Sicilian Adventure Self-Drive: Palermo, Agrigento and Catania
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ On Request
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: On this program, you will discover the largest Mediterranean island, Sicily. Stay in first class accommodations and travel at your own pace with an 8-day car rental as you discover important sites like Valley of the Temples, Mount Etna and more, all while enjoying the unique and authentic culture of Sicily.
This 8-day self-drive trip takes you through one of Europe’s most distinctive destinations, appreciating its history, culture, and cuisine en route.
Begin with three nights in Palermo, enjoying a full day or two at leisure to take in the sights and sample the famous street food of Sicily’s largest city. Nearby, explore the historic towns of Monreale and Cefalu, with cathedrals and mosaics that earn comparisons to their counterparts in Florence, in Piazza del Duomo, and Istanbul’s Saint Sophia. Drive on to Agriento and the Valley of the Temples to see some of the best-preserved ruins in the Mediterranean. Highlight of this UNESCO listed site include the Temples of Juno, Concord, and Hercules.
Your next home base is Catania, Sicily’s second largest city and an ideal spot for exploring the surrounding countryside of the eastern coast. The city itself has its own baroque architecture and cathedral to explore, while in nearby Taormina, you can take in the views of the Mediterranean and Mount Etna. You’ll spend a full day exploring Europe’s highest active volcano, enjoying the unique flora and fauna that thrives in its shadow.
Return your hire car at Catania airport for your flight home.
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ On Request
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrival Palermo
Upon arrival at the Palermo Airport pick up your car rental and drive to your hotel. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
| Duration | 3 Nights |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Hotel Principe di Villafranca |
| Location | View map |
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Hotel Principe di Villafranca
The Principe di Villafranca is an elegant 4-star boutique hotel. With only 32 unique rooms, the hotel resembles a historic house, featuring living areas on the ground floor, bright natural light and contemporary art and furnishings throughout. It is located on a quiet street, steps …
The Principe di Villafranca is an elegant 4-star boutique hotel. With only 32 unique rooms, the hotel resembles a historic house, featuring living areas on the ground floor, bright natural light and contemporary art and furnishings throughout. It is located on a quiet street, steps away from the main boulevard, via della Liberta where you can find fashion and furniture design stores mixed with bookshops and many shops offering products from the local food and wine industry. The hotel offers complimentary Wifi, breakfast room, lounge bar, fireplace room, fitness room and a curated art collection for the promotion of contemporary art.
Facilities
- 24 Hour Reception
- Air Conditioning
- Babysitting Service
- Doctor on Call
- Fitness Centre
- Housekeeping Service
- Internet Corner
- Laundry and Ironing
- Library
- Lobby
- Non Smoking Rooms
- Parking (Valet)
- Restaurant
- Wake up calls
- WiFi
Palermo
Today, explore the city at your leisure or join a guided excursion to discover the city's highlights including the Norman Cathedral and the Norman Palace. In the evening, stroll through the city centre towards the Quatro Canti and don't forget to try Palermo's famous "street food".
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Palermo to Monreale and Cefalu
Drive to two of the must-see towns in Sicily. Located only 8 km from Palermo, Monreale is home to one of the most beautiful cathedrals and best examples of Byzantine-Arab-Norman architecture. The gold mosaics, illustrating scenes from the Old and New Testaments, are among the best mosaics, second only to Saint Sophia in Istanbul.
Continue the drive north, passing Palermo, towards Cefalu, the enchanting small village by the sea, which offers a beautiful range of colours and lights. Take a walk along the narrow streets and visit the huge Norman Cathedral, founded in 1131 by Roger II, situated in the famous “Piazza del Duomo”. The main street in the city centre is full of shops and along the water there are restaurants and bars. Relax and enjoy this pretty town.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Palermo to Agrigento
After breakfast, drive to Agrigento, famous for the Valley of the Temples, one of the best preserved cities of the ancient Mediterranean world. Enroute, perhaps take a break in Sciacca, a small town on the southwestern coast of Sicily. Take a break to try a traditional granita and brioche and enjoy the scenery! Next stop is the Stairs of the Turks or Scala dei Turchi. Walk along the beach towards this natural rock formation that overlooks the sea. This amazing natural wonder is a experience not to be missed. Contine to drive towards Agrigento.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Colleverde Park Hotel |
| Location | View map |
-
Colleverde Park Hotel
The 4-star Colleverde Park Hotel is ideally located between the historic centre of Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. The property is immersed in a lush park overlooking the archeological site and the sea. As well as the Scala dei Turchi (Stairs of the …
The 4-star Colleverde Park Hotel is ideally located between the historic centre of Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. The property is immersed in a lush park overlooking the archeological site and the sea. As well as the Scala dei Turchi (Stairs of the Turks) is only a 20 minute drive. The immediate vicinity of the hotel also provides conviences such as a local pastry shop, two restaurants, newstand, church and library. The interior of the hotel combines traditional and modern furnishings such as 19th century sicilian furniture and persian carpets and equipped with free Wifi, onsite parking and restaurant.
Facilities
- Bar
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
- Meeting Room
- Parking
- WiFi
Agrigento to Catania
Check out of your hotel and spend the morning to explore the Valley of the Temples. The archeological area of Agrigento was erected by the Greeks during the 5th century B.C. The temples in Agrigento are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and the area exemplifies Greek architecture and are considered to be among the most extraordinary representations of Doric architecture in the world. Enjoy walking through the valley as you discover the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concord, the Temple of Hercules and more. In the afternoon, head out to Catania for the next 3 nights.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Romano House |
| Location | View map |
-
Romano House
Romano House is the new luxury residence by the Romano Collection brand. This luxury 4 star Catania hotel, in the heart of this wonderful, baroque city, is a harmonious cross between historical 17th century architecture and the most contemporary and exclusive design. 50 rooms and …
Romano House is the new luxury residence by the Romano Collection brand. This luxury 4 star Catania hotel, in the heart of this wonderful, baroque city, is a harmonious cross between historical 17th century architecture and the most contemporary and exclusive design.
50 rooms and luxury suites with prized furnishings and an international style, including skilfully restored frescoes, candid stuccoes and baroque friezes, matched with Philippe Starck furnishings and the most modern technologies: full HD plasma screens, motorised shading curtains which can be comfortably controlled from the bed, warm and all-encompassing led lighting, fast and secure wireless internet connection, a notebook available for clients and much more. Every last detail of the rooms at this luxury hotel in Catania, Romano House, has been studied and selected with the intention of ensuring the well-being of guests.Facilities
- Bar
- Fitness Centre
- Meeting Rooms
- Parking
- Restaurant
Catania to Taormina
Enjoy the morning at your leisure to discover Catania, the 2nd largest city in Sicily. The city is rich in history, arts and culture. Start your discovery at the Cathedral of Catania, Saint Agatha’s Cathedral, located in the centre of the old town, which dates back to Norman times between 1078 and 1093. Enjoy the beautiful baroque architecture and beautiful frescos throughout the interior of cathedral. Then, stop by the Elephant's Fountain, considered the symbol of Catania.
In the afternoon, drive to Taormina, the picturesque hill top city with incredible views of the sea and the Etna volcano. Stroll through the historic city centre and the Corso Umberto that is full of chic shops, cafes and restaurants, discover historic monuments or visit the ancient Greek theatre.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Mount Etna
Today, spend a few hours exploring the impressive Mount Etna! After breakfast, drive to Rifugio Sapienza at 1,800 meters, located at the base of Mount Etna and the main starting point of cableway and 4X4 jeeps that bring you to the central craters. Mount Etna is the highest volcano still active in Europe, with a height of 3,345 meters. On the way, you can admire the wonderful fauna and flora and the spectaculars lunar-like landscapes. Over the centuries, the volcano has created a place where nature, culture and history merge to create one of the most unique sites in the world. There is also the possibility to climb the volcano by cable car and or 4 X 4 vechicle up to 2, 800 meters.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Depart Catania
After breakfast, drop your car off at the airport and depart home or onwards to your next destination.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 8-day intermediate class vehicle with automatic transmission
- 3 nights first class accommodation in Palermo
- 1 night first class accomodation in Agrigento
- 3 nights first class accommodation in Catania
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Sightseeing and excursions
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
16 Oct 2023
