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- Destination: Italy
- Duration: 10 Days
- Tour Type: Self-Drive
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
Experience the freedom of exploring Italy’s most captivating island with this Amazing Sicily Self Drive tour, a perfectly paced 10-day journey from Palermo to Catania. Designed for travelers who love flexibility and discovery, this Sicily Self Drive itinerary blends iconic landmarks, scenic coastal roads, and authentic local experiences. From lively markets and ancient capitals to sun-kissed beaches and volcanic landscapes, every day reveals a new side of Sicily’s rich heritage.
Drive through history as you explore the legendary Archaeological Parks of Segesta, Selinunte, and Agrigento, wander UNESCO-listed Baroque towns like Ragusa, Noto, Modica, and Siracusa, and admire world-class Roman mosaics at Villa Romana del Casale. Along the way, savor Marsala wine, relax on the pristine shores of Eraclea Minoa, and experience the dramatic beauty of Mount Etna and Taormina. This Sicily Self Drive tour offers the perfect balance of culture, nature, gastronomy, and independence—ideal for travelers seeking an unforgettable road trip across one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 2
Palermo
Get Your Rental Car, Discover the Highlights of Palermo
3
Palermo - Marsala
Archaeological Park of Segesta, the Picturesque Town of Erice
4
Marsala
Island of Mozia, Marsala City Highlights with Wine Tasting
5
Marsala - Agrigento
Archaeological Park of Selinunte, Beach of Eraclea Minoa, Agrigento Archaeological Park
6
Agrigento - Ragusa
Villa Romana del Casale, Town of Piazza Armerina, Caltagirone, Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte
7
Ragusa - Siracusa
Modica and Noto UNESCO Heritage Sites
8
Siracusa - Catania
Piscarìa Fresh Fish Market in Catania, Cyclops Riviera
9 - 10
Catania
Mount Etna, Taormina, Return the Rental Car before Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Palermo – Arrival and Start of Sicily Self Drive
Arrive in Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, and begin your unforgettable Sicily Self Drive experience. After collecting your rental car, transfer to your hotel and settle in. Spend your free time exploring Palermo’s historic quarters, lively piazzas, and traditional markets such as Ballarò or Vucciria. Admire the city’s unique Arab-Norman architecture and enjoy your first taste of Sicilian cuisine, setting the perfect tone for your Sicily Self Drive tour.
Highlights: Palermo, Sicily Self Drive start, historic quarters, Sicilian street food
- Palermo
- Day 2: Palermo – Monreale – Mondello – Culture and Coast
Today your Sicily Self Drive focuses on Palermo’s extraordinary heritage. Visit UNESCO-listed landmarks including the Norman Palace, Palatine Chapel, Palermo Cathedral, and Martorana Church. Drive to the hill town of Monreale to admire its world-famous golden mosaics, then continue to Mondello Beach for a relaxing coastal escape. Return to Palermo for an evening at leisure.
Highlights: Palermo UNESCO sites, Monreale Cathedral mosaics, Mondello Beach, Sicily Self Drive route
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- Palermo
- Day 3: Palermo – Segesta – Erice – Marsala – Western Sicily
Continue your Sicily Self Drive westward through scenic countryside. Stop at the Archaeological Park of Segesta, home to a remarkably preserved Doric temple and hilltop theatre. Proceed to the medieval town of Erice, known for panoramic views and stone-paved streets. Arrive in Marsala, a historic port town famous for wine and salt flats, and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Highlights: Segesta Archaeological Park, Doric Temple, Erice medieval town, Marsala
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- Marsala
- Day 4: Marsala – Mozia Island and Wine Traditions
Enjoy a slower pace on your Sicily Self Drive tour. Visit Mozia Island, an ancient Phoenician settlement set within the Marsala lagoon, and learn about early Mediterranean civilizations. In the afternoon, explore Marsala’s historic center, Baroque churches, and waterfront. Optional wine tasting introduces you to the region’s famous fortified wine.
Highlights: Mozia Island, Phoenician heritage, Marsala wine, lagoon landscapes
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- Marsala
- Day 5: Marsala – Selinunte – Eraclea Minoa – Agrigento
Drive along Sicily’s southern coast on your Sicily Self Drive. Explore Selinunte Archaeological Park, the largest in Europe, where vast Greek ruins overlook the sea. Continue to Eraclea Minoa Beach and admire the striking white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi. Arrive in Agrigento and visit the Valley of the Temples at sunset.
Highlights: Selinunte ruins, Eraclea Minoa Beach, Scala dei Turchi, Valley of the Temples
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- Agrigento
- Day 6: Agrigento – Piazza Armerina – Caltagirone – Ragusa
Your Sicily Self Drive itinerary turns inland today. Visit Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its exceptional Roman mosaics. Continue to Caltagirone, Sicily’s ceramic capital, and admire the colorful Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte. Reach Ragusa and explore the historic district of Ragusa Ibla.
Highlights: Villa Romana del Casale, Roman mosaics, Caltagirone ceramics, Ragusa Ibla
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- Ragusa
- Day 7: Ragusa – Modica – Noto – Siracusa – Baroque Route
Discover the heart of Baroque Sicily on your Sicily Self Drive tour. Visit Modica, renowned for its chocolate tradition and elegant churches, then continue to Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque architecture. Arrive in Siracusa and enjoy time exploring Ortigia Island or relaxing by the sea.
Highlights: Modica chocolate, Noto Baroque architecture, Siracusa, Ortigia Island
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- Siracusa
- Day 8: Siracusa – Catania – Cyclops Riviera
Continue your Sicily Self Drive along the east coast to Catania. Visit the lively Piscarìa Fish Market, Cathedral Square, and the iconic Elephant Fountain. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic coastal drive along the Cyclops Riviera, passing volcanic rock formations and charming fishing villages.
Highlights: Catania fish market, Elephant Fountain, Cyclops Riviera, coastal drive
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- Catania
- Day 9: Catania – Mount Etna – Taormina
A major highlight of your Sicily Self Drive tour is the excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Explore lava landscapes and panoramic viewpoints before driving to Taormina. Visit the ancient Greek Theatre and enjoy breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna rising in the background.
Highlights: Mount Etna, volcanic scenery, Taormina, Greek Theatre
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- Catania
- Day 10: Catania – Departure and End of Sicily Self Drive
After breakfast, conclude your Sicily Self Drive journey. Drive to Catania Airport, return your rental car, and depart with unforgettable memories of Sicily’s history, landscapes, and culture.
Highlights: Catania, Sicily Self Drive end, airport departure
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