Sicily has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards all left bold fingerprints: honeyed stone cathedrals studded in gold mosaics, Greek theaters facing the sea, and citrus-perfumed markets that feel timeless. This island rewards slow travel with layered stories and long, delicious meals.

In one week, pair Palermo’s bustling historic quarters and Arab–Norman wonders with the cinematic cliff town of Taormina and a foray onto Mount Etna. You’ll taste panelle and cannoli at source, sip mineral-etched Etna wines, and drift in cobalt coves beneath Isola Bella.

Practical notes: midday closures are common; book major sites and experiences ahead in summer. Sicily is safer than stereotypes suggest, but like anywhere, mind your belongings in crowds. Renting a car is optional; trains and buses cover this route well. Pack comfy shoes, a hat for the noon sun, and a light jacket for Etna.

Palermo

Palermo is Sicily’s whirlwind—sun-splashed piazzas, street shrines, opera houses, and markets where fritters sizzle beside pyramids of blood-orange and pistachio. Arab-Norman architecture here is UNESCO-listed, and the local addiction to street food is very real.

• Top sights: Palazzo dei Normanni & Palatine Chapel, Palermo Cathedral rooftops, Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria, Teatro Massimo, Capo and Ballarò markets, Monreale Cathedral (nearby).
• What to eat: Panelle, arancine, sfincione, stigghiola, pasta con le sarde, swordfish alla ghiotta, and brioche con gelato.
• Fun fact: The mosaic of King Roger II in the Palatine Chapel shows him crowned by Christ—an audacious statement of divine kingship.

Where to stay: Browse character-filled apartments and hotels near the historic center: VRBO Palermo or Hotels.com Palermo.

How to arrive: Fly into Palermo (PMO). For flights within Europe use Omio Flights. For long-haul or non-Europe origins, compare on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com Flights.

Day 1: Arrival in Palermo, Quarters and Piazzas

Morning: Fly into Palermo. If you arrive early, drop bags and refuel at Pasticceria Cappello (order the Setteveli chocolate-hazelnut cake) or espresso at Torrefazione Stagnitta near Piazza Bellini.

Afternoon: Stroll the historic heart: Piazza Pretoria’s fountain, the Baroque stage of Quattro Canti, and the Arab-Norman church cluster around Piazza Bellini (Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio—La Martorana—and San Cataldo with its red domes). Snack stop: I Cuochini for bite-sized baked panzerotti.

Evening: Aperitivo by Teatro Massimo at Champagneria del Massimo (crowd energy, prosecco, and people-watching). Dinner at Trattoria ai Cascinari for pasta con le sarde or at Gagini Restaurant for a creative tasting menu rooted in Sicilian produce. End with brioche-gelato at Cappadonia Gelati.

Day 2: Markets, Street Food, and the Palatine Chapel

Morning: Dive into Palermo’s flavors with the Palermo Original Street Food Walking Tour by Streaty.

Local guides lead you through Capo or Ballarò market to taste panelle, sfincione, and arancine while unraveling Palermo’s history stall by stall. It’s an edible orientation to the city.

Afternoon: Explore the Norman Palace and the jewel-box Palatine Chapel—golden Byzantine mosaics, a muqarnas wooden ceiling, and layers of cultures in one room. Walk up to Palermo Cathedral; consider a rooftop ticket for terracotta views. Coffee pick-me-up: Bisso Bistrot near the Quattro Canti.

Evening: Sunset passeggiata along Via Maqueda and the reopened pedestrian strips of the center. Dinner at Osteria Ballarò (charcuterie from Nebrodi black pork, fresh pasta) or Osteria Mercede for seafood couscous. Nightcap at Bocum for mixology or join locals at Taverna Azzurra in the Vucciria for cheap wine and loud conversation.

Day 3: Grand Tour, Monreale Mosaics, and Mondello Sunset

Morning: See Palermo’s highlights with a breezy, open-air ride on the Palermo: Grand Tour in CruiserCar.

This stylish 9-seater cabriolet loops past Teatro Massimo, the marina, and key monuments—great for photos and orientation.

Afternoon: Head up to Monreale (20–30 minutes by bus/taxi). The Cathedral’s 12th-century mosaics—Christ Pantocrator spanning the apse—are among the Mediterranean’s finest. Late afternoon, continue to Mondello for a swim or stroll its Liberty-era villas. Snack on panelle and crocchè at Antico Chiosco by the beach.

Evening: For a splurge in Mondello book Bye Bye Blues (seafood tasting menu; Michelin accolades) or return to the center for Trattoria da Salvo (grilled swordfish, sardines beccafico). Gelato brioche at Brioscià as you wander back.

Taormina

Taormina is Sicily’s postcard: a medieval hill town with bougainvillea-draped lanes, boutique balconies, and a Greek Theatre that frames Mount Etna like a living backdrop. Down below, Isola Bella is a pebble isthmus lapped by translucent water.

• Top sights: Teatro Greco, Villa Comunale gardens, Corso Umberto, Isola Bella, the hilltop village of Castelmola, and Mount Etna day trips.
• What to eat: Granita with brioche (almond or coffee), pistachio everything, fresh anchovies, and Etna DOC reds.
• Fun fact: Taormina’s theater was expanded by the Romans for gladiatorial shows—its acoustics still shine for concerts.

Where to stay: Book sea-view stays steps from Corso Umberto or near the cable car to the beach: VRBO Taormina or Hotels.com Taormina.

Getting there from Palermo (Day 4 morning): Take a train to “Taormina-Giardini” via Messina in ~5–6 hours, usually €20–35—check schedules on Omio Trains (Europe). The fastest overland option is often a direct bus in ~3h45, ~€15–22 on Omio Buses (Europe). Depart early; enjoy coastal views after Messina.

Day 4: Transfer East, Greek Theatre, and Corso Umberto

Morning: Depart Palermo after breakfast (grab a last sfincione slice at Antica Focacceria San Francesco). Train or bus east; bring water and a snack.

Afternoon: Check in, then head to the Teatro Greco. Its marbled tiers and Etna-framed stage explain Taormina’s legend in one glance. Cool off in the shaded Villa Comunale gardens with views that feel borrowed from a painting.

Evening: Aperitivo on Corso Umberto at Timoleone Terrace (Etna Rosso by the glass) or Casamatta for natural wine. Dinner at Trattoria Da Nino (top-notch fish, simple and exact) or Tischi Toschi (seasonal Sicilian plates; intimate). Pistachio cannoli at Pasticceria Roberto.

Day 5: Mount Etna and Wine Country

Morning: Venture onto Europe’s most active volcano with the Etna Countryside Food & Wine Lovers Tour (Small Group or Private).

With a native guide/driver, you’ll walk among craters and lava fields before tasting Etna DOC wines—nerello mascalese and carricante—paired with local cheeses, olives, and honey. Expect about 6 hours door to door.

Afternoon: Return to Taormina for a siesta or granita break at Bam Bar (almond granita with warm brioche is the classic).

Evening: Reserve Ristorante al Duomo (terrace on the square, grilled calamari, handmade pasta) or, for a Michelin-starred detour just outside town, La Capinera (book ahead). Cocktails at Morgana Lounge Bar—a see-and-be-seen den with creative infusions.

Day 6: Taormina Market & Seaview Cooking, Isola Bella, Castelmola Sunset

Morning: Shop, cook, and eat with the Cooking Class with Seaview & Taormina's Market with Chef Mimmo.

Learn Sicilian staples in a family-style class near the sea—think caponata, fresh pasta, and lemon-scented desserts—then enjoy your handiwork over wine.

Afternoon: Ride the cable car down to Mazzarò and walk to Isola Bella. Swim the clear cove and laze on smooth pebbles; water shoes help. Espresso at Ai Paladini kiosk between dips.

Evening: Taxi or bus up to Castelmola for sweeping dusk views. Sip almond wine at Bar Turrisi, then dine back in Taormina at Osteria RossoDiVino (daily catch crudo, pistachio-crusted tuna) or Vineria Modì (smart wine list, seasonal plates).

Day 7: Gardens, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Coffee and warm cornetti at Pasticceria D’Amore, then a last wander through the Villa Comunale gardens and boutiques (look for ceramics from Caltagirone and pistachio sweets from Bronte).

Afternoon: Head to Catania Airport (CTA). The Interbus from Taormina Bus Terminal takes ~1h10, ~€8–10—check times on Omio Buses (Europe). For trains to Catania Centrale plus a quick airport shuttle, compare on Omio Trains. For flights within Europe use Omio Flights; for long-haul, check Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Evening: If you have extra time, toast the trip with one last granita or an aperitivo overlooking the bay. Arrivederci, Sicilia!

Optional Add-Ons (if you extend)

• Boat time around Isola Bella and the Blue Grotto (spring to early fall).
• A day in Siracusa & Ortigia for Greek ruins and Baroque lanes.
• Ferries connect Sicily with the Aeolian Islands—compare routes on Omio Ferries (Europe).

Another excellent Etna option (if you prefer more altitude): Etna excursion 3000 meters with 4x4 cable car and Trekking—but note it’s longer and more physically demanding.

Booking recap (handy links): VRBO Palermo • Hotels.com Palermo • VRBO Taormina • Hotels.com Taormina • Omio Flights • Trip.com Flights • Kiwi.com Flights • Omio Trains • Omio Buses.

Note: Sicily’s ZTL (limited traffic zones) are enforced—if you do rent a car, confirm parking outside ZTL and ask your host for tips. The Taormina cable car may close for maintenance off-season; check times locally.

Summary: In a week you’ll taste Palermo’s market soul, trace glittering Byzantine mosaics, roam Taormina’s flowered lanes, and stand on the flanks of Etna sipping wines born of lava and ash. Sicily lingers—in flavors, in views, and in the feeling that the Mediterranean’s whole story converges here.