Mini Tour of Sicily, Self-drive
from £834

Mini Tour of Sicily, Self-drive

holiday package
Created: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Ref ID: 17191393
Total price from £3,925
Created: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Itinerary
Tours
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Discover the beauties of Sicily during this five days self-drive tour that includes also excursions with a private guide. Drive through several UNESCO Heritage Sites and unique towns, admire splendid views and art masterpieces. Have also the opportunity to taste local foods and wine. 


TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Palermo: the second largest historical centre in Europe with its largest number of UNESCO sites. It’s a city that has experienced centuries of dizzying highs and crushing lows. One will find crumbling staircases as well as Italy's largest opera house. Architecture in the city reflects the city's periods of Arab, Norman, and Spanish rule.

Catania: an ancient port city on Sicily’s east coast that sits at the foot of Mt. Etna. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell'Elefante statue and richly decorated Catania Cathedral.

Day 1: ARRIVAL PALERMO

Arrive at Palermo Airport and pick up the car. Reach your hotel in Palermo and check in. In the afternoon meet your private guide at the hotel and enjoy an unforgettable tour of the historical city center of Palermo. As part of your tour, you’ll visit the golden interior of the Capella Palatina, a spectacular private chapel built by the Norman King Roger II and decorated with ornate mosaics. Featuring both Arab and Byzantine influences, this chapel is one of Palermo’s most spectacular jewels. You will also get the opportunity to visit the Cathedral, a real amalgam of architectural styles, it’s believed that even before the existing cathedral was created, the site was previously home to a Roman temple, a Byzantine Basilica and later even a mosque. The tour will end with a visit to the beautiful La Martorana Church. 

Overnight in Palermo.

Day 2: PALERMO – MONREALE – PALERMO (20km – 1hr)

After a tasty breakfast, reach Monreale where your guide will wait for you. Monreale is the house of the UNESCO World Heritage Site: the glorious Cattedrale di Monreale. The cathedral is perched on a hilltop vantage point in the city. With your guide, you’ll be able to explore the stunning interior as well as venture into the peaceful confines of the cloisters where you’ll find more examples of the stunning Arab-influenced artistry so often featured in Sicily’s Norman buildings. If open, it will also be possible for you to climb the stairs of the cathedral’s clock tower for some incredible views. After the visit you can have a stop to enjoy a coffee in one of the little cafes lining the square around the cathedral before leaving the city.

Overnight in Palermo. 

Day 3: PALERMO – CATANIA (210km – 2.5hrs)

Wake up to a rich breakfast at the hotel. Today you’ll have a day at leisure. We suggest visiting Cefalu, a small fishing town with enchanting photographic points o interest, beautiful shops and numerous restaurants. For hiking lovers, it’s also recommended to visit La Rocca di Cefalù, the cliff that overlooks the city and offers spectacular views. In the afternoon, reach your next hotel in Catania.

Overnight in Catania.

Day 4: CATANIA – TAORMINA – MT ETNA – CATANIA (150km – 3hrs)

Have a delicious breakfast at the hotel and make your own way to Taormina. Your guide will wait for you for a quick introduction to the city. The tour will take you through the highlights of the town, including a visit to the stunning Greek theatre and ancient Roman Odeon. You’ll be able to soak up the views from the Piazza IX Aprile and visit the beautiful Duomo as you explore. At the end of the tour, you’ll taste the famous “granita with brioche” in one of the oldest bars of the city. For lunchtime we reserved a table at the top of Mt. Etna in a local winery where you’ll have the opportunity to taste some local food and have a pairing wine tasting.

Overnight in Catania.

Day 5: CATANIA DEPARTURE

Have your last Sicilian breakfast before having a quick tour of Catania city centre. Reach the Catania or Palermo Airport to drop off the car according to your flight departure. 

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Italy. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Total price from £3,925

Members price from £1,669

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Destinations 1
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Guide languages
Deutsch
English
Español
Français
Italiano
Included

TOUR GUIDE: 

  • Operated with private English, Spanish, French, German or Italian-speaking local guide (Day 1, 2, 4)

ACCOMMODATION:

  • 4 night’s accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-2 Palermo 

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Mercure Palermo Centro or similar 4*

Day 3-4 Catania

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel NH Catania Centro or similar 4*

CAR HIRE OPTIONS

Car Group B = Lancia Ypsilon


MEALS:

  • 4 Breakfasts
  • Granita and Brioche tasting (Day 4)
  • Lunch with wine tasting  (Day 4)

CAR HIRE: 

  • 5-day car hire
  • Pick-up and drop-off from Palermo or Catania Airport
  • Unlimited mileage 
  • All insurances: SCDW, PAI, TP
  • Tax
  • Domestic one-way fee (except to/from Sardinia or Sicily) 
  • Airport and railway surcharge 
  • Road Tax (VRF) 
  • Additional driver 
  • Grace period 29 minutes

ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITES:

  • All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Palermo guided tour (incl. entrance to Cappella Palatina and Martorana Church) (Day 1), Monreale guided tour (incl. entrance to Monreale Cathedral) (Day 2), Taormina guided tour (incl. entrance to Greek Theatre) (Day 4)
Excluded
  • Visa fees
  • Domestic flights
  • International flights
  • Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
  • Optional tours (if any)
  • City tax not included, payable on the spot
  • Any visit not mentioned in the program
  • Porterage and gratuities
  • Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
  • Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
  • Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.

EXCLUSIONS AND REQUIREMENTS CAR HIRE

  • Fuel and refuelling charge
  • Windscreen protection (WDW)
  • Administration fee (in case of damage, fines, etc)
  • Road side safety net (RSN)
  • Delivery and collection
  • No show fee
Accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS


Day 1-2 Palermo 

  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Mercure Palermo Centro or similar 4*

Day 3-4 Catania

  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel NH Catania Centro or similar 4*

CAR HIRE OPTIONS

  • Car Group B = Lancia Ypsilon


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