillo

End your Sicilian adventure with elegant dining on delicious local dishes and wines, open until 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m