WanderlynkPlan
Taormina's ancient theatre overlooking the Ionian coast

Sicily in slow chapters

Catania, Taormina and Ortigia, with Etna landscapes between coastal stays.

  • 9N / 10D
  • Catania · 2N
  • Taormina · 4N
  • Ortigia · 3N
  • Best Apr–Jun · Sep–Oct

Duration

9N / 10D

Places

3 bases

Hotels

4★

Meals

Breakfast

Pace

Balanced

Best for

Returning Italy travellers drawn to Sicily's east coast

Trip overview

Use Catania as an easy arrival point before moving north to Taormina for four nights. Continue south to Ortigia, pairing ancient sites and an Etna foothills outing with unhurried coastal time and no rental-car obligations.

  • Catania's baroque streets
  • Taormina's ancient theatre
  • Etna foothills with a guide
  • Free time above the Ionian coast
  • Three nights in Ortigia
  • Noto day excursion

Route

  1. 1

    Catania

    2 nights

  2. 2

    Taormina

    4 nights

  3. 3

    Ortigia

    3 nights

Day by day

10 days · every day can be changed

  1. Transfer privately from Catania airport to your hotel. Explore nearby streets independently and keep the first evening simple.

    • Airport transfer
    • Neighbourhood walk
    Meals at leisureOvernight Catania

  2. Join a guided morning walk around Piazza del Duomo and the streets near La Pescheria market. Market trading varies by day, and the afternoon is free for Via Etnea.

    • Guided city walk
    • Piazza del Duomo
    • Via Etnea
    BreakfastOvernight Catania

  3. Transfer privately to Taormina in around 1–1.25 hours. Spend the afternoon independently exploring Corso Umberto and Piazza IX Aprile above the Ionian coast.

    • Private transfer
    • Corso Umberto
    • Piazza IX Aprile
    BreakfastOvernight Taormina

  4. Visit Taormina's ancient theatre with included standard admission and time to explore independently. Continue to the public gardens for coastal views and an easier afternoon.

    • Ancient theatre
    • Public gardens
    • Coastal viewpoints
    BreakfastOvernight Taormina

  5. Join a small-group guided road excursion to Etna's accessible lower volcanic landscapes, with short walks adjusted to conditions. Summit access is not included; volcanic restrictions may require an alternative route.

    • Etna road excursion
    • Guided lower-level walk
    • Volcanic landscapes
    BreakfastOvernight Taormina

  6. Keep today free for Taormina's cafés and viewpoints. You can travel independently to Mazzarò for beach time, with local transport and beach facilities payable separately.

    • Independent town time
    • Coastal viewpoints
    BreakfastOvernight Taormina

  7. Transfer privately to Syracuse and continue to your Ortigia hotel, allowing around 1.75–2.25 hours. Walk independently around Piazza Archimede and the waterfront after check-in.

    • Private transfer
    • Piazza Archimede
    • Waterfront walk
    BreakfastOvernight Ortigia

  8. Join a guided walking tour through Ortigia's lanes, cathedral square and the area around the Fountain of Arethusa. Cathedral standard admission is included, with the afternoon left free by the water.

    • Guided Ortigia walk
    • Cathedral visit
    • Fountain of Arethusa
    BreakfastOvernight Ortigia

  9. Take a private return excursion to Noto, around 40–50 minutes each way. Explore Corso Vittorio Emanuele and the cathedral square independently before returning to Ortigia.

    • Private Noto excursion
    • Corso Vittorio Emanuele
    • Cathedral square
    BreakfastOvernight Ortigia

  10. Transfer privately to Catania airport, normally around 1–1.25 hours from Ortigia. Allow extra time for hotel access and airport formalities.

    • Airport transfer
    • Departure
    BreakfastDeparture day

Where you'll stay

Hotel names are confirmed in your proposal against your dates and budget.

Catania · 2 nights

4★ city hotel near the historic centre

Classic double or twin room

Taormina · 4 nights

4★ hillside hotel near the pedestrian centre

Superior double or twin room

Ortigia · 3 nights

4★ boutique-style hotel within Ortigia's historic streets

Classic double or twin room

What's included

Included

  • Nine nights on twin share
  • Daily breakfast from day 2
  • Private airport and inter-base transfers as described
  • Guided Catania walking tour
  • Taormina ancient theatre standard admission
  • Small-group Etna lower-level excursion with transport and guide
  • Guided Ortigia walk with cathedral standard admission
  • Private return transport for the Noto excursion

Not included

  • International flights
  • Schengen visa fees and travel insurance
  • Meals not listed, drinks and beach facilities
  • Etna summit services, optional attractions and local leisure transport
  • City taxes, tips, personal expenses and applicable Indian taxes or TCS

Indicative price basis: per person on twin share, land only, before applicable GST and TCS. Final price depends on dates and availability.

Add to your enquiry

Italy essentials

Flight time
Around 8–10 hours nonstop where available; typically 12–16 hours with one stop from major Indian metros
Visa
Indian passport holders generally need a Schengen short-stay visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Rules can change; we confirm before you pay.
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time difference
3 hours 30 minutes behind IST in summer; 4 hours 30 minutes in winter

Questions

Similar holidays

All Italy holidays
Photo credits (4)