Sicily Highlights by Car
Overview
Discover Sicily with the freedom of the open road. This flexible self-drive journey takes you through the island’s most captivating cities and coastal attractions.
With your hotels pre-arranged and a rental car at your disposal, every day is yours to shape. Explore Baroque towns, ancient ruins, seaside promenades, and vibrant markets at your own pace. No fixed schedules, and no group tours, just the joy of discovery, authentic encounters and the freedom to linger where your heart leads.
Format
Locations
- Acireale
- Syracuse
- Palermo
- Cefalù
- Catania
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights to Catania
- 9 nights of accommodation
- 9-day car rental, in selected category
- 9 full breakfasts
- Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly to Catania.
Day 2
Catania – Acireale
Upon arrival at Catania airport, collect your rental car and make your way into the city center to explore a few highlights before going to your hotel in Acireale. After checking in, take some time to relax.
(approximately 20 km)
($) Optional Activities
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Out & About ($)
Catania Historic Center: Stroll through Piazza Duomo, admire the Cathedral and experience the bustling fish market.
Aci Castello: Visit the Norman castle dramatically set above the sea.
Aci Trezza: Discover the legendary Cyclops’ Sea stacks, perfect for myth, views and sunsets.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 3
Acireal – At Leisure
Enjoy a relaxing day in Acireale, known for its charming Baroque architecture, lively piazzas and coastal views. Spend time exploring the town at your own pace or venture out to nearby attractions.
($) Optional Activities
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Out & About ($)
- Set off for Taormina, Sicily’s most enchanting town, perched high above the sea. Stroll along Corso Umberto, lined with boutiques and cafés, and step back in time at the magnificent Greek Theatre, offering sweeping views of Mount Etna and the coastline. Don’t miss the chance to relax by Isola Bella, a tiny island and nature reserve connected to the shore by a narrow strip of sand.
- In the afternoon, venture to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Choose to drive partway up the mountain or join a guided excursion to explore the craters, lava flows and lunar landscapes for an unforgettable encounter with Sicily’s natural power.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Acireale - Syracuse
After breakfast, check out and set off toward Syracuse. On the way, pause for a scenic hike or savour fresh seafood by the sea before arriving at your hotel.
(approximately 70 km)
($) Optional Activities
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Out & About ($)
- Riviera dei Ciclopi: Dramatic coastline of legends
- Pantalica: Rock-carved tombs and breathtaking trails
- Brucoli: Seaside village charm with castle views and seafood taverns
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Syracuse – At Leisure
Today is yours to discover Syracuse at your own pace, wandering its historic streets, lively markets and stunning piazzas. For those who wish to explore further, hop in the car and set off into the Baroque heart of southern Sicily.
($) Optional Activities
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Out & About ($)
- Ragusa Ibla : Romantic streets, elegant churches, and a timeless atmosphere
- Scicli: Graceful palaces, charming lanes, and a quieter side of Sicily’s Baroque heritage
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Syracuse - Agrigento - Palermo
After breakfast, check out and begin your journey to Palermo. On the way, don’t miss a stop in Agrigento to marvel at the world-famous Valley of the Temples, one of Sicily’s most remarkable archaeological sites. While in the area, make a detour to the stunning Scala dei Turchi, dazzling white limestone cliffs that plunge dramatically into the turquoise sea—an unforgettable sight.
(approximately 235 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7 - 8
Palermo: At Leisure
Spend two days discovering the wonders of western Sicily at your own pace. Marvel at the golden mosaics of Monreale Cathedral, wander through the historic streets of Marsala while sampling local wines and admiring the salt pans at sunset, or step back in time at Segesta, home to an ancient Doric temple and theatre. For a more relaxing escape, soak up the sun and swim in the crystal-clear waters of San Vito Lo Capo, one of Sicily’s most beautiful beaches.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9
Palermo – Cefalù
Set off by car along Sicily’s scenic northern coast toward the charming town of Cefalù. Along the way, make a stop in Termini Imerese, an ancient town rich in history with Roman ruins, relaxing thermal baths and stunning views of the sea, a perfect blend of culture and coastal beauty.
(approximately 70 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10
Cefalù – Catania
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your journey toward Catania, your final stop. Before hitting the road, take some time to further explore the charming town of Cefalù. Don’t miss its remarkable Norman cathedral (Duomo di Cefalù), adorned with breathtaking mosaics and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
(approximately 180 km)
($) Optional Activities
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Out & About ($)
- For breathtaking views, hike up the Rocca di Cefalù, where ancient ruins and fortifications tell stories of the past. Wander the charming streets of the Old Town, discovering quaint shops and cafes, or simply relax on Cefalù’s golden beach, with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or sunbathing.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 11
Catania – Return to Canada
After breakfast, return your rental car to the airport and board your flight back home.
(approximately 180 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Comfort Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Bed size(s): 1 Italian standard double bed or 2 Italian standard single beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 adults or 2 adults and 1 child
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room during the trip
Important Information
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Daily from June 4 to October 23, 2026
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Not included
- Meals and beverages, unless specified
- City or tourist tax, payable at destination
- Parking fees, if applicable
- Gratuities
- Activities and excursions
- Personal expenses and insurance
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This itinerary includes Out & About suggestions for activities that are not included in your package, but they are great tips for places to visit and things to do.
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Avis Car Rental:
- CDMR- Manual - VW T-Cross or similar
- IDMR- Manual - VW T-Roc or similar
- IDAR- Automatic- Mercedes A Class
- When booking your Fly & Drive, the first name added on the file is considered as the principal driver of the vehicle. Modifications or change of name to principal driver name will incur fees.
- Distances in kilometres are estimated and presented as a guideline for reference purposes only.
Car Rental Inclusions:
Unlimited Mileage, Loss Damage Waiver (includes: Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) + Super Theft Protection (STP), Vehicle License Fee (VLF), DOWF (Damage to Windscreen and Other Glass), One (1) additional driver (ADD), Airport surcharge, Tax
Car Rental Exclusions:
Fuel, parking fees, traffic violation tickets, additional driver fee, car upgrades, road assistance, toll fees and inter city toll fees, young driver surcharge under 26 years, additional insurance coverage, child car seats, luggage racks, additional rental nights, late drop off fees. All extra services are payable at the rental counter.
Minimum age for car rental is 21 years old with a prepaid voucher. A valid driver's license issued for at least 12 months from country of origin must be presented at time of rental. All drivers under the age of 26 will be subject to a surcharge.
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The order visited may change due to operational restrictions. The itinerary above is for reference only.
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City taxes are applicable for hotel stays in Italy and are payable in local currency upon checkout.