Simply Sicily
Culture, cuisine, and the coast
Discover amazing architecture, jaw-dropping views, and unbeatable cuisine on this 6-night Sicilian vacation! With your very own rental car, you'll experience the very best of this picture-perfect island, from Palermo to Taormina. Stroll through charming streets, travel back in time at historical landmarks, and feel your eyes widen at the sight of the bright blue Mediterranean Sea. With an included Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour in Palermo, as well as an included Cooking Class & Market Tour in Taormina, this Sicilian adventure is a true taste of paradise.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Catania (CTA)
- Manual rental car for 6 nights - upgrade to automatic available
- Pickup and drop off at Catania airport
- 2 nights in Palermo at the Hotel Principe di Villafranca or similar
- Palermo Hop-On/ Hop-Off Bus Tour (24 hours)
- 4 nights in Taormina at the Hotel Isabella or similar
- Taormina Cooking Class and Food Market Tour
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
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While in Sicily, try local favorites like arancini, caponata, pasta alla norma, and of course - fresh seafood!
- Enjoy off-the-beaten-path stops in between destinations. Get lost in the beauty of mountainous parks, or find a cute lunch spot by the sea!
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Using your hop-on/hop-off bus pass, see Palermo's most raved-about sites, like Norman Palace and Palermo Cathedral.
-
During your stay in Taormina, go shopping on the Corso Umberto and stop in a pastry shop to taste the best cannoli of your life!
-
From Mount Etna to Isola Bella, Sicily is filled with must-see natural beauty.
It's history, it's culture, it's cuisine - it's Sicily! Surrounded by the breathtaking blue Mediterranean and filled with mountainous landscapes, Sicily is pure paradise. With your own rental car, you'll be able to explore all the nooks and crannies of this spectacular island, located just off the "toe" of Italy's "boot." Feel the warm wind in your hair as you journey from Catania, to Palermo, to Taormina - three of Sicily's must-see hot spots!Â
Your first two nights will be spent in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Marvel at jaw-dropping architecture and step into the legendary 12th-century Palermo Cathedral. Use your included Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour to experience all the palaces, piazzas, markets, and restaurants Palermo has to offer!
The rest of your vacation will be spent in the charming hilltop town of Taormina. Perched above the Mediterranean Sea on one side, and Mount Etna on the other. Besides postcard-worthy views, Taormina boasts pristine beaches, storybook streets, historical wonders, and world-renowned restaurants. During your stay in Taormina, you'll be treated to a Cooking Class and Food Market Tour, on which you'll enjoy local tastings, a guided trip to a produce market, as well as an authentic hands-on culinary experience. In your free time, you can catch some rays on Isola Bella, hike Mount Etna, and visit the famous ancient Greco-Roman theater that's still in use today.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Catania (CTA)
- Manual rental car for 6 nights - upgrade to automatic available
- Pickup and drop off at Catania airport
- 2 nights in Palermo at the Hotel Principe di Villafranca or similar
- Palermo Hop-On/ Hop-Off Bus Tour (24 hours)
- 4 nights in Taormina at the Hotel Isabella or similar
- Taormina Cooking Class and Food Market Tour
- Breakfast daily
-
While in Sicily, try local favorites like arancini, caponata, pasta alla norma, and of course - fresh seafood!
- Enjoy off-the-beaten-path stops in between destinations. Get lost in the beauty of mountainous parks, or find a cute lunch spot by the sea!
-
Using your hop-on/hop-off bus pass, see Palermo's most raved-about sites, like Norman Palace and Palermo Cathedral.
-
During your stay in Taormina, go shopping on the Corso Umberto and stop in a pastry shop to taste the best cannoli of your life!
-
From Mount Etna to Isola Bella, Sicily is filled with must-see natural beauty.
It's history, it's culture, it's cuisine - it's Sicily! Surrounded by the breathtaking blue Mediterranean and filled with mountainous landscapes, Sicily is pure paradise. With your own rental car, you'll be able to explore all the nooks and crannies of this spectacular island, located just off the "toe" of Italy's "boot." Feel the warm wind in your hair as you journey from Catania, to Palermo, to Taormina - three of Sicily's must-see hot spots!Â
Your first two nights will be spent in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Marvel at jaw-dropping architecture and step into the legendary 12th-century Palermo Cathedral. Use your included Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour to experience all the palaces, piazzas, markets, and restaurants Palermo has to offer!
The rest of your vacation will be spent in the charming hilltop town of Taormina. Perched above the Mediterranean Sea on one side, and Mount Etna on the other. Besides postcard-worthy views, Taormina boasts pristine beaches, storybook streets, historical wonders, and world-renowned restaurants. During your stay in Taormina, you'll be treated to a Cooking Class and Food Market Tour, on which you'll enjoy local tastings, a guided trip to a produce market, as well as an authentic hands-on culinary experience. In your free time, you can catch some rays on Isola Bella, hike Mount Etna, and visit the famous ancient Greco-Roman theater that's still in use today.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Palermo!
Ciao, Sicily! Upon arrival in Catania, pick up your rental car and take a scenic journey to Palermo. This trip is roughly 2.5 hours, so you may want to plan a stop or two along the way. Check into your hotel, get settled, then enjoy your first night in Palermo. Treat yourself to a delicious meal and begin exploring!
If time allows, you may want to activate your 24-hour Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour. This tour is a great, relaxed way to get to know Palermo. Ride the whole tour through, then "hop off" wherever you choose! Remember that your ticket will only be active for 24 hours once activated. Keep this in mind when planning out your days.
Find comfort and style at this hotel, located just a short walk from the heart of Palermo. Check-in with the friendly 24-hour reception team, then make your way to your spacious room. Open the door to find crisp air conditioning, plush bedding, free WiFi, flat-screen TV, and much more. Hang out in the cozy library, grab a drink from the lobby bar, or work off all that yummy pasta in the fitness center!Â
Feel right at home at this elegant hotel in the heart of Palermo. Step into the lobby and take note of sophisticated Sicilian decor, then check-in with the inviting 24-hour reception team. Head up to your spacious room and open the door to lots of natural light, plush bedding, and modern amenities like free WiFi, flat-screen TV, and air conditioning. Once you settle in, head up to the sun deck and lounge in the warm Sicilian sun with a drink in-hand!Â
This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of Palermo's luxury shopping, business, and entertainment. The hotel radiates an atmosphere that's elegant as well as comfortable, and the staff is ready to pamper guests with the front desk available 24-hours.
There is an on-site gym and breakfast is served in the mornings with traditional pastries as well as gluten-free and vegan options. Additionally, there is a lounge bar where guests can mingle and grab a drink before heading to the hotel restaurant for dinner.Â
Guest rooms are beautifully renovated, and some have a view of the city. Amenities include a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, a kettle, TV, air-conditioning, phone, minibar, and hairdryer. Additionally, the rooms have soundproof windows.Â
The train station Palermo Lolli and Giardino Inglese are both a 12-minute walk from the hotel, and historic buildings like Villetta di Piazza Florio is a short 7-minute walk away. Additionally, Falcone-Borsellino Airport is closest to the airport.Â
Please Note
City Sightseeing Palermo Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour (24 Hours)
In the city of Palermo, the City Sightseeing® Hop-On/Hop-Off tour is divided into Line A, which shows the splendors of the historic center, and Line B, which shows the Liberty City area, the main villas and Zisa Castle. A further route reaches the Cathedral of Monreale (a famous Norman treasure built by William II of Altavilla, located on the Rocca Di Monreale) where you will be able to admire the entire Conca d'Oro.
NOTE: The ticket for the Palermo - Monreale line has to be purchased directly on-site. This is not included with this tour. The Hop-On/Hop-Off allows complete freedom of movement and provides a multilingual commentary containing many anecdotes and historical references.
Download the app for an easy and practical way to orient yourself, move around at your own pace, and get to know the city. Inside the app you will find an interactive map that will show you the position of the buses in real- time, the waiting time at each stop and your position so that you can easily reach the nearest stop.
Highlights: Hop on and off as many times as you want within 24 hours, and discover the city from a unique point of view. Free admission for children 0- 4 years old. Wheelchairs are welcome on this tour.Â
Day 2. Palermo
Rise and shine! After a lovely breakfast, you may want to continue using your hop-on/hop-off bus pass. Today, be sure to visit Palermo's most iconic sites, like the Palazzo dei Normanni, Capella Palatina, and Palermo Cathedral.Â
All that exploring making you hungry? Stop at a local spot for one of Sicily's most beloved snacks - arancini!Â
Day 3. Palermo - Taormina
Enjoy breakfast, then wave goodbye to Palermo and take a stunning seaside drive to Taormina! This drive is around 3.5 hours, so you'll want to stop along the way. Spring for a beautiful lunch at a waterfront restaurant, visit areas of natural beauty, or stroll around quaint towns. You never know what you'll find!
When you reach Taormina, you'll instantly fall in love. Check into your hotel and settle in, then begin exploring. Wander through charming streets of bakeries and boutiques, and feast your eyes on views of Mount Etna and the bright blue sea.Â
Nestled in Taormina's historic old town, Hotel Isabella boasts elegance and comfort on the city's main shopping street, Corso Umberto. Check-in with the inviting 24-hour reception team and admire the lobby's classic decor, then, find your room! Open the door to rich colors, comfortable bedding, and modern amenities like free WiFi and crisp air conditioning. Many rooms even have balconies and views of the Ionian Sea down below. Once you settle in, take a 5-minute walk to the famous Ancient Greek Theater of Taormina.
Just steps from Taormina's adorable center, this hillside beauty boasts a sparkling outdoor pool and stunning sea views. As you step into the lobby, admire elegant decor and warm Sicilian hospitality. Open the door to your spacious room and find plush bedding, crisp air conditioning, free WI-Fi, and luxurious bath amenities. Some rooms even have views of Mount Etna or the Bay of Naxos! Spend your free time swimming, working out in the fitness center, or pampering yourself with a spa treatment. When you work up an appetite, walk to any of the many surrounding restaurants, or treat yourself to a romantic dinner at the stunning on-site garden restaurant.Â
Find beauty and tranquility at Hotel Caparena & Wellness Club, located on gorgeous garden grounds just steps from the beach. Check-in with the welcoming 24-hour reception team, then head to your room. Upon opening the door, you'll find crisp air conditioning, flat-screen TV, plush bedding, free WiFi, and much more. Many rooms even have balconies and sea or garden views!Â
Once you're all settled in, unpack your swimsuit and make a splash in the sparkling outdoor pool. You may also want to take a dip in the hot tub, work out in the fitness center, or steam your stresses away in the sauna. When you work up an appetite, treat yourself to an unforgettable meal at Caparena's onsite restaurant, serving up a range of mouthwatering Sicilian favorites.
Although Taormina's historic center is just over 2 miles away from Hotel Caparena, a free shuttle bus is provided! The beachfront position of this hotel provides a quiet escape, with convenient access to the heart of town.Â
Day 4. Taormina
Recharge with breakfast, but don't fill up too much - you're in for a fun, food-filled day! This morning, you'll embark on your included Taormina Cooking Class & Food Market Tour. Visit a local market and pick fresh ingredients, enjoy a tasting from an authentic Sicilian delicatessen, and learn to prepare and cook homemade dishes! After all the work is done, you'll sit down to lunch.Â
The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Stroll the Corso Umberto, visit the Teatro Antico di Taormina, and snap incredible photos from Piazza IX Aprile! If you're looking for scenic beauty, venture out to the "Jewel of Taormina," Isola Bella.Â
Taormina Cooking Class and Food Market Tour (Small Group)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
- Visit to Taormina’s Food Market
- Food tasting from a typical Sicilian delicatessen
- Pick fresh products for your cooking class
- Learn to prepare and cook homemade dishes
Meeting at the Gate of Porta Messina, you'll begin with a guided tour of the Taormina market. Shop for fresh ingredients and enjoy learning about the local produce! You'll also take part in a small tasting of salamis and cheeses - yum! Back at the Porta Messina Restaurant, the chef will explain the recipes in your program while you sip on some warm coffee. The preparation and the cooking of the food will then start, with the making of hand-made pasta as a highlight!
Once the dishes are prepared, everybody will be invited to the table for a typical local lunch with delicious accompanying wines. Afterwards, each participant will receive a certificate and an autographed apron as a souvenir of this special day! Mangia, mangia!Â
Day 5. Taormina
Fuel up with a yummy breakfast - your day is about to erupt with fun! Consider taking a 1-hour drive to impressive Mount Etna. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world's most active - and most beautiful - volcanoes. Take a hike up, or consider a tour!Â
Day 6. Taormina
Today, you might want to soak up some Mediterranean sun! Lounge on Taormina's picture-perfect beaches: Isola Bella, Mazzaro, or the shore of Giardini Naxos. See why these coastal beauties are some of the most sought-after beach destinations in the world!Â
Spend the rest of your final day checking off your Taormina bucket list. Make sure you've seen all the sights you'd hoped to see, and that you've eaten at all the restaurants you've dreamed of dining at!Â
Day 7. Depart Italy
Get one last look at Taormina before you journey to Catania Airport. Return your rental car, find your gate, and spend your flight home dreaming about your next adventure!Â