Syracuse and Taormina

Travel around Sicily by car, stopping at the island’s two most enchanting destinations.

At a glance

Chance to walk the maze of ancient streets in enchanting Ortigia
Driving lets you explore at your own pace
Step back in time with a visit to Taormina’s Greek Amphitheatre

For more information, call our Italy Experts on:

01293 765055 Or Request a quote

Suggested Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : UK - Syracuse

Pick up your car at Catania airport and take the dramatic coastal road to the ancient Greek city of Syracuse (approx. 1 hour) before enjoying a delicious Sicilian evening meal.

Where you could stay

Grande Albergo Alfeo

Syracuse, Sicily

Located in the heart of Syracuse
A modern hotel in ancient surroundings

Find out more

Hotel Borgo Pantano

Syracuse, Sicily

Tranquil gardens surrounding the well-kept property
Bicycle and Mountain bikes available free of charge

Find out more

Minareto

Syracuse, Sicily

Located infront of the beautiful island of Ortigia with spectacular sea views
Elegant guest rooms and an array of facilities including a private beach

Find out more

Days 2-3 : Syracuse

Syracuse is one of Sicily’s finest destinations, boasting a rich Greek history and culture, developed over thousands of years of continued inhabitation. Take the opportunity to explore the archaeological wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, notably the Greek Theatre dedicated to the Goddess Athena. Joined to the mainland by three bridges is the island city of Ortigia – an enthralling island city packed with historical attractions and pedestrian-only alleyways.

Points of interest:

Greek Theatre Visit Ortygia

Where you could stay

Grande Albergo Alfeo

Syracuse, Sicily

Located in the heart of Syracuse
A modern hotel in ancient surroundings

Find out more

Hotel Borgo Pantano

Syracuse, Sicily

Tranquil gardens surrounding the well-kept property
Bicycle and Mountain bikes available free of charge

Find out more

Minareto

Syracuse, Sicily

Located infront of the beautiful island of Ortigia with spectacular sea views
Elegant guest rooms and an array of facilities including a private beach

Find out more

Day 4 : Syracuse - Taormina

Leave historic Syracuse behind, as you make the gripping drive to the beautiful town of Taormina, set high in the hills above Isola Bella beach (approx. 1.5 hours). First stop, check in to one of our extensive range of hotels, before heading out to enjoy the vibrant sights and sounds of Corso Umberto, Taormina's main street. Finish the day with a dinner in one of the town’s many authentic trattorie.

Points of interest:

Stroll along Corso Umberto

Where you could stay

Hotel Excelsior Palace - Taormina

Sicily, Taormina

A historical hotel, which dates back to 1904
Fantastic views of the Sicilian coastline and Mount Etna
A minute’s walk from the shops, restaurants and bars in Taormina

Find out more

Hotel Villa Belvedere

Sicily, Taormina

Secluded location on the hillsides of Taormina, above the Ionian Sea
Just ten minutes from the centre of Taormina and its many attractions

Find out more

Mazzaro' Sea Palace

Sicily, Taormina

Located close to the cable car for links to Taormina
Situated in the picturesque bay of Mazzarò with its own private beach

Find out more

Days 5-7 : Taormina

The next few days are spent at leisure in Taormina and the surrounding area. Taormina combines breathtaking views from its mountain-side location, and is best-known for its Teatro Greco – a Roman amphitheatre with stunning views over the bay across to the distant Mount Etna. The town is filled with many more historic sights, and also enjoys a prime location moments from the beautiful pebble beach facing Isola Bella.

Naturally, no visit in Sicily would be complete without a visit to the highest active volcano in Europe; pre-book the Mount Etna Excursion and Alcantara Gorges and discover Etna's amazing volcanic countryside. The excursion stops at the Alcantara Gorge which was formed by burning lava flow from Mount Etna's eruptions, before ascending to 1,900 metres above sea level to admire the breathtaking views across Sicily. The more daring can choose to climb to 2,900 metres via cable car and off road minibus, in order to reach the main crater of Europe’s tallest active volcano.

Points of interest:

Greek Amphitheatre Mount Etna

Where you could stay

Hotel Excelsior Palace - Taormina

Sicily, Taormina

A historical hotel, which dates back to 1904
Fantastic views of the Sicilian coastline and Mount Etna
A minute’s walk from the shops, restaurants and bars in Taormina

Find out more

Hotel Villa Belvedere

Sicily, Taormina

Secluded location on the hillsides of Taormina, above the Ionian Sea
Just ten minutes from the centre of Taormina and its many attractions

Find out more

Mazzaro' Sea Palace

Sicily, Taormina

Located close to the cable car for links to Taormina
Situated in the picturesque bay of Mazzarò with its own private beach

Find out more

Day 8 : Taormina - UK

Wave goodbye to Taormina, as you head back to Catania airport (approx. 45 minutes) and drop off your car before embarking on your return flight home.

8 days from £1,359 per person

Price shown includes return flights from London, accommodation in each destination for the duration specified and transfers, trains and/or car hire as required. The price shown represents a from price per person based on two people sharing in low season travel unless otherwise stated. Price is subject to availability and flight seats change continually, affecting the final price. The lead-in price shown is for guidance only. To obtain a tailored quote specific for your requirements, please contact one of our Italy Experts.

Practical Information

Flight Information

The closest airport to Taormina is Catania (CTA), which is about 1 hour from Taormina and Taormina Mare. Direct flights to Catania are available from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester and take approxmimately 3 hours.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

You don’t have to leave a tip in Italy – most Italians don’t tip for restaurant meals, bar drinks, taxi rides or hair and beauty treatments. However if you do leave a tip, you might receive quicker service.

Details

Based on 2 adults sharing. Travelling October 2023.

Quote reference number: 53080668

Syracuse and Taormina

At a glance

Suggested Trip Itinerary

Grande Albergo Alfeo

Hotel Borgo Pantano

Minareto

Grande Albergo Alfeo

Hotel Borgo Pantano

Minareto

Hotel Excelsior Palace - Taormina

Hotel Villa Belvedere

Mazzaro' Sea Palace

Hotel Excelsior Palace - Taormina

Hotel Villa Belvedere

Mazzaro' Sea Palace

8 days from £1,359 per person

Practical Information

Flight Information

Visa Information

Tipping

Details

What our customers think