Sicily Grand Tour: See & Experience it all in 12 days

Welcome to Trapani, your gateway to the stunning Egadi Islands. Your journey begins at this charming coastal town, easily reached by direct flights from Rome, Milan, and other major European cities. While Trapani is still a working fishing port, you’ll quickly see why it’s famous as a lively hub full of culture and history.

In the evening, stroll along the pedestrianized streets where cafés, bars, and shops come alive. If you arrive before 4:00 pm, we’ll take you up to the hilltop town of Erice by cable car, where breathtaking views and charming streets await your exploration.

Set sail from Trapani for a stunning boat adventure to the Egadi Islands. Your first stop is Favignana Island, often described as butterfly-shaped, where you can explore caves carved from soft calcarenite rock, locally called ‘tufo’. Swim or relax in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.

Next, visit the charming Levanzo Island. Despite being the smallest of the three main Aegadian Islands, it’s widely considered the most picturesque, with a famous grotto to admire. A delicious lunch is included, giving you time to savor local flavors amid breathtaking scenery.

Before heading to Palermo, visit the Temple of Segesta. This remarkable archaeological site was once one of the major cities of the Elymians, one of Sicily’s three indigenous peoples. Early Greek influence shaped the culture and architecture of Segesta, leaving a lasting legacy.

Upon arrival in Palermo, enjoy a guided tour of the city. Discover its rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and renowned gastronomy. With a history spanning over 2,700 years, Palermo is a city where every street tells a story.

Travel from Palermo to the historic town of Agrigento, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the town. Then, take a self-guided tour of the nearby Valle dei Templi, one of the finest examples of ancient Greek art and architecture. This archaeological site is one of Sicily’s most famous attractions and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

Spanning 1,300 hectares, the Valley of the Temples is the largest archaeological park in Europe and the Mediterranean basin. Its illuminated ruins at night create a majestic and unforgettable ambiance. After your visit, return to Agrigento to soak in the lively atmosphere of the town center, filled with cheerful music and happy locals.

Travel from Agrigento to the coastal town of Syracuse with a stop in nearby Noto. This mountain town is famous for its early 18th-century buildings, many of which are among the finest examples of Sicilian baroque architecture. Noto is widely regarded as the best-preserved historic town in Sicily.

Continue to Syracuse, once the largest city in the ancient world and today one of Sicily’s most authentic destinations. Since 2005, Syracuse has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while Noto received the same designation in 2002. Discover the rich history, charming streets, and unique character of these two remarkable towns.

Start your day with a boat ride around Ortygia, the small island at the heart of Syracuse, where you can also enjoy swimming in the clear waters. Next, travel to the port city of Catania and check into your hotel.

Take a quick drive to visit Aci Castello, a castle perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. Continue on to Aci Trezza, a charming coastal village famous for its three tall sea stacks rising from the water.

Return to Catania for a guided tour of the city, where baroque architecture and vibrant streets await. In the evening, experience Catania’s lively nightlife, felt throughout the energetic downtown area.

Travel from Catania to the coastal town of Taormina. Begin the day at Letojanni Beach, perfect for a refreshing swim, followed by a visit to Forza D’Agro, where you can take in panoramic views. Next, stop at Sant’ Alessio Siculo for another stunning viewpoint.

Continue to the charming village of Savoca, known for its beautiful views and historic church, and then to the hilltop village of Castelmola. Finally, explore the highlights of Taormina itself, with its ancient streets and vibrant atmosphere.

In the evening, upon request, you can head to nearby Giardini Naxos Beach to enjoy nightlife, bars, and beachside fun.

Before heading to the coastal town of Milazzo, enjoy a full day exploring Taormina and its surroundings. Begin with a land and helicopter tour to Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe, standing at 3,357 meters (11,014 feet). One of the world’s most active volcanoes, Etna is almost constantly in motion. Its fertile slopes support vineyards and orchards, creating a unique agricultural landscape. In June 2013, Mount Etna was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next, visit Alcantara Gorge, also known as Gole dell'Alcantara. Enjoy a scenic hike and a swim in this stunning natural formation. Thousands of years ago, a lava flow from Mount Etna blocked the riverbed, cooling rapidly and forming remarkable columnar structures. Over millennia, the river carved a dramatic channel through these columns, creating deep gorges and ravines. Before continuing to Milazzo, return to Taormina to enjoy lunch and explore the town at your leisure.

From Milazzo, embark on a boat day trip first to Panarea Island and then to Stromboli Island. Panarea is the smallest of the seven inhabited Aeolian Islands, surrounded by unique islets and skerries accessible only by boat. Stromboli is one of Italy’s four active volcanoes, constantly erupting with minor activity that is often visible from the island and surrounding waters. The volcanic eruptions are especially striking at night.

Note that on Day 9, if your itinerary includes Lipari and Vulcano Islands instead of Panarea and Stromboli, you will spend the night in Cefalù. Also, the Panarea and Stromboli boat trip from Milazzo does not operate daily.

From Milazzo, travel to the charming coastal village of Cefalù, where you are provided with a guided walking tour. You will also visit the hilltop château. If you aren’t a fit walker, you may choose to skip the climb, though the views from the top are truly stunning.

Before relocating back to Palermo, we have free time to enjoy Cefalu. Despite its size, every year this village attracts millions of tourists from all over Italy and elsewhere in Europe. When you independently stroll the streets, you will see why Cefalu is so beloved. It is a postcard perfect village. In Palermo, our evening ends with a cooking class at a local eatery followed by dinner, which is included.

We will arrange transportation for you to reach either the airport or the port in Palermo, ensuring a smooth end to your Sicilian journey.