Self Drive Tours – Complete Sicily

Day 1 – Palermo

Arrival at the Palermo airport and pick up your rental car. In the late afternoon walking and street food tour (included). Overnight.

Day 2 – Palermo

Morning at disposal to discover the hidden treasures of Palermo: the wonderful Arab-Norman Cathedral, the astonishing Chiesa della Martorana and the amazing Cappella Palatina inside Palazzo dei Normanni. And more… Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti, Casa Professa and Chiesa del Santissimo Salvatore. In the afternoon drive to Monreale, to visit its huge Norman Cathedral, proclaimed the Eighth Wonder of the World, and its splendid Cloister. On the way back to Palermo make a detour to Mondello, a popular sea location close to the city, with beautiful Liberty-style villas, bars and restaurants. Overnight.

Day 3 – Palermo – Segesta – Erice – Marsala

Drive towards the extreme part of Western Sicily to visit Segesta and its extraordinary Temple Solitario, one of the best preserved Doric temples. Then drive to  Erice, a charming Medieval village, on the summit of Monte San Giuliano, with its lovely alleys and craft shops. Before proceeding to Marsala, make a stop at Trapani salt pans with its emblematic mills and the Salt Museum. Overnight

Day 4 – Marsala (Mozia Island)

We recommend the visit of the little island of Mozia. This ancient Phoenician colony, founded in the VIIIth century. B.C. is located in the centre of the Marsala Lagoon. Marsala is well worth a visit during the afternoon, to see its artistic and architectural elements. It also has vivid colors: yellow tuff, blue sea, red sunset, white salt and green vineyard. In the evening “Typical dining experience with cooking demo” (included). Overnight.

Day 5 – Marsala – Selinunte – Agrigento

Today drive first to the ancient Greek city of Selinunte. with its enchanting landscape in front of the Mediterranean Sea. Stroll among the ruins of ancient acropolis, located in the largest archaeological site in Europe! Proceed then to Agrigento, along the coast, we suggest to take a break at one of its sea village: Sciacca, Eraclea Minoa, Porto Empedocle. Enjoy at last the beauty of Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight.

Day 6 – Agrigento – Caltagirone – Ragusa

Start the day with the ancient Roman mosaics in Piazza Armerina, located inside Villa Romana del Casale, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Proceed then to  Caltagirone, a small city in the central Sicily, popular for its clay and handmade pottery. In the afternoon, reach Ragusa one of the most important Sicilian Baroque city with its beautiful churches and gardens. Ragusa owns 14 monuments which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight.

Day 7 – Ragusa – Modica Noto – Siracusa

Today drive to Modica, reach of Baroque architectural treasures, which are mostly part of Unesco World Heritage site, then to Noto, known as the “garden of stone”, is the capital of Sicilian Baroque: its buildings are part of Unesco World Heritage Site. Drive to Syracuse. 3 hours walking tour of the cisty and the Ortigia island (included). The most beautiful and great Greek colony in Sicily houses an important Archaeological Park, the small island of Ortigia with a beautiful white cathedral, splendid Fountain of Arethusa. Overnight.

Day 8 – Siracusa – Catania

Going north to Catania, whose city centre is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Visit of the city starting from the “Pescheria” (old fish market), you will reach the spectacular Piazza del Duomo, with its splendid Cathedral and the “Liotru”, the lava stone elephant and Piazza Università. The walk approaches to the majestic Via Crociferi (Unesco World Heritage Site) with the famous Monastery of St. Benedict, made known by Verga’s novel “History of a Capinera”. In the afternoon we suggest you to stroll along the picturesque Cyclops Riviera, so called because of the rocks which emerge from the sea; the legend tells that Polyphemus, after been blinded, thrown them against Ulysses. We suggest also to visit Aci Castello. This sea village, owes its name to its Norman Castle which gives a stunning view of the whole coast: lemon trees, agaves and palm trees enrich one of the most suggestive corners of East Sicily. Overnight

Day 9 – Catania (Etna and Taormina)

Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe and UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can reach by car the Silvestri craters, inactive volcanic cones, dated back to 1888, which are surrounded by lava sediments. In the afternoon, we suggest that you visit the charming Taormina; the lovely Aeonian pearl, is popular for its natural landscape, beautiful sea, its ancient monuments and an unforgettable view of Etna! Make sure to see fascinating Greek Theater, the ancient Cathedral and Palazzo Corvaja. Overnight

Day 10 – Catania

Drive to the airport to return your rental car and depart on your flight.