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
a woman standing in front of a mirror posing for the camera

Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Citalia holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30 (Wednesdays from 9:30), Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.
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Suggested Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : UK - Syracuse

Beautiful cityscape of Ortygia (Ortigia), the historical center of Syracuse, Italy. Skyline of a European coastal town with turquoise transparent water and picturesque clouds in the sky

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
Syracuse, Sicily
Grande Albergo Alfeo
  • Located in the heart of Syracuse
  • A modern hotel in ancient surroundings
Syracuse, Sicily
Hotel Borgo Pantano
  • Tranquil gardens surrounding the well-kept property
  • Bicycle and Mountain bikes available free of charge
Syracuse, Sicily
Minareto
  • Located infront of the beautiful island of Ortigia with spectacular sea views
  • Elegant guest rooms and an array of facilities including a private beach
Days 2-3 : Syracuse

Fountain of Diana in Syracuse, Sicily, Italy

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:
Where you could stay
Syracuse, Sicily
Grande Albergo Alfeo
  • Located in the heart of Syracuse
  • A modern hotel in ancient surroundings
Syracuse, Sicily
Hotel Borgo Pantano
  • Tranquil gardens surrounding the well-kept property
  • Bicycle and Mountain bikes available free of charge
Syracuse, Sicily
Minareto
  • Located infront of the beautiful island of Ortigia with spectacular sea views
  • Elegant guest rooms and an array of facilities including a private beach
Day 4 : Syracuse - Taormina

Etna volcano and Taormina town aerial panoramic view. Roofs of a lot of buldings. Smoking snow-capped Mount Etna volcano. Taormina, Sicily, Italy.

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:
Where you could stay
Recommended
Sicily, Taormina
Hotel Villa Belvedere
  • Secluded location on the hillsides of Taormina, above the Ionian Sea
  • Just ten minutes from the centre of Taormina and its many attractions
  • Family run and offering great Sicilian hospitality
Sicily, Taormina
Hotel Caparena
  • Complimentary shuttle bus to/from Taormina centre
  • Private beach and beach bar
Days 5-7 : Taormina

Sicily-n-Aeolian-Islands-368x200-512983606

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:
Where you could stay
Recommended
Sicily, Taormina
Hotel Villa Belvedere
  • Secluded location on the hillsides of Taormina, above the Ionian Sea
  • Just ten minutes from the centre of Taormina and its many attractions
  • Family run and offering great Sicilian hospitality
Sicily, Taormina
Hotel Caparena
  • Complimentary shuttle bus to/from Taormina centre
  • Private beach and beach bar
Day 8 : Taormina - UK

Entrance to local shop in Taormina, Sicily. Writing on the black table lists itmes on promotion.

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 £1,249 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

Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up.
 
On guided tours/excursions, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.
 
On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide at the end of the tour.

Details

The price is based on 2 adults sharing, travelling in April 2025. Our Italy Experts can personalise all of our multi-destination holidays for a date and destination that suits you. For a bespoke quote, give one of our Personal Travel Planners a call on 01293 765055.

Quote reference number: 53352551

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