Northern Sicily, Self-drive

Embark on an unforgettable self-drive tour of Sicily, beginning in the vibrant capital city of Palermo, where you can explore stunning architecture, bustling markets, and rich history. Head to the picturesque coastal town of Cefalu, known for its beautiful beaches and the magnificent Norman Cathedral. Continue your journey to Trapani, a charming town with salt flats, windmills, and excellent seafood. Conclude your tour in Marsala, famous for its exquisite wines and historic old town, offering a perfect blend of cultural and culinary delights. This self-drive adventure allows you to experience the diverse landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant culture of Northern Sicily at your own pace.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Palermo: the vibrant capital of Sicily, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean charm.

Trapani: located on the western coast of Sicily, is a charming city with a rich history, stunning coastline, and delicious cuisine.

Marsala: located on the western coast of Sicily, is renowned for its rich history, wine production, and scenic coastal views.

Day 1: ARRIVAL PALERMO

Arrive at Palermo Airport and pick up the car, reach your hotel and check in. Spend the day exploring Palermo on your own. We suggest visiting the Norman Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the stunning Palatine Chapen and its Byzantine mosaics. After the Palace visit the nearby Palermo Cathedral. Admire its mix of architectural styles and royal tombs inside. For lunch, we recommend Ballarò Market for a true taste of Palermo. Sample Sicilian Street food like panelle (chickpea fritters), arancini (rice balls) and sfrincione (Sicilian pizza). In the afternoon explore Piazza Vigliena, known as Quattro Canti, where four baroque façades face each other. Nearby, visit Piazza Pretoria and its famous fountain. Explore Teatro Massimo, one of the largest opera houses in Europe. Relax at Villa Bonanno, a peaceful park with fountains and sculptures. Then, visit Orto Botanico di Palermo, a botanical garden with diverse plant species.

Overnight in Palermo.

Day 2: PALERMO – CEFALU – PALERMO (135km – 2hrs)

After breakfast we suggest visiting Cefalu. Start by exploring Cefalu’s charming historic center. Wander through narrow medieval streets lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. Visit the impressive Cefalu Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire its stunning Norman architecture and intricate mosaics. Enjoy a Sicilian lunch at a beachside café or trattoria. Relax and soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere. Spend the afternoon relaxing on Cefalu beach, known for its golden sands and clear waters. Swim, sunbathe or take a stroll along the shore.

Overnight in Palermo.

Day 3: PALERMO – TRAPANI (115km – 1.5hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel and check out and drive to Trapani. After checking in to your hotel head out to explore the city. Start with a walk through the historic center. Begin at the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the main street. Visit the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, a beautiful baroque church in the heart of the old town. Head to the Church of Purgatory which houses the wooden statues used in the famous Easter procession, Processione del Miserere. Enjoy lunch at a local trattoria and sample local specialties such as couscous di pesce (fish couscous) and busiate pasta. In the afternoon visit Torre di Ligny, a coastal watchtower that now houses a small museum. Enjoy the panoramic views of the sea and the city from the top. You can drive to the salt pans just outside Trapani to explore the area and learn about the traditional salt extraction method. The Salt Museum is also worth a visit. We suggest enjoying dinner at a seaside restaurant along the harbour. Take an evening stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the view of the boats and the sunset.

Overnight in Trapani.

Day 4: TRAPANI – SEGESTA – ERICE – TRAPANI (90km – 1.5hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel we suggest visiting Segesta and Erice villages. Reach Segesta and start your visit with the Segesta Archeological Park. Begin with the well-preserved Doric Temple, dating back to the 5th century BC. Delight the serene setting and impressive architecture. Walk up the hill to the Greek Theatre, which offers an unforgettable view of the surrounding countryside. The theatre dates to the 3rd century BC and still hosts performances. After lunch drive to Erice, a medieval hilltop town or take the funicular (cable car) from Trapani for a scenic ascent. Wander through the cobblestone streets of Erice, enjoying the well-preserved medieval architecture and charming atmosphere. Visit the Norman Castle, built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to Venus. Take a break to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline from the castle’s terraces. Visit also the Mother Church, the 14th-century church dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Enjoy the sunset views from Erice before descending back to Trapani.

Overnight in Trapani.

Day 5: TRAPANI – MARSALA (30km – 0.6hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel check out and drive to Marsala. Check in and head out to explore the city. Start your visit at Piazza della Repubblica, the main square of Marsala. Admire the central fountain and the beautiful architecture surrounding the square. Visit the Cathedral of Marsala, dedicated to Saint Thomas of Canterbury. The cathedral features a baroque façade and impressive interior artwork. Have a stop for lunch in one of Marsala’s famous wineries such as Cantine Florio or Donna Fugata. You can take a guided tour to learn about the production process and enjoy a wine and food-tasting session. In the afternoon drive to the nearby salt pans, part of the Stagnone Nature Reserve. Explore the area and learn about the traditional method of salt extraction. Visit the Salt Museum to understand the history and significance of salt production in the region. Take also a short boat trip to the island of Mozia, an ancient Phoenician settlement. Visit the archaeological site and the Whitaker Museum to see the island’s impressive artefacts. Return to the salt pans before the sunset to enjoy breathtaking views. The reflections on the water and salt mounds create a picturesque and unforgettable scene.

Overnight in Marsala.

Day 6: MARSALA – FAVIGNANA – MARSALA (ferry not included)

After breakfast at the hotel, we recommend spending the day exploring one of the most beautiful Sicilian Island, Favignana. Take a ferry from Marsala to Favignana early in the morning. The trip takes about 30 minutes, the car is not suggested on the island so rent a bike, e-bike or scooter for easy island exploration. Begin your tour at Piazza Madrice, the main square of Favignana. Visit the Chiesa Madre Maria SS Immacolata, a charming church in the square. Head to the former tuna processing plant and museum, Ex Stabilimento Florio. Learn about the island’s tuna fishing history and the Florio family’s impact on the local economy. Enjoy a seafood lunch at a local trattoria or restaurant. Try traditional dishes such as busiate al pesto trapanese or fresh grilled fish. After lunch take a break on one of the most beautiful beaches of the island: Cala Rossa, one of the most famous beaches known for its clear blue waters and stunning rock formations or Bue Marino, another beautiful beach known for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters or Cala Azzurra, a popular beach with calm, shallow waters and sandy bottom. Head back to Favignana town and stroll through the quaint streets, exploring shops and cafes before taking a ferry back to Marsala.

Overnight in Marsala.

Day 7: MARSALA – PALERMO DEPARTURE (120km – 1.5hrs)

After last breakfast at the hotel spend the day at leisure. In the afternoon reach the car hire office at the airport to return your car.

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Italy. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.