10-Day Sicily Highlights Tour: Palermo, Syracuse, and Taormina

Unveiling Sicily's treasures: Palermo's vibrant culture, Syracuse's ancient Greek wonders, and Taormina's cliffside charm. Explore palaces, archaeological parks, and breathtaking beaches.

This 10-day Sicily itinerary is just a starting point; tailor it with our dedicated travel advisors to suit your family's needs and schedule.

• Days:10±
• Best for:First-timers
• Best time:Jun. - Sep.
• Departure date:up to you
• Sample price:US$3,843 each (2 per room)

Brief Itinerary for Sicily Highlights Tour: Palermo, Syracuse, and Taormina Tour

This journey allows first-time travelers to experience the highlights of Sicily, and I can also help you plan a customized Italy vacation.

• Monica Mo
• 8 years of travel advisor experience
• Has helped 5,000+ clients

Tour Highlights

Here are the awesome attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Highlights Travel (HT Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Highlights Travel (Only With HT) included in this tour:

Surrender to the soothing tranquility of Taormina as you unwind and soak up its peaceful atmosphere.

Explore the fascinating landscape of Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano, on an off-road expedition.

Immerse yourself in Sicilian culinary traditions with a hands-on cooking class led by a professional chef in Taormina.

Explore Agrigento's rich history with a local guide at the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Unravel the intriguing story of the Norman Palace, witnessing centuries of power reflected in the grandeur of the Sala d'Ercole.

Journey through time in the Palatine Chapel and witness vibrant art styles blending and ancient cultures coming alive.

Discover Palermo's vibrant Arab market, savor local delicacies, and uncover layers of history at Piazza Pretoria with your guide.

Embark on a captivating walking tour to explore the wonders of Syracuse's Neapolis Park and enchanting Ortygia.

Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration

Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful tour for you.

Day 1

Palermo Arrival

• Welcome to Palermo! Upon your arrival at Palermo Airport, your friendly driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall.
• Relax and travel comfortably as you enjoy a private transfer to your comfortable hotel in Palermo.

the driver meet clients in the airport

Day 2

Palermo | Discover Palermo's Historical Treasures

• Meet your guide and prepare to explore Palermo's rich history and ancient buildings on a captivating 1.5-hour (join-in) tour!
• Marvel at the ancient Norman Palace, Europe's oldest royal gem, and witness power echo in the Sala d'Ercole, Sicily's modern heart.
• Journey through time in the Palatine Chapel and witness vibrant art styles blending, mosaics shimmering, and ancient cultures coming alive.
• Complete your journey with a tranquil escape. Stroll through the Royal Gardens with your skip-the-line ticket and discover hidden beauty.
• Return to your hotel at your leisure or explore the charming city further at your own pace.

the Norman Palace

Day 3

Palermo | Explore Monreale and Savor the Street Food

• Be picked up from your Palermo hotel and enjoy a 4.5-hour Palermo adventure(Join-in).
• Explore Monreale's UNESCO-listed Duomo, a dazzling blend of Arab and Norman architecture and mesmerizing mosaics.
• Head back to Palermo and immerse yourself in its vibrant spirit with a 2.5-hour guided walking tour.
• Explore the bustling Arab-influenced open-air market, a kaleidoscope of colors and aromas, and indulge in local delicacies!
• Unravel history's layers at Piazza Pretoria with your guide. Explore the nearby cathedral's secrets, journeying through time with captivating stories and architectural marvels.
• Conclude your walking tour at the stunning Quattro Canti, a vibrant baroque square perfect for exploring at your own pace.

Monreale Cathedral

Day 4

Palermo - Syracuse | Discover the Valley of the Temples

• Be ready in the morning and picked up by the coach bus at your hotel.
• Enjoy a 9-hour Palermo To Syracuse tour with a visit Of Valley Of The Temples(Join-in).
• Enjoy the ride to Agrigento and explore the UNESCO site Valley of the Temples with a local expert guide.
• Savor a Sicilian lunch featuring rustic local dishes.
• Upon arrival at Syracuse, head to your hotel and enjoy the rest day free to explore the town at your own pace.

Valley of the Temples

Day 5

Syracuse | Neapolis Archeological Ruins Await

• The adventure begins! Meet your local guide and the group at the designated meeting point for a 4-hour Syracuse exploration tour (Join-in).
• Explore the Neapolis Archaeological Park, including the Greek Theatre, Paradise Quarry, and Roman Amphitheatre.
• Head to Ortigia Island, the historic center, for a walking tour featuring the Arethusa Fountain, the Duomo, and the ancient Apollo Temple.
• After the tour, you'll have free time to explore at your own pace or return to your hotel.

Roman Amphitheater in Neapolis Archaeological Park

Day 6

Syracuse - Taormina | Transfer with Villages Discovery

• Meet your leader at the designated meeting point for a scenic transfer from Syracuse to Taormina including stops in the Val di Noto gems(Join-in).
• Arrive at Modica, pay a visit to one of the oldest chocolate factories, and sample some chocolate there.
• Head to a typical trattoria, to have a local-style lunch with food specialties of this side of Sicily.
• Explore the Ragusa, a charming Baroque town with free time to wander its unique upper and lower districts.
• Reach your Taormina hotel and enjoy the rest day free at leisure or explore this lovely town at your own pace.

Modica chocolate factory visit

Day 7

Taormina | Experience the Enchanting Etna

• Meet your friendly driver at your hotel and embark on a 7-hour(join-in) off-road journey to the volcano Etna.
• Witness Etna's power at Piano Provenzana . Lush pines meet dark lava, and the Betulle hotel stands silent, interred in 2002's eruption.
• Explore Etna's fiery past and see the volcanic caves and unique "buttonhole" craters formed by aligned cones, resembling a row of dress buttons.
• Savor Etna's bounty in a rustic lunch with appetizers, pasta, dessert, and beverages.
• Conclude your adventure with a scenic return drive back to your Taormina hotel.

the volcano Etna

Day 8

Taormina | Market to Table Cooking Class

• Enjoy a hands-on 4-hour cooking class in Taormina with a professional chef(Join-in).
• Start by meeting at Porta Messina and heading to a nearby market to select fresh ingredients with the group.
• Back at the chef's restaurant, you'll don an apron and learn to make traditional Sicilian dishes and pasta .
• Cap off the experience by savoring your creations with a glass of wine.
• Receive a certificate and apron to commemorate your culinary adventure.
• After the class, return to your hotel or explore the lovely town at your own pace.

Pizza making class

Day 9

Taormina | Relax and Unwind in The Town

• Relax and enjoy the peace of the town . Take a nap in a hammock, read a book in the park, or sit and enjoy the view.

Relax and Unwind in Taormina

Day 10

Taormina - Catania | Departure

• Meet your private driver and vehicle for a private transfer to Catania airport.

Distance view of Mt.Etan

Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours

Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.

Hand-Picked Hotels

We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.

Massimo Plaza Palermo

MHotel Mercure Siracusa

Villa Fiorita Taormina