Sicilian Splendors: Palermo & Catania

Noemi Carroccia

4 Jan 2024

Embark on a 12-day adventure through the captivating cities of Palermo and Catania in Sicily, Italy. Immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine of these stunning destinations.

Trip to Palermo

Get Your Guide

Viator

Day 1Majestic Palaces and Breathtaking Fountains

$40

Grand 9th century palace with a neo-classical facade, historic chapel & ornate royal apartments.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$40

12 - 17 min

Directions

Landmark 1500s fountain known for its ornate, tiered design & nude statues of mythological figures.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

Day 2Botanical Wonders and Architectural Marvels

$15

$ 7

Sprawling botanical garden opened in 1795, with Mediterranean plants, a herbarium & statues.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$15

6 - 8 min

Directions

Baroque, octagonal public plaza featuring 4 fountains topped by ornate statues in niches.

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

•

Free

Day 3Ancient Ruins and Bustling Markets

$25

$ 7

Picturesque waterfront promenade with a wide lawn, sculptures & colorful benches.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

14 - 17 min

Directions

4 bell towers top this architecturally diverse church dating from the 1100s & housing royal tombs.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$25

8 - 12 min

Directions

Bustling street market offering a wide selection of local meats, seafood, produce & Sicilian bites.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 4Sacred Shrines and Picturesque Harbors

$10

$ 7

Iconic 17th-century church carved into a rocky mountainside & dedicated to a medieval saint.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$10

27 - 33 min

Directions

Lively harbor port for ferries, private boats & cruise ships going to & from Sicily.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

Day 5Serene Parks and Grand Theaters

$50

$ 7

Parco Piersanti Mattarella (Giardino Inglese)

City garden designed in English style dating from 1851, with water features, sculpture & monuments.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

This lavish auditorium was built in 1897 & remains Italy's largest with a seated capacity of 1,387.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$50

Day 6Religious Icons and Royal Residences

$45

$ 7

Landmark hillside Gothic church & site of Christian pilgrimage, decorated with noted medieval art.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$15

749 - 899 min

Directions

12th-century buildings containing collections of Islamic art & local historic artifacts.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$30

Day 7Magnificent Cathedral and Panoramic Views

$25

Landmark Norman cathedral known for its ornate cloisters & bright gold mosaics of biblical stories.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$25

Budget breakdown: $447 In total

Activities & Food:$410

Transport:$37

Trip to Catania

Get Your Guide

Viator

Day 1Majestic Palaces and Breathtaking Fountains

$50

$ 5

Museo Storico dello Sbarco in Sicilia 1943

History museum exploring local WWII history through immersive multimedia exhibits.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$50

4 - 5 min

Directions

Medieval palace & former monastery, now a cultural venue hosting various art exhibitions & concerts.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

Day 2Botanical Wonders and Architectural Marvels

$25

Plaza flanked by ornate 18th-century buildings & 4 bronze lampposts depicting Catanian legends.

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

•

Free

4 - 5 min

Directions

Fountain with a Roman statue of an elephant carved from basalt, now the symbol of the city.

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM

•

Free

1 - 2 min

Directions

Baroque fountain of mythical figures by Tito Angelini & inscribed with the city's coat of arms.

9:45 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

5 - 8 min

Directions

Baroque palace, opulently decorated with frescos, mirrors and stucco work, now used for concerts.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$25

Day 3Ancient Ruins and Bustling Markets

$50

Sunken ruins of a large Roman amphitheater in the middle of Catania built around 300 BCE.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$25

12 - 17 min

Directions

Orto Botanico dell'Università di Catania

Botanical garden with exotic & native species known for its collection of succulents & palm trees.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$25

Day 4Sacred Shrines and Picturesque Harbors

$50

Small, serene garden area in a city park with shaded paths, benches, fountains & flowerbeds.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

11 - 16 min

Directions

Ornate 19th-century theatre with lavish gilt-edged auditorium staging major operas & concerts.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$50

Day 5Serene Parks and Grand Theaters

$25

Prominent baroque cathedral known for its columned facade, domed roof, frescoes & paintings.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

6 - 9 min

Directions

Open-air amphitheater ruins from the 2nd century AD with a stepped seating area & an orchestra pit.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$25

Budget breakdown: $447 In total

Activities & Food:$410

Transport:$37