10-Day Eastern Sicily Wine, Culture, and Culinary Road Trip from Palermo

Day 1: Palermo Arrival

Palermo, Italy on September 28, 2025

3:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Palazzo Brunaccini

A stylish hotel in the historic centre, perfect for exploring Palermo's cultural gems.
EUR120, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Palermo Cathedral

Explore Palermo's iconic cathedral featuring diverse architectural styles, reflecting the city's rich history.
EUR5, 1h

6:00pm

Evening Stroll through Quattro Canti

Enjoy the lively historic square known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and fountains.
Free, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Antica Focacceria San Francesco

Savour traditional Sicilian street food like arancini and panelle at this beloved eatery open until 11 pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 2: Palermo Culture

Palermo, Italy on September 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Cappello

Start the day with Sicilian pastries such as cannoli or cassata at this renowned pastry shop.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Palazzo dei Normanni and Palatine Chapel

Explore the Norman palace with stunning mosaics in the Palatine Chapel, a masterpiece of Arab-Norman art.
EUR12, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Osteria dei Vespri

Enjoy fresh seafood and Sicilian cuisine in a cosy setting, open from noon.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Mercato di Ballarò

Experience Palermo’s bustling street market, perfect for local products and lively atmosphere.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Drive to Cefalù

A scenic 1hr drive east to the charming coastal town of Cefalù.
Fuel approx. EUR10, 1h

5:30pm

Check-in at Hotel Le Calette

A stunning seaside hotel with panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
EUR140, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Brace

Dine on grilled specialties and fresh seafood, enjoying open-air dining near the beach.
EUR40, 2h

Day 3: Cefalù History & Wine

Cefalù, Italy on September 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a breakfast buffet with local Sicilian produce and pastries overlooking the sea.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Cefalù Cathedral

Discover this impressive Norman cathedral known for its Byzantine mosaics, open 9am-5pm.
EUR6, 1h

11:00am

Hike La Rocca

Climb the iconic rock overlooking Cefalù for panoramic views of town and coastline.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Al Faro

Enjoy fresh fish dishes paired with local wines in this highly rated seafood restaurant.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Wine Tasting at Azienda Agricola Fazio

Short drive to a nearby winery for a tasting of Sicilian wines, including Nero d'Avola and Grillo.
EUR25, 2h

6:00pm

Relax at Hotel or Beach

Spend your evening relaxing at the hotel or strolling the beach promenade.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Il Normanno

An authentic Sicilian restaurant in Cefalù's old town serving local classics made from family recipes.
EUR40, 2h

Day 4: Taormina Scenic Charm

Taormina, Italy on October 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Check-out

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before driving east to Taormina (approx 1.5 hours).
Included + Fuel EUR15, 2h

11:00am

Check-in at Hotel Villa Carlotta

A luxurious hotel offering spectacular views over Mount Etna and the sea.
EUR150, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Don Ciccio

Sample Sicilian and Mediterranean dishes in this charming eatery located in historic Taormina.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Ancient Theatre of Taormina

Explore the well-preserved Greco-Roman theatre with breathtaking views over the coastline, open 9am-6pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk Corso Umberto

Stroll the elegant main street with boutiques, cafes, and historical buildings.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Wine Tasting at Duca di Salaparuta

Visit this esteemed winery near Etna for a tasting session highlighting local volcanic terroir wines.
EUR30, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Capinera

Michelin-starred restaurant offering exquisite Sicilian cuisine with great views and ambience.
EUR70, 2h

Day 5: Mount Etna & Nature

Mount Etna region, Italy on October 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your hotel breakfast before heading out for a day of exploration on Mount Etna.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Mount Etna Guided Tour

Join a guided 4-hour hike or jeep tour exploring volcanic craters and unique landscapes, bookings recommended.
EUR60, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Rifugio Sapienza

Mountain refuge restaurant serving hearty Sicilian dishes perfect after the Mount Etna adventure.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Visit to Cantina Russo Winery

Discover a family-owned vineyard on the slopes of Etna for a wine tasting and cellar tour experience.
EUR25, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Taormina

Relax back at hotel after a full day of Etna exploration.
Fuel EUR10, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Nero D'Avola

Enjoy a selection of local wines paired with traditional dishes in cosy surroundings within Taormina.
EUR40, 2h

Day 6: Syracuse Ancient Charm

Syracuse, Italy on October 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel and check-out

Prepare for your journey to Syracuse (approx 1 hour drive).
Included + Fuel EUR10, 1h30m

10:00am

Check-in at Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel

A charming boutique hotel in the heart of Ortigia Island, perfect for exploring Syracuse.
EUR130, 30m

11:00am

Explore Neapolis Archaeological Park

Visit the ancient Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre, and the Ear of Dionysius, open 9am-7pm.
EUR10, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Don Camillo

Enjoy Sicilian seafood, fresh caught and prepared in traditional style on Ortigia Island.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walking tour of Ortigia Island

Discover baroque architecture, piazzas, and the vibrant market area with artisanal shops.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Relax at hotel or visit local wine bar Vino e Cuccuma

Sample Sicilian wines and cheeses in a cosy setting in Ortigia.
EUR20, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Apollonion Osteria da Carlo

Classic Sicilian dishes with a modern twist in a welcoming atmosphere, open till 11pm.
EUR40, 2h

Day 7: Syracuse & Island Leisure

Syracuse, Italy on October 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a Sicilian breakfast with local fruits and pastries.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Boat Tour Around Ortigia

Take a 2-hour boat tour to see the coastline, caves and views of the cathedral from the sea.
EUR30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Caseificio Borderi

Sample fresh cheeses and antipasti from this famous deli, great for a light, authentic lunch.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Museo Paolo Orsi

Explore one of Italy’s most important archaeological museums, open 9am-7pm.
EUR8, 2h

4:00pm

Relax in Ortigia’s Piazza del Duomo

People-watch and enjoy a coffee or gelato in the heart of the city.
EUR5, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sicilia in Tavola

Enjoy homely Sicilian cuisine with local wines in a sophisticated setting.
EUR45, 2h

Day 8: Noto Baroque Beauty

Noto, Italy on October 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Check-out

Leave Syracuse and drive approx 40 mins to Noto, the baroque jewel of Sicily.
Included + Fuel EUR5, 1h30m

10:00am

Check-in at Gagliardi Boutique Hotel

Elegant accommodation in the historic centre, ideal for exploring Noto’s famous architecture.
EUR110, 30m

10:45am

Walking Tour of Noto

Marvel at Noto Cathedral, Palazzo Nicolaci and other UNESCO Baroque landmarks.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Dammuso

Savour creative Sicilian dishes using local ingredients, with a good wine list.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit to Feudo Maccari Winery

Enjoy a wine tasting and vineyard tour focusing on Nero d'Avola varietals near Noto.
EUR30, 2h

6:00pm

Relax at hotel

Freshen up and enjoy hotel amenities before dinner.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Manna Noto

A stylish restaurant offering sophisticated Sicilian cuisine with excellent wine pairings.
EUR50, 2h

Day 9: Leisure & Return to Palermo

Noto to Palermo, Italy on October 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Relax in Noto

Enjoy a leisurely morning breakfast and take a final walk around town.
Included, 2h

10:30am

Drive back to Palermo

Approximately 3.5-hour drive back north to Palermo with scenic Sicilian landscapes en route.
Fuel approx. EUR30, 3h30m

2:30pm

Check-in at Grand Hotel Wagner, Palermo

Elegant 4-star hotel close to main attractions, ideal to relax before last day.
EUR140, 30m

3:30pm

Visit Teatro Massimo

Explore Italy’s largest opera house and enjoy architecture and possibly an afternoon tour.
EUR8, 1h

5:00pm

Coffee and Pastries at Pasticceria Oscar

Enjoy an elegant coffee break with sweet Sicilian treats.
EUR10, 30m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Bye Bye Blues

Celebrate your Sicilian journey with a sophisticated dining experience featuring seafood specialties.
EUR60, 2h

Day 10: Departure

Palermo, Italy on October 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Palermo before your departure.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Return rental car and airport transfer

Head to Palermo Airport for departure; allow at least 2 hours before flight time.
Fuel and rental return fees approx. EUR20, 1h