Sicily Discovery Journey Self-Drive

Arrive at Palermo Airport and collect your hire car before driving to your hotel for check-in. Spend the day exploring Palermo at your own pace. We recommend visiting the Norman Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can admire the Palatine Chapel and its remarkable Byzantine mosaics. Nearby, explore Palermo Cathedral, notable for its blend of architectural styles and royal tombs. For lunch, visit Ballarò Market to sample authentic Sicilian street food such as panelle (chickpea fritters), arancini (rice balls) and sfrincione (Sicilian pizza). In the afternoon, discover Piazza Vigliena, known as Quattro Canti, with its four baroque façades, then stroll to Piazza Pretoria to see its famous fountain. Visit Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s largest opera houses, before relaxing in Villa Bonanno, a tranquil park with fountains and sculptures. End your day at Orto Botanico di Palermo, the city’s botanical garden featuring a diverse range of plants. Overnight in Palermo.

After breakfast, we suggest a visit to Cefalù, a charming coastal town just over an hour’s drive from Palermo. Begin by exploring the historic centre, wandering through narrow medieval streets lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. We visit the impressive Cefalù Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its Norman architecture and intricate mosaics. For lunch, enjoy a meal at a beachside café or trattoria, savouring authentic Sicilian flavours while taking in the Mediterranean atmosphere. In the afternoon, we relax on Cefalù’s golden sandy beach, known for its clear, inviting waters. You can swim, sunbathe or take a leisurely stroll along the shore before returning to Palermo for the night.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive to Trapani. Once settled in, explore the city centre on foot, starting at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and strolling along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the main thoroughfare. Visit the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, a fine example of Baroque architecture in the old town, followed by the Church of Purgatory, which houses the wooden statues used in the renowned Easter procession, Processione del Miserere. Enjoy lunch at a local trattoria, sampling regional dishes such as couscous di pesce and busiate pasta. In the afternoon, visit Torre di Ligny, a coastal watchtower turned museum, where you can take in panoramic views of the sea and city. Then drive to the nearby salt pans to explore the traditional salt extraction methods and visit the Salt Museum. For dinner, we suggest a seaside restaurant along the harbour. Finish the day with a leisurely evening walk along the waterfront, enjoying views of the boats and sunset. Overnight in Trapani.

After breakfast, we suggest visiting the villages of Segesta and Erice. Begin at Segesta Archaeological Park, where you can explore the remarkably well-preserved 5th-century BC Doric Temple set in a tranquil landscape. Then, walk up to the Greek Theatre, dating from the 3rd century BC, which offers impressive views over the surrounding countryside and still hosts performances today. After lunch, drive to Erice or take the funicular from Trapani for a scenic ascent to this medieval hilltop town. Wander through cobbled streets lined with well-preserved medieval buildings and visit the Norman Castle, built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to Venus. From the castle terraces, enjoy panoramic views of the countryside and coastline. Also visit the 14th-century Mother Church, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Before descending back to Trapani, take time to appreciate the sunset views over Erice.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive to Marsala. Once settled in, begin your exploration at Piazza della Repubblica, the city’s main square, where you can admire the central fountain and surrounding architecture. Visit the Cathedral of Marsala, dedicated to Saint Thomas of Canterbury, notable for its baroque façade and impressive interior artworks. For lunch, stop at one of Marsala’s renowned wineries such as Cantine Florio or Donna Fugata. We take a guided tour to learn about the wine-making process, followed by a tasting of local wines paired with regional foods. In the afternoon, drive to the nearby salt pans within the Stagnone Nature Reserve. Explore the traditional salt extraction methods and visit the Salt Museum to understand the historical importance of salt production here. You also take a short boat trip to the island of Mozia, an ancient Phoenician settlement, where you visit the archaeological site and the Whitaker Museum to see remarkable artefacts. Return to the salt pans before sunset to enjoy the striking reflections on the water and salt mounds, creating a memorable scene. Overnight in Marsala.

After breakfast, we take the ferry from Marsala to Favignana, a stunning island renowned for its natural beauty. The crossing takes around 30 minutes. As cars are not recommended on the island, we suggest renting a bike, e-bike or scooter to explore with ease. Begin at Piazza Madrice, the island’s main square, and visit the Chiesa Madre Maria SS Immacolata, a charming local church. Next, explore the Ex Stabilimento Florio, a former tuna processing plant turned museum, to learn about Favignana’s tuna fishing heritage and the Florio family’s influence on the local economy. For lunch, enjoy fresh seafood at a local trattoria—try specialties like busiate pasta with Trapani pesto or grilled fish. In the afternoon, relax on one of Favignana’s renowned beaches such as Cala Rossa, known for its clear blue waters and striking rock formations; Bue Marino, with dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear sea; or Cala Azzurra, popular for its calm, shallow waters and sandy seabed. Before returning to Marsala by ferry, take a leisurely stroll through Favignana’s quaint streets, browsing shops and cafés. Overnight in Marsala.

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely day at your own pace. In the afternoon, make your way to the car hire office at Palermo Airport to return your vehicle.