A land rich in colours, scents and flavours with an incomparable climate, an ancient culture and historical, artistic and natural wonders of rare beauty. All that remains is to pack your suitcase and set off on a 7-day tour of Sicily.
In the triangle formed by Sicily, the western tip has been the landing place of various civilisations that continue to this day to bring to the surface precious historical evidence, giving this land a priceless archaeological heritage. From the marvellous Valley of the Temples just outside Agrigento to Noto, capital of the Baroque also known as the ‘stone gardens’, from the renowned Marsala wineries to the white salt pans surrounding Trapani, from the fascinating cathedral of Palermo to the splendid Piazza Armerina.
Tour of Sicily what to see in 7 days
Our team has thought of accompanying you on this wonderful journey to discover the heart of the Mediterranean whose unique beauty was also praised by Goethe. Thanks to its mild climate, it is an ideal tourist destination all year round.
Day 1 in Sicily – Syracuse
The ancient capital of Magna Graecia is one of the most fascinating cities in Sicily. A Unesco World Heritage Site, it is famous for the Neapolis Archaeological Park with its splendid Greek Theatre. Also for the Roman Amphitheatre, the Latomie del Paradiso and the impressive Ear of Dionysus. Absolutely not to be missed is Ortigia, the oldest part of Syracuse, its heart. Here you will be enchanted by the splendid Piazza Duomo and its Cathedral whose façade in perfect Sicilian Baroque style was once a sacred temple in Doric style.
Day 2 in Sicily – Noto
Recognised as the capital of Sicilian Baroque, Noto is a rare masterpiece to admire. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, it is rich in splendid buildings characterised by the play of light and shadow, minute carvings in the stone and the luminous golden colour given by the materials used. All this makes Noto the clearest example of the theatrical tastes of 18th century architecture.
Day 3 in Sicily – Etna
Europe’s highest active volcano (3,350 m), offering evocative and exciting landscapes. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Etna Park with its 59,000 hectares is unique for its extremely varied and rich flora and the protected species that populate it. Today, vineyards, olive groves, pistachio groves, hazelnut groves and orchards surround the volcano, testifying to the area’s widespread agricultural vocation, characterised by the presence of local varieties.
Day 4 in Sicily – Catania
Razed to the ground by a powerful earthquake in 1693, it was completely rebuilt. Its late Baroque architecture, made unique by the use of lava stone, represents a heritage of immense value today. This is why its historical centre is protected by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the scenic Piazza del Duomo with the splendid Cathedral and the lava stone elephant that is the symbol of the city. The baroque Via dei Crociferi, home to the famous Monastery of St Benedict, is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Don’t leave Catania without enjoying a granita accompanied by hot brioche ‘con il tuppo’.
Day 5 in Sicily – Monreale and Palermo
In a setting of incredible beauty, just 7 km from Palermo rises the town of Monreale. Here, the Arab-Norman Cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria la Nova rises majestically and imposingly. After Santa Sofia in Istanbul, it is the largest Byzantine mosaic work. With its three naves, polychrome wooden ceilings and 6400 square metres of mosaics, it is one of the most beautiful temples in the world.
Palermo lies at the foot of Monte Pellegrino on a promontory described by Goethe as the most beautiful he had ever seen. In Palermo, more than anywhere else in Sicily, the historical epochs revealed by the different architectural styles overlap. Its millennial history has given it a remarkable artistic and architectural heritage.
Day 6 in Sicily – Marsala
Thanks to its climate and uniquely characteristic soil, Marsala gives its name to the well-known liqueur-like doc wine perfect to accompany traditional Sicilian pastries. In Marsala, the Florio cellars are the symbol of this world-recognised success.
Along the northwest coast towards Trapani lies the Stagnone, a nature reserve of great environmental value. The shallow, warm seabed is home to many species of fish, molluscs and crustaceans and a rich aquatic vegetation. Even today, the salt pans represent one of the oldest salt extraction industries in the world.
Agrigento preserves one of the most spectacular places in Sicily. The Valley of the Temples of ancient Akragas is an emblem of the extraordinary beauty bequeathed by the Greeks, described by Pindar as ‘the most beautiful city built by mortals’.
Day 7 in Sicily – Piazza Armerina
The pearl of central Sicily about 700 metres above sea level in the Erei Mountains boasts another Unesco heritage site: Villa Romana del Casale. This majestic villa belonged to a member of the Roman senatorial aristocracy, perhaps a governor of Rome. From its monumental entrance, you can admire the finest collection of polychrome Roman mosaics depicting hunting and leisure scenes, mythological episodes and scenes of everyday life.
Ragusa, made famous by Camilleri’s pen and by the television drama Commissario Montalbano, is now one of the 44 Italian sites designated by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. This wonderful ancient city contains more than fifty churches and numerous Baroque-style palaces.
The 7-day tour of Sicily is coming to an end. With its ancient traditions, its priceless archaeological treasures, its folklore and the warmth of its inhabitants, Sicily is bound to leave a deep and indelible mark on the hearts of those who travel through it, offering a unique travel experience. All that remains, therefore, is to be overwhelmed.
