Palermo and Sicilian Baroque Self Drive
Palermo and Sicilian Baroque Self Drive
Palermo and Sicilian Baroque Self Drive
8 Days Starting and ending in Palermo, Italy
Visiting: Palermo, Ragusa, Mount Etna
Tour operator:
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Palermo and Sicilian Baroque Self Drive" tour, exploring the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of Sicily. Begin your adventure in Palermo, marveling at the Palatine Chapel and Monreale Cathedral. Drive through the picturesque countryside to discover the ancient wonders of Segesta Archaeological Park and the Valley of Greek Temples in Agrigento. Experience the volcanic majesty of Mount Etna and the historic charm of Taormina's Greco-Roman Theatre. Wander through the baroque splendor of Ragusa, Modica, and Noto, and relax on the beautiful beaches of Mondello and Cefalù. Enjoy the freedom of a 7-day car rental, staying in superior hotels with daily buffet breakfasts, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Sicily.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Palermo Arrival (30 Km Drive)
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Welcome to Italy, upon arrival at Palermo International Airport make your own way to the car rental office to pick up your vehicle and discover the beautiful city located on the northwestern coast of the island of Sicily, known for its rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage.
Overnight in Palermo
Day 2: Palermo - Monreale - Mondello (45 Km Drive) (B/-/-)
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning after breakfast, today you will visit Palermo-You begin with the Teatro Massimo, the third biggest opera theatre in Europe. Then you enter the popular market “Il Capo”, which looks like an African souk; at the end of the visit to the market, you will taste in a bar the typical Sicilian “Arancina”, a speciality of the local street food. You will continue the visit in the old part of the city with the Cathedral, the Royal Palace and the Palatine Chapel. Proceed to Monreale, famous because of its Cathedral with polychrome mosaics on a golden background, representing scenes of the Old and the New Testament. You will end the visit with the cloiste. In the afternoon enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, so close to the centre of Palermo. You will reach Mondello beach in 30 minutes from the centre of the city. Mondello was (and still nowadays is) a fisher village, that at the beginning of the XX century was chosen by the rich families of Palermo as a seat for their summer holidays. For this reason, you will admire a lot of villas built in liberty style, and another interesting liberty building, the “Stabilimento Balneare” (the bathhouse), erected on stilts on the water, that hosts also one of the best restaurants in Palermo. Mondello beach is half-circular shaped, between two promontories (Monte Pellegrino and Capo Gallo) and the colour of the sea will astonish you. Depending on the weather and the sea conditions you could also swim (from May to the end of October). A stroll along the sea promenade (with the palm trees) is a “must”. In the main square, you will have the opportunity to taste on your own the specialities of the Sicilian Street food or an ice cream. Back to Palermo city centre.
Overnight in Palermo
Day 3: Marsala Stagnone - Erice - Segesta (310 Km Drive) (B/-/-)
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today after breakfast, you can visit Marsala Stagnone, Erice and Segesta. Drive to Marsala, famous for its salt works and wine production. Make a stop at the Riserva dello Stagnone, a magical place with a striking natural landscape of rare beauty due to its white salt pans and windmills. Continue driving to Erice, a medieval town atop Monte San Giuliano. Here, you can admire the exterior of the Norman Castle and the Cathedral. Meanwhile, we suggest you take a break at a bakery to taste Erice's typical almond pastry. Proceed to Segesta, one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in Sicily, where you should visit the Doric temple. Its majestic appearance and dominant position bestow great nobility upon the landscape. Return to Palermo.
Overnight in Palermo
Day 4: Agrigento - Ragusa (270 Km Drive) (B/-/-)
Location: Ragusa
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will drive to Ragusa/Siracusa, making a stop in Agrigento to explore the wonderful and well-known Valley of the Temples. Here, you can admire the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concordia (one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the entire Greek world), the Temple of Hercules, and the Temple of Castor and Pollux. In the afternoon, you will arrive in Ragusa. You can immediately admire the historic center of Ragusa, known as \"Ibla.\" This area is characterized by numerous churches and palaces in the Baroque style, as well as the characteristic domes that dominate the city. Ragusa has been included in the UNESCO list, with 18 sites declared as World Heritage Sites. Before reaching to your hotel
Overnight in Ragusa/Siracusa
Day 5: Ragusa - Modica - Noto (110 Km Drive) (B/-/-)
Location: Ragusa
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning after breakfast, this day you can decide to visit Modica and Noto. Today you can discover the lesser-known parts of Sicily which are dominated by sumptuous and majestic Baroque style of the buildings. These areas are characterized by numerous UNESCO sites and are also known for being featured in the television series \"Il Commissario Montalbano.\" Your visit starts in the historic center of the city of Ragusa known as \"Ibla\" which is adorned with numerous Baroque churches, palaces and characteristic domes that dominate the city's skyline. Ragusa has rightfully earned its place on the UNESCO list with 18 sites declared as World Heritage Sites. Next, you will continue to Modica, another UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its chocolate and stunning architecture. We recommend wandering through the alleys, always moving upwards. Once you reach the highest part of the hill you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the city. Continue to Noto, included by UNESCO in the list of World Heritage Sites in 2002. Noto is a captivating town with its own unique Baroque charm. After a day full of exploration, you will return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Overnight in Ragusa/Syracuse
Day 6: Etna - Taormina (340 Km Drive) (B/-/-)
Location: Mount Etna
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today after breakfast, you are free to relax and explore the surroundings and have a swim on the beach or visit Etna and Taormina. Drive to Mount Etna, the highest peak of Sicily and the most active volcano in Europe. The territory surrounding the volcano constitutes the \"Park of Etna,\" one of the largest protected areas in Italy. You will be astonished by the great variety of vegetation and landscapes that you will encounter along the way before reaching the \"Silvestri Craters\" (approximately 1,900 meters). From this point, you will have the option to continue the excursion by jeep and cableway. Afterward, drive to Taormina. While you explore the charming town of Taormina on foot, you will encounter beautiful old buildings, including the 15th-century Palazzo Corvaja, and an ancient Greco-Roman theatre—the second-largest classical theatre in Sicily. Discover the medieval area of the town with its narrow streets and old shops. Drive back to the hotel.
Overnight in Ragusa/Siracusa
Day 7: Taormina – Cefalu - Palermo (B/-/-)
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel drive to Cefalù, one of the top tourist destinations in Sicily. Cefalù, a medieval fishers village, at the slopes of a promontory, hosts as well a Unesco World Heritage site, the Arabic-Norman Cathedral, that looks like a fortress. The cathedral was erected by the Norman King Roger II as its own burial seat (not used anymore for this purpose); for this reason, the polychrome mosaics on a golden background were positioned just in the apse and not on the sides of the cathedral. We will then walk in the narrow streets and admire the medieval washhouse, still used till the 50s. Time at leisure to admire the beach, to do shopping, or to visit on its own the Mandralisca Museum, which hosts the “Portrait of Unknow Man” of the famous Sicilian painter Antonello da Messina. Drive to Palermo.
Overnight in Palermo
Day 8: Palermo (B/-/-)
Location: Palermo
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and departure to Palermo International Airport. Drop your car at the car rental desk before you board your flight back home.
What's Included
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07 Nights accommodation on twin sharing basis at listed Superior hotels or similar
Enjoy comfortable stays at superior hotels or similar accommodations for 7 nights on a twin-sharing basis.
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Daily buffet breakfast
Start each day with a delicious buffet breakfast included in your package.
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07-day car rental, Category C (Opel Corsa Manual or similar)
Benefit from a 7-day car rental, Category C, such as an Opel Corsa Manual or a similar vehicle.
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Car Rental pick-up and Drop-off (every day from 08:00 to 22:30)
Convenient car rental pick-up and drop-off services are available daily from 08:00 to 22:30.
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Unlimited Mileage
Drive as much as you want with unlimited mileage included in your car rental.
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Gold insurance
Travel with peace of mind with gold insurance coverage included.
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All local applicable taxes
All local applicable taxes are included in your package.
What's Not Included
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Items of personal nature, tips, and gratuities
Expenses of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities are not included.
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Visa fees if applicable
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included and must be arranged separately.
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International driving license (mandatory for North American travelers)
North American travelers must obtain an international driving license, which is not included.
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Fuel and car deposits (to be paid locally)
Fuel costs and car deposits are not included and must be paid locally.
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City taxes (must be paid on the spot)
City taxes are not included and must be paid on the spot.
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Items not mentioned as being included
Any items not specifically mentioned as included are excluded from the package.
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with a 7-day car rental, Category C (Opel Corsa Manual or similar), including unlimited mileage, gold insurance, and car rental pick-up and drop-off from 08:00 to 22:30 daily.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed Superior hotels or similar, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of vehicle is included in the car rental?
The car rental included is a Category C vehicle, such as an Opel Corsa Manual or a similar vehicle.
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What is included in the car rental package?
The car rental package includes a 7-day rental with unlimited mileage, gold insurance, and car rental pick-up and drop-off services available daily from 08:00 to 22:30.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 7 nights of accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed Superior hotels or similar.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Daily buffet breakfast is included in the tour package.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
Key highlights include visiting the Palatine Chapel in Palermo, Monreale Cathedral, Segesta Archaeological Park, the Valley of Greek Temples in Agrigento, the Craters of Silvestri on Mount Etna, and the Ancient Greco-Roman Theatre and Roman Thermal Baths of Taormina.
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What are the operating hours for car rental pick-up and drop-off?
Car rental pick-up and drop-off services are available daily from 08:00 to 22:30.
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What are some of the activities included in Palermo on Day 2?
Activities in Palermo on Day 2 include visiting Teatro Massimo, the market 'Il Capo', tasting Sicilian 'Arancina', visiting the Cathedral, Royal Palace, Palatine Chapel, and enjoying Mondello beach.
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What can I expect to see in Agrigento?
In Agrigento, you can explore the Valley of the Temples, including the Temple of Juno, Temple of Concordia, Temple of Hercules, and Temple of Castor and Pollux.
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What is special about the town of Cefalù?
Cefalù is a medieval fisher village known for its Arabic-Norman Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its charming narrow streets and medieval washhouse.
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What are some of the notable sites in Ragusa?
Ragusa is known for its historic center 'Ibla', which features numerous Baroque churches, palaces, and domes. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site with 18 declared World Heritage Sites.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.