Sicily is a crossroads of civilizations—Greek, Arab, Norman, Spanish—where golden mosaics and blue coves meet volcanic vineyards and aromatic markets. In one week, you’ll taste centuries of culture: bustling Palermo, serene Taormina, and storied Mount Etna.

Expect contrasts. Palermo’s energy hums through markets like Ballarò and Capo, while Taormina floats above the Ionian Sea with theater-box views of Etna. Arancine vs. arancini (yes, the North-South debate is real), cannoli, panelle, pistachio everything—culinary traditions here are deep and delicious.

Practical notes: Churches (like Monreale) request covered shoulders and knees. Many shops break midday; evenings run late. Summer heat can be fierce—plan early starts. Driving in historic centers is restricted (ZTL); park outside. Keep an eye on valuables in crowded markets. Etna conditions change quickly—bring layers and sturdy shoes.

Palermo

Palermo, Sicily’s capital, pairs Arab domes with Norman arches, baroque theaters with street-art alleys. Don’t miss the Cappella Palatina’s gold mosaics, the Palermo Cathedral’s layered architecture, and Teatro Massimo, Italy’s grand opera house.

• Top sights: Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria, Norman Palace, Monreale Cathedral (UNESCO), Kalsa quarter, La Cala harbor.
• Eat like a local: Arancine (round, in Palermo), panelle, sfincione, spleen sandwich (pane ca’ meusa), and the legendary setteveli cake.
• Cafés: Pasticceria Cappello (setteveli), Torrefazione Stagnitta (historic roaster), Caffè del Teatro Massimo (views and people-watching).
• Dinner ideas: Ferro di Cavallo (classic trattoria), Osteria Ballarò (seasonal Sicilian), Osteria dei Vespri (contemporary Sicilian), Antica Focacceria San Francesco (since 1834).

Where to stay (Palermo): Browse apartments and boutique stays on VRBO Palermo or hotels on Hotels.com Palermo.

Getting in: Fly to PMO (Palermo) or CTA (Catania) and connect via train/bus. Search flights and rail in Europe with Omio Flights and Omio Trains (also Omio Buses).

Day 1 — Arrive in Palermo, golden hour strolls

Afternoon: Land in Palermo and settle into your hotel. Stretch your legs at Quattro Canti and Piazza Pretoria’s “Fountain of Shame.” Duck into Santa Caterina cloister’s pastry shop for a first bite of ricotta-filled cassatine.

Evening: Aperitivo near Teatro Massimo—spritz at the theater café or a Negroni at Bocum in Kalsa. Dinner at Ferro di Cavallo (hearty pasta alla Norma or sardines with wild fennel). Finish with gelato in a brioche at Brioscià.

Day 2 — Palaces, mosaics, and Palermo street food

Morning: Espresso and cornetto at Pasticceria Cappello. Tour the Norman Palace and the glittering Cappella Palatina, then Palermo Cathedral’s panoramic terraces. Peek into the Oratorio di San Lorenzo for stucco angels.

Afternoon (featured tour): Join the Palermo Original Street Food Walking Tour by Streaty to sample panelle, sfincione, arancine, and more with a local expert through Capo and Ballarò markets.

Expect stories about Arab spices, fishermen’s traditions, and how Sicilians snack their way through the day.

Evening: Wine flight at Enoteca Picone (deep list from Etna, Vittoria, and Marsala). Dinner at Osteria Ballarò—try tuna bottarga bruschetta and busiate with pesto alla Trapanese.

Day 3 — Monreale mosaics and coastal breeze

Morning: Head to Monreale (bus 389 or taxi ~20–25 min). The cathedral’s 12th-century gold mosaics narrate the Old Testament in shimmering detail—bring a light scarf for modest dress.

Afternoon (sea option): Return for a coastal reset on a small-group cruise: Palermo Half Day Boat Tour with Palermo Experiences—snorkel the Queen’s Cave and sip a light aperitif on board.

Weather not cooperating? Swap in a panoramic city circuit to catacombs and Monreale by cabriolet: Palermo: Tour Historic Center, Catacombs & Monreale in CruiserCar.

Evening: Dinner at Osteria dei Vespri (seasonal tasting menu, Sicilian wines by the glass). Nightcap at Taverna Azzurra in Vucciria—lively, loud, and local.

Taormina

Taormina is a balcony over the Ionian Sea: medieval lanes draped with bougainvillea, a Greek Theatre carved into rock, and Mount Etna looming like a stage backdrop. Days drift between beaches at Mazzarò and Isola Bella, granita breaks, and sunset views.

• Top sights: Teatro Antico (Greek Theatre), Corso Umberto, Piazza IX Aprile, Isola Bella nature reserve, Madonna della Rocca viewpoint.
• Food highlights: Pistachio and almond sweets, seafood crudo, swordfish involtini, granite and brioches.
• Coffee & sweets: Bam Bar (iconic granita), Da Cristina (famous arancini for lunch-on-the-go), gelato all along Corso Umberto.
• Dinners with a view: Al Saraceno (above town), Trattoria da Nino (classic), La Capinera (sea-to-table just outside, Michelin-starred), Villa Zuccaro (beloved pizzas).

Where to stay (Taormina): Explore terraces and sea-view apartments on VRBO Taormina or hotels on Hotels.com Taormina.

Getting from Palermo to Taormina: Morning trains take ~5–6 hours (usually 1 change in Messina), ~€20–35; search and book on Omio Trains. Buses take ~4.5–5.5 hours via Catania; see Omio Buses. Driving the A19/A18 is ~3.5 hours plus tolls. Taormina’s historic center is ZTL—use Porta Catania or Lumbi parking and shuttle in.

Day 4 — Palermo to Taormina, Greek Theatre at sunset

Morning: Depart Palermo around 8:30 a.m. by train (~5–6h, 1 change in Messina; from ~€25 on Omio Trains). Prefer more speed? Private transfer or self-drive (~3.5h). There are also bus combos via Catania on Omio Buses.

Afternoon: Check in and refuel with arancini at Da Cristina (pistachio and ragu are favorites). Stroll Corso Umberto through Porta Catania to Porta Messina; stop at Piazza IX Aprile for that terrace-to-the-sea view.

Evening: Time your visit to the Greek Theatre for late light—Etna, sea, and stone in one frame. Aperitivo on a panoramic terrace, then pizza at Villa Zuccaro or seafood at Trattoria da Nino. Nightcap at Morgana Lounge Bar (craft cocktails, garden vibe).

Day 5 — Full-day Mount Etna and wine country

Spend the day on Europe’s highest active volcano, walking old lava fields and tasting wines grown in mineral-rich soils. Pack layers and good shoes; weather shifts quickly with elevation.

Tour Etna & Wine Tasting typically includes crater-area exploration and tastings at Etna wineries pouring native grapes like Nerello Mascalese and Carricante, paired with local cheeses and olive oil.

Return in the late afternoon for a relaxed dinner—try swordfish involtini at Al Saraceno with twinkling coastline views.

Day 6 — Isola Bella coves and coastal caves by boat

Morning (featured cruise): Drop to sea level by cable car and join the Boat tour Giardini Naxos Taormina Isola Bella Blue Grotto. Swim stops, grotto peeks, and coastline panoramas await.

Afternoon: Beach time on the pebbles of Isola Bella. Lunch seaside—grilled fish and a cold Etna Bianco at a Mazzarò lido (e.g., La Pigna or Lido Mazzarò). Ride the cable car back up for granita at Bam Bar (almond and coffee is a classic combo).

Evening: Wander the medieval lanes to boutique wine bars. Dinner at Osteria RossoDiVino (seasonal seafood pastas) or keep it casual with more pizza at Villa Zuccaro. Gelato stroll under the stars.

Day 7 — Market-to-table cooking class and departure

Morning (featured class): Shop, cook, and feast at the Cooking Class with Seaview & Taormina's Market with Chef Mimmo—learn to handcraft Sicilian specialties just steps from the sea.

It’s part culture lesson, part long lunch with new friends.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping on Corso Umberto (almond cookies, pistachio pesto, ceramics). Transfer to Catania Airport (CTA): direct bus ~1h15, ~€7–10 on Omio Buses; or train Taormina-Giardini to Catania Centrale (~50 min) then airport bus (~20 min)—see Omio Trains. For flights, compare fares on Omio Flights.

Trip tempo at a glance: 3 nights Palermo for history and street eats; 4 nights Taormina for sea, scenery, and Etna. You’ll cover UNESCO landmarks, boat through coves, and taste volcanic wines—all without rushing.

In seven days, Sicily reveals its layers: Arab-Norman palaces, Greek stages above sapphire bays, and vineyards rooted in lava. You’ll leave with sun-warmed memories, pistachio crumbs on your fingers, and a promise to return for the West’s temples and the South’s Baroque towns.