Highlights

  • Explore Sicily’s unique heritage, from Norman cathedrals to the temples of ancient Greece
  • Stay in luxury amid the ancient Valley of the Temples
  • Relax with private-beach stays in both Cefalù and Taormina
  • Watch the sun set over Mt Etna
  • Hit the open road on scenic drives through Sicily’s pretty interior

With a hire car on hand and a full seven days to explore, this luxury road trip takes in the very best of Sicily’s ancient cities, pristine coastline and vineyard-studded interior. You’ll begin in the capital, Palermo, whose catalogue of ancient treasures – Arab, Gothic and Byzantine – once placed it at the very crossroads of civilisation. Then, heading through rolling countryside you’ll pause at Agrigento’s millennia-old Greek monuments before a stay in Cefalù pairs some of Italy’s best beaches with the medieval grandeur of its Arab-Norman architecture. Finally, arrive into Taormina where views of snow-dusted Mt Etna provide a fitting end to a remarkable journey.


Day 1

Fly to Palermo

Enjoy and relax in your included airport lounge. Then, feeling refreshed, you’ll fly to Palermo, a city whose intoxicating mix of Byzantine mosaics, Arabesque domes, baroque churches and Gothic palaces evidence its position at the very heart of the ancient world.

On arrival, collect your hire car for the short drive to the marbled elegance of your 19th-century Art Nouveau hotel.


Breakfast included


Days 2 – 3

Agrigento’s millennia-old temples

Driving south, you’ll have your first glimpse of Sicily’s verdant interior as flower-strewn meadows give way to sprawling vineyards and the occasional medieval village. Then, wending your way along a precipitous coastline, you’ll arrive at your next hotel, an 18th-century villa whose indulgent spa and Michelin-standard restaurant are on the doorstep of Agrigento’s ancient Valley of the Temples.

Spend the next day exploring the site whose Temple of Concordia – a 5th-century Doric masterpiece – is the star turn in series of seven pillared masterpieces strung along the adjacent ridge.

Breakfast included

Agrigento, Sicily

Agrigento, Sicily

Temple of Concordia, Agrigento

Temple of Concordia, Agrigento


Days 4 – 5

Arab-Norman wonders in seaside Cefalù

Drive north across the island to arrive in Cefalù on Sicily’s mountain-framed north coast. With pristine white sands and dazzling blue seas, it’s perhaps Sicly’s most idyllic coastal stretch, made all the more pleasurable by your hotel’s private beach. With two days here, there’s time aplenty to relax, but make sure to leave some free moments to explore, with the grandeur of the town’s 12th-century Norman cathedral among a litany of highlights.

Take in its Byzantine mosaics and fortress-like towers before wandering along cobbled streets to find pretty piazzas lined with honey-hued houses and a seafront promenade where traditional restaurants sell freshly made pizzas and the catch of the day.

Breakfast included

Cefalu, Sicily

Cefalu, Sicily

Cefalù, Sicily

Cefalù, Sicily

Cefalu, Sicily

Cefalu, Sicily


Days 6 – 7

Taormina’s volcano views

Driving past sandy bays and secluded coves, you’ll reach Taormina whose sweeping views of Mt Etna from its ancient Greek amphitheatre are perhaps Sicily’s most evocative. On arrival, you’ll check into your luxury hotel, host to a private beach, fabulous spa and sensational sea views. It’s a truly indulgent place to end your island stay.

And, between hours of sun-dappled relaxation and locally inspired dining, Taormina’s Gothic palaces, English gardens and medieval fortress are all close at hand.

Breakfast included

Taormina, Sicily

Taormina, Sicily

Taormina, Sicily

Taormina, Sicily


Day 8

Depart for UK

Return your hire car to he airport for your flight home. 

Breakfast included


About the itinerary

"I designed this itinerary to showcase the best of Sicily in just over a week. It's the perfect blend of culture and beautiful nature, including a stay on a private beach and commanding views of Mt Etna. Best of all, the accommodation I've picked balances Sicilian character with luxurious comfort."

Andy Austen

Destination Specialist

Pricing information

Guide price from £1,915 pp incl. flights

Apr & Oct from: £1,915 pp
Jul & Aug from: £2,580 pp

Includes
  • Complimentary UK airport lounge access
  • Return flights between the UK and Palermo and back from Catania
  • 8 days car hire
  • 7 nights accommodation in a mix of 4* and 5* hotels on a B&B basis

Low Season:  Apr, Oct

High Season: May, Jun, Jul & Aug

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