Feast on Italy's finest cuisine
On this 6-night Sicilian holiday, you'll experience incredible architecture, spectacular scenic views, and sensational cuisine. You'll have your very own car hire, letting you discover all of the best sights in Sicily, all the way from Palermo to Taormina. Go on leisurely walks along the streets, step back in time as you visit historical landmarks, and marvel at the stunning Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy an included Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour in Palermo, plus an included Cooking Class & Market Tour in Taormina, and savour the flavours on Italy on this Sicilian holiday.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Catania (CTA)
- Manual car hire for 6 nights - upgrade to automatic available
- Pickup and drop off at Catania airport
- 2 nights in Palermo at the Hotel Principe di Villafranca or similar
- Palermo Hop-On/ Hop-Off Bus Tour (24 hours)
- 4 nights in Taormina at the Hotel Isabella or similar
- Taormina Cooking Class and Food Market Tour
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
-
Test local delicacies in Sicily such as arancini, caponata, pasta alla norma, and fresh seafood!
- Drive through smaller towns along the way, stroll through mountainous parks, or find the perfect picnic spot overlooking the sea!
-
Utilize you hop-on/hop-off bus pass to experience Palermo's most popular attractions, like Norman Palace and Palermo Cathedral.
-
Take yourself shopping on the Corso and feast on delicious cannoli while staying in Taormina!
-
Sicily is bursting with natural wonders, from Isola Bella to Mount Etna.
Culture, cuisine, history – welcome to Sicily! With the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and mountainous landscapes surrounded it, it's no wonder that everyone wants to go to Sicily. You'll be able to explore anywhere of this incredible island at your own pace with your very own car hire, all while feeling the warm breeze as you journey through Catania, Palermo, and Taormina.
Spend the first two nights of your holiday in Palermo, the gorgeous capital of Sicily. Here, you'll be able to enter the renowned 12th century Palermo Cathedral and marvel at breathtaking architecture. You'll also be able to use your included Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour which will allow you to visit all of the piazzas, markets, palaces, and restaurants in Palermo!
You'll stay in the fairytale town of Taormina for the rest of your holiday. This hilltop town is situated with the Mediterranean Sea on one side, and Mount Etna on the other. Here, you'll enjoy picturesque views, fabulous beaches, charming streets, ancient attractions, and delectable restaurants. Best of all, you'll delight in a Cooking Class and Food Market Tour, where you'll be able to feast on local bites, get a hands-on authentic Sicilian culinary experience, and visit a bustling produce market. During your free time, you can choose to hike Mount Etna, marvel at the famous ancient Greco-Roman theatre, or lounge in the sun on Isola Bella.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Catania (CTA)
- Manual car hire for 6 nights - upgrade to automatic available
- Pickup and drop off at Catania airport
- 2 nights in Palermo at the Hotel Principe di Villafranca or similar
- Palermo Hop-On/ Hop-Off Bus Tour (24 hours)
- 4 nights in Taormina at the Hotel Isabella or similar
- Taormina Cooking Class and Food Market Tour
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
-
Test local delicacies in Sicily such as arancini, caponata, pasta alla norma, and fresh seafood!
- Drive through smaller towns along the way, stroll through mountainous parks, or find the perfect picnic spot overlooking the sea!
-
Utilize you hop-on/hop-off bus pass to experience Palermo's most popular attractions, like Norman Palace and Palermo Cathedral.
-
Take yourself shopping on the Corso and feast on delicious cannoli while staying in Taormina!
-
Sicily is bursting with natural wonders, from Isola Bella to Mount Etna.
Package Overview
Culture, cuisine, history – welcome to Sicily! With the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and mountainous landscapes surrounded it, it's no wonder that everyone wants to go to Sicily. You'll be able to explore anywhere of this incredible island at your own pace with your very own car hire, all while feeling the warm breeze as you journey through Catania, Palermo, and Taormina.
Spend the first two nights of your holiday in Palermo, the gorgeous capital of Sicily. Here, you'll be able to enter the renowned 12th century Palermo Cathedral and marvel at breathtaking architecture. You'll also be able to use your included Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour which will allow you to visit all of the piazzas, markets, palaces, and restaurants in Palermo!
You'll stay in the fairytale town of Taormina for the rest of your holiday. This hilltop town is situated with the Mediterranean Sea on one side, and Mount Etna on the other. Here, you'll enjoy picturesque views, fabulous beaches, charming streets, ancient attractions, and delectable restaurants. Best of all, you'll delight in a Cooking Class and Food Market Tour, where you'll be able to feast on local bites, get a hands-on authentic Sicilian culinary experience, and visit a bustling produce market. During your free time, you can choose to hike Mount Etna, marvel at the famous ancient Greco-Roman theatre, or lounge in the sun on Isola Bella.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Learn More
about Palermo and Taormina
Deal Of The Week
Number of Nights:
- 6
Day 1. Welcome to Palermo!
Ciao, Sicily! After arriving, pick up your car hire and start on your scenic drive to Palermo. This journey may take about 2.5 hours, so don't hesitate to make a stop along the way. Once you're at the hotel, get settled in and enjoy your very first night on holiday. Treat yourself to something delicious, then start exploring!
If you have the time, activate your included 24-hour Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour. With this ticket, you'll be able to "hop on" and "hop off" wherever you want in Palermo. Keep in mind that the ticket will only be active for 24 hours, so remember this while planning your itinerary!
Palermo,
Italy
1 of 3 hotels
Find comfort and style at this hotel, located just a short walk from the heart of Palermo. Check-in with the friendly 24-hour reception team, then make your way to your spacious room. Open the door to find crisp air conditioning, plush bedding, free WiFi, flat-screen TV, and much more. Hang out in the cozy library, grab a drink from the lobby bar, or work off all that yummy pasta in the fitness center!
Palermo,
Italy
2 of 3 hotels
Feel right at home at this elegant hotel in the heart of Palermo. Step into the lobby and take note of sophisticated Sicilian decor, then check-in with the inviting 24-hour reception team. Head up to your spacious room and open the door to lots of natural light, plush bedding, and modern amenities like free WiFi, flat-screen TV, and air conditioning. Once you settle in, head up to the sun deck and lounge in the warm Sicilian sun with a drink in-hand!
Palermo,
Italy
3 of 3 hotels
This centrally located hotel boasts comfortable rooms and classic decor. Located within walking distance to the Port of Palermo and the city's main sites, Hotel Tonic is a perfect home base. Check-in with the friendly 24-hour reception team, then head up to your room. Open the door to find crisp air conditioning, free WiFi, comfortable beds, and more!
In the city of Palermo, the City Sightseeing® Hop-On/Hop-Off tour is divided into Line A, which shows the splendors of the historic center, and Line B, which shows the Liberty City area, the main villas and Zisa Castle. A further route reaches the Cathedral of Monreale (a famous Norman treasure built by William II of Altavilla, located on the Rocca Di Monreale) where you will be able to admire the entire Conca d'Oro.
NOTE: The ticket for the Palermo - Monreale line has to be purchased directly on-site. This is not included with this tour. The Hop-On/Hop-Off allows complete freedom of movement and provides a multilingual commentary containing many anecdotes and historical references.
Download the app for an easy and practical way to orient yourself, move around at your own pace, and get to know the city. Inside the app you will find an interactive map that will show you the position of the buses in real- time, the waiting time at each stop and your position so that you can easily reach the nearest stop.
Highlights: Hop on and off as many times as you want within 24 hours, and discover the city from a unique point of view. Free admission for children 0- 4 years old. Wheelchairs are welcome on this tour.
Day 2. Palermo
Good morning, it's your first full day on holiday! Start your day off with a filling breakfast, then perhaps continue using your Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Pass. Make sure to check out Palermo's most popular sites, including the Palazzo dei Normanni, Capella Palatina, and Palermo Cathedral.
Are you hungry after all of that exploring? Visit a local restaurant to try one of Sicily's favourite snacks – arancini!
Palermo Cathedral
Day 3. Palermo - Taormina
Today, you'll say goodbye to Palermo and enjoy a leisurely seaside drive to your next stop: Taormina! This trip will take about 3.5 hours, so you may want to take a stop (or two) along the way. Dine at a beautiful waterfront restaurant, explore nearby parks, or simply stroll around charming towns.
Once you've arrived in Taormina, you'll check into your hotel, get settled, then start exploring! Fall in love with the city's quaint streets filled with tantalizing bakeries and boutiques, and marvel at views of Mount Etna and the dazzling blue sea.
Taormina,
Italy
1 of 3 hotels
Nestled in Taormina's historic old town, Hotel Isabella boasts elegance and comfort on the city's main shopping street, Corso Umberto. Check-in with the inviting 24-hour reception team and admire the lobby's classic decor, then, find your room! Open the door to rich colors, comfortable bedding, and modern amenities like free WiFi and crisp air conditioning. Many rooms even have balconies and views of the Ionian Sea down below. Once you settle in, take a 5-minute walk to the famous Ancient Greek Theater of Taormina.
Taormina,
Italy
2 of 3 hotels
Just steps from Taormina's adorable center, this hillside beauty boasts a sparkling outdoor pool and stunning sea views. As you step into the lobby, admire elegant decor and warm Sicilian hospitality. Open the door to your spacious room and find plush bedding, crisp air conditioning, free WI-Fi, and luxurious bath amenities. Some rooms even have views of Mount Etna or the Bay of Naxos! Spend your free time swimming, working out in the fitness center, or pampering yourself with a spa treatment. When you work up an appetite, walk to any of the many surrounding restaurants, or treat yourself to a romantic dinner at the stunning on-site garden restaurant.
Taormina,
Italy
3 of 3 hotels
Find beauty and tranquility at Hotel Caparena & Wellness Club, located on gorgeous garden grounds just steps from the beach. Check-in with the welcoming 24-hour reception team, then head to your room. Upon opening the door, you'll find crisp air conditioning, flat-screen TV, plush bedding, free WiFi, and much more. Many rooms even have balconies and sea or garden views!
Once you're all settled in, unpack your swimsuit and make a splash in the sparkling outdoor pool. You may also want to take a dip in the hot tub, work out in the fitness center, or steam your stresses away in the sauna. When you work up an appetite, treat yourself to an unforgettable meal at Caparena's onsite restaurant, serving up a range of mouthwatering Sicilian favorites.
Although Taormina's historic center is just over 2 miles away from Hotel Caparena, a free shuttle bus is provided! The beachfront position of this hotel provides a quiet escape, with convenient access to the heart of town.
Day 4. Taormina
Have a light breakfast this morning, because today, you're going to experience the best of Sicily's cuisine! Use your included Taormina Cooking Class & Food Market Tour today, where you'll dine and delight in culinary wonders.
Spend this afternoon however you choose! Perhaps you'd like to walk around the Corso Umberto, check out the Teatro Antico di Taormina, or visit Piazza IX Aprile.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
- Visit to Taormina’s Food Market
- Food tasting from a typical Sicilian delicatessen
- Pick fresh products for your cooking class
- Learn to prepare and cook homemade dishes
Meeting at the Gate of Porta Messina, you'll begin with a guided tour of the Taormina market. Shop for fresh ingredients and enjoy learning about the local produce! You'll also take part in a small tasting of salamis and cheeses - yum! Back at the Porta Messina Restaurant, the chef will explain the recipes in your program while you sip on some warm coffee. The preparation and the cooking of the food will then start, with the making of hand-made pasta as a highlight!
Once the dishes are prepared, everybody will be invited to the table for a typical local lunch with delicious accompanying wines. Afterwards, each participant will receive a certificate and an autographed apron as a souvenir of this special day! Mangia, mangia!
Day 5. Taormina
Ready for a day erupting with fun? Take a 1-hour drive today to the incredible Mount Etna, which is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Go for a hike, or consider getting a guided tour!
Mount Etna, Sicily
Day 6. Taormina
Soak in the Mediterranean sun today by relaxing on Taormina's most beautiful beaches: Isola Bella, Mazzaro, or the shore of Giardini Naxos. Discover why these beaches are some of the most postcard-worthy destinations in the entire world!
Utilize any free time you have left to check anything off your Taormina bucket list you may have missed. Marvel at all the attractions you wanted to see, eat all of the tasty delights you wanted to try, and get a good night of rest for your trip home tomorrow.
Isola Bella, Sicily
Day 7. Depart Italy
Take one last mental snapshot of beautiful Taormina before heading to Catania Airport. Remember to return your car hire, board your flight home, and start dreaming about your next holiday!
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
Advertised holiday package prices are per person based on two people travelling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised package rates are based on select departures as noted on the booking calendar above, were available via the Great Value Holidays website and may not represent current prices.
Holiday packages include round-trip economy class airfare on valid international carriers as noted in specific package inclusions and as indicated on booking engine calendar, which may also include code share flight agreements between carriers as indicated during the booking process. Carriers may vary based on city of origin.
Air fares are based on a 14-day advance purchase and include round-trip economy class airfare, including carrier and government-imposed taxes and fees, and the September 11th Security Fee of $5.60 per enplanement originating at a U.S. airport. Fluctuations in exchange rates may affect some taxes or fees. Other departure dates and origins are available at slightly higher rates. Fares apply to North American originating passengers only, and are not eligible for accrual of frequent flyer points/mileage. Seats are limited and fares may not be available on all flights. Child/infant discounts are not available, and stopovers are not permitted. Advance seat selection is controlled by the carrier(s), and may not be available on all flights. Baggage fees may apply; please check with carrier for specific policies.
Holiday packages are subject to availability, are capacity controlled, may not be available on every date or on all flights, and may be restricted to certain hotel room and car categories. Higher rates may also be available throughout travel period. Full payment is required at the time of reservation. Rates cannot be combined with any other discount/promotion, and are valid for new bookings only. Offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. Website contains special pricing that is exclusively for Internet sale only. Bookings made through our call center may incur a concierge fee of up to $25 per person.
Escorted holiday packages are per person based on two passengers (unless otherwise specified), and typically include hotel accommodations; transportation with professional driver/guide; sightseeing as listed, some meals, local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage of one (1) suitcase per person, due to limited capacity on motor coaches. Space is limited and prices may be restricted to certain travel dates, length of stay or room type. Driver and guide gratuities are not included, and are at the discretion of the passenger. Terms and conditions apply. Minimum child ages and handicapped passenger restrictions may apply on escorted tours; please call for details.
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Palermo, Italy
Hotel Principe di Villafranca
Cozy elegance for a wonderful stay
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