Palermo and Monreale
Norman capital and golden mosaics
Explore Palermo’s historic centre and discover Monreale Cathedral and its cloister, testaments to the coexistence of Arab, Norman and Byzantine influences.
Essential Sicily: Palermo, Agrigento, Syracuse & Etna
7 Days | 6 Nights
Availability: Monday departures on selected dates in 2026 and 2027, on request
Palermo
Catania
Min Age : 12+
Overview
This 7-day itinerary explores Sicily from Palermo to Catania, bringing together historic cities, Mediterranean landscapes, archaeological sites and culinary traditions on an organised journey around the island.
The programme visits Palermo and Monreale, Erice and the Trapani salt pans, Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, Villa Romana del Casale, Ragusa, Noto, Syracuse and Ortigia.
The final stage combines Catania, Mount Etna and Taormina. The circuit operates on selected dates, with shared transport, 4★ accommodation, meals and visits as specified in the programme.
Route overview
Travel route
From Palermo to Catania, the circuit crosses Sicily by road through historic cities, coastal landscapes, archaeological sites and Mount Etna.
Route: Palermo and Monreale → Erice and the Trapani salt pans → Agrigento → Piazza Armerina → Ragusa → Noto → Syracuse and Ortigia → Catania → Etna and Taormina → Catania.
- Overland travel
Memorable experiences
Journey highlights
Three experiences that capture the heritage, archaeology and scenery of this journey across Sicily.
Agrigento
Valley of the Temples
Walk through one of the Mediterranean’s most important archaeological complexes, distinguished by Doric temples and centuries of history.
Etna and Taormina
Between the volcano and the Mediterranean
Ascend to the Sapienza area, weather permitting, enjoy a rural lunch and have time to discover Taormina.
Travel profile
Who we recommend this trip for
Suitable for travellers interested in history, archaeology, architecture, gastronomy and Mediterranean landscapes, who value an escorted circuit with several meals included.
- History and archaeology
- Culture and gastronomy
- First trip to Sicily
- Moderate pace
Important: the circuit involves walking, stairs, uneven surfaces and mountain terrain in the Etna area, at around 1,800 metres. The volcano visit and boat trip around Ortigia depend on weather conditions.
What's included
- 6 nights’ accommodation in the planned 4★ hotels or similar, in a double or twin room.
- 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinners, as specified in the itinerary.
- Drinks during included meals, according to the local operation.
- Shared arrival transfer in Palermo and shared departure transfer in Catania, at the scheduled times.
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle during the circuit.
- Tour accompaniment in Portuguese, Spanish or a bilingual format on selected dates, subject to reconfirmation.
- Local guides in Palermo and Monreale, Agrigento, Villa Romana del Casale and Syracuse.
- Admission tickets for the Palatine Chapel, Church of Santa Caterina, Monreale cloister, Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale.
- Almond sweet tasting in Erice.
- Rural lunch in the Etna area, with wines and local products.
- Boat trip around Ortigia, when weather conditions allow.
- Headsets during the planned visits.
- Local hotel taxes specified in the programme.
What's not included
- Flights and related taxes.
- Meals and drinks not mentioned as included.
- Guided visit and admission to the Ancient Theatre of Taormina.
- Travel insurance, medical coverage and cancellation insurance.
- Visas, authorisations and immigration expenses, where applicable.
- Tips for guides, drivers and the local team.
- Personal expenses, laundry, telephone calls and extra hotel services.
- Private services, additional nights and transfers outside the scheduled times.
- Any service or admission ticket not expressly listed under “What’s included”.
Before you travel
Frequently asked questions about this trip
Important information to understand the operation, accommodation and services planned for this itinerary.
On which dates does the circuit operate?
The circuit departs on Mondays on selected dates in 2026 and 2027. Confirmation depends on availability and the operational minimum at the time of booking.
What language is used for tour accompaniment?
Tour accompaniment may be in Portuguese, Spanish or a bilingual format on selected dates. The actual language will be reconfirmed before booking.
Which meals are included?
The programme includes 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinners. Drinks during these meals follow the terms of the local operation.
Is the ascent of Etna guaranteed?
The visit is planned up to the Sapienza area, at approximately 1,800 metres, but depends on the volcano’s weather and operating conditions. The itinerary may be adjusted for safety.
Is the boat trip around Ortigia included?
Yes, the trip around Ortigia is planned and included, but its operation depends on weather and sea conditions on the day of the visit.
Is the Ancient Theatre of Taormina included?
No. The programme includes free time in Taormina, but the guided visit and admission to the Ancient Theatre are not included.
Are the transfers private?
No. Arrival transfers in Palermo and departure transfers in Catania are shared and operate at the scheduled times. Private services can be quoted separately.
Can I travel alone?
Yes, subject to availability and payment of the applicable single-room price. The circuit departure remains subject to operational confirmation.
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Itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Palermo
Arrival at Palermo airport and shared transfer to the hotel, according to the operating schedule. Rest of the day at leisure to settle in and take your first independent walks around the Sicilian capital.
Accommodation: Palermo. Meals: not included.
Day 2Monreale and Palermo
After breakfast, depart for Monreale to visit the cathedral and cloister. Return to Palermo for lunch and a tour of the historic centre, including the monuments and admission tickets specified in the programme.
Accommodation: Palermo. Meals: breakfast and lunch.
Day 3Erice, Trapani salt pans and Agrigento
Travel to Erice, a medieval village in a panoramic setting, with an almond sweet tasting. Continue through the Trapani salt-pan area, with lunch en route. Arrival in Agrigento and dinner.
Accommodation: Agrigento. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4Agrigento, Piazza Armerina and Ragusa
Guided visit to the Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily’s most important archaeological complexes. Continue to Piazza Armerina for lunch and a visit to Villa Romana del Casale, renowned for its mosaics. Continue to Ragusa and dinner.
Accommodation: Ragusa. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5Noto, Syracuse and Catania
Depart for Noto, known for its Baroque architecture, and continue to Syracuse. After lunch, visit the island of Ortigia and take a boat trip around it, when weather and sea conditions allow. Continue to Catania.
Accommodation: Catania. Meals: breakfast and lunch.
Day 6Mount Etna and Taormina
Excursion to Mount Etna, with a planned ascent to the Sapienza area at approximately 1,800 metres, always subject to weather and operating conditions. Rural lunch with wines and local products. Continue to Taormina for free time and return to Catania.
Accommodation: Catania. Meals: breakfast and lunch.
Day 7Departure from Catania
Breakfast and shared transfer to Catania airport at the scheduled operating times. End of services.
Final destination: Catania airport. Meals: breakfast.
Prices and hotels
Prices per person
Reference prices per person, shown in US dollars (USD), for the regular circuit in 4★ hotels. Rates vary according to the season and selected departure date.
| Season | Reference dates | Double or twin | Single room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 09 and 23/11/2026; 07/12/2026; 04 and 18/01/2027; 08 and 22/02/2027; 08/03/2027 | USD 1,859.71 per person | USD 2,402.75 per person |
| Mid | Monday departures from 06/07 to 24/08/2026 (historical; expired) | USD 2,060.56 per person | USD 2,640.79 per person |
| High | Other selected departures between 30/03 and 02/11/2026, plus the special departure on 28/12/2026 | USD 2,149.83 per person | USD 2,730.06 per person |
| Other dates or configurations | Request a quote on WhatsApp | ||
Single-room prices correspond to the double or twin rate plus the single supplement applicable to each season.
The circuit operates on Mondays on selected dates and is subject to the operational minimum, availability and reconfirmation.
Tour accompaniment in Portuguese, Spanish or a bilingual format according to the chosen date, subject to confirmation.
Prices are valid for the dates indicated and subject to exchange-rate changes, special supplements and reconfirmation at the time of booking. Flights are not included.
Planned hotels
Planned accommodation in 4★ hotels or similar, subject to availability and local classification:
| City and accommodation | 4★ category — planned or similar |
|---|---|
| Palermo 2 nights |
Hotel Garibaldi Official website ↗ NH Palermo Official website ↗ Federico II Central Palace Official website ↗ Mercure Palermo Centro Official website ↗ |
| Agrigento 1 night |
Grand Hotel Mosè Official website ↗ Hotel Della Valle Official website ↗ Dioscuri Bay Palace Official website ↗ |
| Ragusa 1 night |
De Stefano Palace Official website ↗ Poggio del Sole Official website ↗ Mediterraneo Palace Hotel Official website ↗ San Giorgio Modica Hotel Official website ↗ |
| Catania 2 nights |
Hotel Nettuno Official website ↗ Katane Palace Official website ↗ Romano House Official website ↗ NH Catania Centro Official website ↗ Il Principe Hotel Catania Official website ↗ |
The hotels listed are planned and may be replaced by properties of an equivalent or higher category. On some dates, accommodation may be in the Syracuse or Taormina area, depending on the operation. Classification follows local standards.