Piazza del Duomo
Peace of Mind
Exclusive Packages
Back
Self-Drive Catania
Thumbnails
Piazza del Duomo
Cefalù
Mount Etna
Greek Theater of Taormina
Astronomical Clock of the Cathedral of Messina
Cathedral of Palermo
Quattro Canti
Erice
Ragusa
Siracusa
Italy

Self-Drive Catania (Tour code: 14892)

Starts and Ends
in Catania
Travel Periods
01 Apr 25 - 31 Mar 25
Experience
Travel Style
Independent Holiday Packages
Embark on a captivating self-drive tour of Catania and beyond. Discover Sicily’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, from Mount Etna to Palermo’s markets and ancient Greek temples.

Highlights

Stroll through Catania’s historic centre, a UNESCO Heritage site, where grand Baroque architecture meets black lava stone, and visit Piazza Duomo, the vibrant fish market, and Palazzo Biscari

Drive to Europe’s highest active volcano, Mount Etna, and witness its awe-inspiring landscapes, craters, and lava fields, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Sicily

Walk along Corso Umberto, lined with boutiques and cafés, before reaching Taormina’s stunning Greek Theatre, where the view extends to Calabria’s coast on clear days

Explore the picturesque seaside town of Cefalù, home to a magnificent Arabic-Norman cathedral, then savour artisanal panettone and discover the unique production of manna in Castelbuono

Discover Agrigento’s UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples, home to some of the most well-preserved Greek temples, including the impressive Temple of Concordia

8 days
From
AUD 1,377
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

Book Now

Only $100pp deposit to Book Now

Visit our Agent Portal for more info.

Make an enquiry

Overview

This self-drive tour explores Sicily’s iconic cities, historic sites, and breathtaking landscapes. Starting in Catania, visit Mount Etna, Taormina, and Messina before heading to Palermo, Monreale, and Segesta. Continue to Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, Piazza Armerina’s Roman mosaics, and Ragusa’s Baroque beauty before ending in Siracusa and Ortigia. The journey blends cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and local delicacies, making for an unforgettable adventure.

Peace of mind booking plan
  1. ENTIRE Cooling-Off Period
  2. ENTIRE AUD Prices
  3. ENTIRE Change of Mind
  4. ENTIRE Industry Accredited
  5. ENTIRE On Ground Support
  6. ENTIRE Australian Owned

Inclusions

3 nights in Catania at Catania International Airport Hotel - 4* or similar
2 nights in Palermo at Astoria Palace Hotel - 4* or similar
1 night in Agrigento at Colleverde Park Hotel - 4* or similar
1 night in Ragusa at Hotel Mediterraneo Palace - 4* or similar
AVIS Car Rental (Opel Caorsa or similar) included for 7 days
Daily Breakfast

Day 1 Catania

Arrive at Catania Airport, pick up your car, and start your adventure. Explore this vibrant city, where Baroque elegance (a UNESCO Heritage site) meets black lava stone. Visit the lively fish market, the iconic Piazza Duomo, and the stunning Palazzo degli Elefanti and Palazzo Biscari.

Overnight stay in Catania at Catania International Airport Hotel or similar.

Catania
Palazzo degli Elefanti

Day 2 Catania Etna Taormina Catania

Today you will drive to Mt Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world. With its 3327 meters of height and an average basal diameter of 40 km, Etna dominates the entire island. Proceed to Taormina and enjoy a walk through its stunning streets and admire the panoramic view. During the walk along Corso Umberto, the shopping street full of boutiques, jewellers and antique shops you will reach the Greek Theatre: a breath-taking view, which when the air is clear reaches the coast of Calabria.

Overnight stay in Catania at Catania International Airport Hotel or similar.

Breakfast
Catania → Etna → Taormina → Catania
View of Mount Etna

Day 3 Catania Messina Castelbuono Cefalú Palermo

Messina, “the door of Sicily” with panoramic view on the Messina Strait and the Calabrian coast. You cannot miss Piazza del Duomo with the Astronomical clock and the unique experience to taste a “Brioche with Granita”. Next stop is Castelbuono, a small village nestled in the Madonie Park with a delightful historic centre where you’ll have the chance to taste the famous “Panettone”. Castelbuono is renowned for the artisanal production of “manna” (sugary sap obtained from the ash tree bark).

Continue to Cefalù, one of the most beautiful villages in Sicily, overlooking the sea and famous for the imposing ArabicNorman Cathedral of the XI century. Proceed to Palermo.

Overnight stay in Palermo at Astoria Palace Hotel or similar.

Breakfast
Catania → Messina → Castelbuono → Cefalú → Palermo
Cefalù Cathedral

Day 4 Palermo Monreale Palermo

Palermo, capital of the Norman reign, has an important architectural heritage: the remains of the Punic walls, Byzantine, Arab and Norman traces, Baroque and Gothic elements and twentieth-century Art Nouveau palaces. Visit the Cathedral, one of the most important architectural monuments and continue by walking along Corso Vittorio Emanuele to reach "I Quattro Canti di Città” Piazza Pretoria, Piazza Bellini and the Martorana Church. Then reach one of the most famous and historical markets of Palermo to experience the authenticity of this wonderful and colourful city.

Later on proceed to Monreale, a little town on the heights of Palermo. It is world famous for the golden mosaics in its Dome and the Benedictine cloister and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site monument.

Overnight stay in Palermo at Astoria Palace Hotel or similar.

Breakfast
Palermo → Monreale → Palermo
Palermo

Day 5 Palermo Segesta Erice Agrigento

Drive to Segesta, a mythological destination. Its Doric Temple has a stunning scenic impact as well as its theatre opposite the sea. Proceed to Erice a beautiful little town located on the top of the homonymous mountain.

Take the opportunity to stroll in the alleys, narrow streets and small squares, flanked by churches and noble palaces which allow glimpses of majestic and amazing views. Experience a unique local Marzipan and almonds pastry tasting. Drive to Agrigento.

Overnight stay in Agrigento at Colleverde Park Hotel or similar.

Breakfast
Palermo → Segesta → Erice → Agrigento
Doric Temple

Day 6 Agrigento Piazza Armerina Ragusa

Today you will visit the magnificent Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, one of the most important archaeological site in the Mediterranean area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Valley consists of several impressive Doric temples: the temple of Hera Lacinia, Concordia, Eracle, Giove Olimpo and Castor and Pollux.

Proceed to Piazza Armerina where you will discover the amazing “Villa Romana del Casale”, built in the Imperial Rome and worldwide known for its spectacular polychrome mosaics.

Overnight stay in Ragusa at Hotel Mediterraneo Palace or similar.

Breakfast
Agrigento → Piazza Armerina → Ragusa
Valley of the Temples

Day 7 Ragusa and Siracusa Catania

Ragusa is a city with two souls. It has a modern area and an ancient, Baroque-style area called Ibla. Ragusa has the refined elegance that characterises the late-baroque towns of the Val di Noto. You will have the chance to visit the Cathedral of S. Giovanni, the church of Purgatory, Madonna dell’Itria, palazzo Battaglia, palazzo Casentini, palazzo Cancelleria, palazzo La Rocca. Continue to Siracusa. Prestigious city of the ancient world, the most powerful rival of Athens and Rome, Siracusa preserves important remaining of its glorious past. You will visit the solemn and spectacular Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysus the most famous of Syracuse’s caves.

Then proceed to the small Baroque Island of Ortigia, the historic center of Syracuse. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful destinations in Sicily. Dotted with impressive church facades, outdoor restaurants, elegant squares and surrounded by a crystalline sea. Here you will visit the temple of Minerva transformed in a Christian Cathedral, the legendary source Aretusa, the Apollo temple

Overnight stay in Catania at Catania International Airport Hotel or similar.

Breakfast
Ragusa and Siracusa → Catania
Ear of Dionysius

Day 8 Catania

After breakfast, check out of your hotel.

End of services.

Breakfast

Accommodation

Catania International Airport Hotel

Catania
Just 400 metres from Catania’s Vincenzo Bellini Airport, Catania International Airport Hotel offers a perfect blend of comfort and accessibility. Conveniently located near the city centre, this prestigious hotel features spacious and bright rooms, including single, double, triple, and quadruple options, as well as elegant suites. Guests can enjoy premium amenities such as a wellness centre, swimming pool, and gym, making it an excellent choice for both business and leisure travellers. Experience one of Catania’s finest hotels, where relaxation meets convenience in the heart of Sicily.

Astoria Palace Hotel

Palermo
Situated at the foot of Monte Pellegrino, this modern hotel boasts stunning views of Palermo and a prime location near the harbour, city centre, and Mondello Beach. Combining traditional Sicilian hospitality with international comfort, it offers exclusive deals, a convenient GHS shuttle service, and a dedicated concierge for a seamless stay.

Mediterraneo Palace Hotel

Ragusa
Mediterraneo Palace Hotel 
is a modern and elegant 4-star property located in the historic centre of Ragusa close to the town's major attractions, such as Piazza Libertà, Corso Italia and the imposing Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista. All rooms are bright, spacious and equipped with every comfort.

Additional information

Official language
Italian
Local currency
EURO
  • Please note that additional services may apply for the Car Rental such as Gasoline / fuel load, additional insurance, additional driver charges, special equipment; and pick-up supplement applicable depending on the exact point.
  • We work with a selection of hotels in each location. All bookings are subject to availability, which means we may need to offer an alternative hotel of equivalent or better quality. Our team will confirm your specific hotels upon confirmation and payment of deposit.

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

  • They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
  • Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
  • We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
  • Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
  • They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
  • A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

  • We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
  • You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

  • Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
  • The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

  • Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
  • A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
  • The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

  • To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
  • For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
  • For further details please visit our Payments page.

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

  • Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
  • TravelPay is a level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which gives you peace of mind that your payment card data is in safe hands.
  • Entire Travel Group does not store any credit card information.

For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

  • Travel on a specific airline of their choice
  • Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
  • Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
  • Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
  • Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

How does a Travel Agent make a booking?

Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

  • On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
  • You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
  • To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
  • An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group

When experience matters
INDUSTRY ACCREDITED
AWARD WINNING
TRAVEL SUPPORT
50 YEARS EXPERIENCE
HANDPICKED SUPPLIERS
UNRIVALLED EXPERIENCES