South Italy - Sicily and Sardinia 16 Days

Introduction
South Italy - Sicily and Sardinia 16 Days image

Palermo - Agrigento - Syracuse - Taormina - Sardinia / 16 days

general icon

South Italy - Sicily and Sardinia 16 Days

Explore the wonders of Southern Italy with a journey through Sicily and Sardinia. Visit vibrant cities like Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse, and Taormina, and experience the unique culture, history, and landscapes of these Mediterranean islands. This 16-day adventure is designed for two adults seeking an immersive and unforgettable Italian escape.

Journey Highlights

Journey Highlights image

At a glance

Day 1 - Arrival to Palermo

Day 1 - Arrival to Palermo image

Arrive in Palermo and Settle In

general icon

Flight to Palermo PMO airport on your own

Flight to Palermo PMO airport on your own
general icon

Private transfer - Mercedes Class E

Your personal driver will pick you up at the airport to reach your hotel in Palermo city center. He will be waiting for you after the baggage claim and security check. He will show a welcome board with your names written on it.
accommodation icon

Politeama Palace Hotel Palermo

Piazza Ruggero Settimo 15, Palermo, Sicilia, Italia
4-star hotel. N. 1 double room. Breakfast included - City tax not included.
accommodation icon

Grand Hotel Villa Igiea Palermo

Salita Belmonte 43, Palermo, Sicilia, Italia, 90142
5-star hotel. N. 1 double room. Breakfast included - City tax not included.

Day 2 - Palermo

Day 2 - Palermo image

Full Day Guided Tour of Palermo and Monreale

transport icon

Full day - Mercedes class E

DepartureHotel in Palermo
DestinationPalermo and Monreale
Full day. Pick up at the hotel.
general icon

Guide service in Palermo

Full day. Meeting point at the hotel.
activity icon

Ballarò Market Visit

Meet your guide at the hotel reception and discover Palermo’s biggest market: Ballarò. See a vast variety of fresh Italian produce and meet locals busy with morning food shopping.
activity icon

Monreale Cathedral Guided Tour

Your driver will take you to Monreale. Start a guided tour of Monreale, famous for its beautiful position overlooking Palermo. Inside its Cathedral, admire amazing mosaics representing stories from the Old and New Testament, made by Byzantine artists. After the visit, relax tasting the best Granita Siciliana in the bar in front of the Cathedral.
activity icon

Palermo Private Walking Guided Tour

Enjoy a half-day walking guided tour of Palermo, one of the world’s most splendid cities with unique African, Arabic, and Italian blends of architecture. Visit the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel, Piazza Bellini, Piazza della Vittoria, the Arab-Norman Cathedral, Martorana church, Massimo Theatre, and the fountain in Pretoria Square.

Day 3 - Cefalu

Day 3 - Cefalu image

Explore Cefalu's Medieval Streets and Beaches

transport icon

Full day - Mercedes class E

DepartureHotel
DestinationCefalù
Full day. Pick up at the hotel.
activity icon

Cefalù by yourselves

This morning your driver will pick you up at the hotel to reach Cefalù. Cefalù is a gorgeous town located on the northern coast of Sicily, and one of the major tourist attractions in the region. Built on a promontory dominated by a sheer cliff, Cefalù has grown around the Norman Cathedral wanted by Ruggero II, still keeping its ancient print. The Cathedral, began in 1131, is one of the most interesting medieval monuments of the island and boasts outstanding mosaics and a wonderful cloister. An impressive mosaic of Christ Pantocrator stands out above the altar, twinned with the Palatine Chapel in Palermo and the Cathedral of Monreale. A large part of the town is pedestrian; just stroll through the medieval narrow streets, and admire the picturesque houses on the sea and the long beach of fine sand; than, in the afternoon, take a bath in the amazingly blue water of its sea: an experience really worth remembering! Enjoy a great fresh fish lunch in a restaurant on the sea side. (not included)

Day 4 - Palermo - Erice - Segesta - Palermo

Day 4 - Palermo - Erice - Segesta - Palermo image

Guided Tour of Erice and Segesta Temples

transport icon

Full day - Mercedes class E

DepartureHotel
DestinationErice and Segesta
Full day. Pick up at the hotel.
general icon

Guide service in Erice and Segesta

Full day. Meeting point at the hotel.
activity icon

Erice - Private guided tour

Erice is a corner of paradise at the top of a mountain where a magical panorama offers itself to the visitors. Both in winter and in summer, Erice gives away some special views of its land but through two versions, based on the weather of the season. Erice is located in the west coast of Sicily, half an hour by car from Trapani, perched 751 m high on the mountain overlooking the sea. The history tells about many peoples who settled in Erice thanks to its altitude where it is easier to defense ownself but still close to the sea to exploit the maritime navigation. So that’s the reason why Erice is full of ramparts and ancient walls useful to protect the town and nowdays they became important to feature the landscape. Tourists who visit Erice are enchated by its atmosphere because, as already said at the top, this town is able to offer two different magical view: immersed in the fog during winter, illuminated by the sun during summer. The fog makes Erice something of never happen, like a ghost town detached from the rest of the world, while in summer, thanks to the sunlight, you will be able to appriceted better its beauties but without the medieval atmosphere of the winter. Anyway, Erice is always something of special, a unique town in Sicily you have to find out during your holiday in Sicily!
activity icon

Sicily - The archaeological site of Segesta - Private guided tour

You will stop in Segesta where you will see the beauties of the fifth century BC Doric Temples. The archaeological site of Segesta is one of the most valuable historic sites in Sicily. A center from ancient origins, the historical rival of Selinunte is located in the western part of the island, surrounded by a green and quiet countryside about 40 km from Trapani. The temple of Segesta, solemnly placed on a hill at the foot of Mount Barbaro, is certainly among the most exciting examples of Greek architecture. Completely isolated from the urban world, its white columns stand out among the green of the landscape. There is a beautifully preserved temple, harmonious in structure, and the most complete that has lasted to our days, as well as the theater, located in the scenic location on Mount Barbaro, approximately 400 meters high. Its construction dates back to the late fifth century BC, during the alliance with Athens. There are a total of 36 columns, not partly scalanated to avoid possible optical illusions (a technique also used in the Parthenon in Athens). The origins of Segesta are ancient enough to merge with the myth of Troy; Legend has it that the foundation of Segesta was the work of Aeneas. What we do know, is that the center was of primary importance to the population of the Elimi, whose ancestry comes from the east and later merged with the local population. Strongly influenced by Greek culture, it soon came into conflict with Selinus, marking in fact its own destiny: after the first clashes came in the sixth century BC, Segesta became the scale tipper for the fate of western Sicily.

Day 5 - Palermo - Agrigento

Day 5 - Palermo - Agrigento image

Private Transfer and Valley of the Temples Tour

transport icon

Private transfer - Mercedes Class E

DepartureHotel
DestinationAgrigento
Today you will meet your driver at the hotel to reach Agrigento. Pick up at the hotel.
accommodation icon

Hotel Villa Athena

Via Passeggiata Archeologica 33, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italia, 92100
5-star hotel. N. 1 Double room. Breakfast included - City tax not included.
general icon

Guide service at Valle dei Templi

2 hours. Meeting point at the hotel.
activity icon

Agrigento - Valley of the Temples guided tour

You will meet your guide at the hotel lobby to enjoy a walking tour to visit the Valley of the Temples which is certainly one of the most outstanding sites of the ancient world and one of the highlights of the tour. A string of imposing temples stands on a ridge facing the sea designed both to be visible to sailors and to signify that the gods protected the sacred city from danger. You will explore the Temple of Juno built around 450 BCE, the Temple of Concord c.440 archaic Doric style in 520 BCE, and the Temple of Zeus. The tour takes from 2 to 3 hours walking on a track.
activity icon

Optional tour not included - Food tour

Discover the flavors of Agrigento on a delightful food tour. Sample local specialties, from traditional Sicilian pastries to savory dishes, and experience the authentic taste of the region. This culinary journey offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and gastronomy, giving you a true sense of Sicilian cuisine.

Day 6 - Agrigento - Piazza Armerina - Syracuse

Day 6 - Agrigento - Piazza Armerina - Syracuse image

Transfer to Syracuse with Piazza Armerina Tour

transport icon

Private transfer - Mercedes Class E

DepartureHotel
DestinationSyracuse
Today you will meet your driver to reach your hotel to reach Syracuse. On the way you will stop in Piazza Armerina. Pick up at the hotel.
general icon

Guide service in Piazza Armerina

From 10:30am to 12:30m. Meeting point at 10:30am in Piazza Armerina.
activity icon

Piazza Armerina - Private guided tour

On the way you will stop in Piazza Armerina. Piazza Armerina is a splendid art city woven into the heart of Sicily. It boasts a slew of monuments that tell of its glorious past. Meanwhile, the apple of the citizens' eyes is the Villa Romana del Casale; originally the property of a powerful Roman family, it dates back to the 4th Century A.D. This majestic Imperial villa, standing tall in the Province of Enna (perhaps the most "Roman" of places on the Island), is a magnificent rural abode, fascinating, above all, for its captivating mosaics, considered the most beautiful and best-preserved of their kind. The fruits of meticulous labor, these precise yet moving images make for a significant adornment to what remains of this extravagant residence – made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
accommodation icon

Palazzo Artemide: hotel di lusso a Ortigia | VRetreats

4-star hotel. N. 1 Double room. Breakfast included - City tax not included.
accommodation icon

Ortea Palace Luxury Hotel

5-star hotel. N.1 Double room. Breakfast included - City tax not included.

Day 7 - Syracuse - Ragusa - Syracuse

Day 7 - Syracuse - Ragusa - Syracuse image

Guided Tours of Syracuse and Ragusa

general icon

Guide service in Siracusa

Half day. Meeting point at the hotel.
activity icon

Syracuse - Private Guided tour

This morning your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and you will enjoy a half day guided walking tour of Syracuse, one of the great ancient capitals of Western civilization. Founded in 733 BC and once a powerful Greek port with a fleet that was feared throughout the Mediterranean. The birthplace of Archimedes, Syracuse attracted one of the several Baroque Hill towns which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and located at the foot of the Iblean Mountains.
transport icon

Half day - Mercedes class E

DepartureHotel
DestinationRagusa
Half day. Pick up at the hotel.
general icon

Guide service in Ragusa

Half day. Meeting point in Ragusa
activity icon

Ragusa - Private guided tour

You will reach Ragusa to enjoy a private guided tour. Ragusa, classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, is one of the most important cities of arts in Italy due to its varied artistic and archeological riches, a legacy of its history which dates back several thousand years. Ragusa was originally built on a small steep-sided hill with deep valleys on three sides. After the earthquake of 1693, which destroyed many of south-eastern Sicily's buildings, it was decided to rebuild Ragusa on higher, more level ground nearby. So, nowadays, Ragusa has two parts: Ibla (or Ragusa Ibla), the older nucleus on its hilltop, and Ragusa Superiore, the more modern upper town. Charming combination of old and new, the new city with a modern layout and Ragusa Ibla that preserves its atmosphere of picturesque medieval village on its ruins, but rebuilt in Sicilian Baroque style with a lot of very elegant buildings. Dry walls, golden fields of grains, farms, olive and carob trees, sandy beaches enrich the landscape, historic result of different cultures from Greece to the Liberty. Unique literary setting, now Ragusa is also one of the principal filming locations in Sicily. Ragusa invites you to discover high quality products through flavours and aromas, perfumes and colours, in a vertiginous involvement of all senses.

Day 8 - Syracuse - Noto - Syracuse

Day 8 - Syracuse - Noto - Syracuse image

Baroque Noto Tour and Nero d'Avola Wine Experience

transport icon

Full day - Mercedes class E

DepartureHotel
DestinationNoto
Full day. Pick up at the hotel.
general icon

Guide service in Noto

Half day. Meeting point in Noto.
activity icon

Noto - Private guided tour

Noto, one of the several Baroque Hill towns which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and locate at the foot of the Iblean Mountains. You will visit Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata (noble residence) and Basilica di San Salvatore & Duomo
activity icon

Sicily - Nero d' Avola wine experience

This afternoon you will reach a winery to enjoy a visit. You will learn more about Nero d' Avola wine. Enjoy your tasting!

Day 9 - Syracuse to Taormina with Mt. Etna Wine Tasting

Day 9 - Syracuse to Taormina with Mt. Etna Wine Tasting image

Transfer to Taormina and Mt. Etna Wine Experience

transport icon

Private transfer - Mercedes Class E

DepartureHotel
DestinationTaormina
Today you will meet your driver at the hotel to reach your hotel. Pick up at the hotel.
meal icon

Mt. Etna: Wine tasting in a typical Agriturismo

You will stop in a typical Agriturismo to taste local wine and food. After lunch you will reach Taormina, an elegant town situated at the foot of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe.
accommodation icon

Hotel Villa Taormina

4-star hotel. N. 1 Double room. Breakfast included - City tax not included
accommodation icon

NH Collection Taormina

5 star hotel. N. 1 Premium room sea view. Breakfast included - City tax not included

Day 10 - Taormina Guided Walking Tour

Day 10 - Taormina Guided Walking Tour image

Discover Taormina's Ancient Charm and Sights

general icon

Guide service in Taormina

Half day. Meeting point at the hotel.
activity icon

Taormina - Private guided tour

Discover the timeless charm of Taormina, one of Sicily’s most iconic and picturesque towns, on this immersive guided walking tour. Perched on a hillside overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea, Taormina has captivated visitors for centuries with its unique blend of natural beauty, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture. Your tour begins with a leisurely stroll through the town’s elegant historic center along Corso Umberto, the lively main street lined with boutiques, cafes, and artisan shops. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories and insights about the town’s Greek, Roman, and medieval heritage. Highlights include a visit to the Ancient Greek Theatre, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Italy, offering breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the coastline. You’ll also see landmarks like Piazza IX Aprile, with its panoramic terrace, and the beautiful Cathedral of San Nicolò. This tour offers the perfect introduction to Taormina’s history, architecture, and local life, making it ideal for first-time visitors or anyone who wants to experience the essence of this Sicilian gem in just a few hours.

Day 11 - Catania - Cagliari - Santa Margherita di Pula area

Day 11 - Catania - Cagliari - Santa Margherita di Pula area image

Travel from Sicily to Sardinia and Check In

transport icon

Private transfer - Mercedes Class E (Hotel to Catania Airport)

DepartureHotel
DestinationCatania airport
Today you will meet your driver at the hotel to reach Catania airport to catch your flight to Cagliari. Pick up at the hotel.
flight icon

Flight from Catania to Cagliari

Catania

Cagliari
Flight from Catania to Cagliari. Note: The option for Olbia is also possible if we consider Northern Sardinia (Costa Smeralda).
transport icon

Private transfer - Mercedes Class E (Cagliari Airport to Hotel)

DepartureCagliari airport
DestinationHotel
At arrival you will meet your driver at airport to reach the hotel. Your driver will be waiting for you after the baggage claim and security check. Pick up at the airport.
accommodation icon

Forte Village Resort Bouganville / Forte Village Resort Le Dune

4-star hotel option Forte Village Resort Bouganville or 5-star hotel option Forte Village Resort Le Dune. N.1 Double room. Half board - City tax not included.
accommodation icon

Valle dell'Erica Resort Thalasso e Spa

5-star hotel. N. 1 Double room. Breakfast included - half board - City tax not included.

Day 12 - Sardinia

Day 12 - Sardinia image

Free Day to Enjoy Sardinia's Beauty

general icon

Free day in Sardinia

Time at your leisure

Day 13 - Free Day in Sardinia

Day 13 - Free Day in Sardinia image

Relax and Enjoy Sardinia at Leisure

general icon

Free day in Sardinia

Free time in Sardinia

Day 14 - Sardinia Private Boat Excursion

Day 14 - Sardinia Private Boat Excursion image

Relaxing Private Boat Tour Along Sardinia's Coast

activity icon

Sardinia - Private boat excursion (4 hours)

Today you will enjoy a half day of leisure and relax on board of a private boat discovering the coastline with its most beautiful white fine-sandy beaches and the crystal clear waters that gleam in all shades of emerald-green and turquoise blue!

Day 15 - Sardinia - Rome

Day 15 - Sardinia - Rome image

Travel from Sardinia to Rome and Check In

transport icon

Private transfer - Mercedes Class E (Hotel to Sardinia Airport)

DepartureHotel
DestinationSardinia airport
Today you will meet your driver at the hotel to reach the airport to catch your flight to Rome. Pick up at the hotel.
flight icon

Flight to Rome

Sardinia

Rome
Flight to Rome
general icon

From Rome FCO airport terminal to Hilton Rome airport hotel

You will reach the hotel on foot crossing a tunnel that links the Terminal to the hotel
accommodation icon

Hilton Rome Airport

4-star hotel in Rome Fiumicino Airport. N.1 double room. Breakfast included - City tax not included

Day 16 - Rome Departure and Return Home

Day 16 - Rome Departure and Return Home image

Depart Rome and Return Home

general icon

From Hilton hotel to Rome FCO airport terminal

Today you will reach terminal on foot crossing a tunnel that links your hotel to the departure terminal to catch your flight back home.
general icon

Depart from Aeroporto Di Roma Fiumicino "Leonardo Da Vinci" (FCO)

general icon

Arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Loading Map…

Map

1. Politeama Palace Hotel Palermo

Piazza Ruggero Settimo 15, Palermo, Sicilia, Italia

2. Grand Hotel Villa Igiea Palermo

Salita Belmonte 43, Palermo, Sicilia, Italia, 90142

3. Ballarò Market

Palermo, Sicilia, Italia

4. Monreale

Monreale, Sicily, IT, 90046

5. Palermo

Palermo, Sicily, IT

6. Cefalù

Cefalù, SICILIA, IT

7. Erice

Erice, Sicilia, IT, 91016

8. Tempio di Segesta

Contrada Barbaro, Segesta, Calatafimi, Sicilia, IT

9. Hotel Villa Athena

Via Passeggiata Archeologica 33, Agrigento, Sicilia, Italia, 92100

10. Agrigento (Valley of the Temples)

Agrigento, SICILIA, IT, 92100

11. Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina, Sicilia, IT

12. Ortea Palace Luxury Hotel

1 Riva Nazario Sauro, Siracusa, Sicilia, IT, 96100

13. Syracuse

Syracuse, SICILY, IT

14. Province of Ragusa

Sicily, IT

15. Hotel Villa Taormina

39 Via Tommaso Fazzello, Taormina, Sicilia, IT, 98039

16. NH Collection Taormina

Via Circonvallazione 11, Taormina, Sicilia, Italia, 98039

17. Valle dell'Erica Resort Thalasso e Spa

Localita Valle Dell'erica, Santa Teresa Gallura, Sardegna, Italia, 07028

18. Hilton Rome Airport

Via Arturo Ferrarin, 2

19. Fiumicino – Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport (FCO)

Via dell'Aeroporto 320, Fiumicino, ROMA, IT, 00054

20. Aeroporto Di Roma Fiumicino "Leonardo Da Vinci" (FCO)

Via dell'Aeroporto di Fiumicino 320, Fiumicino, LAZIO, ITALIA, 00054

21. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

10 Toler Pl, Newark, NJ, US, 07114