Sicily West to East – 8-Day Self-Drive Tour
Explore Sicily at your own pace on an eight-day self-drive journey from Palermo to Catania, with stops in Cefalù, Enna, Piazza Armerina, Ragusa, Noto and Syracuse.
Highlights
- Palermo & the Northern Coast
- Ancient Mosaics & Baroque Treasures
- Syracuse & the Island of Ortigia
Overview
Your adventure begins in Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital, where Arab-Norman architecture, lively markets and centuries of cultural influences shape the city's unique identity. Explore its historic streets, admire the Cathedral and Norman Palace, and discover the flavours of Palermo's famous street food.
Continue along the northern coast to Cefalù, a charming seaside town known for its magnificent Norman Cathedral, picturesque fishing quarter and Mediterranean atmosphere. From here, travel inland to Enna, often called the heart of Sicily, where hilltop panoramas and historic landmarks reveal a quieter side of the island.
Your journey then takes you to Piazza Armerina and the extraordinary Villa Romana del Casale, renowned for its remarkably preserved Roman mosaics. Continue towards Ragusa Ibla, where winding lanes, elegant churches and spectacular Baroque architecture create one of southeastern Sicily's most atmospheric settings.
Discover Noto, another jewel of the Sicilian Baroque, before reaching Syracuse. Here, explore the ancient Greek heritage of the Neapolis Archaeological Park and wander through Ortigia, the historic island centre, with its beautiful piazzas, waterfront promenades and centuries-old monuments.
Throughout the journey, enjoy the independence of travelling by rental car, with the freedom to discover local restaurants, traditional food markets and scenic corners along the way.
Your holiday concludes at Catania Airport, completing a memorable journey across Sicily's remarkably diverse cultural and historical landscapes.
Day by day
- 1
Day 1
Arrival in Palermo: Welcome to Sicily
Arrive at Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport, collect your rental car and begin your journey through Sicily.
Drive to your accommodation in Palermo, the island's vibrant capital, where different cultures have shaped an extraordinary architectural and culinary heritage.
After checking in, enjoy some free time to settle into your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, take an introductory walk through the historic centre, discovering its lively squares, narrow streets and traditional atmosphere.
For your first evening, choose one of the many local restaurants and enjoy Sicilian cuisine at your own pace.
Self-drive note: Palermo's historic centre has restricted traffic areas. Parking and hotel access arrangements should be checked before arrival.PalermoPalermo - 2
Day 2
Palermo: Arab-Norman Heritage & Street Markets
After breakfast, dedicate the day to exploring Palermo on foot, leaving your rental car parked near the hotel.
Begin with the city's remarkable Arab-Norman heritage. Discover Palermo Cathedral and the magnificent Norman Palace, home to the Palatine Chapel, celebrated for its intricate Byzantine mosaics.
Continue through the historic centre towards Quattro Canti and Piazza Pretoria, where imposing churches and elegant palaces reflect Palermo's rich cultural history.
Take time to explore one of the traditional markets, such as Ballarò or Capo. These colourful streets are ideal for discovering Palermo's food culture, with the opportunity to taste local specialities such as panelle, arancine and sfincione.
Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring the city independently, stopping at cafés, artisan shops or historic squares.
Self-drive note: No driving is necessary today. Admission tickets are payable separately, and opening times should be checked in advance.PalermoBreakfastPalermo - 3
Day 3
Palermo to Cefalù: The Beauty of Sicily's Northern Coast
After breakfast, collect your luggage and leave Palermo, driving east along Sicily's northern coast towards Cefalù.
This picturesque seaside town combines a beautiful Mediterranean setting with a remarkably preserved medieval centre.
After arriving, park your car in the designated area and explore the town on foot.
Visit the magnificent Norman Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander through Cefalù's narrow streets, small piazzas and traditional fishing quarter.
Enjoy lunch independently at one of the local restaurants, perhaps overlooking the sea.
In the afternoon, relax along the waterfront or explore more of the historic centre. Active travellers may consider walking up La Rocca for panoramic views, subject to weather conditions and access arrangements.
The evening is free to enjoy Cefalù's relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Self-drive note: The historic centre is subject to traffic restrictions. Follow your hotel's instructions for parking and luggage transfer.CefalùBreakfastCefalù - 4
Day 4
Cefalù to Enna: Discovering Sicily's Inland Heart
After breakfast, leave the northern coast and travel inland towards Enna, one of Sicily's highest provincial capitals.
The drive offers a change of scenery, passing from coastal landscapes into the rolling hills and agricultural countryside of central Sicily.
Once in Enna, take time to discover the historic upper town, known for its panoramic views over the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Explore the area around Enna Cathedral and continue towards the Castello di Lombardia, one of the island's most impressive medieval fortifications. Depending on opening arrangements, you may visit the castle or enjoy the viewpoints nearby.
Stop for lunch independently and spend the afternoon exploring the town at a relaxed pace.
Continue to your accommodation in the Piazza armerina area for check-in. Overnight and Dinner
Self-drive note: Enna's historic centre has narrow streets and steep sections. Use suitable parking areas and explore the upper town on foot.Piazza EnnaBreakfast, DinnerPiazza armerina - 5
Day 5
Roman Mosaics at Piazza Armerina & Baroque Ragusa
After breakfast, depart for Piazza Armerina, travelling through the countryside of central Sicily.
Your main visit today is the extraordinary Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptionally preserved Roman floor mosaics.
Explore the archaeological complex at your own pace, discovering scenes of daily life, mythology and hunting that offer a fascinating insight into the Roman world.
Allow sufficient time for the visit before continuing south-east towards Ragusa.
On arrival, head towards Ragusa Ibla, the city's atmospheric historic district, celebrated for its Baroque churches, elegant palaces and picturesque streets.
After checking in, enjoy a gentle evening walk through the old town, with its impressive views and beautiful Piazza Duomo.
Self-drive note: An early departure is recommended. Allow approximately 2–3 hours for the archaeological visit, plus driving time and a lunch stop. Parking at Villa Romana del Casale is available at an additional cost.Piazza armerina, RagusaBreakfastRagusa - 6
Day 6
From Ragusa to Noto & Syracuse
After breakfast, leave Ragusa and continue towards Noto, one of the most celebrated towns of the Sicilian Baroque.
Park outside the historic centre and explore the town on foot, following Corso Vittorio Emanuele past elegant churches, palaces and magnificent public buildings.
Admire the Cathedral of San Nicolò and the distinctive golden limestone architecture that gives Noto its extraordinary character.
Enjoy free time for lunch, a coffee or a traditional Sicilian pastry before continuing towards Syracuse.
After reaching Syracuse, proceed to your accommodation, where you will spend the next two nights.
The remainder of the day is free to begin exploring Ortigia, the historic island centre of Syracuse. Enjoy its waterfront promenades, atmospheric streets and beautiful views across the harbour.
Self-drive note: Check parking and ZTL access arrangements with your hotel in Ortigia before arrival. Once parked, the historic centre is best explored on foot.Ragusa,Noto,SiracusaBreakfastSiracusa - 7
Day 7
Syracuse: Ancient Greek History & the Charm of Ortigia
After breakfast, enjoy a full day discovering the remarkable historical heritage of Syracuse.
Begin with the Neapolis Archaeological Park, one of Sicily's most important archaeological sites. Explore the area of the ancient Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the famous Ear of Dionysius.
After the archaeological visit, return towards Ortigia for lunch at a restaurant of your choice.
Spend the afternoon exploring the island's historic streets and monuments. Discover the Temple of Apollo, the elegant Piazza Duomo and Syracuse Cathedral, built around the remains of an ancient Greek temple.
Continue towards the Fountain of Arethusa and enjoy a leisurely walk along the seafront.
The rest of the day is yours to explore Ortigia's shops, cafés and picturesque corners.
Self-drive note: Use the rental car to reach Neapolis if convenient, then park and explore Ortigia on foot. Archaeological and monument admission tickets are not included.SiracusaBreakfastSiracusa - 8
Day 8
Departure from Catania Airport
fter breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin the final drive to Catania Fontanarossa Airport.
Return your rental car to the designated rental station, allowing sufficient time for the vehicle inspection, airport check-in and security procedures.
Departure from Catania Airport and end of services.
Self-drive note: Plan the journey according to your flight departure time and the rental company's return requirements.CataniaBreakfast
Accommodation
Boutique hotel in a restored historic palazzo near Ballarò market, ideal for exploring central Palermo on foot.
Seafront hotel on Cefalù’s promenade, just a short walk from the historic centre and Norman Cathedral.
Peaceful countryside agriturismo with panoramic views over Piazza Armerina and an on-site restaurant serving Sicilian cuisine.
Elegant hotel in the heart of Ragusa Ibla, close to the Cathedral of San Giorgio, with a peaceful garden and panoramic views.
Elegant boutique hotel in Ortigia's historic centre, a few steps from the sea and within walking distance of Syracuse's main monuments.
Included
- 7 nights' accommodation in selected hotels or similar properties: 6 nights on a bed-and-breakfast basis and 1 night on a half-board basis.
- Daily breakfast at the accommodation (7 breakfasts).
- 1 dinner at Torre di Renda in Piazza Armerina on Day 4.
- 1 Special Lunch: In Sferracavallo with fish and wine included.
- Rental car collected at Palermo Airport on Day 1 and returned at Catania Airport on Day 8, with vehicle category and one-way rental conditions subject to confirmation.
- Roadside assistance according to the rental agreement.
Not included
- International and domestic flights.
- Lunches, unless specifically confirmed in the final travel proposal.
- Dinners, except for the dinner included at Torre di Renda on Day 4.
- Beverages and personal extras.
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites, museums, churches and monuments.
- Guided visits and optional excursions.
- Fuel, motorway tolls and parking fees.
- Additional rental car services, insurance upgrades and any applicable charges not expressly included in the confirmed rental agreement.
- Tourist taxes, where applicable.
- Personal expenses, gratuities and any services not expressly mentioned under "Included Services".
Entrance fees & tickets
- Cappella Palatina: € 19.00
- Lombardia Castle in Enna € 4.00
- Roman Villa del Casale: € 17.00
- Ancient Greek Theater Taormina: 16,50
- Arcological zone Siracusa: € 16.50
- Duomo Siracusa: € 2.00
Good to know
- Insider tip
- Explore Palermo on foot and leave your rental car parked during your city visits. Visit Ballarò or Capo market to discover local street food traditions.
In Cefalù, take an evening stroll along the seafront and through the historic fishing quarter.
When driving to Torre di Renda, navigate to Piazza Armerina first, then follow the directions to the agriturismo.
Allow sufficient time to enjoy the mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale before continuing to Ragusa.
In Ortigia, leave your car parked and explore the island's narrow streets, picturesque squares and waterfront on foot. - Accessibility
- This self-drive itinerary involves independent driving and walking through historic towns with cobbled streets, steps, slopes and uneven surfaces.
Some archaeological sites and hilltop areas, particularly Ragusa Ibla and parts of Cefalù, may be challenging for travellers with reduced mobility.
The itinerary is not fully wheelchair accessible as standard. Suitable accommodation, vehicle arrangements and accessible visits must be checked individually before booking. - What to bring
- - Comfortable walking shoes for historic towns and archaeological sites.
- Lightweight clothing, with a jacket or warmer layers for cooler evenings in central Sicily.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and a reusable water bottle.
- A valid driving licence, passport or identity document, and the documents required by the rental company.
- An International Driving Permit or official Italian translation of your driving licence, where required.
- A credit card in the main driver's name, subject to the rental company's conditions.
- A smartphone with navigation, offline maps and a car charger.
- A small day bag for sightseeing and personal essentials. - Important information
- - This is an independent self-drive holiday. No tour escort or guided visits are included.
- The rental car is collected at Palermo Airport and returned at Catania Airport. Vehicle category, insurance coverage, excess, deposit and one-way rental conditions are subject to confirmation.
- Historic centres may have restricted traffic zones (ZTL). Travellers must follow the parking and access instructions provided for each accommodation.
- Parking charges, fuel and motorway tolls are not included unless expressly stated.
- Accommodation includes seven breakfasts and one dinner at Torre di Renda in Piazza Armerina on Day 4. Other dinners are at leisure.
- Entrance tickets and optional activities are not included.
- Driving times are indicative and may vary depending on traffic, weather, road conditions and stops.
- Accommodation and itinerary arrangements are subject to final confirmation.