Itinerary inspiration
Explore the best of Sicily in just five days with this thoughtfully curated 6-day Sicily itinerary that blends ancient wonders, natural beauty, and rich island culture. Start your adventure in Taormina, a hilltop town overlooking the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, with breathtaking views of Mount Etna in the distance. Stroll along its elegant streets, visit the ancient Greek Theatre, and soak in the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Take a guided excursion through the dramatic volcanic landscapes surrounding Etna, learning about the island’s fiery geology and lush countryside. From there, visit the historic city of Syracuse, where ancient Greek ruins and baroque architecture offer a vivid glimpse into Sicily’s layered past.More...
Taormina
Day 1 - 3
Taormina enjoys an idyllic location, favourably perched on a steep mountainside with panoramic views of Mount Etna, two grand sweeping bays and a picturesque Graeco-Roman amphitheatre. Drenched in sunshine year-round, this chic resort town attracts a steady stream of celebrities and holidaying high-rollers. Despite its unashamedly touristy atmosphere, its natural beauty is undeniable. The town’s chaotic network of winding streets is strewn with luxury designer boutiques, ancient churches and flower-filled balconies adorning beautifully restored medieval buildings and intimate piazzas. Taormina is especially magnificent on clear days when you can view the exquisite flora and flora against a backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes spewing puffs of white smoke into a mesmerizingly blue sky. Make sure to spend an afternoon picnicking in the gorgeous Giovanni Colonna Park.
NH Collection Taormina
The NH Collection Taormina hotel is located in the city center of Taormina with convenient access to the Duomo di Taormina and the Isola Bella. You'll find sophisticated rooms and suites which feature bathtubs, free internet access, digital safes, hairdryers, slippers, and NH Collection bathroom amenities. Dining options include Zefiro Restaurant and Lu Souli Bar and Restaurant which serves light dishes and typical Sicilian street food. You can enjoy workouts in the fitness center and a post-workout relaxing dip in the swimming pool. The roof terrace is ideal for quiet reading or intimate conversations. Other refreshing amenities include a spa, sauna, solarium, and steam bath.
Your activity
Syracuse Full Day Excursion
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Syracuse. You will first visit the archaeological area famous for its Greek theatre as well as the Latomies, the Dyonisos Ear, and more. Continue to Ortigia, the historical center of the town. Enjoy time at leisure for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Ortigia and in particular, the Cathedral as well as the Aretusa fountain, and enjoy a panoramic walk in the city center. Afterwards, you will return to Taormina.
Syracuse is a historic city in Sicily, the capital of the province of Syracuse, notable for its rich Greek history, culture, amphitheaters, architecture, and as the birthplace of Archimedes. Once described by Cicero as “the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all,” it later became part of the Roman Republic and Byzantine Empire. The city is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site along with the Necropolis of Pantalica.
Palermo
Day 4 - 6
Palermo lies on the northern coast of the Italian island of Sicily. The Sicilian capital, this ancient city – about 2700 years old – boasts numerous cultural and historical sights. Begin with the UNSECO listed sites, including the Palazzo Reale and churches such as the 12th-century San Giovanni degli Eremiti (with Arabic influences; and cultural treasures such as the 19th-century Teatro Massimo and the UNESCO-listed tradition of Puppet Theatre (performed through-out the city) and detailed in the Museo delle Marionette. Then head to religious sites including the Palermo Cathedral with a 12th-century mausoleum and explore unique attractions such as the macabre Catacombe dei Cappuccini – a cemetery holding mummified corpses (some dating from the 16th-century). Finally, visit markets, artisanal eateries and bars in town, while there are numerous near-lying sights, for fantastic day-trips from the city.
Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes
The Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes is located in the heart of Palermo's old town. From here you can easily reach sights such as the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Capella Palatina, the Teatro Massimo and San Giovanni Degli Eremiti. The accommodation consists of rooms, each equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom, a safe, a hairdryer, a minibar, a satellite TV and a direct dial telephone. A delicious buffet breakfast is served each morning. Further amenities include Internet access and a roof terrace.
Your activity
Palermo & Monreale Full Day Excursion
Enjoy a morning tour of Palermo, a city full of character, featuring Quattro Canti - a splendid example of Spanish Baroque architecture, the Palace of the Normans and its superb Palatine Chapel, the Cathedral, and the famous Benedictine Abbey of Monreale. Here you will admire a 12th-century cathedral housing very fine mosaics representing a complete cycle of the Old and New Testaments. Have a panoramic visit to Sicily’s capital and explore the famous Capo market.
Lunch is on your own. In the afternoon, continue to Monreale and visit the splendid Cathedral as well as the Benedictine cloister.
Afterwards, you will return to your hotel. Monreale became significant after the occupation of Palermo by the Arabs in 1102, which forced the Bishop of Palermo to move his seat outside the capital. After the Norman conquest in 1072, Christians regained the old city cathedral. Monreale was the seat of the metropolitan archbishop of Sicily, which thereafter exerted a large influence over Sicily.
Why Tourlane?
Plan for free
Custom holiday packages and trips that fit your budget
Personalized for you
Itineraries built exactly to your needs
Private VIP guides
A personal English-speaking, native-European travel expert for every step
Peace-of-mind support
Full service assistance before, during, and after your trip
Tips for your 5-day Sicily itinerary
April–June and September–October are the most pleasant months. These seasons offer warm but comfortable weather for exploring Taormina’s Greek Theatre, walking Palermo’s markets, and visiting archaeological sites like the Valley of the Temples.
On average, travelers spend about $190 per person per day, excluding flights. Budget trips start around $60/day with simple hotels and local food, while luxury options reach $330/day for boutique hotels, fine dining, and private tours. Hotels range from about $50 per night for 1–2 star stays to $110+ for higher categories. Meals are $9–$13 in snack bars, $16–$28 in casual restaurants, and $45–$80 for a three-course dinner. Excursions like Mount Etna tours cost around $90–$120.
Taormina’s Greek Theatre with Mount Etna views, Palermo’s Palatine Chapel, and Syracuse’s archaeological park are key highlights. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and the mosaics of Piazza Armerina also stand out. Activities like wine tastings, guided food tours, and full-day excursions to Etna or Monreale enrich the trip.
Book tickets early for major sites such as the Palatine Chapel or Valley of the Temples. In Taormina, mornings are best to avoid crowds. Renting a car makes day trips flexible, but buses and trains are affordable for longer connections, such as Palermo to Catania.
Custom travel packages don’t have to be complicated
1
Dream it
Give us a few details like destination, travel preferences, and budget to receive a free personalized travel itinerary in minutes.
2
Customize it
In a one-on-one consultation, we pair you with an English-speaking, native-European travel expert to customize your trip even more, making it unique to you and providing in-depth knowledge on every destination.
3
Book it
Or better yet, we’ll book it for you. Every detail is covered by us and you’ll have dedicated guides with you every step of the way, so you can focus on the fun. No action needed — just enjoy the ride.
