Sicily is a crossroads of civilizations—Greek theaters stare at an African-blue sea, Arab domes shade baroque piazzas, and a volcano rules the skyline. From the royal mosaics of Norman kings to the street food chorus of Palermo’s markets, every day here blends history with appetite.

Across the island, you’ll taste ricotta-stuffed cannoli, pistachio everything, and wines coaxed from volcanic soils. You’ll hike on Mount Etna, float over Isola Bella’s clear waters, and wander medieval lanes in Cefalù. Expect vibrant local life, passionate football fans, and a pace that invites lingering.

Practical notes for a group of eight: pre-book large tables and activities; Sicily rewards planners. Trains and buses connect main hubs; a private van can save time between cities. Cash is helpful at markets, and tipping is modest. Pack good walking shoes, sun protection, and a light layer for breezy nights by the sea.

Palermo

Palermo is a feast of contrasts: Byzantine gold mosaics sit beside Liberty-style palazzi; markets hum with vendors singing the day’s catch; scooters weave past baroque fountains. It’s Italy’s street food capital, where panelle, arancine, and grilled swordfish share the same plate.

Top sights include the Norman Palace and Cappella Palatina’s jewel-box mosaics, Quattro Canti’s sculpted crossroads, the Arab-Norman Cathedral, and the theatrical Fountain of Shame. Beyond the center, the sandy crescent of Mondello offers a laid-back beach escape, and nearby Monreale dazzles with 12th-century mosaics.

• Where to stay (great for groups): Browse apartments and villas on VRBO Palermo or mid-range hotels on Hotels.com Palermo.
• Getting in: Fly into Palermo (PMO) or Catania (CTA) and compare options on Omio Flights. From PMO to city center: 40–50 minutes by bus or taxi. In-town transport is walk/ride-share-friendly.
• Food & drink you’ll love: Antica Focacceria San Francesco (slow-cooked beef spleen sandwiches or sfincione), Nni Franco U’ Vastiddaru (mixed grill and panini), Ke Palle for creative arancine, Pasticceria Cappello for “Setteveli” cake, and espresso at Caffè Stagnitta by the Cathedral.

Day 1: Arrive in Palermo, Markets & Street Food

Afternoon: Land in Palermo and settle into your stay. Stretch your legs along Via Maqueda and Piazza Pretoria to get your bearings amid baroque façades and lively squares. Grab a first cannolo at Pasticceria Costa or a granite at Brioscià.

Evening: Kick off with a top-rated street food tour to learn the classics and the stories behind them (perfect for an 8-person group).
Palermo Original Street Food Walking Tour by Streaty

Expect panelle (chickpea fritters), cardoon croquettes, sfincione (Sicilian pizza), and seasonal bites in Ballarò/Vucciria markets. Budget about €40–€60 per person.

Day 2: Palaces, Catacombs, and Mondello Beach

Morning: Coffee and cornetto at Caffè Stagnitta, then tour the Norman Palace and Cappella Palatina (go early to beat groups). Walk to Quattro Canti and the Cathedral; pause for photos at the monumental “Fountain of Shame.”

Afternoon: Explore Palermo’s most haunting site with a guide.
Palermo hidden, the kingdom of the dead!

The Capuchin Catacombs—lined with mummified residents—offer an unforgettable, very Sicilian meditation on time. Afterwards, taxi 20 minutes to Mondello beach for a swim and gelato on the boardwalk.

Evening: Dinner back in the old town: try Osteria Ballarò (local cheeses and cured meats, fresh pasta), Ferro di Cavallo (hearty Sicilian staples), or Gagini (creative Sicilian cuisine). For sports fans, find a pub near Via Maqueda showing Serie A and European matches; Palermo FC home games are at Stadio Renzo Barbera.

Day 3: Day Trip to Cefalù (Beach, Hike, Medieval Lanes)

Morning: Take a regional train to Cefalù (50–60 minutes; ~€6–€10; check Omio Trains). Start with cappuccino and a brioche at a café facing the Norman Cathedral, then head to the golden-sand Lungomare for beach time. Rent loungers or set up on the free stretch—great for swimming and people-watching.

Afternoon: Hike La Rocca (allow 1.5–2 hours) for ruins and sweeping Tyrrhenian views—bring water and sturdy shoes. Lunch on fresh swordfish or pasta alla norma at a trattoria off Corso Ruggero; pick up ceramics or coral jewelry from local artisans.

Evening: Return to Palermo for an aperitivo around Piazza Sant’Anna. If you want a deeper city orientation tailored to your group, consider a private walking tour tomorrow morning:
Palermo : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Dinner ideas: Buatta (heritage recipes), Trattoria da Pino (casual, fair prices), or Locale (modern Sicilian plates).

Taormina (base for Etna & the Ionian Coast)

Perched on a terrace above the sea, Taormina blends Greek ruins with Riviera sensibilities. Corso Umberto’s boutiques and ceramic studios lead to a Greek Theatre with one of the Mediterranean’s great views—Etna rising behind the stage.

Down below, pebble coves like Isola Bella and Mazzarò are perfect for boat rides and snorkeling. Taormina is also an ideal springboard for Mount Etna hikes, winery visits, and filming locations from The Godfather and popular TV series.

• Where to stay (group-friendly): Villas and apartments on VRBO Taormina; hotels with sea views on Hotels.com Taormina.
• Getting there from Palermo: Morning train to Taormina-Giardini takes ~3h45–4h30 with 1 change (~€18–€30; check Omio Trains). A private van for 8 runs ~3–3.5 hours; compare on Omio Buses too.
• Food to try: Granite and brioche at Bam Bar; arancini and scacciata at Da Cristina; seafood pastas on Via Nazionale; pistachio everything. For a treat, book La Capinera for sea-to-table cuisine.

Day 4: Transfer to Taormina, Greek Theatre & Isola Bella

Morning: Depart Palermo early by train (snacks for the ride). On arrival, drop bags and take the cable car down to the coast for a quick swim near Isola Bella.

Afternoon: Explore the Greek Theatre—come for the panorama as much as the ruins. Shop along Corso Umberto (ceramics from Santo Stefano artisans, linen boutiques, almond sweets). Cool off with granita al pistacchio at Bam Bar.

Evening: Learn Sicilian recipes with sea views—great bonding for groups.
Cooking Class with Seaview & Taormina's Market with Chef Mimmo

You’ll shop, cook, and dine on your creations; budget ~€95–€130 per person.

Day 5: Mount Etna Adventure

Morning: Head up to Europe’s highest active volcano for craters, lava tubes, and epic views.
Etna Morning Trip

Expect light trekking and a guide’s geology talk; typical total duration 5–6 hours; around €60–€100 per person. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water.

Afternoon: Late lunch at a countryside agriturismo near Linguaglossa or Zafferana (cold cuts, cheeses, honey, and Etna DOC wines). If your group prefers more wine focus, consider swapping to a tasting tour:
Tour Etna & Wine Tasting

Evening: Back in Taormina, dinner at Trattoria da Nino (sea views, grilled fish), RossoDiVino (intimate courtyard), or Osteria Nero D’Avola (excellent Sicilian labels). Gelato stroll under the Corso’s old gates.

Day 6: Boat Day, Coves, and The Godfather Villages

Morning: Charter a traditional gozzo boat from Mazzarò for your group (2 hours ~€200–€300 per boat; max 8), cruising Grotta Azzurra, Capo Taormina, and Isola Bella’s marine reserve. Bring snorkel gear; mornings have calmer seas.

Afternoon–Evening: Trace cinematic Sicily through hill towns above Taormina.
Godfather vs Mafia Tour & Pasta Lunch (Small Group or Private)

Visit Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, learn about real history vs folklore, and enjoy a countryside meal. It’s relaxed, scenic, and perfect for photos.

Day 7: Catania Flavor Dash or Taormina Slow Morning, Then Depart

Morning: If flying out of Catania, consider a quick Catania stop: espresso and pistachio cornetto near Piazza Duomo, then browse La Pescheria fish market for a sensory jolt. Foodies can opt for a late-morning tasting walk if time allows:
Catania Sicilian Street Food Tour: Small Group by Do Eat Better

Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely final swim at Isola Bella and a coffee with brioche on the promenade.

Afternoon: Depart for the airport. From Taormina to Catania Airport is ~1 hour by private transfer or ~1.5–2 hours by bus/train (compare on Omio Buses and Omio Trains). For ferries to mainland Italy or the Aeolian Islands on future trips, check Omio Ferries.

Practical Tips for an 8-Person, Mid-Budget Trip

• Budgeting: Expect €15–€25 lunches, €25–€40 dinners (food-only), coffee €1–€2, granita €3–€5. Tours generally €60–€130 per person. Group boat charter €200–€300 per 2 hours.
• Dining with a crowd: Reserve 24–48 hours ahead and arrive on time; order family-style antipasti (caponata, cheeses, salumi) and 2–3 pastas to share before mains.
• Shopping: Palermo’s Via Ruggero Settimo for fashion; Taormina’s Corso Umberto for ceramics and linen. Ship fragile items home from a postal point to travel light.
• Sports: Check if Palermo FC or Catania FC play at home; otherwise, most bars screen weekend Serie A matches—ask for the night’s “partita.”

Where to Sleep (Quick Picks)

• Palermo (2–3 nights): Central apartments near the Cathedral or Teatro Massimo work well for walking. Compare on VRBO Palermo and Hotels.com Palermo.
• Taormina (4–5 nights): Villas with terraces for sunset dinners or beach-area apartments if you’ll swim daily. See VRBO Taormina and Hotels.com Taormina.

Getting Around & Between Cities

• Flights: Compare to/from Sicily on Omio Flights (Palermo PMO, Catania CTA).
• Trains: Palermo–Taormina-Giardini ~3h45–4h30; Palermo–Catania ~2h50–3h20. Check schedules on Omio Trains.
• Buses/Transfers: Useful for airport hops or when train times don’t fit; compare on Omio Buses.
• Ferries: For future add-ons (Aeolian Islands, mainland Italy), see Omio Ferries.

From Palermo’s historic markets to Taormina’s cliffside glamour and Etna’s otherworldly slopes, this week in Sicily balances beaches, hiking, shopping, and serious eating. With group-friendly tips and bookable tours, you’ll cover a lot without feeling rushed—leaving just enough time for one more granita.