Best of Taormina

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Taormina
Dramatically set on a hillside overlooking the Ionian Sea, Taormina has long enchanted visitors. Take a stroll along elegant main thoroughfare Corso Umberto and pause to admire the panoramic views from the Piazza IX Aprile, and you’ll see why so many have fallen under the spell (including British author DH Lawrence who lived here in the early 1920s). After exploring the baroque squares, history-laden lanes and a beguiling townscape where lively bars, antique shops jostle with picturesque church towers, you can take the funivia (cable car) down to the Mazzarò beach for a dip in the turquoise sea. 

Taormina’s location along the fabled Ionian Coast makes it the perfect launchpad for nearby adventures. Previous kimkim travelers have visited the smoldering crater of active stratovolcano Mt Etna, Italy’s highest mountain south of the Alps. Just west of Taormina, you can see the volcanic-shaped landscape in the Gole Alcanatra, a series of lava gorges with churning rapids and idyllic swimming spots. Along the coast, there’s excellent kayaking, snorkeling, and scenic boat trips. As elsewhere in Sicily, cuisine plays a pivotal role in everyday life. You can learn a few secrets of Italian recipes in a hands-on cooking course led by a chef in Taormina.
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Views of Syracuse
Map of Sicilian Bike Tour - 7 Days
Sicilian Bike Tour - 7 Days

Sicily is a captivating destination, with scenic beauty, historic sites, and culinary delights. This 7-day itinerary is for the active traveler looking to experience the best of the island while cycling and walking.

Spend a day road tripping around Sicily, stopping at highlights like the Selinunte Archaeological Park
Map of Relaxed Sicilian Honeymoon: Taormina & Palermo - 7 Days
Relaxed Sicilian Honeymoon: Taormina & Palermo - 7 Days

This dreamy seven-day journey across Sicily blends sunshine, history, food, and romance into one brilliant trip. Begin your southern Italian adventure in the charming town of Taormina, visiting the ancient Greek Theatre and floating around the idyllic Isola Bella with a private boat. Savor volcanic wines on the slopes of Mount Etna, then skip over to the island capital, Palermo, where you'll dive straight into Sicilian cuisine with a street food tour and relax on the white sands of Mondello Beach.

Cozy street in Savoca
Map of Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 9 Days
Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 9 Days

Explore why Sicily has been one of the world's most densely occupied regions for over 2,000 years on this colorful nine-day itinerary. Begin in the food capital of Palermo to see 12th-century churches, Italy's largest opera house, and learn to make a four-course meal. Continue to the resort town of Taormina to hike Mount Etna, see a show at the Greek theater, and explore the beautiful little island of Isola Bella. End in Catania, where finger-licking street food and Baroque architecture dominate the scene.

Palazzo Corvaja in Taormina
Map of Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina, Catania - 12 Days
Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina, Catania - 12 Days

A favorite with bikers and hikers, Sicily's hilly landscapes are also perfect for travelers who want big views, diverse cultures, and sunny weather. Explore all this and more on this packed 12-day itinerary, which starts in the food capital of Palermo. Tour medieval churches and relax on sunny beaches, then head to Taormina to dive into the arts and theater scene. Explore Mount Etna and the local winemaking culture, then end your trip in Catania, where churches, street food, and views of the Ionian Sea create the perfect Mediterranean atmosphere. 

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Map of Naples, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 10 Days
Naples, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 10 Days

Over 10 days you can add some of the most beautiful locales in Italy to your holiday scrapbook. This itinerary begins in the south and Naples and includes tours of both the ruins of Pompeii and an ascent of Mount Vesuvius. Then it's pure postcard beauty as you travel to the Amalfi Coast and Capri before jetting off to Sicily for a road trip around that island's most famous and historic sights.

Mt. Etna overlooking Taormina
Map of 7 Days in Sicily: Mount Etna, the Ionian Coast, and Cefalú
7 Days in Sicily: Mount Etna, the Ionian Coast, and Cefalú

This region of Sicily is perhaps the most popular part of the Mediterranean's most iconic island — and for good reason. Europe's largest volcano, ancient archeological sites, shimmering turquoise waters, and easy to navigate resort towns are all reasons travelers flock to this region of the island in droves each year. Step slightly off the beaten path, however, and it is still possible to catch a glimpse of the Ionian coast's beauty, history, and culture.

Taormina's Teatro Greco with a snowcapped Mount Etna
Map of Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 7 Days
Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 7 Days

Explore Sicily's Arab-Norman highlights, mouthwatering cuisine, and ancient ruins with this weeklong foodie trip to Italy's "boot. " Delve into Palermo's vibrant culture and history, cook up a storm with a four-course masterclass, then head to elegant Taormina to hike the summit of Europe's largest volcano, Mount Etna. Your whirlwind trip concludes in Catania, where you'll sharpen your taste buds with a tour of Sicily's famous street food amid the city's famous Baroque architecture.

Seafood for sale at Vucciria market
Map of Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 10 Days
Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 10 Days

Cliff diving is the national pastime in Sicily, and it's easy to see why on this beautiful 10-day itinerary of the mountainous island. Begin your trip in diverse Palermo to discover history and culture through the medium of street food. Go back in time with a trip to the Cappuccini Catacombs and enjoy the sunshine and turquoise water on Mondello Beach. Explore art and history in Taormina and see Sicily from the top of Mount Etna, then end your trip with a street food tour in beautiful Catania.

Mazzarino Medieval Castle with Mt. Etna
Map of Best of Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse, Taormina & Catania - 13 Days
Best of Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse, Taormina & Catania - 13 Days

Sicily has long been a favorite with maritime travelers, and you'll fall in love as well on this incredible 13-day trip. Tour churches and busy street markets in Palermo, then head to Syracuse, home of the famed mathematician Archimedes. Haggle for your lunch at the bustling Ortygia Street Market and visit the 13th-century Castello Maniace before making your way up the coast to Taormino and Catania, where theater, street food, and seafront promenades are a trip highlight.

 Make a wish at the Fountain of Arethusa in Syracuse's Ortygia
Map of Syracuse, Taormina & Palermo: Best Itinerary Ideas
Syracuse, Taormina & Palermo: Best Itinerary Ideas

Thirteen to 15 days is the most popular trip length for Italy travelers interested in visiting Sicily's Syracuse, Taormina, and Palermo, especially when also including Catania. If you're only headed to Syracuse, Taormina, and Palermo, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in eight to nine days. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in six or seven days for travelers with limited time. Read on for the best itineraries, including Syracuse, Taormina, Palermo, and beyond.

Savor arancini with a sea view in Sicily
Map of A Sicilian Food Adventure: Palermo, Syracuse & Taormina - 7 Days
A Sicilian Food Adventure: Palermo, Syracuse & Taormina - 7 Days

Discover Sicily's unbeatable fresh produce, delicious wines, and world-famous street food with this weeklong trip perfect for foodie Italophiles. Stroll Palermo's souk-like markets and rooftop bars with a guided food and wine tour, then head to Syracuse and its beautiful old town of Ortigia for ancient sights, traditional culture, and an authentic Sicilian cooking lesson. Finish in elegant Taormina, where you'll sip wine from the slopes of Mount Etna and master the art of delicious cannoli.

Visit the Greek-Roman Theatre of Catania, Sicily
Map of Taormina, Palermo & Catania: Best Itinerary Ideas
Taormina, Palermo & Catania: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find seven to 10 days perfect for a well-paced Italy trip to Sicily with stops in Taormina, Palermo, and Catania. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in six days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Yet those with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favored itinerary extensions include Syracuse. Keep reading for more inspiring Taormina, Palermo, and Catania itineraries.

Spend a day in Positano as you explore the fabled Amalfi Coast
Map of Relaxed Sicily & Amalfi Coast Honeymoon - 10 Days
Relaxed Sicily & Amalfi Coast Honeymoon - 10 Days

Escape to two dreamy coastal Italian regions on this 10-day honeymoon that blends sunshine, history, food, and romance into one memorable trip. Begin on the Amalfi Coast with four blissful days wine tasting, hiking, lazing by the beach, and cruising around in a classic Fiat 500. Then, switch to Sicily and explore ancient Taormina, savor volcanic wines on the slopes of Mount Etna, and learn to whip up Sicilian favorites with a local chef in Syracuse.

Village of Savoca
Map of Best of Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse, Taormina & Catania - 14 Days
Best of Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse, Taormina & Catania - 14 Days

If you have two weeks and a thirst for Sicilian sunshine, delicious street food, and fascinating culture, then this trip is for you. Spend four days exploring Palermo's diverse history, shopping at bustling markets, and relaxing on sunny beaches. Visit Syracuse and explore the Old Town of Ortygia, then head to Taormina to hike Mount Etna and catch a performance at the ancient Greek theater. End your trip with a street food tour and sunny views of the Ionian Sea in Catania. 

Watermelon granita
Map of Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina, Catania - 11 Days
Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina, Catania - 11 Days

Sicilians consider themselves Sicilian first, and Italian second—discover the source of their fierce pride on this beautiful 11-day itinerary.  Start in culturally rich Palermo, voted by Forbes as the 2015 European food capital. See a variety of churches, from 12th-century to modern-day, and learn to make a traditional 4-course meal. Head to Taormina, where art and theater dominate the region. Catch a show at the Greek theater overlooking the Ionian Sea, then end your trip in bustling Catania—the perfect place to try finger-licking street food and enjoy views of Mt. Etna.

Levanzo Island
Map of Best of Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse, Taormina & Catania - 15 Days
Best of Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse, Taormina & Catania - 15 Days

Explore the best of Sicily on this 15-day itinerary, from Palermo's famous food scene to the Greek theater in Taormina. Visit Syracuse, the birthplace of Archimedes, to see the 2700-year-old town of Ortygia and sunny Arenella Beach. Spend four days enjoying nature and the arts in Taormina, then head to Catania, where filming sites from the Godfather trilogy, delicious street food, and bustling fish markets await.

Sicilian Cannolis with sweet filling
Map of Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 8 Days
Best of Sicily: Palermo, Taormina & Catania - 8 Days

Discover what drew ancient and modern people to strategically located Sicily on this eight-day tour. Start in Palermo to explore its colorful history and exceptional food scene. See the 12th-century Norman Cattedrale, shop for lunch at the busy Vucciria Street market, and soak in the Mediterranean sunshine on Mondello Beach. Continue to Taormina, where you'll catch a performance at the Greek theater, see Sicily from the top of the Mount Etna volcano, and stuff yourself on delicious fried street food.

Enjoy a gelato as you stroll through the elegant streets of Noto
Map of Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour - 8 Days
Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour - 8 Days

Featuring a combination of culture, adventure, and relaxation, this eight-day self-drive tour of Sicily will bring you to the regional capital of Palermo, the Greek temple ruins of Agrigento, and the brilliant Baroque laneways and staircases of Ragusa Ibla, Modica, and Scicli. Marvel at the impressive Norman-Byzantine details of Monreale Cathedral, hike the slopes of Mount Etna and take in the breathtaking scenery in Savoca and Forza D'Agrò.

Stroll through the manicured gardens of Catania's Villa Bellini park
Map of Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour - 9 Days
Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour - 9 Days

Enjoy cultural and historical experiences on this 9-day circuit of Sicily beginning in the regional capital of Palermo, a cultural melting pot, and ending in lively Catania. Along the way, you'll visit stunning landscapes, like the limestone cliffs of Scala dei Turchi, roam ancient Greek and Roman ruins at Agrigento and Syracuse, and learn to cook a traditional Sicilian meal in Taormina.

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Map of Rome & Sicily Highlights - 9 Days
Rome & Sicily Highlights - 9 Days

Nine days is enough time to both discover Rome and set off on an exciting road trip around the island of Sicily. In Rome, you'll tour the unmissable city sights like the Vatican, Colosseum, and the Borghese Gallery. Upon arrival, in Sicily, you'll pick up a rental car and set off from the streets of Palermo along the gorgeous coast to Mt. Etna before finishing the trip in the Baroque city of Catania.

Visit the impressive baroque Church of Sant'Agata al Carcere in Catania
Map of Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour with Aeolian Islands - 9 Days
Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour with Aeolian Islands - 9 Days

Experience Sicily's coastal cities, Sicilian-baroque towns, and the remote Aeolian Islands with this 9-day circuit from Catania. Start in Milazzo and discover the ruins of Lipari and the black-sand beaches of Stromboli before picking up your rental and driving to elegant Taormina. Learn to prepare traditional Sicilian fare in a cooking class in Taormina, navigate narrow and winding lanes and alleys in Syracuse's historic Ortygia, and take in the embellished architecture of charming Noto.

 Visit the ancient Church of San Biagio, Taormina
Map of Syracuse, Taormina, Palermo & Catania: Best Itinerary Ideas
Syracuse, Taormina, Palermo & Catania: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 13 to 15 days is perfect for a well-paced Italy trip to Sicily with stops in Syracuse, Taormina, Palermo, and Catania. It's also possible to hit the highlights in 8 to 12 days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. See more ideas for Syracuse, Taormina, Palermo, and Catania itineraries below.

End your two weeks of Italian luxury in Capri, with private yacht tours to hidden coves and islets
Map of Luxury Southern Italian Escape: Sicily, Amalfi Coast & Capri - 14 Days
Luxury Southern Italian Escape: Sicily, Amalfi Coast & Capri - 14 Days

Treat yourself to two weeks in the south of Italy with this luxury itinerary that takes you from the sun-drenched shores of Sicily to the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast and the "enchanted isle" of Capri. In between immersive cultural experiences and tours of UNESCO-listed wonders, you'll relax on private yachts, sip wines amid volcanic vineyards, zip between coastal villages by Vespa, and master the art of Italian cooking in a fragrant lemon grove.

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Map of Rome & Sicily Highlights - 10 Days
Rome & Sicily Highlights - 10 Days

Embark on the trip of a lifetime with a visit to not one but two of Italy's most historic locales. On this 10-day jaunt you'll enjoy city tours of Rome plus a cooking class where you'll learn to prepare traditional Italian dishes. Then you'll fly to the island of Sicily, where on a road trip you'll travel to coastal cities like Palermo and Cefalú, visit ancient Greek ruins at Syracuse, and even ascend Mt. Etna.

Visit the hilltop city of Agrigento
Map of Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour - 10 Days
Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour - 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary features a perfect mix of culture, history, adventure, and relaxation. Explore ancient Greek and Roman cities, medieval hilltop towns dotted with ornate baroque buildings, and coastal ramparts. Begin in Sicily's regional capital of Palermo and drive your way around the Italian island to end in Catania. You'll visit stunning landscapes, like Trapani's historic salt pans, sip fortified wine in charming Marsala,  and dine on fresh seafood in sophisticated Taormina.

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Map of Naples, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 11 Days
Naples, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 11 Days

11 days is enough time to plan a whirlwind tour of southern Italy's most beautiful locales and historic sights. You'll start in Naples, birthplace of pizza, before sojourning on the Amalfi coast with its terraced vineyards and lemon groves. After fun and sun on Capri, you'll head to another great island—Sicily—for an unforgettable self-driving tour of ancient cities, Greek ruins, and active volcanoes.

Stop in Marsala for a wine tour
Map of Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour - 11 Days
Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour - 11 Days

Enjoy this 11-day self-drive itinerary around the Italian island where you'll begin in Palermo and end your stay in Catania. Along the way, stop to explore medieval hilltop towns and baroque cities, wander amid ancient Greek and Roman ruins, hike active Mount Etna, and choose from a number of stunning beaches along the coast. Catch a sunset over the Trapani salt ponds, sample fortified wine in charming Marsala, and learn to cook a 4-course Sicilian meal in Taormina.

Visit Sicily's Palermo Cathedral on a guided tour
Map of Rome, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 13 Days
Rome, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 13 Days

Give yourself over to the beauty of Italy for 13 days of culture, romance, and adventure. After touring the famous sights of Rome, like the Forum and Colosseum, you'll travel south to the ruggedly beautiful Amalfi Coast and the incomparable Mediterranean gem of Capri. The trip culminates with an exciting road trip around the island of Sicily, in which you'll tour Palermo and visit ancient Greek ruins.

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Map of Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 11 Days
Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 11 Days

The only thing better than visiting one incredible region of Sicily is visiting three. Over 11 days you'll do just that, beginning in Rome with tours of its ancient ruins and historic sights. You'll then travel south to the incomparable Amalfi Coast and island of Capri before finishing up in Sicily with an epic road trip that includes a visit to historic beach towns like Cefalú and ancient Greek ruins.     

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Map of Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 11 Days
Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 11 Days

Enjoy a different kind of vacation with this adventure in southern Italy. You'll arrive in the Puglia region and immediately visit historic cities like Alberobello, Matera, Lecce, and Bari. You'll then fly to Sicily, where you'll take a quick self-drive road trip around the island, stopping at ancient ruins and the historic beach town of Cefalú.

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Map of Rome & Sicily Highlights - 11 Days
Rome & Sicily Highlights - 11 Days

No Italian holiday is complete without visiting Rome, and no trip to Sicily is complete without driving around that historic island. On this 11-day itinerary you'll do both, starting with tours of Rome's most ancient and beautiful sights. In Sicily, you'll hop in a rental car and travel from its capital of Palermo along the stunning north coast to the east side, stopping at other historic cities like Syracuse and Catania.

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Map of Naples, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 12 Days
Naples, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 12 Days

Southern Italy always makes for an unforgettable vacation. This 12-day itinerary guarantees that outcome, as it begins in Naples, continues along the ruggedly beautiful Amalfi Coast, and includes a jaunt to Capri, the crown jewel of the Mediterranean. You'll cap the adventure with a road trip from one side of Sicily to the other, during which you'll enjoy all the great food and historic sights that island has to offer.

Find your way to the well-preserved Temple of Juno in Agrigento
Map of Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour - 12 Days
Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour - 12 Days

This complete 12-day self-drive tour covers Sicily's best, from cultural stops in baroque-infused cities to the exploration of ancient Greek and Roman temples and archaeological parks. Explore medieval hilltop towns, lively markets, ancient ruins, and old Norman castles. You'll sip fortified wine in Marsala, hike the slopes of active Mount Etna, and relax on Cefalù's inviting golden-sand Lungomare beach.

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Map of Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 12 Days
Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 12 Days

Get away from it all for 12 days of unforgettable experiences in Italy. This includes touring the most famous sights of Rome, lazing on the pebbly beaches of the Amalfi Coast, and marveling at the cotton-candy-pink sunsets of Capri. The Mediterranean dream doesn't end there—you'll also embark on a road trip adventure around Sicily, from the historic streets of Palermo to the Greek ruins of Syracuse. 

Crystal clear water, Puglia
Map of Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 12 Days
Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 12 Days

On this 12-day holiday in Italy, you'll visit ancient ruins and historic sights in two of Italy's most beautiful southern regions: Puglia and Sicily. Moreover, you'll enjoy various activities, from cooking classes to beach trips and even a hike up Mt. Etna. The best part is you'll finish the trip with a road trip around Sicily, visiting its most famous locales like the ancient Greek ruins at Syracuse.

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Map of Rome & Sicily Highlights - 12 Days
Rome & Sicily Highlights - 12 Days

12 days is not only enough time to enjoy an unforgettable Roman holiday, but you can add a road-trip adventure through Sicily to the itinerary. In Rome, you'll tour famous sights like the Vatican and Borghese Gallery plus learn the secrets to Italian cuisine in a cooking class. Then, after jetting to Sicily, you'll hop in a rental car and drive from one beautiful coastal city to another, from Palermo to Taormina to Syracuse to Catania.

Trek the coastal route in Zingaro Natural Reserve for pretty views and access to inlets
Map of Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour - 13 Days
Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour - 13 Days

This 13-day grand tour of the Sicilian island perfectly blends culture and history with adventure. Start in the regional capital of Palermo and wander the historic centers of Trapani and Erice before spending a little time on the Aegadi Islands. Visit the impressive Valley of the Temples and sprawling mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale, discover ornate baroque architecture in Noto, Modica, and Scicli, and lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets and underground passageways of Syracuse's Ortygia Island.

After exploring Pompeii, hike 30 minutes up Mount Vesuvius for views over the Tyrrhenian Sea
Map of Naples, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 13 Days
Naples, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 13 Days

In less than two weeks you can visit some of the most incredible locales in Italy. This includes the ruggedly beautiful Amalfi Coast, the postcard island of Capri, the cultural hotbed of Sicily, and even the birthplace of pizza: Naples. In addition, you'll get to tour historic sights like the ruins of Pompeii and natural wonders like Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Italy.

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Map of Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 13 Days
Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 13 Days

Ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, historic cities—you'll get all this and more on a 13-day tour of southern Italy. First up you'll visit cave dwellings and go on food tours in Puglia, the southernmost region of mainland Italy. Then you'll fly to the island of Sicily, which you'll discover on a road trip that will take you from postcard coastal towns to ancient Greek ruins in Syracuse.

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Map of Rome & Sicily Highlights - 13 Days
Rome & Sicily Highlights - 13 Days

If you want to see as many of Italy's historic sights and locales as possible on a limited time frame, you'll visit two places: Rome and Sicily. This 13-day itinerary covers both, beginning in Italy's capital with tours of the city sights and art museums. You'll then fly to Sicily for a road-trip adventure in which you'll stop at its most famous cities, ruins, and landmarks, like Mt. Etna.

Ruins of the ancient Greek theater in Taormina
Map of Luxury Southern Italy: Sicily, Amalfi Coast & Capri - 17 Days
Luxury Southern Italy: Sicily, Amalfi Coast & Capri - 17 Days

Explore southern Italy in style on this relaxing, 17-day odyssey through Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. Starting in Palermo, you'll visit ancient ruins in Agrigento, go wine tasting on Mount Etna, and discover the stylish resort town of Taormina. Back on the mainland, the sun-soaked Amalfi Coast beckons—with lots of free time to explore its clifftop villages and lemon groves before sailing to Capri. Cruise the island's enchanted coastline by private yacht, then hop over to neighboring Ischia and Procida for a memorable day trip.

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Map of Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 14 Days
Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 14 Days

Over  15 days you'll experience the highlights of Italy. In the capital Rome, you'll visit landmarks like the Colosseum and historic institutions like the Vatican. You'll then enjoy the pebble beaches and sun-kissed coast of Amalfi before venturing far south to Sicily, where a road trip will take you from Palermo to Mount Etna.

Taste the best of Sicilian street food with this two-week tour through southern Italy
Map of Foodie Tour of Naples, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 14 Days
Foodie Tour of Naples, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 14 Days

You can do a lot with the traditional two-week vacation. Case in point, it's enough time to jaunt to southern Italy and tour beautiful foodie locales like Naples, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and the island of Capri. You'll even have time to polish your Neapolitan pizza-making skills and sip volcanic wine in the foothills of Mount Etna, rounding off your trip with a masterclass in Sicilian cuisine.

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Map of Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 14 Days
Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 14 Days

This two-week holiday combines anthropology and history with a road-trip adventure in two of Italy's most unique regions. First, you'll tour Puglia, Italy's "heel of the boot," which is home to beautiful beaches and ancient cities. Then you'll fly to Sicily for a road trip from the cultural melting pot of Palermo to ancient Greek and Roman ruins—plus enjoy a jaunt to Mount Etna. 

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Map of Rome & Sicily Highlights - 14 Days
Rome & Sicily Highlights - 14 Days

In two weeks you'll not only immerse yourself in the splendor of historic Rome, but you'll also embark on an unforgettable road trip around the cultural melting pot that is Sicily. In the former, you'll tour famous sights like the Colosseum and Vatican plus take part in a local cooking class. In the latter, you'll drive around the island at your leisure, stopping at historic and beautiful cities like Syracuse, Agrigento, and Taormina.

Walk amid the salt ponds in Trapani
Map of Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour - 14 Days
Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour - 14 Days

Follow this two-week circuit around Sicily for unique cultural experiences, hiking adventures, and coastal relaxation. Begin on the northern shore in cultural-melting-pot, Palermo before heading to Trapani and the Aegadi Islands in the west. Wander amid Roman ruins and extensive mosaics in Agrigento, get lost in the baroque cities of Modica, Ragusa Ibla, and Scicli and their medieval centers, wind through crypts and catacombs in historic Ortygia, and relax along the Ionian Sea enjoying fresh-caught seafood in Taormina.

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Map of Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 15 Days
Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 15 Days

In a little over two weeks you can enjoy comprehensive tours of southern Italy's most beautiful regions: Puglia and Sicily. The adventure begins in the former, where you'll visit historic cities on Italy's heel of the boot like Lecce, Bari, and Alberobello. Then it's off to Sicily, where on a self-drive road trip you'll discover Palermo, visit ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and hike up to Mt. Etna.

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Map of Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 15 Days
Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 15 Days

Get ready for the ultimate 15-day Mediterranean experience. You'll first tour the highlights of Rome before venturing south to Italy's Amalfi Coast and the nearby island of Capri, which rises out of the sapphire blue waters like a siren. The adventure then kicks into high gear with an epic road trip around Sicily, where you'll explore its famous ruins, luxuriate in its rich culture, and dine on its incomparable cuisine.

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Map of Naples, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 15 Days
Naples, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 15 Days

Southern Italy is a treasure chest of historic sights and locales of unparalleled beauty. You'll discover much of it over 15 days as you travel from Naples and the Amalfi coast to the island of Capri and finally to the cultural melting pot of Sicily. Throughout, you'll dine on great pizza, pasta, and seafood while also taking wine tours, visiting ancient ruins, and hiking up to the top of iconic volcanoes.

Head to Cape Milazzo to visit the Pool of Venus
Map of Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour with Aeolian Islands - 15 Days
Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour with Aeolian Islands - 15 Days

Explore Sicily's highlights, including four days on three of the Aeolian Islands, on this 15-day itinerary. Starting from Catania, you'll head to Milazzo and on to Lipari, Vulcano, and Stromboli to relax in mud baths and on black sand beaches, and to hike the Stromboli volcano. Visit Palermo, the regional capital before checking out the Greek and Roman ruins of Agrigento and Syracuse and ending the trip with a cooking class in the elegant seaside town of Taormina.

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Map of Rome & Sicily Highlights - 15 Days
Rome & Sicily Highlights - 15 Days

This 15-day itinerary places you in the heart of two of Italy's most historic locales: Rome and Sicily. The adventure begins in Italy's capital where you'll have multiple days to tour its most famous sights and uncover its lesser-visited gems. Then you're off to Sicily for the road trip of a lifetime as you visit Greek and Roman ruins, dine on incredible street food, and ascend Mt. Etna.

Watch Stromboli's routine eruption on an evening tour of the volcano
Map of Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour with Aeolian Islands - 16 Days
Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour with Aeolian Islands - 16 Days

Experience the highlights of Sicily on this in-depth tour. Beginning and ending in Catania, you'll cover the Italian island as well as spend some time exploring the impressive Aeolian Islands. You'll visit ancient Greek, Roman, and Norman ruins, medieval fortressed towns dotted with ornate baroque buildings and stunning beaches. Discover remote island settlements on Stromboli, meander and climb the narrow laneways and staircases in Modica, Ragusa Ibla, and Scicli,  and dine on fresh seafood in sophisticated Taormina.

Discover Taormina's ancient Greek theater and admire views of Mount Etna
Map of Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour - 16 Days
Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour - 16 Days

Explore the highlights of Sicily as you circumnavigate the Italian island starting and ending in the regional capital of Palermo, a cultural melting pot with stunning monuments and vibrant markets. Along the way, you will explore ancient Greek, Roman, and Norman ruins, medieval fortressed towns dotted with ornate baroque buildings and stunning beaches. You'll trek coastal trails in the beautiful Zingaro Nature Reserve, sip fortified wine in charming Marsala,  and dine on fresh seafood in sophisticated Taormina.

Visit the Noto Cathedral in Noto, Sicily
Map of Rome, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 16 Days
Rome, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 16 Days

This 16-day adventure includes visits to some of the most incredible locales in Italy. This includes everywhere, from the capital of Rome to the Amalfi Coast to the island of Sicily. On top of the beautiful sights, you'll also enjoy unforgettable activities like museum visits, a street-food tour of Palermo, hiking up Mount Etna, and more.

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Map of Naples, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 16 Days
Naples, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 16 Days

Get ready for the trip of a lifetime as you abscond to southern Italy for 16 unforgettable days. The grand tour begins with a bit of history on a tour of the Pompeii ruins before you sail off to the ancient Roman playground of Capri Island. The last portion of the trip is a comprehensive tour around the island of Sicily as you enjoy street food in Palermo, visit Greek ruins in Agrigento, and ascend Mount Etna volcano.

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Map of Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 16 Days
Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 16 Days

This packed 16-day adventure combines the culturally rich region of Sicily with one of Italy's less-heralded gems: Puglia. First, you're off to the heel of Italy's boot, home to ancient and unique cities like Matera and Alberobello. Then you'll jet to Sicily, where you'll hop in a rental car and drive across the island, stopping at ancient Greek and Roman ruins along the way.

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Map of Rome & Sicily Highlights - 16 Days
Rome & Sicily Highlights - 16 Days

Lose yourself in the sights and sounds of Italy's capital before venturing south to the historic island of Sicily. This packed 16-day itinerary begins in Rome, where you'll visit the emblematic city sights. Then you'll jet south to Palermo and embark on a road trip around Sicily to discover its rich culture, cuisine, and history.

The slopes of Mount Etna, Sicily
Map of Sicily Road Trip & Relaxing Sardinia - 21 Days
Sicily Road Trip & Relaxing Sardinia - 21 Days

Experience Sicily and Sardinia—Italy's two largest islands—during this immersive three-week trip, which offers a nice mix of guided tours and free time to explore on your own. Your self-driving tour highlights include Palermo, a cultural melting pot, and Taormina, the elegant village famous for its Greek theatre. You'll also visit Syracuse and Agrigento, with their archaeological treasures, and  Mount Etna—Europe's most active volcano. Finally, combine a city stay with beach trips in Sardinia for the last four days of your trip.

Sunset over Modica
Self-Drive Adventure in Sicily: Catania to Palermo - 9 Days

Get to the heart of Sicily on this 9-day road trip that explores cities, countryside, and coastlines. Venture into volcanic caves on Mount Etna, relax by the Ionian Sea in elegant Taormina, stroll the labyrinthine old town of Syracuse, and discover the Baroque highlights of the Val di Noto. After walking in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks in the Valley of Temples, your adventure draws to a close in the lively capital of Palermo.

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Map of Naples, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 17 Days
Naples, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 17 Days

This packed 17-day itinerary includes visits to the most stunning locales in southern Italy. It begins in the birthplace of pizza, Naples, with excursions to the ancient city of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. You'll continue to the incomparable Amalfi Coast and Capri Island for some leisure and beach time before heading to Sicily for street food tours and visits to ancient Greek temples.

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Map of Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 17 Days
Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 17 Days

On this 17-day tour of Italy's southern regions, you'll go beyond medieval and Roman history and also visit the ruins of ancient civilizations. 9,000-year-old cave dwellings exist in the historic city of Matera, in Italy's Puglia region, but you'll also visit coastal gems like Lecce and Bari. The adventure culminates in Sicily with tours of Greek and Roman ruins and a hike up Mt. Etna.

Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 17 Days
Map of Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 17 Days
Rome, Amalfi Coast, & Sicily - 17 Days

This 17-day grand tour of Italy is your ticket to all the beauty and living history for which that country is famous. You'll begin in Rome and visit the most famous sights, including the Colosseum, Vatican, and Roman Forum, before absconding south to the sunkissed shores of the Amalfi Coast. A jaunt to Sicily and a road-trip around that incomparable island completes the adventure as you discover its great food, wine, and natural beauty.

Discover the historic town of Gravina in Puglia
Map of Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 18 Days
Puglia & Sicily Highlights - 18 Days

This 18-day itinerary covers two of southern Italy's most stunning regions: Puglia and Sicily. It begins in Puglia with visits to the cone-shaped trulli homes of Alberobello and the ancient cave dwellings in Matera. Then head to Lecce to see Baroque architecture and Roman ruins before experiencing the highlights of Sicily on a self-drive road trip.

Enjoy a day trip to stunning Capri, and check out the beach and Faraglioni cliffs
Map of Rome, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 18 Days
Rome, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 18 Days

Take in the sights and sounds of Italy's romantic capital, travel along the ruggedly beautiful southern coast, and dive deep into Sicily's ancient culture. You'll do all this and more over 18 unforgettable days, beginning in Rome with tours of the city's emblematic sights before heading to the rocky beaches of the Amalfi Coast and the sunny island of Capri. Then you'll visit the island of Sicily, where you'll experience the best of its culture and cuisine on an adventurous road trip.

Rustic cafe tables in Amalfi
Map of Naples, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 18 Days
Naples, Amalfi Coast & Sicily - 18 Days

Get away from it all on this comprehensive 18-day trip to the Amalfi Coast, Naples, and the island of Sicily. You'll soak in the sunshine of Amalfi and visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii, located near the pizza epicenter of the world: Naples. The trip ends in Sicily with a drive around this Mediterranean island while visiting its many highlights.

Take a passeggiata along Cefalù's seaside promenade
Map of Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour with Aeolian Islands - 11 Days
Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour with Aeolian Islands - 11 Days

Enjoy this 11-day itinerary from Catania to explore the Aeolian Islands before picking up your rental car and continuing to circle Sicily. Starting with the regional capital of Palermo, you'll dive into its colorful history and impressive architecture on a city tour, then discover the ridgetop temples of Agrigento and the Greek and Roman ruins of Syracuse, capping off the trip with a hike up Mount Etna.

Trek the crater rim amid steaming fumaroles on Vulcano Island
Map of Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour with Aeolian Islands - 12 Days
Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour with Aeolian Islands - 12 Days

This 12-day grand tour of Sicily is a perfect mix of culture and adventure and includes four nights on the Aeolian Islands. Beginning and ending in Catania, you'll discover historic ruins on Lipari, soak in a mud bath on Vulcano, and go on a sunset hike of Stromboli before picking up your rental car in Milazzo. Tour Palermo, the regional capital, wander amid the impressive Greek temples in Agrigento, and enjoy a passeggiata along Syracuse's seaside promenade in Ortygia.

Relax on the black sand beach of Stromboli and enjoy views of the small promontory of Strombolicchio
Map of Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour with Aeolian Islands - 13 Days
Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour with Aeolian Islands - 13 Days

Perfectly blending culture and history with adventure, this 13-day tour starts in the regional capital of Palermo and takes you to three of the Aeolian Islands. You'll pick up your rental car and check out the popular Lungomare beach in Cefalù, discover the impressive Norman-Byzantine Monreale Cathedral, and wander amid the ridgetop temples in Agrigento. From there, you'll explore the tightly woven network of narrow and winding alleys in Ortygia, hike Mount Etna, Europe's largest volcano, and end your trip in Catania, Sicily's next largest city.

Lie out on the black sand beach of Stromboli Island
Map of Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour with Aeolian Islands - 14 Days
Sicily Highlights Self-Drive Tour with Aeolian Islands - 14 Days

Spend two weeks delving into Sicily's historic and cultural highlights on this complete itinerary. Discover remote island settlements on Stromboli, meander and climb the narrow laneways and staircases in Modica, Ragusa Ibla, and Scicli,  and dine on fresh seafood in sophisticated Taormina. You'll begin and end in lively Catania and spend four nights on the Aeolian Islands before picking up your rental car and touring the Italian island from Palermo to Taormina, with Cefalù, Agrigento, and Syracuse in between.

Positano views
Explore the Amalfi Coast and Sicily - 18 Days

This tour starts along the Amalfi Coast, exploring picturesque hillside villages, the famous Path of the Gods hiking trail, the lively city of Naples, and the islands of Ischia and Capri. You'll then fly to the island of Sicily, where you'll discover the famous Sicilian-Baroque architecture in towns like Ragusa, Syracuse, Noto, and more, plus ancient ruins in Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. End the trip on the top of Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, and along the historic streets of Taormina and Catania.