Joyce Falcone's 10-day Sicily Itinerary
Joyce Falcone is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List, a collection of the top travel advisors in the world, and can help plan your perfect getaway. Below is an example of the type of itineraries she creates. To work with Joyce, you can contact her directly at [email protected].
Day 1: Arrive in Palermo
Meet your driver outside baggage claim for transfer to your hotel. In the evening, you will have tickets to traditional puppet show.
Day 2: Palermo and Monreale
Take a private driving tour of Palermo and Monreale. In Palermo visit Palazzo dei Normanni, the Palace of the Normans; Capella Palentina; the church of San Giovani degli Eremiti, which was converted into a mosque after the Islamic conquest of Sicily; and the Cathedral of Palermo, the main church of the city's Roman Catholic Archdiocese. Drive to the town of Monreale, 9miles south of Palermo; the town sits on the slope of Monte Caputo, overlooking La Conca d’Oro ("the Golden Shell"), a fertile valley known for its large exports of oranges, olives and almonds. The city's churches and halls have a huge concentration of Norman, Arab, and Byzantine art.
Day 3: Segesta
Segesta became an important town of the Elimi people in the 4th century BCE; today, it is very famous for its Doric-style temple. Every summer, Greek Classics are performed in the complex's theatre. The area of the ancient city is now a huge archaeological site, with many layers of ruins: the Elymian settlement, the Hellenistic-Romans, the Arab settlement, the Normans, and the medieval town. After lunch, hike in Zingaro Park.
Day 4: Trapani
Golf in the morning before a visit to Trapani's open-air fish market, in Piazza Mercato di Pesce on the northern waterfront. Even if you're not buying seafood, it's a great place to stroll around and take in the sights. In the evening, explore the ancient city of Erice, situated 2500 feer above Trapani and reachable by funicular. Not to miss: A stop in the famous pastry shop of Maria Gramattico, who was taught the art of marzipan by expert nuns.
Day 5: Selinunte and Agrigento
Drive to Selinunte, founded in 650 BCE by the Greeks who came to colonize Sicily; it is now an archaeological site, with the entire town left to ruin after the Punic wars and several subsequent earthquakes. Then, drive to Agrigento — eat lunch in the old town before meeting your guide for a private tour of the city's Greek temples. You may want to continue to visit the Gardens of Kolymbetra, which have been restored to their original ancient planting, or the Museo Regionale Archaeological of Agrigento.
Day 6: Agrigento
Take a private boat tour along the coast, stopping whenever you would like to swim. Lunch is served on board. In the evening, take an optional cooking class.
Day 7: Piazza Amerina
Depart with your driver toward Piazza Amerina to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Villa Casale della Romana. The villa dates from the 4th Century CE; with your private guide, you will see its famous Roman mosaics, one of the largest, richest, and most varied collections in the world. After lunch, drive east to your hotel on Mt. Etna.
Day 8: Ortigia and Siracusa
Depart with your driver to Ortigia, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on a small island, Ortigia is the historic cultural center of Siracusa, colonized by the Greeks around 735 BCE. Take a private tour of the archaeological site before a play at the Greek Theatre in Siracusa.
Day 9: Mt. Etna
Spend the day hiking on Mt. Etna — the trails are just a short journey from your hotel with a private driver.
Day 10: Depart from Catania
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
