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Sicily Itinerary: One week with Private Driver
10 Days
5 Stops
Private transfer
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Trip curated by Roman Karin
ExpertMount Etna from the Valle del Bove viewpoint on the southern approach rather than the summit cable car puts the island's geological scale at a tangible human level; the recent lava fields below the 1,900-meter path do that more effectively than any cable car view. Monreale's 6,000 square meters of Byzantine gold mosaic in a single Norman nave is one of the most concentrated programs of medieval art in the western Mediterranean, and most visitors spend under an hour when two is the minimum the building deserves. For Ortigia in Syracuse, the fish market near Largo della Gancia before 8am is where the old town's domestic rhythm is most visible. Swordfish sections on ice, cuttlefish trays, an opening image that makes the Cathedral register as part of a living city rather than a heritage site.
Mount Etna from the Valle del Bove viewpoint on the southern approach rather than the summit cable car puts the island's geological scale at a tangible human level; the recent lava fields below the 1,900-meter path do that more effectively than any cable car view. Monreale's 6,000 square meters of Byzantine gold mosaic in a single Norman nave is one of the most concentrated programs of medieval art in the western Mediterranean, and most visitors spend under an hour when two is the minimum the building deserves. For Ortigia in Syracuse, the fish market near Largo della Gancia before 8am is where the old town's domestic rhythm is most visible. Swordfish sections on ice, cuttlefish trays, an opening image that makes the Cathedral register as part of a living city rather than a heritage site.
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Taormina
Day 1 - 2
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.
Grand Hotel San Pietro
Grand Hotel San Pietro is located in Taormina, just a 5-minute walk from the beach and 10 minutes walk to Taormina’s city centre. Accommodation consists of spacious guest rooms and suites, each equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi access, a television, minibar and an in-room safe. Guests can enjoy dining at any one of the onsite restaurants. Additional amenities include a garden, pool and a fully equipped gym.
Your activity
Etna Half Day Tour
Enjoy a morning tour to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Driving through some of the quaintest villages placed on the slopes of the volcano, you will reach 1,986 meters where you will be able to visit the Sylvester Craters. Afterwards, you will return to Taormina. Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is in an almost constant state of activity. The fertile volcanic soils support extensive agriculture, with vineyards and orchards spread across the lower slopes of the mountain and the broad Plain of Catania to the south. Due to its history of recent activity and nearby population, Mount Etna has been designated a Decade Volcano by the United Nations. You have the option to take the cable car from 1,986 to 2,500 meters for further exploration of the volcano's higher regions.
Syracuse
Day 3 - 4
Set along the Ionian coast of Sicily, the Italian city of Syracuse is known for its timeless beauty, citrus orchards, and ancient ruins fringed by the glittering blue ocean. History enthusiasts can visit one of Sicily's greatest archaeological sites, the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, home to the 16000-capacity Roman Theatre, the 5th-century Teatro Greco and the Orecchio di Dionisio, a fascinating limestone cave. Once the largest city in the ancient world, and dating back to 734 BC, today the remnants of this spectacular time and the remaining ancient historical sites can still be enjoyed by visitors. Sip on espresso at a local cafe, stroll through the Baroque piazzas, and explore the winding medieval alleyways that traverse this beautiful city. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi, which displays local artefacts and art.
Grand Hotel des Etrangers
Grand Hotel Des Étrangers is located in the heart of Ortigia, Siracusa, celebrated as an art deco icon of timeless elegance. Guests are steps away from cultural treasures such as Castello Maniace and the historic streets of Ortigia. Rooms and suites combine beautiful design, spacious layouts, glamour, comfort, and understated style. On‑site dining includes refined mixology experiences, offering crafted drinks in a sophisticated setting. Facilities extend to spa services, meeting and celebration spaces, and exclusive offers designed to create memorable sojourns. This five‑star property embodies Sicily’s unique charm and hospitality.
Agrigento
Day 5
Agrigento is a major tourist hub, primarily owing to the archaeological legacy of the Valley of the Temples, three kilometres below this Sicilian city. This is a misnomer, as it is not really a valley at all but a hill which is divided into two zones: the Eastern zone, containing the bulk of the impressive ruins, and the Western zone, playing host to the splendid gardens of Kolymbetra. Tourists with little time tend to focus on this area, but those on a more leisurely schedule should explore the town itself. Tucked away behind the modern city’s outer ring, a pocket of medieval areas offer bustling night-life as well as the Via Atenea at the centre - a charming suburb packed with modern boutiques, quaint cafes, and vibrant bars.
Colleverde Park Hotel
Colleverde Park Hotel, located in Agrigento, Italy, offers a serene retreat overlooking the Valley of the Temples. The hotel features elegantly designed rooms equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, TVs, and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy such as a fitness centre, a bar, and private parking. Activities available include hiking tours and horse riding.
Palermo
Day 6 - 7
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
Timeless Temples
Embark on an unforgettable journey through time with a private tour of the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sicily’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures.
Your adventure begins at the Temple of Juno (Hera Lacinia), dramatically situated atop a ridge with sweeping views of the landscape. From there, follow the ancient Via Sacra as you explore a stunning array of Doric temples:
- Temple of Concordia – Among the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, a masterclass in classical architecture.
- Temple of Heracles (Hercules) – The oldest temple in the valley, famed for its towering columns.
- Temple of Zeus (Olympian Zeus) – Once the largest Doric temple ever built; though now in ruins, its grandeur remains undeniable.
- Sanctuary of the Chthonic Deities – A sacred site dedicated to underworld deities, offering a unique glimpse into ancient spiritual life.
Led by your expert guide, you’ll uncover the rich history and legends of ancient Akragas. Along the way, discover remnants of the city's ancient fortifications, Byzantine-era tombs, and the tranquil Valle Aurea gardens—each adding depth and context to this extraordinary archaeological landscape.
Cefalu
Day 8 - 10
Fringing the northern coast of Sicily, Cefalù is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. This Sicilian beach town features a charming port, pristine beaches and postcard-perfect scenes. Cefalu radiates out from the Duomo, a gigantic cathedral that dominates the main square in the heart of the village. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities and attractions. Hike up to the Temple of Diana, an ancient Roman temple built in the 4th Century BC. Climb the La Rocca to soak up the stunning view over the village and glittering sea and take an evening stroll along the seafront promenade while savouring the beautiful sunset.
Hotel Victoria Palace
Featuring a panoramic roof garden, Victoria Palace is a few steps from the historic centre and just 20 meters from the beautiful beach of Cefalù. Accommodation consists of spacious guest rooms and suites, each equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi access, a television, minibar and an in-room safe. An intercontinental breakfast is offered daily. Additional amenities include a 24-hour reception, bar, covered parking and an outdoor swimming pool.
From$5,500
per personAccommodations
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Activities
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Why plan with an expert?
200+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
26+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
11+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
8+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Itinerary inspiration
The route moves from Sicily's most photographed town down the eastern coast and across the south to the capital. Each stop reveals a different layer of the island's history: Greek in Agrigento, baroque in Ortigia, Arab-Norman in Palermo. That progression gives the week a coherent logic that a more scattered itinerary wouldn't provide.
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The Valley of the Temples at Agrigento is the archaeological highlight of the route — and one of the finest Greek sites anywhere in the Mediterranean. What I always tell people: arrive at opening and walk the southern ridge first, when the light is still behind you. The Temple of Concordia, almost entirely intact after 25 centuries, is more moving on a quiet morning than any photograph of it prepares you for.
Day 1–2: Taormina
Hotel: NH Collection Taormina
The Greek Theatre is best visited early before the organized tours arrive. The Etna half-day excursion rewards time on the upper slopes rather than a quick stop at the visitor center — the volcanic terrain above 2,000 meters, with the coast visible on both sides of the island on a clear day, gives you a sense of Sicily's geography that no city visit can provide.
Day 3: Syracuse
Hotel: Dimore delle Zagare
The island of Ortigia is compact enough to cover in a full afternoon and evening. The Piazza del Duomo — built over a Greek temple whose original columns are still visible inside the cathedral walls — is one of the most layered architectural spaces in Sicily. The seafront promenades at dusk, when the city's residents take their passeggiata, add a local texture that the landmarks alone don't provide.
Day 4: Agrigento
Hotel: Hotel Foresteria Baglio della Luna
One night is exactly right when the Valley of the Temples fills the day from opening to early afternoon. The almond groves surrounding the site are in bloom from late January through February, and the trees in flower between the ancient columns are one of the more unexpected sights in the Mediterranean.
Day 5–6: Palermo
Hotel: Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes
The Vucciria and Ballarò markets, the Quattro Canti, and the Palazzo dei Normanni are all within walking distance of the historic center. The Monreale full-day excursion earns its place: the cathedral's Byzantine mosaics, covering 6,000 square meters, are the most complete Norman-era decorative scheme surviving anywhere in Europe and reward an unhurried morning.
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Tips for your 1-week Sicily trip
The best time to visit Sicily is during the spring (April–June) and fall (September–October). The weather is warm and dry during these shoulder seasons, providing ideal conditions for exploring ancient ruins in Agrigento, wandering through Palermo’s old town, or hiking on Mount Etna.
On average, a one-week trip to Sicily costs about $1,350 per person, excluding flights. A budget-friendly trip starts at around $60 per day, while luxury travelers can expect to spend over $330 per day. Your costs will vary depending on your choice of accommodation, transportation, and activities like Mount Etna tours, which are typically $90–$120.
Highlights include the ancient Greek theater in Taormina, the historic old town of Syracuse, and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. The capital city of Palermo offers a mix of bustling markets and architectural wonders. For activities, consider a thrilling excursion to Mount Etna, a scenic boat trip to the Egadi Islands, or a guided food tour to experience local delicacies.
To enrich your experience, immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting traditional markets, like Palermo's Vuccirìa, to try regional specialties. Don’t miss popular Sicilian foods like arancini and cannoli. While trains are an option for longer journeys, renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the island’s diverse regions and hidden gems.
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