ItalyCities and culture · Coasts and lakes · Food and local life
Eastern Sicily · 7 days
Spend seven days in eastern Sicily: Catania, Taormina, Syracuse and Noto, with time for old towns and the sea instead of crossing the entire island.
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Places along the way
View the route on a map-
Catania
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Taormina
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Syracuse
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Noto
Pace, season and who it suits
Pace Two or three eastern bases · No full-island circuit
Season Spring and autumn; longer breaks in summer
Who it suits Travellers drawn to historic towns, sea views and Sicilian food
Focus on the east, avoiding island-wide transfers
Etna as a separately assessed option
Alternate old towns and the sea, with rest breaks
01 Day 1
Catania
Arrive and settle into the city
After check-in, walk around Piazza del Duomo and nearby streets. Allow for arrival formalities, luggage and the trip into town, then have dinner and rest.
02 Day 2
Catania
Markets, lanes and baroque streets
Explore the market area in the morning and choose one architectural visit later. Confirm any food experience separately and keep a day free of transfers.
03 Day 3
Etna or Catania
A day in nature with an alternative
If suitable, arrange an Etna activity with appropriately qualified local providers, based on accessible areas and fitness. Choose city visits if weather, volcanic restrictions or health make it unsuitable.
04 Day 4
Taormina
Ancient theatre and coastal views
Travel to Taormina for the ancient theatre and old town, with a shaded midday break. Consider accommodation access and transport between different elevations.
05 Day 5
Syracuse
Transfer and Ortigia
Move to Syracuse and explore Ortigia on foot: Piazza del Duomo, the waterfront and dinner, without another long detour.
06 Day 6
Noto and Syracuse
A baroque town
Spend half a day or longer in Noto depending on conditions, then return. Travellers who prefer archaeology can instead spend the day in Syracuse.
07 Day 7
Syracuse → departure
An unhurried eastern Sicily departure
Allow time for transport, any car return and airport procedures. Plan a separate western route or a longer stay for Palermo and Cefalù.
DATES, COMPANIONS AND STOPS
Where would you like to spend more time?
Bring this itinerary and tell us your dates, travel companions and the places you most want to keep.
Enquire about this itinerary’s arrangementsBefore you travel3
- Choose east or west
- This route stays in the east. Plan arrival and departure airports together with the sequence of stays.
- Etna needs a separate assessment
- Confirm access area, provider qualifications, equipment and health requirements; a summit or clear view is not promised.
- Include heat and parking in the plan
- Avoid the hottest walking hours. Drivers should check parking and restricted zones; public transport routes should follow actual services.
Itinerary and preparation
The itinerary can adapt to your dates, companions and interests. Bookings, transport and services are confirmed for the actual plan.
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