Sicily Self-Drive Adventure: Explore Palermo, Catania & Mt. Etna

Arrive at Palermo Airport and pick up the car. Reach your hotel in Palermo and check in. In the afternoon meet your private guide at the hotel and enjoy an unforgettable tour of the historical city center of Palermo. As part of your tour, you’ll visit the golden interior of the Capella Palatina, a spectacular private chapel built by the Norman King Roger II and decorated with ornate mosaics. Featuring both Arab and Byzantine influences, this chapel is one of Palermo’s most spectacular jewels. You will also get the opportunity to visit the Cathedral, a real amalgam of architectural styles, it’s believed that even before the existing cathedral was created, the site was previously home to a Roman temple, a Byzantine Basilica and later even a mosque. The tour will end with a visit to the beautiful La Martorana Church. Overnight in Palermo.

After a tasty breakfast, reach Monreale where your guide will wait for you. Monreale is the house of the UNESCO World Heritage Site: the glorious Cattedrale di Monreale. The cathedral is perched on a hilltop vantage point in the city. With your guide, you’ll be able to explore the stunning interior as well as venture into the peaceful confines of the cloisters where you’ll find more examples of the stunning Arab-influenced artistry so often featured in Sicily’s Norman buildings. If open, it will also be possible for you to climb the stairs of the cathedral’s clock tower for some incredible views. After the visit you can have a stop to enjoy a coffee in one of the little cafes lining the square around the cathedral before leaving the city.Overnight in Palermo.

Wake up to a rich breakfast at the hotel. Today you’ll have a day at leisure. We suggest visiting Cefalu, a small fishing town with enchanting photographic points o interest, beautiful shops and numerous restaurants. For hiking lovers, it’s also recommended to visit La Rocca di Cefalù, the cliff that overlooks the city and offers spectacular views. In the afternoon, reach your next hotel in Catania.Overnight in Catania.

Have a delicious breakfast at the hotel and make your own way to Taormina. Your guide will wait for you for a quick introduction to the city. The tour will take you through the highlights of the town, including a visit to the stunning Greek theatre and ancient Roman Odeon. You’ll be able to soak up the views from the Piazza IX Aprile and visit the beautiful Duomo as you explore. At the end of the tour, you’ll taste the famous “granita with brioche” in one of the oldest bars of the city. For lunchtime we reserved a table at the top of Mt. Etna in a local winery where you’ll have the opportunity to taste some local food and have a pairing wine tasting.Overnight in Catania.

Have your last Sicilian breakfast before having a quick tour of Catania city centre. Reach the Catania or Palermo Airport to drop off the car according to your flight departure.