An evening overlooking the sea in Taormina, a vineyard lunch on the slopes of Mount Etna, a morning discovering ancient history in Siracusa and dinner by the water in Ortigia. Eastern Sicily brings together volcanic landscapes, wine, Baroque towns and the pleasure of taking time over a good meal.
When Sicily follows Rome, the Amalfi Coast or Puglia, I would begin with the journey itself. Our team reviews the travel dates and connections, selects hotels with preferential partner rates and available perks, and brings together private transfers, knowledgeable guides, restaurant reservations and experiences shaped around the guests.
Getting there
Getting to Sicily: a flight or a journey through Southern Italy?
For a shorter stay, we first review flights to Catania for the travel dates. From the Amalfi Coast, this includes the transfer to Naples Airport. On arrival in Sicily, our drivers can meet the guests and continue to their accommodation.
A private transfer from the previous destination is another possibility when the journey south is part of the vacation. The road route passes through Calabria and includes the ferry crossing from Villa San Giovanni to Messina, before continuing into Sicily.
This is a substantial journey from Rome, the Amalfi Coast or Puglia. We assess the driving, ferry arrangements and breaks, considering an overnight stop where it makes the route more comfortable.
A pause in Calabria or lunch at a trattoria selected with our driver can become part of the experience: a regional dish, a welcoming table and time to enjoy the journey before reaching the island.
Where to stay
Two bases, different evenings
For this itinerary, we would consider Taormina and Ortigia as the main bases.
Taormina
Coastal views, the Ancient Theatre and evenings in town.
Ortigia
The historic island heart of Siracusa, with waterfront walks, squares and narrow streets to explore.
Mount Etna
A different landscape, with volcanic scenery and vineyards.
Our team considers how the guests want to spend those evenings. A sea-view hotel, an intimate suite or a home with space for the family each creates a different stay. We check access, room arrangements and pickup points, alongside rates and partner benefits.
The itinerary
A six-night Eastern Sicily itinerary
A starting outline: three nights in Taormina and three in Ortigia.
- Day 1 — Arrive in Taormina
Private pickup from Catania Airport, or arrival after the mainland journey. We keep the first evening simple: time to settle in and a dinner reservation suited to the arrival time. - Day 2 — Taormina, history and sea views
Discover the Ancient Theatre and town with a guide, followed by time for lunch and an afternoon at the property. For a special occasion, our team can look for the right terrace or restaurant setting. - Day 3 — Mount Etna and its vineyards
Explore the volcanic landscape with an appropriate guide, choosing the route around interests, activity levels and current conditions. A winery visit and lunch can introduce another side of Etna. We coordinate the day with our operators and agree on an alternative if access or weather requires a change. - Day 4 — Travel to Ortigia
Continue south by private transfer, considering a visit to Catania along the way. We balance any stop with time to arrive, unpack and enjoy a first walk through Ortigia before dinner. - Day 5 — Siracusa and an evening by the water
A guided visit to the Neapolis Archaeological Park can bring the ancient city into focus. Later, leave time for Ortigia’s streets and waterfront, with our team arranging a table around the guests’ tastes. - Day 6 — Noto or a slower Sicilian day
Visit Noto for Baroque architecture and a leisurely lunch, or enjoy a quieter day closer to the accommodation. This is where we adapt the plan: another cultural visit for some, time together and fewer arrangements for others. - Day 7 — Departure
Private transfer organized around the flight, with the final night’s location reviewed during planning.
For arrivals by road from mainland Italy, we allow for that journey separately.
Good to know
We also consider what might need to change. For Etna, that means reviewing access conditions with our local operators and preparing alternatives if volcanic activity or weather affects the arrangements.
The Baroque towns
Adding the Baroque towns
Beyond Noto, Modica, Ragusa Ibla and Scicli offer further possibilities.
With additional nights, we can give them more space: a guided walk, a chocolate tasting in Modica or a countryside stay between visits. I would choose a few meaningful stops rather than rush through every town.
Val di Noto
Noto, Modica, Ragusa Ibla and Scicli belong to the UNESCO-listed Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto.
Map
The places in this itinerary
From Catania and Taormina to Ortigia and the Baroque towns, the main stops of the journey.
- Catania. The arrival airport and a possible stop on the way south.
- Taormina. Coastal views, the Ancient Theatre and evenings in town.
- Mount Etna. Volcanic landscapes, wineries and lunch among the vineyards.
- Siracusa. The Neapolis Archaeological Park and the ancient city.
- Ortigia. The historic island heart of Siracusa, by the water.
- Noto. Baroque architecture and a leisurely lunch.
- Modica, Ragusa Ibla and Scicli. More Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, with chocolate in Modica.
Our approach
Bringing the journey together
What makes the difference is how the days connect: a driver expected at the right entrance, a guide who understands the family, lunch timed comfortably between visits and someone available when arrangements change.
Our team coordinates those details with the travel advisor, while our concierge remains a point of contact during the stay.
The aim is a journey remembered for its pleasures: wine shared over lunch, the sea beyond a terrace and an evening nobody wants to end.
For travel advisors
Plan Eastern Sicily with us
Travel advisors are welcome to contact My Exclusive Italy to discuss Eastern Sicily itineraries, accommodation, private experiences and transfers from the airport or other destinations in Italy.
Want us to plan your trip to Sicily or elsewhere in Italy?
