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15-Day Sicily Self-Drive Tour

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Overview

Sicily is one of the pearls of Italy, best discovered and experienced through an alternative route between nature, history and tradition, which is exactly what this 15-day Sicily self-drive tour will do!

Rich in mountains, hills, and especially the sea, the Mediterranean offers sceneries, aromas and flavours so unique and intense that only pristine nature can provide. Over 15 days, you'll travel from Trapani, in the west of Sicily round the south coast through Sciacca and Agrigento and up the east coast through Modica, Ragusa and Syracuse. You'll travel up to Taormina before heading to the north coast where you'll explore Cefalu and finish your trip in Palermo.

If you want to discover the stunning Mediterranean island of Sicily and all of the glorious traditions, landscapes and cuisine it has to offer, this is the perfect trip!
Culture & Arts
Sightseeing
Outdoors & Nature
Cycling
Beach & Sea

Itinerary

Day 1

Begin Your Sicily Self-Drive Tour in Trapani

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Begin Your Sicily Self-Drive Tour in Trapani

You'll pick up your rental car, a compact 5-door car (petrol or diesel with air conditioning, manual drive), at the nearest office. With your rental car, you will drive to the B&B Ai Lumi in Trapani. This afternoon, you'll take the cable car to Erice, climbing from the outskirts of Trapani to the town wall of Erice. The station Porta Trapani is at the gateway into the old town. The ten-minute journey is wonderfully panoramic, with views back over Trapani, the sea and the Egadi Islands.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Ai Lumi3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cable Car to EriceOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Vincenzo Florio Airport Trapani–Birgi to Trapani

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Trapani

    Erice

  • notes icon
    Notes

    Pick up Rental Car

Day 2

Explore Erice

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Explore Erice

Medieval Erice is perched on a mountain top, watching over Trapani. Here, you can walk the narrow and winding streets, admiring medieval arches and decorated courtyards. Follow the town walls to the 12th century Castello di Venere with sensational sea-and-valley views and visit the Real Duomo with the 19th-century neo-gothic interior. The best place to rest after climbing around Erice's steep streets is in Piazza Umberto I, the hub of the small town and try some almond biscuits and pastries.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Ai Lumi3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Duomo di EriceOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Province of Trapani to Erice

    Self-Driving from Erice to Province of Trapani

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Trapani

    Erice

Day 3

Biking to Trapani Salt Pans

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Biking to Trapani Salt Pans

Leave your car at home and follow your guide riding a bike from Trapani to the salt pans south of the city. Most of the salt pans were entrusted to the WWF from privately owned salt pans, where salt is extracted according to centuries-old traditional techniques. The landscape is very photogenic with windmills and scattered salt mounds and as the sun sets behind the Egadi Islands, the entire landscape is coloured red, orange and yellow with the white pearls of the salt.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Ai Lumi3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Saline Di Trapani

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Trapani

    Sicily

Day 4

Marsala, Selinunte & Sciacca

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Marsala, Selinunte & Sciacca

Continue your Sicily self-drive tour travelling to Marsala, a city of history, wine and sea with museums telling the story of its prestigious past. Marsala has many events throughout the year, historical and archaeological itineraries, art trails, concerts and exhibitions. After exploring Marsala, you'll travel to Selinunte, an ancient Greek city has the largest archaeological site in Europe. Here you can enjoy its golden sandy beaches then lastly, make the 40-minute journey to Sciacca.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    B&B Conte Luna3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Archaeologoical Museum of Lilibeo MarsalaOptional Activity

    Selinunte Archaeological ParkOptional Activity

    Selinunte BeachesOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Province of Trapani to Marsala

    Self-Driving from Marsala to Selinunte Archaeological Park

    Self-Driving from Selinunte Archaeological Park to Sciacca

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Trapani

    Marsala

    Marinella di Selinunte

    Sciacca

Day 5

Sciacca Sightseeing

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Sciacca Sightseeing

Sciacca is a lively seaside town with a fishing port, famed for its ceramics, thermal baths and religious festivals. There is also an interesting museum about olive oil soap. Today, you can visit the Enchanted Castle and eccentric garden filled with artwork and walk along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele shops full of the beautiful, colourful majolica plates and tiles. Finish your day at the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve with chalk cliffs and golden beaches where loggerhead turtle lays their eggs.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    B&B Conte Luna3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Casa Museo del SaponeOptional Activity

    Enchanted Castle of SciaccaOptional Activity

    Sciacca Ceramic StreetOptional Activity

    Torre Salsa Nature ReserveOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sciacca

    Sicily

    Siculiana

Day 6

Valley of Temples, Villa del Casale & Piazza Armerina

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Valley of Temples, Villa del Casale & Piazza Armerina

Today, you'll travel to Piazza Armerina, making several stops en route. The UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples is the most fascinating monument of Agrigento. The park preserves the remains of the ancient city of Akragas and the surrounding territory. Next up, you'll visit Villa del Casale, a magnificent rural residence with enchanting mosaics, considered the best-preserved of their kind. Tonight, you'll stay at a lush farm stay with panoramic city and mountain views.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Agriturismo Torre di Renda3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Valley of the TemplesOptional Activity

    Villa Romana del CasaleOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Sciacca to Valley of the Temples

    Self-Driving from Valley of the Temples to Villa Romana del Casale

    Self-Driving from Villa Romana del Casale to Agriturismo Torre di Renda

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sciacca

    Sicily

Day 7

Drive to Modica via Ragusa

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Drive to Modica via Ragusa

Today, you'll travel to Ragusa, a UNESCO-listed Baroque hilltown where the modern city meets ancient Ibla. You'll visit the Duomo di San Giorgio with its stained-glass windows and the ornate Ragusa Cathedral, a Roman period museum of religious art. It's then a short drive to Modica, one of the most important feudal states in Southern Italy. Here, you'll wander quaint streets with elegant buildings and learn about chocolate making, a 17th-century tradition.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Palazzo Failla Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    RagusaOptional Activity

    ModicaOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Piazza Armerina to Ragusa

    Self-Driving from Ragusa to Modica

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sicily

    Ragusa

    Modica

Day 8

Drive to Noto, Vendicari Nature Reserve & Syracuse

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Drive to Noto, Vendicari Nature Reserve & Syracuse

This morning's drive takes you to Noto. Here, you can wander along the streets and take in the enchanting Baroque façades of Noto’s palaces, churches and convents. Do not miss the Nicolacci Palace, Townhall and the theatre. It's then a short drive to Vendicari Nature Reserve, a picturesque area which is great for birdwatching, especially the migrating flamingos. There are walking trails you can explore before leaving for Syracuse, where you'll stay tonight.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    B&B Al Palmento Cruillas2 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    NotoOptional Activity

    Nature Reserve Oasis of VendicariOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Modica to Noto

    Self-Driving from Noto to Oriented Nature Reserve Oasis of Vendicari

    Self-Driving from Oriented Nature Reserve Oasis of Vendicari to Syracuse

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Modica

    Noto

    Sicily

Day 9

Syracuse Sightseeing

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Syracuse Sightseeing

Once the largest city in the ancient world, Syracuse delights with piazzas and ancient Greek ruins. Walking around the city you admire Baroque buildings and ancient temples and soak up all this history over a coffee or glass of wine in the piazza. A must visit is the open-air museum Archeologico Neapolis where artefacts range from the Bronze Age to Norman domination. Enjoy the great Mediterranean flora with olive trees, cypresses, pines, palms, carob trees, pomegranates, oranges and lemons.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    B&B Al Palmento Cruillas2 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    SyracuseOptional Activity

    Cathedral of SyracuseOptional Activity

    Archaeological Park of NeapolisOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sicily

    Syracuse

Day 10

Drive to Catania, the Scenic Ciclopi Riviera and to Riposto

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Drive to Catania, the Scenic Ciclopi Riviera and to Riposto

Today, you'll travel to Catania, one of the least known cities undeservedly. The city has an impressive Baroque cathedral, dedicated to St. Agatha. Worth a visit is also the Opera House (dedicated to V. Bellini), Castle Ursino and Villa Bellini. Let yourself be tempted by the local specialities, the Granita and the Arancino. Then take a refreshing drive along this wonderful coastline, an area full of stunning beauty, landscape, geology, history, myths and legends to Riposto.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    La Terra Del Mezzo Turismo Rurale3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    CataniaOptional Activity

    Riviera Dei CiclopiOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Syracuse to Catania

    Self-Driving from Catania to Riviera Dei Ciclopi

    Self-Driving from Riviera Dei Ciclopi to La Terra Del Mezzo - Turismo Rurale

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sicily

    Catania

    Aci Castello

Day 11

Explore Taormina

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Explore Taormina

Today, you can say goodbye to Riposto for the day and travel the short distance to Taormina, a beautiful medieval town overlooking the sea, with its incredible Greek theatre. Here, you can walk to the hilltop village of Castelmola and take in the magnificent views over the Ionian coast. Alternatively, you can stroll around the narrow streets of Taormina with many boutiques or go for a swim in the Isola Bella Natural Reserve.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    La Terra Del Mezzo Turismo Rurale3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ancient Theatre of TaorminaOptional Activity

    Taormina Medieval QuarterOptional Activity

    Villa Comunale Di TaorminaOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Riposto to Taormina

    Self-Driving from Taormina to Riposto

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sicily

    Taormina

Day 12

Explore Cefalù & Travel to Monreale

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Explore Cefalù & Travel to Monreale

Today, you'll drive a little further to Cefalù, a city built on a promontory dominated by a sheer cliff. The city has preserved its ancient appearance. The narrow streets of the historic centre with their medieval character overlook palaces embellished with architectural decorations and many churches. Of particular charm is the seaside village, with the old houses overlooking the sea, and the long beach of fine sand, one of the most beautiful of the entire northern coast.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Casa di Valentina

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cathedral of CefaluOptional Activity

    Cefalu BeachOptional Activity

    CefalùOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Riposto to Cefalù

    Self-Driving from Cefalù to Monreale

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sicily

    Cefalù

    Palermo

Day 13

Monreale Sightseeing

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Monreale Sightseeing

The city of Monreale is located on the slope of Monte Caputo, overlooking the valley filled with orange, olive and almond trees. Visit one of the greatest examples of Norman architecture, Monreale Cathedra, built in 1174 by William II of Sicily. The cathedral features some of the most beautiful mosaics of the 12th century. Whilst at the cathedral, you'll also be able to visit the abbey cloister which boats over 200 ornate and intricately designed double columns decorated with glass mosaic.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Casa di Valentina

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Monreale CathedralOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Palermo

    Monreale

Day 14

Palermo Sightseeing

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Palermo Sightseeing

Palermo's rich history and great religious tradition are expressed in its beautiful and characteristic churches. Remarkable traces of the dominions and families that have followed one another over the centuries have left traces along the main streets and in the historic buildings, many of which can be visited. The whole territory is full of artistic treasures, enchanting natural landscapes and evocative remains of ancient civilizations.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Casa di Valentina

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Palermo CathedralOptional Activity

    Palermo

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Monreale to Province of Palermo

    Self-Driving from Palermo to Monreale

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Palermo

Day 15

Finish your Sicily Self Drive Tour

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Today after breakfast, your two-week Sicily itinerary comes to an end. You'll return your rental car to the nearest office.

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Palermo

  • notes icon
    Notes

    Return the Rental Car

Included in Price

  • 14 nights accommodation
  • 2 activities
  • 14 breakfasts
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation

Not Included in Price

  • Airport transfer
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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