Sicily is a destination that blends ancient history, a rich culture, and diverse cuisine, with the timeless charm of the Mediterranean. From ancient Greek ruins and grand Baroque architecture to charming coastal villages, stunning natural landscapes, and beautiful beaches.
Although a small group tour our private drivers are ideal for flexible travel between archaeological sites, hill towns, and the scenic coastline, this itinerary is an economical option for travellers to experience the highlights of Sicily.
To ensure a high standard of comfort, a minimum standard of 4-star hotels is recommended in Sicily.
Incredible Package Offer
🔥 Private Car Transfer from Palermo Airport to Hotel
🔥 10 Nights 4-Star Accommodation
🔥 Breakfast Daily
🔥 Standard Class Rail Tickets
Subject to availability and seasonal changes
Excludes mandatory City Tourist Taxes, payable directly to the hotels
Suggested Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Palermo.
- Where you will be meet on arrival with a private car transfer to your hotel. Palermo is a foodie's city, with vibrant food markets, cafe bars, rooftop bars, and a fusion of beautiful historic architecture. Overnight: Palermo.
Day 2: Discover Historic Palermo with a Half Day Walking Tour.
- Take an excursion, bus or taxi to Monreale to visit the stunning Cattedrale di Monreale. Overnight: Palermo
Day 3: Join an excursion to the ancient salt pans of Sicily and the medieval mountain-top city of Erice.
- Or join an excursion to Valley of the Temples archaeological site – the largest and best-preserved collection of ancient Greek buildings. Overnight: Palermo.
Day 4: A short 1-hour train journey takes you to the charming seaside village of Cefalù, a gem of history and nature.
- Explore its Norman cathedral, medieval streets, dine al fresco at the restaurant lined waterfront, relax on stunning beaches, or hike Rocca di Cefalù. Overnight: Cefalu.
Day 5: Take a scenic 4-hour train journey to the hill-top town of Taormina.
- Overnight: Taormina.
Day 6: Explore Taormina's stunning landscapes, historical grandeur, medieval buildings, cliff-drops, coves, and beautiful beaches.
- Wander the main street, soak up the views, take the cable car to the beach and discover Isola Bella's iconic views or the quieter vibes of Mazzaro. Visit Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-Roman theatre still used today.
Day 7: Join an 4WD excursion to Europe's tallest active volcano, Mount Etna.
- Overnight: Taormina
Day 8: Proceed to Syracuse by 2-hour train – originally a Greek settlement.
- A destination that blends a rich ancient history with Mediterranean charm, Baroque architecture, ancient ruins, lively markets, and al fresco dining. Step into history on a Walking and Boat Tour of Oritigia. Overnight Syracuse & Ortigia.
Day 9: Discover the Baroque architecture, elegant palaces, and majestic churches of Noto.
- A UNESCO Heritage Site, on a half-day tour from Syracuse. Overnight: Syracuse & Ortigia.
Day 10: Embark on a tour of the historical and Baroque towns of Ragusa, Modica, and Scicili.
- A UNESCO Heritage Site, on a half-day tour from Syracuse. Overnight: Syracuse & Ortigia.
Day 11: Take your final train trip to Catania Airport where your Sicilian journey ends.
*Excursions are recommended but not included
**For those travellers seeking a more relaxed pace, a longer stay in Cefalu is recommended. Most travellers wish they had.
*Excursions are recommended but not included
**For those travellers seeking a more relaxed pace, a longer stay in Cefalu is recommended. Most travellers wish they had.
Recommended experiences:
From PALERMO
Discover Palermo UNESCO Sites – Half-Day Walking Tour, Duration 3h
Monreale transport from Palermo, Duration 4h
PLUS 50%* reduced deposits
Erice, Saline and Segesta Day Tour from Palermo, Duration 8h
All-Inclusive Erice & Marsala: Wine and Salt Smell – Full-Day Tour (Small Group Tour), Duration 9h
Piazza Armerina and Agrigento from Palermo, Duration 10h
From SYRACUSE
Ortigia Walking Tour and Tour by Boat, Duration 4h
Ragusa, Modica and Scicli Day Tour from Syracuse, Duration 8h
➡️ Discover Noto – Half-Day Tour from Syracuse, Duration 4h
From TAORMINA
Mount Etna Tour with option up to 1900 metres
Mount Etna Tour with option up to 2900 metres
Important information:
This is a suggested itinerary for travellers to see the Best of Sicily by Rail.
✅ All prices are correct at the time issue based on travel in May 2026. Pricing is dynamic and is subject to changes & fluctuations at any time without notice, subject to availability at the time of booking for your chosen travel dates.
✅ All travellers, including infants, are required to present on check-in a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date to Australia.
✅ Visa and entry requirements vary by country and are subject to change without notice. It is your responsibility to obtain required visa and other documentation prior to travel for the countries you are travelling to and through. For the most up-to-date travel requirements, please visit: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
✅ For non-Australian passport holders, only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about visa and entry requirements. Please contact the embassy or consulate of the countries you are visiting well in advance of travel. Please also ensure that you hold a valid re-entry visa or permit for Australia.
✅ We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, that covers you for the duration of your holiday, to protect you from any possible cancellation charges, onboard or overseas medical costs, repatriation, loss of luggage, personal liability, or other expenses that may arise. You may be required to provide a copy of your certificate on embarkation. Travel Insurance may be mandatory for some cruise lines and destinations.
CITY TOURIST TAXES AND RESORT FEES
✅ Any City Tourist Taxes, or other taxes & charges imposed by the hotel or city and are not included in the hotel rate. These taxes may vary by season and location within a destination and cannot be prepaid. Any such charges are mandatory and must be paid directly to the hotel.