7 day itinerary for Sicily

Itinerary

A week in Sicily sounds like a dream! With a rental car, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, and trust me, there’s so much to see. Let’s dive into a relaxed yet fulfilling 7-day itinerary that balances stunning sights, delicious food, and a bit of local culture.

## Day 1: Arrival in Palermo

Morning: Arrive in Palermo, pick up your rental car, and check into your hotel. Take a moment to relax and freshen up.

Afternoon: Head out to explore the historic center. Visit the magnificent Palermo Cathedral and the Palazzo dei Normanni. Don’t miss the stunning Cappella Palatina inside the palace.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local trattoria. Try some traditional Sicilian dishes like arancini (fried rice balls) and caponata (eggplant dish). Stroll through the vibrant streets and soak in the atmosphere.

## Day 2: Monreale and Cefalù

Morning: After breakfast, drive to Monreale (about 30 minutes from Palermo). Visit the breathtaking Monreale Cathedral, famous for its golden mosaics.

Afternoon: Continue your journey to Cefalù (about an hour’s drive). This charming coastal town is perfect for a leisurely lunch by the sea. Explore the medieval streets and relax on the beach.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at a seaside restaurant. Try some fresh seafood, and don’t forget to sample a slice of cannoli for dessert!

## Day 3: Taormina

Morning: Depart for Taormina (about 2 hours from Cefalù). The drive is scenic, so take your time! Once you arrive, check into your hotel and grab a light lunch.

Afternoon: Visit the ancient Greek Theatre for stunning views of Mount Etna and the coastline. Stroll through the charming streets, stopping at local shops and cafes.

Evening: Have dinner at a restaurant with a view. Taormina is known for its beautiful sunsets, so make sure to enjoy the scenery while you eat!

## Day 4: Mount Etna and Surroundings

Morning: After breakfast, take a day trip to Mount Etna (about 1 hour from Taormina). You can take a guided tour or drive up to the cable car station. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a hike!

Afternoon: After exploring the volcano, head to Nicolosi for lunch. This town is known for its delicious local cuisine.

Evening: Return to Taormina and enjoy a relaxed evening. Perhaps catch a local performance or simply enjoy a gelato while wandering the streets.

## Day 5: Syracuse and Ortigia

Morning: Drive to Syracuse (about 1.5 hours from Taormina). Start your visit at the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, where you can see the Greek Theatre and the Ear of Dionysius.

Afternoon: Head to Ortigia, the historic island part of Syracuse. Explore the Duomo and the beautiful Piazza del Duomo. Enjoy lunch at a local café.

Evening: Stroll along the waterfront and enjoy dinner at a restaurant with a view of the sea. Try the local specialty, swordfish!

## Day 6: Noto and Modica

Morning: After breakfast, drive to Noto (about 30 minutes from Syracuse). This town is famous for its stunning Baroque architecture. Don’t miss the Noto Cathedral!

Afternoon: Continue to Modica (about 30 minutes from Noto). This town is known for its chocolate, so make sure to stop by a local chocolate shop for a tasting. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery.

Evening: Head back to Syracuse for the night. Enjoy a leisurely dinner and perhaps a nightcap at a local bar.

## Day 7: Return to Palermo

Morning: Start your drive back to Palermo (about 3 hours from Syracuse). Take your time and enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Afternoon: Once in Palermo, visit any sights you may have missed, like the Ballarò Market for some last-minute shopping and snacking.

Evening: For your final dinner, treat yourself to a nice restaurant. Reflect on your wonderful week in Sicily over a glass of local wine.

Departure

The next day, return your rental car and head to the airport. You’ll leave with beautiful memories and a heart full of Sicilian charm!

Feel free to adjust any part of this itinerary to suit your interests. Enjoy your trip! Sicily is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered! 🌞🍷