Self-Guided Tours & Trips in Sicily
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10 best self-guided Sicily tours
Compiled by
MelissaSicily travel expert at TourRadar
- Sicily Grand Tour, Self-drive
- Aeolian Islands Tour: The 7 pearls of Sicily
- Mini Tour of Sicily, Self-drive
- 4 Day Palermo, Italy
- Adventure Sicily & Salina: Volcanic Islands of the Mediterranean (from Dubrovnik to Taormina)
- South-Oriental Sicily Beauty, Self-drive
- Northern Sicily, Self-drive
- Sicily: Vino & Volcanoes
- Historic sites, sea salt and a touch of Africa
- Car Tour beach fun and Culture
Sicily Grand Tour, Self-drive
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The self-drive aspect offered a sense of independence, navigating through Sicily's stunning landscapes.”
Christian, traveled in June
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, Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Agrigento Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator TUI Italia From $3,647
10% Off- NZ$3,283You save $364
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 up to 90 year olds Operated in English, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Dimensione Sicilia - Dimsi Incoming Operator Srl From
10% Off- NZ$2,344
Rolling from Palermo to Catania at approx. $230 per day, with a Lancia Ypsilon included. Freely visit Cefalù's La Rocca cliff, Taormina's Greek theatre, and Mt. Etna wineries, enhanced by private guides at key UNESCO sites.
Duration 5 days Destinations Palermo, Monreale, Catania, Taormina, Mount Etna Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator TUI Italia From $1,243
10% Off- NZ$1,119You save $124
Duration 4 days Destinations Palermo Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,147
5% Off- NZ$1,091You save $57
Duration 10 days Destinations Dubrovnik, Ragusa, Marzamemi, Agrigento, Castelvetrano, Scopello, San Vito Lo Capo, Palermo, Salina, StromboliSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator journaway From $2,064
19% Off- NZ$1,682You save $382
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 up to 80 year olds Operator TUI Italia From $1,469
10% Off- NZ$1,323You save $146
A rental Lancia Ypsilon unlocks daily adventures, from Palermo's Quattro Canti to Marsala's Cantine Florio. Customize visits to UNESCO sites like Cefalu Cathedral and Segesta's Doric Temple. 4-star accommodations and daily breakfast included, with flexible timing for local experiences.
Duration 7 days Destinations Palermo, Cefalu, Trapani, Segesta, Erice, Marsala, Island of Favignana Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator TUI Italia From $1,658
10% Off- NZ$1,492You save $165
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 up to 80 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
10% Off- NZ$3,390
A rental car connects Syracuse's Greek theater to Taormina's panoramic views. Visit UNESCO sites like Monreale Cathedral's golden mosaics and Agrigento's Valley of Temples. Marsala's white salt pans and Mount Etna's local honey await.
Duration 11 days Destinations Syracuse, Agrigento, Erice, Palermo, Monreale, Messina, Letojanni, Taormina, Savoca, Giardini Naxos Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator DERTOUR From
10% Off- NZ$1,532
The 8-day Sicilian adventure flows from Palermo. Wander medieval streets in Erice, visit Agrigento's Valley of Temples, and relax at Mondello and San Vito lo Capo beaches. Upper-middle-class hotels provide daily breakfast, with flexible departures from March to October.
Duration 8 days Destinations Palermo, Erice, Segesta, San Vito Lo Capo, Scopello, Agrigento, Scala, Ragusa, Vittoria, Punta SeccaSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator DERTOUR From
10% Off- NZ$1,768
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.