By Wendy Byard
Travel Advisor for solo women travellers
Classic Sicily, Etna & Taormina
Discover the beauty of Sicily, where ancient wonders, charming coastal towns and breathtaking scenery come together in one gently unforgettable escape
Sicily is one of those places that seems to hold layer upon layer of stories — ancient temples, dramatic landscapes, elegant coastal towns and long, sunlit evenings by the sea.
This thoughtfully paced two-centre escape lets you experience some of the island’s most fascinating highlights while staying in comfortable four-star hotels. With guided visits, relaxed travel between destinations and time to simply soak up the atmosphere, it’s a lovely way to discover Sicily without feeling rushed.
Why this feels like a Gentle Escape
Sicily can feel wonderfully immersive, but this itinerary keeps things manageable by balancing guided discovery with relaxed hotel stays.
You’ll spend the first part of the trip near the charming coastal town of Cefalù before moving across the island to the beautiful resort area beneath Taormina. Having two comfortable bases means less packing and unpacking, while still allowing you to experience different sides of the island.
A friendly tour manager is with you throughout, and all travel between locations is arranged — so you can simply enjoy the experience.
What your days might feel like
Your days in Sicily will be a lovely blend of discovering beautiful places, enjoying breathtaking scenery and soaking up the island’s relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
Imagine wandering through charming old towns, pausing for a coffee in a sunny piazza or admiring sea views from a pretty hillside café.
There’ll be fascinating history to uncover, from ancient Roman mosaics to magnificent cathedrals, alongside some truly memorable scenery, including the dramatic slopes of Mount Etna.
And with a free day included, there’s also time to slow down, relax or perhaps enjoy an optional island excursion.
It's a wonderful way to experience Sicily's many different sides, with a lovely balance of sightseeing, discovery and time to simply enjoy being there.
Some highlights along the way include:
Cefalù – Explore this charming seaside town, with its Norman cathedral, medieval streets and sandy beaches.
Palermo & Monreale – Discover Sicily's rich cultural heritage, magnificent churches and beautiful historic architecture.
Villa Romana del Casale – Admire some of the world's finest preserved Roman mosaics.
Mount Etna – Ascend by cable car for spectacular views of Europe's tallest active volcano.
Taormina – Wander through flower-filled streets, elegant piazzas and cafés overlooking the sea.
Syracuse & Ortigia – Discover ancient Greek history and beautiful honey-coloured streets beside the water.
Free day – Relax at your own pace or choose an optional boat excursion to the volcanic Aeolian Islands.
Where you’ll be staying
Your holiday includes two welcoming four-star hotels in lovely coastal settings.
The first is in Mazzaforno, near Cefalù, where the atmosphere feels relaxed and seaside-focused. The second stay is in Giardini Naxos, beneath the famous hill town of Taormina, a beautiful base with views towards Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
Both hotels include half-board dining, meaning breakfasts and evening meals are taken care of — making each day feel easy and unhurried.
A few reassuring details
Everything is thoughtfully organised so you can simply enjoy the experience.
Your holiday includes:
Return flights to Sicily
Seven nights in carefully chosen four-star hotels
Half-board dining throughout
Excursion to Cefalù
Guided tour of Palermo including Monreale
Visit to Villa Romana del Casale
Cable-car ascent of Mount Etna
Guided visits to Taormina and Syracuse
Comfortable coach travel and transfers
Friendly and experienced tour manager throughout
This departure also currently includes no single supplement, which can make it a particularly welcoming option for solo travellers.
Final Thoughts
Sicily has a way of surprising people — with its warmth, its extraordinary history and the beauty of its landscapes.
Explored at a relaxed pace, with comfortable hotels and expert guidance along the way, it becomes a rich and rewarding journey that feels both fascinating and wonderfully manageable.