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Journey to the ferry
Today is the longest drive of the trip. Set off early and take a break in Switzerland.
Long stretch — plan in some breaks.
This is where your journey begins. From Stuttgart, you'll head over the Gotthard towards the Ligurian coast to the ferry port in Genoa.
1 night
Genoa is a stopover before the overnight crossing to Sicily. At the old harbour, with its aquarium and the narrow lanes of the old town, it's a good spot to round off the evening with a Ligurian meal before the ferry departs the next day.
Places to stay that fit
Grand Hotel Oriente
hotel · Hafenviertel, Palermo · approx. 90–140 €/night (estimate)
Classic city hotel just a few minutes' walk from the harbour, with well-equipped rooms and a central location.
Hotel Porta Felice
hotel · Hafenviertel, Palermo · approx. 110–160 €/night (estimate)
Right on the coastal promenade near the old harbour, with modern fittings and a roof terrace with sea views.
Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.
Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Overnight crossing of the Tyrrhenian Sea
A pure ferry day. Make the most of the time to relax.
Long stretch — plan in some breaks.
In the afternoon, the GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) ferry departs for Palermo. The crossing takes around 20 hours; a cabin with a window makes the night more comfortable.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The crossing is part of the adventure: deck time, sunset over the sea and a night in the cabin. By morning, the Sicilian coastline comes into view.
Nothing is planned yet for the night after day 2.
Capital city and street food
Park the car near the hotel if possible and explore Palermo on foot.
The ferry docks in Palermo in the morning. From here, it's just a few minutes to the old town.
Palermo's cathedral blends Norman, Arab and baroque architectural elements and tells the layered history of the city. Climbing up to the roof is well worth it for the view over the old town.
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
Palermo's liveliest market is perfect for a first culinary wander: panelle, arancine and street food among the market stalls. A great introduction to Sicilian food culture.
2 nights
A centrally located stay within walking distance of the sights. In the evening, the Vucciria or Kalsa districts offer good trattorias serving pasta con le sarde and fresh fish.
Places to stay that fit
Hotel Massimo Plaza
hotel · Zentrum, Palermo · approx. 100–150 €/night (estimate)
Small boutique hotel right opposite the Teatro Massimo, in a quiet, central location.
Palazzo Brunaccini
hotel · Zentrum, Palermo · approx. 95–145 €/night (estimate)
Historic town palace in the heart of Palermo, with charming décor and good access to the sights.
Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.
Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.
091 332082Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Norman splendour and mosaics
A relaxed day with short drives around Palermo.
The Palatine Chapel in the Norman Palace is a highlight: gold mosaics, Arab ceiling paintings and Byzantine art all in a compact space. A must for anyone interested in history and art.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
The cathedral of Monreale, perched above the town, impresses with the largest mosaic cycle in Sicily, depicting the entire history of salvation. The cloister, with its intricately carved columns, is particularly worth seeing.
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
Coast and beach day
A short drive, with plenty of time for the beach and old town.
The Norman cathedral of Cefalù, with its monumental Christ Pantocrator mosaic, rises above the little town. All around, the small old town invites a leisurely stroll.
The long sandy beach right by the old town is still good for swimming in the mild October weather. From here you get the finest view of the row of houses and the La Rocca cliff.
1 night
An overnight stay in an apartment in the old town, ideal for a relaxed evening by the sea. The narrow lanes have excellent fish restaurants overlooking the small harbour.
Places to stay that fit
Hotel Centrale Palace
hotel · Zentrum, Cefalù · approx. 95–140 €/night (estimate)
Well-located hotel in the centre of Cefalù, within walking distance of the cathedral and beach.
Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.
Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Arrival at the foot of Etna
A drive that stays just under the daily limit. Park the car early in Taormina and continue on foot.
The ancient Greek-Roman theatre offers one of Italy's most famous backdrops: the stage, the sea and smoking Etna in the distance. The light is especially beautiful in the late afternoon.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
Taormina's main promenade passes palazzi, boutiques and viewing terraces. An ice cream on Piazza IX Aprile, with a view over the coast, is part of the experience.
2 nights
An overnight stay in Taormina with views of the sea and the volcano. In the evening, restaurants with terraces serve Sicilian cuisine along with a glass of Etna wine.
Places to stay that fit
Hotel Principe di Villafranca
hotel · Zentrum, Taormina · approx. 130–190 €/night (estimate)
Elegant boutique hotel in the centre of Taormina, stylishly furnished in a quiet side location.
Hotel Villa Schuler
hotel · Zentrum, Taormina · approx. 110–160 €/night (estimate)
Family-run hotel with a garden and views of Etna, established in Taormina for generations.
Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.
Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Europe's largest active volcano
Check the weather forecast for Etna; visibility can change quickly.
From the south side, at 1,900 metres, the ascent of the volcano begins. A cable car and guided tour take you further up to the summit craters; sturdy footwear and warm clothing are essential.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
These extinct secondary craters can be freely walked around, giving a first taste of the lava landscape. A good, free walk right by the Rifugio.
Greek antiquity and a baroque island
Worried about narrow lanes? Park the car at the ground-level Talete car park, and Ortigia is then easy to explore on foot.
The archaeological park contains the great Greek theatre, the Roman amphitheatre and the Ear of Dionysius. This is where the significance of Syracuse as a great ancient city becomes tangible.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)
The old town island of Syracuse combines the baroque cathedral built on ancient temple columns, the Arethusa Spring and lively lanes. It's best to park the car on the outskirts and explore the car-free island on foot.
2 nights
An overnight stay right in the middle of the island of Ortigia. Because of the narrow lanes, it's advisable to park on the edge, such as at Talete or Molo Sant'Antonio, and walk to the apartment. In the evening there are plenty of fish restaurants and wine bars.
Places to stay that fit
Hotel Gutkowski
hotel · Ortigia, Syrakus · approx. 110–160 €/night (estimate)
Located right by the sea on Ortigia, with minimalist design and an authentic atmosphere.
Alla Giudecca Residenza d'Epoca
hotel · Ortigia, Syrakus · approx. 120–170 €/night (estimate)
Housed in a historic palazzo in Ortigia's Jewish quarter, with a courtyard and pool.
Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.
Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Noto, a fishing village and the sea
A relaxed day of excursions with short drives and plenty of enjoyment.
Noto is considered the capital of Sicilian baroque, completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693. The Corso, with its cathedral and palazzi, glows in warm sandstone and is perfect for a leisurely wander.
See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)
This old tuna-fishing village, with its piazza right on the sea, is a highlight for food lovers. Restaurants line up around the Tonnara, perfect for a late lunch of fresh fish.
Baroque towns and the road to the temples
A little more driving time today, but broken up nicely by stops in Ragusa and Modica.
The historic district of Ibla clings picturesquely to the hillside, crowned by the Duomo San Giorgio. A short walk through the winding lanes reveals baroque architecture at its most intimate.
Modica is famous for its cold-processed chocolate, made in the Aztec tradition. Amid the baroque façades, you can sample and buy from the historic chocolate makers.
2 nights
An overnight stay in Agrigento, ideally as close as possible to the Valley of the Temples for an early visit the next morning. Many places offer views of the illuminated temples at night.
Places to stay that fit
Hotel Colleverde Park
hotel · Nähe Tal der Tempel, Agrigent · approx. 100–150 €/night (estimate)
Hotel directly above the Valley of the Temples with views of the temple complex, in a quiet setting.
Foresteria Baglio della Luna
hotel · Tal der Tempel, Agrigent · approx. 120–180 €/night (estimate)
Historic country estate right next to the temples, with characterful décor in a medieval tower.
Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.
Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.
0922 606733Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Greek temples and white cliffs
Valley of the Temples in the morning, Scala dei Turchi in the afternoon with a swimming break. Access to the cliff may be closed, in which case you can view it from the beach.
The Valley of the Temples is one of the most important ancient sites in the Mediterranean. The Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Juno are among the best-preserved Doric temples anywhere; the morning is pleasantly cool.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
The brilliant white marl cliff descends in steps to the turquoise sea and is one of Sicily's most photogenic spots. From the surrounding beaches near Realmonte, you can enjoy the view and still swim in the mild October weather.
Mosaics and the drive to Palermo
A slightly longer drive today, but broken up by a generous mosaic stop.
This grand Roman villa houses the best-preserved ancient floor mosaics in the world, including the famous 'bikini girls' and grand hunting scenes. A walkway takes you through the rooms.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
1 night
A return to Palermo before the ferry to Genoa the following day. A final evening in the city offers one last chance for good Sicilian food and a stroll through the old town.
Places to stay that fit
Hotel Carmine
hotel · Zentrum, Marsala · approx. 80–120 €/night (estimate)
Well-located hotel in a restored monastery in the centre of Marsala, with a quiet, characterful atmosphere.
Dimora dei Venti
holiday apartment · Zentrum, Trapani · approx. 70–110 €/night (estimate)
Stylish holiday apartment in Trapani's old town, within walking distance of the harbour and restaurants.
Prices are estimates — real availability & price via “Compare & book”. The names are planning suggestions and not checked one by one.
Searches Booking.com around where you stay — dates and party are already filled in.
091 332082Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Overnight crossing homeward
Time in Palermo during the day, boarding in the evening.
Long stretch — plan in some breaks.
Before departure, it's worth one last visit to the market for cannoli, citrus fruits and Sicilian specialities to take home. A fitting farewell to the island.
In the evening, the ferry departs for Genoa. The overnight crossing brings you comfortably back across the sea to the mainland.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
A night at sea in a cabin, before Genoa appears the following morning. A good moment to look back over the impressions of the trip.
Nothing is planned yet for the night after day 13.
Homeward journey over the Alps
The final day's drive is well over the daily limit. If the ferry doesn't arrive until midday, it's worth considering an overnight stop along the way in Lucerne or by Lake Lucerne.
Long stretch — plan in some breaks.
Arrival in Genoa in the morning. From here, the final long stretch takes you back home over the Alps.
Return to Stuttgart. This is where your Sicily grand tour comes to an end.
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