5-Day Scenic and Cultural Journey Through Sicily

Day 1: Palermo Highlights

Palermo, Italy on June 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Antico Caffè Spinnato

Enjoy traditional Sicilian pastries like cannoli and a rich espresso at this famous Palermo café, open from 7am, perfect for starting your day.
EUR10, 1h

9:45am

Palermo Cathedral

Visit this stunning 12th-century cathedral with its mix of Norman, Arab and Baroque architectural styles. It opens at 7am and is a symbol of the city's multicultural heritage.
EUR5, 1h

11:00am

Palazzo dei Normanni and Cappella Palatina

Explore the Norman Palace and its breathtaking Cappella Palatina with golden mosaics. Open 8:15am-6pm, it offers insight into medieval Sicilian history.
EUR12, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Ballarò

Sample authentic Sicilian dishes such as pasta alla Norma and fresh seafood in this cozy eatery near the market. Open daily from 12pm to 3pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Mercato di Ballarò

Wander through Palermo’s bustling street market, enjoying fresh produce and vibrant local life until it closes around 4pm.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Teatro Massimo Tour

Take a guided tour of Italy’s largest opera house, known for its impressive acoustics and grand architecture. Tours run until 6pm.
EUR10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Antica Focacceria San Francesco

Dine on traditional Sicilian street foods and specialties like arancini and panelle in a historic setting open until 11pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Coastal Cefalù

Cefalù, Italy on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Palermo to Cefalù

Take a scenic 1-hour train ride east along the Tyrrhenian coast to the charming coastal town of Cefalù.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at Bam Bar

Known for its granita and pastries, Bam Bar offers an authentic Sicilian breakfast experience, open from 7:30am.
EUR8, 1h

10:30am

Visit Cefalù Cathedral

Explore the Norman cathedral adorned with stunning Byzantine mosaics. Open from 9am to 7pm.
Free, 1h

11:45am

Climb La Rocca

Hike up La Rocca hill for panoramic views of Cefalù and the sea. The trail starts near the town and takes about 1 hour to climb.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Lo Scoglio

Enjoy fresh fish and seafood dishes overlooking the beach. Open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Beach Time at Cefalù

Relax or swim at the beautiful sandy beach, perfect on a sunny afternoon. Public access is free.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Stroll through the Old Town

Wander the narrow medieval streets full of charming shops and cafés until sunset.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Al Faro

Savour traditional Sicilian cuisine with a view of Cefalù Cathedral, restaurant is open until 10:30pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 3: Mount Etna & Taormina

Taormina, Italy on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Depart for Mount Etna

Drive or join a tour to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, about 2 hours from Cefalù. Tours start early to avoid crowds.
EUR50 for guided tour, 6h

8:30am

Mount Etna Guided Trek

Explore the volcanic craters and lava fields with a knowledgeable guide, learning about Etna’s geological history and local flora.
Included in tour, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Rifugio Sapienza

Enjoy pizza or local specialties with views of the volcano. Open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Travel on to Taormina

Drive approximately 1 hour down the coast to Taormina, a picturesque hill town known for its ancient theatre and sea views.
EUR15 by bus, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Ancient Theatre of Taormina

Tour the Teatro Greco, a well-preserved Greco-Roman theatre that offers spectacular views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR10, 1h

5:00pm

Stroll Corso Umberto

Relax and shop along Taormina’s main street lined with boutiques and cafés.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Nino

Eat freshly caught seafood paired with local wines in a traditional trattoria. Open until 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Syracuse Ancient Wonders

Syracuse, Italy on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Transfer to Syracuse

Take a 1.5-hour drive south along the coast to Syracuse, famed for its rich Greek history and archaeology.
EUR20 by bus, 1h30m

9:45am

Breakfast at Caffè Minerva

Enjoy a classic espresso and Sicilian cassata cake in Syracuse’s historic Ortigia district. Open from 7am.
EUR8, 1h

10:45am

Parco Archeologico della Neapolis

Explore the large archaeological park with a Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre and the Ear of Dionysius cave. Open 8:30am-7pm.
EUR10, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sicilia in Tavola

Traditional Sicilian cuisine featuring local produce and seafood in a charming setting, open noon to 3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Ortigia Island

Wander through the picturesque old town, visiting the Duomo and quaint piazzas. Free to explore and open all day.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at the Fountain of Arethusa

Enjoy the serene waterside fountain and its surrounding gardens in Ortigia.
Free, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Vin de l’Assassin Bistrot

Unique blend of Sicilian and French cuisine in an intimate atmosphere, open until 10:30pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Baroque Beauty in Noto

Noto, Italy on June 6, 2025

8:30am

Travel to Noto

A scenic 40-minute drive south from Syracuse to Noto, renowned for its baroque architecture and UNESCO-listed old town.
EUR15, 40m

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Sicilia

Famous for its granita al limone and almond pastries, Café Sicilia is a must-visit, open from 8am.
EUR8, 1h

10:30am

Explore Noto’s Cathedral and Corso Vittorio Emanuele

Walk through the elegant streets and visit the Cathedral, a magnificent example of Sicilian baroque style. Cathedral open from 7am to 7pm.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Dammuso

Enjoy traditional Sicilian dishes with a modern twist in an elegant setting, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Palazzo Nicolaci

Tour this baroque palace famous for its elaborate balconies and interiors. Open 9am to 2pm.
EUR5, 1h

4:00pm

Relax in the public gardens

Spend a peaceful afternoon in Villa Comunale Park, enjoying views of the old town.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Manna Noto

End your trip with a fine dining experience serving contemporary Sicilian cuisine using local ingredients, open until 10pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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