10-Day South Italy Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day South Italy tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaSouth Italy travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in Sicily, incl. Palermo and Mount Etna

  Southern Italy's highlights unfold over 10 days, from Palermo's Baroque churches to Mount Etna's volcanic landscapes. Medieval towns like Erice and Cefalù, Syracuse's ancient Greek theater, and local flavors through granita tastings in Catania and wine sampling at historic Florio cellars in Marsala create lasting memories.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Palermo & Monreale

    Begin your journey in Palermo. "The Cappella Palatina's gold mosaics left me speechless," shared one traveler. Get to the chapel by 8:30 AM before the crowds arrive. Take a 30-minute bus ride to see Monreale's Norman Cathedral in the morning light. Visit the cloisters before noon for the best views. Back in Palermo you can explore the Kalsa quarter and grab authentic sfincione at Antica Focacceria San Francesco.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Cefalù & Catania

    Take a 1-hour drive to Cefalù. Start with an early climb up La Rocca for beautiful coastal views. The Norman cathedral reopens at 3 PM. Drive 2.5 hours to reach Catania. Visit the fish market by 7 AM for the full experience. One traveler shares: "The vendors' calls and seafood displays are a sensory overload - bring your camera!"

    
  • Days 4-5

    Mount Etna & Taormina

    Head to Mount Etna in the morning (1.5 hour drive). Pack sturdy shoes for the uneven volcanic terrain. Visit Taormina later in the day after most tourists leave. Watch the sunset from the Greek theater for incredible coastal views. A reviewer suggests: "Book your Etna guide in advance - the best ones fill up quickly in peak season."

    
  • Days 6-7

    Syracuse & Noto

    Drive an hour to Syracuse. Start at the archaeological park when it opens at 8:30 AM. Spend time walking through Ortygia island's streets and visiting its market for local produce. Visit Noto next to see its beautiful honey-colored Baroque buildings in the afternoon light. "The gelato at Caffè Sicilia is worth the wait," says one traveler.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Ragusa, Modica & Agrigento

    Explore the Baroque towns of Val di Noto. Wear good walking shoes for Ragusa Ibla's steep streets. Stop at Antica Dolceria Bonajuto in Modica for chocolate tasting. Drive 2 hours to see Agrigento's Valley of Temples. Visit right at opening (8:30 AM) or before sunset to avoid crowds and get better photos.

    
  • Day 10

    Return to Palermo

    Take the 3-hour coastal route back through the Salt Road between Marsala and Trapani. The salt pans look most beautiful at sunset. Complete your Sicily journey back in Palermo.

    

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• 10 Days in Sicily, incl. Palermo and Catania

  A 10-day tour of South Italy's 15 key destinations showcases UNESCO treasures from Palermo's Arab-Norman sites to Agrigento's Valley of Temples. Guests stay in 4-star hotels including Mercure Palermo Centro while enjoying included lunches and authentic cultural experiences.

  

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  • Day 1

    Palermo Arrival

    The transfer from Palermo Airport to the city center takes about an hour due to typical city traffic. A recent guest shared: "The Mercure Palermo Centro's central location made it easy to start exploring the city on foot that first evening."

    
  • Days 2-3

    Palermo & Monreale

    Your first full day is for Palermo's main attractions like the Cappella Palatina and Cathedral. On day 3 take a quick 30-minute drive to see Monreale's Norman Cathedral. According to a recent visitor: "The mosaics in Monreale's cathedral are absolutely breathtaking - go early around 8:30 AM before the tour buses arrive."

    
  • Day 4

    Cefalù & Catania

    Travel east to Cefalù which is 2 hours from Palermo. Take time to see the Norman cathedral and walk through the medieval streets before the 2.5-hour drive to Catania. A traveler tip: "Don't miss Catania's fascinating fish market - but go in the morning when it's most active."

    
  • Day 5

    Mount Etna & Taormina

    Start early for Mount Etna just an hour from Catania. Bring extra clothes since it gets quite cold at higher elevations. Spend your afternoon in beautiful Taormina. One reviewer suggests: "The Greek theater views over the bay and toward Etna are incredible - try to time your visit for late afternoon light."

    
  • Day 6

    Catania/Free Day

    Spend more time in Catania or return to Taormina. A traveler recommends: "The Riviera dei Ciclopi with its dramatic coastal rock formations makes for a great half-day trip from Catania."

    
  • Day 7

    Syracuse & Noto

    Drive an hour to Syracuse to see the archaeological park and Ortigia island. Visit baroque Noto later in the day. A visitor notes: "The late afternoon sun on Noto's honey-colored baroque buildings creates magical photo opportunities."

    
  • Day 8

    Ragusa & Modica

    Visit both baroque towns and try Modica's famous chocolate. A recent traveler advises: "The walk up Ragusa's ancient steps is steep - wear good shoes and carry water, especially in summer months."

    
  • Day 9

    Agrigento & Marsala

    Start early at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to avoid crowds and heat. Continue to Marsala for wine tasting and see the Salt Road between Trapani and Marsala for unique views and birdwatching.

    
  • Day 10

    Erice & Departure

    Spend your final morning in the medieval town of Erice before the 1.5-hour drive back to Palermo. Book a later flight to enjoy your morning visit.

    

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• Sensational Sicily

  A 10-day route through South Italy covers 13 cities, with luxurious stays at 4-star hotels including Il Principe Hotel in Catania and Mercure Palermo Centro. The tour showcases UNESCO sites like Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. Visitors enjoy wine tasting in Marsala, honey sampling at Etna's foothills, and visits to ancient Greek theaters.

  

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  • Palermo Italy

    6 mi

  • Monreale Italy

    6 mi

  • Palermo Italy

    36 mi

  • Cefalu Italy

    68 mi

  • Catania Italy

    26 mi

  • Taormina Italy

    26 mi

  • Catania Italy

    31 mi
  • Show 6 more

  • Syracuse Italy

    17 mi

  • Noto Italy

    18 mi

  • Ragusa Italy

    4 mi

  • Modica Italy

    41 mi

  • Piazza Armerina Italy

    43 mi

  • Agrigento Italy

    70 mi

  • Marsala Italy

    55 mi

  • Palermo Italy

    42 mi

  • Erice Italy

    15 mi

  • Segesta Italy

    32 mi

  • Palermo Italy

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