Eastern Sicily & Lipari Island – 8-Day Self-Drive Tour
Discover eastern Sicily by rental car, from ancient Syracuse and the Baroque towns of Noto, Modica and Ragusa to Mount Etna and Taormina, before travelling to Lipari in the Aeolian Islands.
Highlights
- Ancient Syracuse & Baroque Sicily
- Mount Etna & Taormina
- Lipari & the Aeolian Islands
Overview
Your adventure begins at Catania Airport, where you collect your rental car and head towards Syracuse. Explore the remarkable archaeological heritage of Neapolis and wander through Ortigia, the city's historic island centre, with its elegant piazzas, ancient monuments and waterfront views.
Continue through the UNESCO-listed Baroque landscapes of southeastern Sicily. Admire the architectural beauty of Noto, discover Modica's celebrated chocolate-making tradition and stroll through the atmospheric streets of Ragusa Ibla.
The journey then takes you towards Mount Etna, where volcanic scenery and mountain landscapes offer a striking contrast to the Baroque towns. Continue to the Ionian coast, with time to discover Taormina's historic centre, Greek Theatre and panoramic views.
From Milazzo, travel across the Tyrrhenian Sea to Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands. Here, the pace changes as you enjoy the island's picturesque streets, volcanic scenery and Mediterranean atmosphere.
Combining independent exploration, cultural discoveries and time by the sea, this itinerary offers two contrasting sides of Sicily in one journey.
Day by day
- 1
Day 1
Welcome to Sicily: Catania Airport to Syracuse
Welcome to Sicily! Upon arrival at Catania Fontanarossa Airport, collect your rental car and begin your journey towards Syracuse, one of the Mediterranean's most fascinating historic cities.
Drive through the landscapes of eastern Sicily to your accommodation in the Syracuse area. Depending on your flight arrival time, you may enjoy a short stop in Catania or head directly to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is free to settle in and relax before beginning your exploration of the island.SiracusaSiracusa - 2
Day 2
Ancient Syracuse & the Island of Ortigia
After breakfast, spend the day discovering Syracuse, a city whose history stretches back to the ancient Greek world.
Begin with the Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to the impressive Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre and Ear of Dionysius.
Continue to Ortigia, Syracuse's beautiful historic island centre. Wander through its narrow streets and elegant squares, admire the Temple of Apollo and Piazza Duomo, and discover the waterfront near the Fountain of Arethusa.
Enjoy free time for lunch at a local restaurant and explore the atmospheric streets at your own pace.
Return to your accommodation in the Syracuse area.Ortigia, SiracusaBreakfastSiracusa - 3
Day 3
The Baroque Treasures of Noto, Modica & Ragusa
After breakfast, set off on a full-day self-drive exploration of southeastern Sicily's celebrated Baroque towns.
Begin in Noto, renowned for its harmonious architecture and golden limestone buildings. Walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele and admire the Cathedral of San Nicolò and the elegant palaces surrounding the historic centre.
Continue to Modica, where Baroque architecture meets one of Sicily's best-known culinary traditions: chocolate. Explore the historic streets and, if you wish, visit a local chocolate shop to discover the town's distinctive chocolate-making heritage.
Your final stop is Ragusa Ibla, with its picturesque lanes, historic palaces and magnificent Cathedral of San Giorgio. Enjoy its atmosphere before returning to the Syracuse area.
This is a full day with several driving sections, so an early departure is recommended.Noto,Modica,RagusaBreakfastSiracusa - 4
Day 4
Mount Etna, Taormina & the Ionian Coast
After breakfast, leave Syracuse and drive north towards Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano.
Travel towards the southern slopes of Etna, where lava fields, volcanic cones and mountain scenery create one of Sicily's most distinctive landscapes.
Enjoy time around the accessible lower volcanic areas. Depending on weather conditions and local operations, you may choose to purchase an optional cable car or guided volcanic excursion.
Continue towards the Ionian coast and the Taormina/Giardini Naxos area.
If time permits, explore Taormina's elegant historic centre, stroll along Corso Umberto and admire the views towards the sea and Mount Etna. The Ancient Theatre is another worthwhile visit, with admission payable locally.
Check in at your accommodation and enjoy the evening at leisure.Etna, TaorminaBreakfastG. Naxos\Taormina area - 5
Day 5
From Milazzo to Lipari: Welcome to the Aeolian Islands
After breakfast, leave the Ionian coast and drive towards Milazzo, the main departure point for sea connections to the Aeolian Islands.
Return your rental car at the agreed location in Milazzo, subject to confirmation of the one-way rental arrangement.
Continue independently to the passenger ferry or hydrofoil terminal and board your sea connection to Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands.
Upon arrival at Lipari port, an included transfer will take you to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is free to relax, enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere and begin discovering the island.LipariBreakfastLipari - 6
Day 6
Discover Lipari: History, Culture & Island Life
After breakfast, enjoy a full day dedicated to discovering Lipari independently.
Explore the island's charming historic centre, where narrow streets, colourful buildings and small shops reflect its Mediterranean character.
Wander towards the historic castle area, overlooking the town and coastline. Those interested in history may choose to visit the Regional Aeolian Archaeological Museum, home to collections illustrating the islands' ancient past.
Continue towards Marina Corta, a picturesque waterfront area where fishing boats and cafés create a relaxed island atmosphere.
Enjoy free time to discover local restaurants, shops and panoramic corners at your own pace.LipariBreakfastLipari - 7
Day 7
Lipari at Leisure: Coastal Landscapes & Mediterranean Relaxation
After breakfast, enjoy another day at leisure on Lipari.
You may choose to relax by the sea, explore more of the island or discover its volcanic landscapes and coastal scenery independently.
Canneto offers a pleasant seaside setting, while the Quattrocchi viewpoint is known for its panoramic views over the coastline and nearby Vulcano Island.
Alternatively, spend the day in Lipari town, enjoying its cafés, shops and relaxed island atmosphere.
Optional local excursions may be arranged separately, subject to availability and weather conditions.
Return to your hotel for your final evening in the Aeolian Islands.VulcanoBreakfastLipari - 8
Day 8
Farewell Sicily: Lipari, Milazzo & Catania Airport
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and travel to Lipari port for your return sea connection to Milazzo.
On arrival in Milazzo, meet your private driver for the included transfer to Catania Fontanarossa Airport.
The timing of your return journey must be coordinated with the ferry schedule and your departing flight, allowing sufficient time for possible maritime delays.
Arrival at Catania Airport and end of services.CataniaBreakfast
Accommodation
Siracusa
Hotel Teocrito (or similar) · 3*
Nights 1–3 · BB
Comfortable hotel in Syracuse, conveniently located near the Neapolis Archaeological Park and within easy reach of Ortigia.
Welcoming hotel near the beach in Giardini Naxos, an ideal base for discovering Taormina and the Ionian coast.
Traditional hotel in central Lipari, conveniently located near the harbour, shops and historic town centre.
Included
- 7 nights' accommodation in selected 3- or 4-star hotels or similar properties.
- Daily breakfast at the accommodation (7 breakfasts).
- Category A2 rental car (Fiat 500 or similar), collected at Catania Airport and returned in Milazzo on Day 5, subject to confirmation of the one-way rental arrangement.
- Transfer from Lipari port to the hotel upon arrival on Day 5.
- Private transfer from Milazzo to Catania Airport on Day 8.
- WhatsApp assistance in English during the trip.
Not included
- International and domestic flights.
- Ferry or hydrofoil tickets between Milazzo and Lipari, in both directions.
- Lunches, dinners and beverages.
- Admission tickets to archaeological sites, museums, churches and monuments.
- Optional excursions, guided visits and activities.
- Etna cable way (Full experience € 82.00 per person)
- Fuel, motorway tolls and parking fees.
- Local transportation and optional boat excursions on Lipari.
- Personal expenses, gratuities and any services not expressly listed under "Included Services".
Entrance fees & tickets
- Archeological park Neapolis (Siracusa) € 16.50
- Siracusa Dome € 2.50
- Taormina Theater € 17.00
Good to know
- Insider tip
- In Modica, stop at a traditional chocolate shop to discover the town's distinctive grainy chocolate.
Plan an early start for the Baroque towns of Noto, Modica and Ragusa Ibla, allowing time to explore without rushing.
On Mount Etna, bring an extra layer even in summer. Conditions can change quickly at higher elevations.
In Lipari, enjoy an evening stroll around Marina Corta and consider visiting the Quattrocchi viewpoint for beautiful views towards Vulcano Island. - Accessibility
- This self-drive itinerary involves independent driving, walking on uneven historic streets and visits to locations with steps, slopes and irregular surfaces.
Some archaeological sites, volcanic areas and parts of Lipari may be challenging for travellers with reduced mobility.
Accessibility arrangements at hotels, car rental locations and ferry terminals must be checked individually before booking. The standard itinerary is not designed as a fully accessible tour. - What to bring
- - Comfortable walking shoes for historic towns and archaeological sites.
- Casual clothing and a light jacket for cooler evenings.
- Warm layers and suitable footwear for Mount Etna, where temperatures can be significantly lower.
- Sun protection, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle.
- Swimwear and beach essentials during the warmer months.
- A valid driving licence and the documents required by the car rental provider.
- Personal medication and a small day bag for the ferry journey to Lipari. - Important information
- - The self-drive portion runs from Day 1 to Day 5. Rental car collection is at Catania Airport, with planned return in Milazzo, subject to confirmation of the one-way rental agreement.
- The itinerary is independent. Guided visits and optional activities are not included unless expressly stated.
- Ferry and hydrofoil tickets between Milazzo and Lipari are not included and must be purchased separately.
- Sea crossings are subject to weather conditions and operator schedules. Flight arrangements on the final day should allow sufficient time for the crossing and onward transfer.
- The Mount Etna programme may change due to weather, volcanic activity or access restrictions.
- Hotel accommodation is on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Lunches and dinners are not included.
- The accommodation, car rental conditions and final travel arrangements are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.