Self-Guided Tours & Trips in Sicily
Explore a wide diversity of self-guided tours through Sicily. We have 46 adventures that vary from 4 days to 13 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best self-guided Sicily tours
Compiled by
MelissaSicily travel expert at TourRadar
- 4 Day Self Guided Palermo, Italy
- Sicily Explorer: 11 Days from Palermo to Palermo, Self-Drive
- Adventure in Sicily: Behind volcanoes and the sea
- South-Oriental Sicily Beauty, Self-Drive
- Sicily All Year Round – A Quick Escape Worth Taking
- Aeolian Islands Tour: The 7 pearls of Sicily
- Sicilian Experience Tour
- 8 Days Tour in Catania, Syracuse, Etna, Marsala and Palermo.
- 5 Days in Italy From Palermo to Taormina
- Sicily: Vino & Volcanoes
Hop-on hop-off buses cover Line A through Palermo's old town and Line B with Art Nouveau villas plus Zisa Castle. Walk La Kalsa's narrow lanes to find Santa Maria dello Spasimo church and Teatro Massimo, one of Europe's biggest opera houses, then try sfincione pizza during your 3-night stay.
Duration 4 days Destinations Palermo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $740
32% Off- US$503You save $237
Sicily Explorer: 11 Days from Palermo to Palermo, Self-Drive
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The history, the culture, the breathtaking views - it's all there for you to discover.”
Gruoch, traveled in May
A Group B Lancia Ypsilon opens Sicily's treasures. Visit UNESCO sites like Agrigento's Valley of Temples and Mount Etna's volcanic terrain at your pace. Pre-arranged guided tours of Palermo's Capella Palatina and Syracuse's Ortigia complement spontaneous discoveries.
Duration 11 days Destinations Palermo, Taormina, Mount Etna, Syracuse, Marzamemi, Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Agrigento, MarsalaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator TUI Italia From $2,273
15% Off- US$1,932You save $341
Adventure in Sicily: Behind volcanoes and the sea
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Sicily.”
Luca, traveled in May
Drive yourself from Marzamemi's sunny alleys and blue chairs in Piazza Regina Margherita to the seven-kilometer Zingaro Nature Reserve with hidden coves. Stay at La Dolce Vita in Regalbuto (rated 8.4) and use the Worldee App Guide for directions and 24/7 help.
Duration 7 days Destinations Catania, Marzamemi, Agrigento, Scopello, Trapani, San Vito Lo Capo, Palermo, Taormina Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
15% Off- US$624
South-Oriental Sicily Beauty, Self-Drive
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We were blown away with Sicily, how easy everything was and the hotel quality, especially in Syracuse was great.”
Oliver, traveled in May
Your Sicilian adventure awaits with a Group B Lancia Ypsilon rental car. Roam Catania's Roman Amphitheatre, spot birds at Vendicari Nature Reserve, and visit Modica's Antica Dolceria Bonajuto freely. 4-star accommodations and daily breakfast included, approx. $100 per day.
Duration 7 days Destinations Catania, Syracuse, Scicli, Marzamemi, Modica, Ragusa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator TUI Italia From $936
15% Off- US$795You save $140
Pick up a rental car and use a digital app that routes you across five days of Sicilian highlights. Climb Catania's Chiesa della Badia di Sant'Agata for 360° views, ride a cable car up Mount Etna to the craters, and swim at Minareto Beach's turquoise water near Syracuse.
Duration 5 days Destinations Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina, Syracuse, Island of Ortigia, Palermo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
15% Off- US$277
The Aeolian archipelago unfolds from your base at Hotel Bougainville 4* in Lipari. Pick your moments to visit Vulcano's crater, swim in Panarea's Calajunco Bay, or watch Stromboli's eruptions. Scheduled boat excursions included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Catania, Milazzo, Lipari, Salina, Panarea Island, Stromboli, Vulcano, Isola Alicudi, Filicudi Island Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Dimensione Sicilia - Dimsi Incoming Operator Srl From
15% Off- US$1,118
A Renault Captur gives you freedom to roam from Palermo's baroque quarters to Mount Etna's volcanic paths. Ride an Ape Calessino through Palermo's old center, then switch to a Land Rover Discovery that climbs off-road to 2,000 meters up the volcano.
Duration 10 days Destinations Palermo, Monreale, Cefalu, Erice, Marsala, Agrigento, Ragusa, Syracuse, Mount Etna, TaorminaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Dimensione Sicilia - Dimsi Incoming Operator Srl From
15% Off- US$2,516
Duration 8 days Destinations Catania, Syracuse, Ragusa, Marsala, Monreale, Cefalu, Mount Etna Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Remaz Tours GmbH From
15% Off- US$2,213
Duration 5 days Destinations Palermo, Monreale, Cefalu, Catania, Taormina Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Remaz Tours GmbH From
15% Off- US$1,543
Sicily reveals itself through stays at Hotel Gran Bretagna and Hotel Isabella. Your flexible schedule includes UNESCO sites, wine tasting in Noto, and Mount Etna trek. Private transfers connect six historic destinations.
Duration 8 days Destinations Ragusa, Noto, Syracuse, Mount Etna, Castelmola, Taormina Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
15% Off- US$2,690
What people love about Self-Guided Tours in Sicily
This trip was perfect. During the Easter holidays we had the opportunity to get to know some of the local traditions. We visited important monuments (entrances are often free). We experienced spring green Sicily with beautiful scenery, where the Targa Flora was held. We swam in the sea. We enjoyed many gastronomic delicacies and drove home enchanted by Etna. Due to time constraints, we chose a four-wheeled ride around the volcano.
Adventure in Sicily: Behind volcanoes and the sea
The tour was absolutely beautiful. South Sicily is a must visit at least once in your lifetime. From charming little towns to stunning beaches, every stop felt special. The food and especially the seafood was exceptional fresh, flavorful, and authentic. The locals were incredibly warm and welcoming, which made the trip even more enjoyable. Overall, Sicily truly embodies the spirit of a vacation!
South-Oriental Sicily Beauty, Self-Drive
What our customers ask about Self-Guided Tours & Trips in Sicily
What are the best regions to explore on a self-guided tour of Sicily?
Sicily's western and eastern regions each present unique opportunities for independent travelers. The western area includes the ancient ruins of Selinunte the hilltop town of Erice and the quiet beaches of Zingaro Nature Reserve. In the east visitors can explore Europe's largest active volcano Mount Etna alongside the baroque architecture of Ragusa and Modica and Syracuse's Greek heritage. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The Sicily Self Drive tour was a thrilling journey through stunning landscapes with the self-drive aspect offering perfect independence for exploring at our own pace." Well-positioned hotels like Grand Hotel Alfeo in Syracuse and Hotel Villa Angela in Taormina serve as convenient starting points for daily excursions.
What's the best time of year for a self-guided tour in Sicily?
The shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most favorable conditions for self-guided exploration in Sicily. These months provide comfortable temperatures for visiting outdoor attractions like Mount Etna and the Valley of Temples while avoiding peak tourist crowds. Summer brings intense heat particularly in inland cities like Ragusa and Enna. A TourRadar reviewer noted: "The thrill of navigating through Sicily's stunning landscapes was enhanced by perfect spring weather making it ideal for both coastal and mountain exploration." Properties such as the Hellenia Yachting Hotel in Giardini Naxos provide excellent accommodation during these prime travel periods.
How much driving time should I plan for between major sites in Sicily?
Driving times between Sicily's main destinations typically range from 2-3 hours. The route from Palermo to Taormina takes about 3 hours while Catania to Syracuse requires roughly 1 hour. Daily driving distances usually fall between 60-200 kilometers. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The distances between sites were manageable allowing plenty of time for spontaneous stops at beautiful viewpoints and charming villages." Hotels like NH Catania Centro offer strategic locations that help reduce time spent on the road.
What level of accommodation can I expect on a self-guided tour in Sicily?
Self-guided tours typically feature accommodations in 4-star hotels and distinctive boutique properties. Notable options include Hotel Villa Angela in Taormina which offers sea views and Hotel Mercure Palermo Centro in the heart of Sicily's capital. A TourRadar reviewer noted: "Hotel selection was good throughout Sicily though I missed some luxury options. The locations were perfectly chosen for exploring each region." Lodging ranges from converted palazzos in city centers to beachfront properties in Giardini Naxos and wine country estates near Mount Etna.
What's the best way to handle transportation between airports and hotels?
Airport transfer services operate regularly in Sicily's major cities. Private transfers connect Catania Airport with destinations like Syracuse and Taormina. Many establishments including Hotel NH Catania Centro provide transfer booking services. Public transportation links airports to city centers though private transfers offer greater convenience. A TourRadar traveler recommended: "Pre-booking private transfers for arrival and departure gave us peace of mind while using public transportation during the rest of our stay."
What should I budget for daily expenses on a self-guided tour in Sicily?
Plan for daily costs of 50-100 USD per person beyond pre-booked lodging to cover meals site admissions and fuel. Entry fees for major attractions like Valley of Temples cost approximately 12 USD while dinner at local restaurants ranges from 25-40 USD per person. A TourRadar traveler advised: "The self-drive tour was cost-effective with reasonable daily expenses for food and attractions though some scenic coastal restaurants were pricier." Many properties like Hotel Una One in Syracuse include breakfast which helps reduce food expenses.