A Taste of Sicily & Sardinia

3 Nights – Palermo
2 Nights – Taormina
2 Nights – Catania
2 Nights – Olbia
2 Nights – Alghero
3 Nights – Cagliari

✈️ UK to Palermo (3 nights): We will first fly you to the Sicilian capital of Palermo, we will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your first hotel, where your adventure will begin. Palermo is a city full of energy, with bustling markets, plenty of history and a paradise for foodies. The city has an interesting mix of Arab, Norman and Spanish architecture, particularly evident in the Palatine Chapel with its stunning golden mosaics and the Cathedral that houses royal tombs spanning centuries of Sicilian history. The Quattro Canti, the Baroque octagonal square, and the magnificent Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s largest opera houses, are also must-sees. Beyond the architectural wonders, the historic markets of Ballarò and Vucciria offer incredible street food where you can try traditional specialities such as arancini, panelle, and sfincione while soaking up the local daily life. Elsewhere, you’ll find excellent family-run trattorias and plenty of fine dining options. The city has a charming, slightly chaotic vibe – but that’s all part of its personality, and it’s the perfect place to ease yourself into Sicily.

🚆or 🚗 Palermo to Taormina (2 nights): At the end of your stay in Palermo you’ll either pick up your hire car ready for your road trip adventure, or you’ll head to the train station to take the first of your rail trips. You will take a scenic journey east to Taormina which will take approx. 3 hours by road or 3¾ hours by train. Taormina is an exclusive hilltop coastal town with picture postcard views. The Greek-Roman theatre is the town’s star attraction, where you can enjoy performances against the backdrop of the glistening Ionian Sea and Mount Etna in the distance. Perched on a cliff, Taormina’s beaches are usually reached by stairs or the funicular. Hop on the cable car down to Mazzarò Beach, with its clear waters and exclusive beach clubs. Just offshore, Isola Bella is linked to the mainland by a narrow sandy strip at low tide. It’s perfect for a wander or a spot of snorkelling in the crystal clear waters and is one of the area’s most photographed spots. As evening falls, stroll along the waterfront, enjoy an aperitivo at a café, and soak up the relaxed Sicilian vibe.

🚆or 🚗 Taormina to Catania (2 nights): Next, it’s onto Catania, 50 mins by road or just a short 35 mins by train.  Nestled near the base of Mount Etna, this university city is lively and full of character. The city features stunning Baroque buildings, many made from local black lava stone, and is great to explore on foot.  Piazza del Duomo is the heart of the city, with its iconic Elephant Fountain and striking cathedral. Enjoy the local food scene at the historic fish market or sample local pasta at a family-run trattoria.  Also, head to Castello Ursino, a 13th-century fortress that is now home to the city’s museum, featuring a mix of archaeological finds and art. Via Etnea, the city’s main street, is lined with shops, cafés, and gelaterias.  When the sun goes down, the area around Via Etnea comes alive with bars and restaurants filled with students. When you need a bit of peace and quiet, Villa Bellini is the city’s largest park, featuring numerous green spaces.

✈️ Catania to Olbia (2 nights): The start of your Sardinian adventure means a short flight from Catania to Olbia. If you’re doing the holiday as a road trip you’ll drop your first car off at Catania airport and pick a new one up when you get to Olbia – if you’re doing the holiday by rail, we’ll transfer you to Catania airport, and pick you up again at Olbia airport, to take you to your next hotel. Olbia offers the perfect introduction to the island of Sardinia, with sunshine, sea, and a dash of culture. A short drive from the town centre brings you to stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters, including Porto Istana and Bados, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing in the sun. Back in town, explore the Museo Archeologico di Olbia, which showcases Roman, Nuragic, and medieval artefacts, and visit the Basilica of San Simplicio, an 11th-century granite church and one of Sardinia’s oldest religious sites. Nearby, the colourful Chiesa di San Paolo features a tiled dome and Baroque interior. After all that sightseeing, head to one of the lively squares, such as Piazza Regina Margherita or Piazza Matteotti, grab a coffee, and indulge in some people-watching. At the end of your stay here, you’ll collect your hire car to complete the rest of your journey as a road trip.

🚆or 🚗 Olbia to Alghero (2 nights): Next, you’ll head to the northwest coast for Alghero, by road this journey will take 1¾ hours, by rail you will travel to Sassari (1¾ hours) where we’ll meet you and transfer you to Alghero from there (a further 30 mins) – a direct shared shuttle is also available to take you straight from Olbia to Alghero. Alghero is a seaside city with a strong Catalan influence, evident in both its language and architecture. A great place to start exploring is at Torre di Porta Terra, the old city gateway, where an interactive visual experience brings Alghero’s history to life. From here, you can follow the ancient walls to Torre di Sulis, the tallest tower, which looks out over lively Piazza Sulis. This square has been the city’s nightlife hub since the 1960s and remains the go-to spot for evening drinks and people-watching. A short walk will bring you to Piazza Civica, at the heart of the old town, where you’ll find Gothic palaces that were once home to Alghero’s rulers. For sweeping sea views, stroll along the Bastioni Cristoforo Colombo and Bastioni Marco Polo ramparts, lined with cafés and restaurants perfect for a relaxed drink.  Beyond the city, you can explore Porto Conte Natural Park, the dramatic Capo Caccia cliffs, or the Grotta Verde, with its green-lit stalagmites and prehistoric cave paintings.

🚆or 🚗 Alghero to Cagliari (3 nights): For the last leg of your holiday, you’ll travel to Cagliari (3 hours by road or rail), a city full of hills, lots of history and fabulous sea views. Poetto Beach is the city’s main sandy stretch, which runs for around 8 km from Cagliari to Quartu Sant’Elena. The shallow waters are ideal for swimming and sunbathing, while the Molentargius and Santa Gilla lagoons behind the dunes are home to pink flamingos and other birdlife. For a spot of exercise and a great view, climb up the nearby Sella del Diavolo promontory, which overlooks the city and coastline. Castello, perched on one of the city’s seven hills, is the heart of the city’s old town and the main area to explore Cagliari’s historic streets and squares. Here you’ll find the Bastione di Saint Remy, with its terrace offering lovely views over rooftops and the harbour.  Other treasures to discover in the old town include Gothic palaces, the Palazzo Regio, and the Cathedral of Saint Mary. The Archaeological Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the treasures from the Punic necropolis of Tuvixeddu. Another must-see viewpoint is the Bastione di Santa Croce. Afterwards, for an aperitif and to watch the world go by, head to Piazza Palazzo, where the 14th-century city hall, Palazzo di Città, sits at the heart of the square.

✈️ Cagliari to UK: You will drop off your hire car at Cagliari airport, or if you’re doing the holiday by rail we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK, bringing your Sicilian and Sardinian adventure to a close.