Sicily on Screen A Fly Drive Escape

Arrive at Catania Airport, pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel in the Catania/Taormina area. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a first stroll to soak in the Sicilian atmosphere.

After breakfast, drive to Forza d’Agrò, a picturesque hilltop village overlooking Taormina and the Ionian coast. Inspired by The Godfather, wander its narrow alleys and visit the Cathedral and medieval arch. Next, head to Savoca, home to the iconic Bar Vitelli.
In the afternoon, it’s time to be inspired by The White Lotus. Discover Taormina,  celebrated as “the Pearl of the Mediterranean.” Stroll along Corso Umberto, admire Palazzo Corvaja and visit the Greek-Roman Theatre for breathtaking views of Mount Etna, Giardini Naxos and Calabria. (approximately 120 km)

Today, explore Sicily’s dramatic natural landscapes. Drive up Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Silvestri Craters (1,900 metres) and admire the volcanic terrain.
Continue to the Alcantara Gorges, a canyon sculpted by lava flows with striking basalt formations and Motta Camastra, another filming location in the mafia series.
On your return, stop in Castiglione di Sicilia, a charming village in the Etna wine region, where you can visit local wineries.
Back in Catania, explore Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, Elephant Fountain, Via Etnea, Castello Ursino, and the authentic fish market, La Pescheria. (approximately 100 km)

Drive to Acireale, famed for its baroque churches and palaces. Be inspired by The Godfather Part III and visit Villa La Limonaia.
Continue west to Cefalù, a charming seaside town that served as the backdrop for Cinema Paradiso, which features a Norman cathedral, medieval washhouse and atmospheric streets.  Arrive in Palermo in the evening and check into your hotel. (approximately 250 km)

Explore Palermo, starting with the Cathedral, resting place of Emperor Frederick II and the Norman kings. Continue to the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel, masterpieces of Arab-Norman art and UNESCO sites adorned with golden mosaics. Next, follow in the footsteps of the famous hotel drama series again and drive to Villa Tasca, a magnificent 16th-century residence with frescoes and Murano chandeliers.  Return to the historic center for a taste of Palermo’s renowned street food at Antica Focacceria San Francesco, where you can try panelle, arancine, sfincione, and cannoli. 

In the afternoon, visit Teatro Massimo, the grand opera house also featured in the mafia film trilogy. Conclude the day with a drive to Monreale to admire its breathtaking cathedral and cloister, decorated with 80 pairs of intricately carved columns. (approximately 35 km)

Dive into Sicily’s mafia history with a visit to Corleone, birthplace of many mafia figures and home to the CIDMA Anti-Mafia Museum in a former monastery.
Continue to San Giuseppe Jato, where Parco Giuseppe Di Matteo—Sicily’s first urban park on confiscated mafia land—stands as a symbol of justice and rebirth.
End the day in Piana degli Albanesi, an Albanian-heritage village preserving language and traditions, famous for its exceptional cannoli. (approximately 135 km)

Drive into the Madonie Mountains to visit Castelbuono, a medieval town centered around Ventimiglia Castle. Stroll its historic streets and sample local specialties, from wild mushrooms to traditional pastries. In the afternoon, continue east toward Catania. (approximately 280 km)

After breakfast, drive to Catania airport, return your rental car, and board your flight home.