Cannoli è arancini in Sicily

Day 1 arriving in Palermo and visit of town

We’ll start our trip with a  day in Palermo, a vibrant yet walkable city bursting with history, culture, and flavor. Our walking tour through the old town will reveal the layers of Sicily’s colorful past—Palermo was one of Europe’s wealthiest cities between the 9th and 12th centuries. Today, its streets pulse with cultural diversity and are celebrated for art, music, and, of course, food. Don’t miss wandering through the lively markets, where the city’s famous street food—arancini, panelle, and fresh pastries—offers a true taste of Palermo.

overnight Palermo

Day 2 Palermo to Cefalu and Castelbueno

This morning, we leave Palermo and travel along Sicily’s stunning northern coastline to the charming fishing village of Cefalù. Here, we’ll explore its picturesque streets, take a refreshing swim, or hike up to the Temple of Diana for breathtaking views. Film lovers will recognize the town from the beloved Cinema Paradiso, a memory that stays with you long after visiting. From Cefalù, we continue by bus to Castelbuono, a medieval gem nestled in Madonie Park. Its enchanting historic center, full of narrow streets and quaint squares, captivates from the very first step.

overnight in Castelbueno

Day 3 Walk in Madonie Park

we’ll enjoy a scenic hike in the heart of Madonie Park, a natural paradise spanning 35,000 hectares and home to six majestic peaks over 1,500 meters. The highest, Pizzo Carbonara, is second only to Mount Etna. The park offers a serene escape for anyone seeking the calm of nature, with trails of varying lengths and difficulty perfect for walking or hiking. Along the way, we’ll discover its botanical treasures and spot some of Sicily’s most important nesting birds and native mammals. We’ll leave the mountains behind and continue to Giardini Naxos.

around 12km, 4 hours 

Overnight Giardini Naxos

Day 4 visit Taormina and walk Mt. Etna (3403 m)

Taormina is perched atop Mount Tauro, a natural terrace offering breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. Its stunning location and charming beauty have earned it the nickname the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea,” making it Sicily’s most renowned and beloved tourist destination. For a quieter experience, a short walk leads to Castelmola, a smaller, less crowded village that rewards visitors with spectacular panoramic views.
No trip to Sicily would be complete without visiting Mount Etna, one of the world’s most closely monitored volcanoes. There are several ways to explore this majestic natural wonder, but a hike past ancient lava flows is particularly memorable, culminating in dramatic vistas of the volcanic landscape and the cratered peaks.

around 6 km, 2 hours

overnight Giardini Naxos

Day 5 train to Syracusa

Today we journey by train to Syracuse, a city where history meets the sea in perfect harmony. Our visit begins on Ortygia Island, the historic heart of the city, where narrow cobbled streets open onto sun-drenched piazzas, elegant Baroque palaces, and a sparkling waterfront. At a leisurely pace, we soak in the charm of local life, admire the Cathedral—built atop an ancient Greek temple—and pause for a coffee with the sea as our backdrop.

The adventure continues at the Neapolis Archaeological Park, a treasure trove of Sicily’s Greek and Roman past. Amid verdant surroundings, we explore the monumental Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the mysterious Ear of Dionysius, each site offering a glimpse into ancient civilizations. Designed for a relaxed pace, this visit allows our small, easy-going group to fully appreciate the history, culture, and timeless beauty of Syracuse.

overnight Syracusa

Day 6 bike trip to Noto

This morning, we set off by bike to Noto, widely regarded as Sicily’s most beautiful Baroque city. Destroyed by the 1693 earthquake and lovingly rebuilt, Noto now dazzles with golden-hued architecture and elegant streets. Our route winds through sun-soaked countryside, passing olive groves, citrus orchards, and glimpses of the sparkling Mediterranean in the distance. Along the way, there’s plenty of time to pause, snap photos, and savor the serene charm of rural Sicily.

Arriving in Noto by bike is a truly rewarding experience. Once in town, we can explore at leisure—strolling through historic streets, admiring magnificent churches, or stopping for a refreshing granita or espresso in a local café. This journey perfectly blends nature, culture, and relaxed adventure, creating unforgettable memories in one of my favourite towns in Sicily.

aroud 40km, 3 hours

overnight Syracusa

Day 7 departure day