12 days, 11 nights · Best for Graduates ready for ancient temples, Baroque grandeur, and Sicily's full flavors
A Graduation Journey Across Sicily (12 Days)
Celebrate graduation with a 12-day Sicilian journey packed with history, flavors, and jaw-dropping scenery. From ancient temples to golden beaches, this itinerary is bursting with vibrant stories, hands-on experiences, and the kind of local flavor that makes memories last a lifetime. Every day is designed to spark curiosity and fuel your sense of adventure perfect for grads ready to see, taste, and live Sicily to the fullest.
Your Adventure Starts Here
This is a starting point. Change the nights, choose the style of hotel, add the experiences you want. Your planner takes it from there.
Stop 1Palermo, Sicily
Palermo
Norman mosaics, Arab markets, and street food legends
Palermo sets the stage with its electric tangle of cultures, a port city where Phoenicians, Arabs, Normans, and Baroque architects all left their mark. We arrange private touring through the Palatine Chapel, where gold mosaics from 1132 glow above marble floors, and into the Ballarò and Capo markets, where your guide leads you to stalls selling panelle, arancini, and sfincione. You taste your way through centuries-old vendors' cries and sizzling pans.
Day trips reach the hilltop town of Erice, shrouded in mist and myth since the 8th century BC, and Monreale's cathedral with its shimmering Byzantine interior. The Salt Road near Trapani shows white pyramids of sea salt harvested as the Phoenicians did 2,500 years ago. Cefalù offers a beach break, its Norman Duomo from 1131 rising above turquoise water and medieval lanes perfect for an afternoon gelato.
Arranged for you: We arrange private airport transfer, private guide for Palermo street food walk, private guide for Palatine Chapel, private driver and guide for day trips to Erice, Segesta, and Cefalù, and four nights in Palermo.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Palermo
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Private cooking class in a Palermo home Day Trips · Half day
Learn to roll busiate pasta and stuff sardines a beccafico with a local family in their kitchen.
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Guided evening passeggiata and aperitivo Day Trips · Half day
Stroll Palermo's illuminated streets with a local guide, ending at a wine bar for Sicilian vintages and small plates.
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Private boat excursion to Ustica Day Trips · Full day
Day trip to the volcanic island with snorkeling in marine reserve waters and grilled fish lunch.
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City Tours with Coffee and Tasting Shore Excursions · Tour in a DayExperience Palermo with all your senses; taste, sip, and stroll through the city’s vibrant streets and flavors.
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Puppet Theatre Shore Excursions · Tour in a DaySee Palermo’s most scenic landmarks, then step into Sicily’s storytelling tradition with a spellbinding Puppet Theatre performance.
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Walking Tour of Palermo Shore Excursions · Tour in a DayMeet Palermo at street level, 3 hours of bold architecture, layered history, and lively Sicilian energy.
Day by day in Palermo
Arrive in Palermo, a city layered with Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences. If time allows, wander out for your first taste of the city’s electric vibe, think bustling piazzas, golden domes, and ancient streets, some dating back to the 8th century BC. Grab a granita or try iconic arancini. For your first night, dive into Palermo’s food scene: think pasta alla Norma and cannoli in a lively trattoria.
Start your day diving into Palermo’s legendary street markets, Ballarò or Capo, where centuries-old stalls burst with color, flavor, and the shouts of vendors. Here, you’ll do more than just browse: follow your guide to favorite local spots and taste Palermo’s most iconic street foods, like crispy arancini and savory panelle. It’s a feast for the senses, and a chance to eat like a true Palermitano as you roam the lively alleys. Next, step inside the Palatine Chapel, a masterpiece of Arab-Norman Byzantine art built between 1132 and 1140. Marvel at over 6,500 square feet of golden mosaics, each tile telling a story from Sicily’s multicultural past. In nearby Monreale, the cathedral’s mosaics shimmer with over 2,200 kilograms of gold, creating a dazzling, otherworldly glow. Prefer the sea? Pause in Mondello, famous for its turquoise waters and beach-town vibe. For dinner, try caponata or swordfish, classic Sicilian dishes that capture the island’s bold flavors.
Journey to Erice, a hilltop town shrouded in myth and mist founded by Elymians in the 8th century BC; legend says Venus herself was worshipped here. Stroll its charming medieval streets full of artisanal shops and taste delectable almond-based sweets at a historical pastry shop. Nearby, the Salt Road’s shimmering pans are a living tradition, harvested the same way for over 2,500 years since Phoenician times. Choose to visit the ancient Greek temple at Segesta for a dose of epic history, where the Doric temple stands almost perfectly preserved since 420 BC. Return to Palermo, your mind buzzing with stories and scenery.
Escape to Cefalù, where beaches meet medieval streets. Wander sun-warmed lanes, dip your toes in the sea, and snap the perfect Insta shot. Explore the UNESCO-listed Duomo and discover why this town is a Sicilian favorite. The Duomo’s mosaics are some of the oldest on the island, and legend says King Roger II built it in the year 1131 after surviving a shipwreck. Free time means you can soak up the sun, hunt for artisanal finds, or sample gelato by the shore.
Stop 2Agrigento, Sicily
Agrigento
Greek temples standing against the Mediterranean sky
Agrigento delivers one of the ancient world's great sights: the Valley of the Temples, where Doric columns from 2,400 years ago rise above almond groves and the sea. We arrange private guiding through the Temple of Concordia, nearly intact since 430 BC, and the remnants of the Temple of Zeus, which once rivaled Athens' grandest structures. Your guide brings myths and engineering feats to life as afternoon light turns the tufa stone gold.
After the ruins, the evening belongs to Agrigento's historic center, where locals gather in piazzas and trattorias serve pasta with sarde and grilled swordfish. The pace slows, the air cools, and you have the night to savor Sicily's layered past.
Arranged for you: We arrange private driver from Palermo, private guide for the Valley of the Temples, and one night in Agrigento.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Agrigento
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Sunrise visit to the Valley of the Temples Day Trips · Half day
Private early access to photograph the temples in golden light before the crowds arrive.
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Private wine tasting at a Nero d'Avola estate Day Trips · Half day
Tour the cellars and vineyards of a family winery producing bold Sicilian reds.
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Guided walk through Agrigento's medieval center Day Trips · Half day
Explore the upper town's churches, courtyards, and ceramics shops with a local historian.
Day by day in Agrigento
Leave Palermo behind as you step into Sicily’s ancient world at Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, a landscape where the Greeks built temples to Zeus and Concordia over 2,400 years ago. The Valley is one of the world’s best-preserved archaeological sites, its columns once rivaled Athens. Your guide brings myths and legends of these sun-drenched ruins to life. Wind down with dinner in Agrigento’s historic center, where locals gather and the evening hums with possibility.
Stop 3Ragusa, Sicily
Ragusa
Baroque hillsides, majolica steps, and chocolate in Modica
Ragusa plants you in Sicily's Baroque southeast, where honey-colored towns rise from limestone gorges and UNESCO plaques mark nearly every corner. We arrange private guiding through Caltagirone, where you climb the Santa Maria del Monte staircase, 142 steps each inlaid with hand-painted majolica tiles, and visit a ceramics workshop to see artisans shaping the same clay Greeks worked 2,500 years ago. Modica follows, its Duomo of St. Giorgio commanding the skyline, and its chocolate laboratories crafting bars with an ancient Aztec method brought by the Spanish.
Noto delivers more Baroque splendor, its cathedral and palazzi rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake in a unified style that glows at sunset. Between the towns, you stop at Villa Romana del Casale, where 3,500 square meters of Roman mosaics depict hunting scenes, mythological dramas, and the famous bikini-clad athletes. Lunch at a traditional Baglio, a rural estate, rounds out the countryside experience with pecorino, caponata, and wine from volcanic soil.
Arranged for you: We arrange private driver from Agrigento, private guide for Caltagirone and ceramics workshop, private guide for Modica chocolate visit, private guide for Villa Romana del Casale, lunch at Baglio, private guide for Noto, and three nights in Ragusa.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Ragusa
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Private cheese-making demonstration at a dairy farm Day Trips · Half day
Watch ricotta and caciocavallo production, then taste the results with bread and local wine.
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Guided sunset walk through Ragusa Ibla Day Trips · Half day
Explore the lower town's Baroque churches and piazzas as evening light turns the stone amber.
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Private cooking class in a Modica kitchen Day Trips · Half day
Learn to prepare cavatelli with pork ragu and cassatelle di ricotta with a family chef.
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Private tour of a Cerasuolo di Vittoria winery Day Trips · Half day
Visit the cellars producing Sicily's only DOCG red, with vertical tasting and vineyard walk.
Day by day in Ragusa
Start your day in Caltagirone, Sicily’s world-renowned ceramics capital, a tradition stretching back over 2,500 years to ancient Greek and Arab influences. The city’s name itself comes from the Arabic “Qal’at al Ghiran,” meaning “Castle of Jars,” a nod to its pottery legacy. You’ll climb the magnificent Santa Maria del Monte staircase, built in 1606, with 142 steps, each one inlaid with hand-painted majolica tiles that tell the story of Sicily’s diverse history, from medieval knights to Baroque swirls. The real magic happens when you step into a local ceramics workshop. Here, you’ll meet master artisans, see centuries-old techniques in action, and even try your hand at painting your own tile, a unique souvenir and an unforgettable cultural moment. Afterward, continue to Ragusa, a city rebuilt in dazzling Baroque style after the 1693 earthquake. Its steep lanes, grand piazze, and golden stone buildings create an atmosphere that’s both historic and utterly enchanting. Evening strolls through Ragusa’s old town are pure magic, with hidden corners and local cafés waiting to be discovered.
Start your day in Modica, a UNESCO-listed town where Baroque architecture rises in dramatic layers and the streets seem carved right into the hillside. With a passionate local guide, you’ll explore the winding alleys and climb the grand staircase to the Duomo of St. Giorgio, a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque that dominates the skyline and rewards every step with a new perspective. The experience gets even sweeter with a visit to a historic chocolate laboratory, renowned for its artisanal methods. Here, you’ll discover how Modica’s chocolate is crafted using an ancient
recipe brought by the Spaniards from Mexico in the 16th century. Taste a variety of traditional sweets, grainy-rich chocolate, almond pastries, and more, each bite is a delicious piece of history. Next, travel to Noto, the celebrated capital of Sicilian Baroque, where honey-colored palaces and ornate balconies glow in the sunlight. Your guide will bring the city’s history and artistry to life as you stroll elegant streets that feel like an open-air gallery. A stop for granita, made with seasonal fruits and best enjoyed with a soft brioche is a must in Noto, perfectly capturing the leisurely Sicilian spirit. Prefer a different pace? For those craving sea and sun, consider an alternative escape to Marina di Ragusa, where sandy beaches and a lively promenade offer a relaxing break from the Baroque splendor. Return to Ragusa in the early evening for a stroll through Ibla’s enchanting center and a traditional Sicilian dinner, letting the day’s flavors and golden scenery linger long after sunset.
Head off to Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its extraordinary Roman mosaics, over 3,500 square meters of vibrant scenes that have survived for more than 1,600 years. With an expert guide, you’ll unlock the stories behind these intricate artworks, from mythological epics to glimpses of everyday Roman life, making the ancient villa truly come alive. Next, journey into the Sicilian countryside for a memorable lunch at a traditional Baglio, a rustic estate surrounded by rolling hills and natural beauty. Here, you’ll savor a generous four-course meal, each dish highlighting Sicily’s most beloved recipes and local products. From handmade pastas and farm-fresh cheeses to seasonal vegetables and decadent desserts, every bite is a celebration of Sicilian hospitality and tradition. Afterward, return to Ragusa, where the afternoon is yours to wander artisan shops, enjoy a gelato in the central piazza, or simply soak up the town’s relaxed, golden-hour atmosphere.
Taormina, Sicily
Taormina
Greek theater, Etna's summit, and the Ionian coast
Taormina crowns Sicily's east coast, a town of film-set beauty where bougainvillea tumbles over balconies and every view frames Mount Etna or the sea. We arrange private guiding through Siracusa first, where you walk Ortigia's lanes to the Duomo, a cathedral built over a 5th-century BC temple to Athena with Greek columns still visible in the walls. Back in Taormina, your guide takes you into the Greek Theatre, carved from rock in the 3rd century BC and still used for performances today. The stage opens to a natural backdrop of volcano and coastline.
Mount Etna anchors your final full day, a guided ascent through pine forests and black lava fields to steaming craters and lunar landscapes. The volcano has shaped Sicily's legends, soil, and wines, and your expert explains the recent eruptions and the farmers who cultivate Etna's slopes. You return to Taormina for a farewell dinner, the Ionian Sea stretching below and the trip's images still vivid.
Arranged for you: We arrange private driver from Ragusa, private guide for Siracusa and Ortigia, private guide for Taormina and Greek Theatre, private guide for Mount Etna excursion, and three nights in Taormina.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Taormina
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Private boat tour to Isola Bella Day Trips · Half day
Swim in turquoise coves and explore the nature reserve island by private boat with aperitivo on board.
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Private cooking class in a Taormina villa Day Trips · Half day
Prepare spaghetti alle vongole and cassata siciliana with a local chef in a hillside kitchen.
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Guided wine tasting on Etna's north slope Day Trips · Half day
Visit terraced vineyards and taste Nerello Mascalese and Carricante wines from volcanic terroir.
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Private sunset cruise along the coast Day Trips · Half day
Sail from Giardini Naxos with prosecco and Sicilian snacks as the sun sets over the Ionian.
Day by day in Taormina
Depart to Siracusa, a city that once rivaled Athens as the most powerful metropolis of the ancient Greek world. With a local guide, dive into Ortigia, the island heart of Siracusa where history, myth, and Baroque elegance blend seamlessly. Wander narrow lanes to the stunning Duomo, whose roots stretch back to the 5th century BC when it was a grand Greek temple dedicated to Athena. Marvel at how ancient columns are still visible, supporting the cathedral’s walls, and imagine the centuries of stories told in this sunlit square. Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant Ortigia food market. Let your guide lead you through a maze of stalls piled high with fresh seafood, colorful produce, and Sicilian specialties. Enjoy tastings at a traditional salumeria, think pecorino cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and local cured meats sampling flavors that have shaped Sicilian cuisine for generations. The adventure continues in the Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to one of the largest and best-preserved Greek theaters in the world, built in the 5th century BC and once seating up to 15,000 spectators. Stand in the echoing stone amphitheater where ancient dramas were performed, and explore the mysterious Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave famed for its incredible acoustics and legendary history. After a day steeped in culture, mythology, and mouthwatering tastes, travel onward to Taormina. As you arrive, the mood shifts, softer, celebratory, and filled with anticipation. Check in, settle down, and let Taormina’s breathtaking coastal views welcome you to the next unforgettable chapter of your Sicilian adventure.
Wake up in Taormina, the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea,” where every street feels like a scene from a classic Italian film. Meet your local guide for a walking tour that uncovers the town’s most captivating corners. The highlight of your tour is the ancient Greek Theatre, built in the 3rd century BC and one of the most spectacular venues in the Mediterranean. Imagine gladiators, Greek dramas, and Roman spectacles performed here, with the sea and volcano as the ultimate backdrop. Next on your day, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on arancini cooking class, a true taste of Sicily’s culinary soul. Learn how to shape and fry these golden rice balls, filled with flavors that reflect the island’s rich, fertile land. Enjoy your creations warm and crispy, just like the locals do. With the afternoon free, Taormina invites you to explore at your own pace. Stroll along Corso Umberto, Taormina’s lively main street lined with boutiques, gelaterias, and historic palazzi. Pause at Piazza IX Aprile, famous for its panoramic terrace and 17th-century clock tower and take in views stretching from the sparkling Bay of Naxos to snow-capped Mount Etna. After, browse artisan shops for handmade ceramics and jewelry, or wander down to Isola Bella for a dip in the crystal-clear sea. Take a cable car to Mazzarò Beach, sip a granita at a sidewalk café, or simply watch the sunset paint the ancient rooftops gold. However you spend your time, the town’s effortless charm will leave you glowing.
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as you journey to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ascent brings you through a striking landscape where the air grows crisp and pine forests give way to vast fields of black lava and surreal craters, some still steaming from recent eruptions! With a local expert, you’ll learn how Etna has shaped Sicily’s land, legends, and even its cuisine, with volcanic soil producing some of the island’s most prized wines and honey. Feel the thrill as you hike along winding trails, pausing to take in panoramic views that stretch from the Ionian Sea to the distant peaks of the Sicilian interior. Listen for stories of ancient gods, mythical monsters, and real-life eruptions that have captivated locals for centuries. Returning to Taormina, the afternoon is yours to savor at your own pace. Wander through the elegant shops of Corso Umberto, snap photos from the iconic Piazza IX Aprile, or head down to the pebbled beaches of Isola Bella or Mazzarò for a swim in crystal-clear waters. Let the golden light and sea breeze remind you to soak up every last moment. As evening falls, gather with your fellow travelers for a festive farewell dinner. Indulge in Sicily’s best handmade pasta, just-caught seafood, and the creamiest cannoli while raising a glass to new beginnings and the adventure of a lifetime. This is the perfect way to celebrate your achievements and bid a delicious, heartfelt goodbye to Sicily.
Day 12
Taormina-Arrivederci, Sicily!
Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the sea, then take a quick stroll through Taormina’s lanes. With Sicily’s colors and flavors still fresh, it’s time to say arrivederci, but the memories (and photos) are yours forever.
Why plan with Trips 2 Italy?
Designed around you by Italian-born planners
Guides, drivers and boats for your party alone
Hand-selected hotels in every destination
Local English-speaking guides who know their city
Met at the airport, private transfers throughout
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Questions travelers ask
What cities and sights does this Sicily graduation package cover?
Over 12 days you experience the best of the island: Palermo and the golden mosaics of Monreale, the hilltop town of Erice, the ancient theater of Segesta, seaside Cefalu, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the baroque gems of Ragusa, Modica, and Noto, the mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale, Siracusa and the island of Ortigia, Mount Etna, and Taormina.
Who is this graduation trip designed for?
It is created for graduates celebrating their achievement, whether traveling with family, friends, or fellow graduates. A minimum of 2 travelers applies, and the pace balances guided sightseeing with free time so every generation in the group enjoys the journey.
How will we get around Sicily?
Transportation is arranged for you throughout the itinerary by private vehicle and train. Some excursions are led by a private guide, while others run with a small group, which keeps the experience personal while maintaining a reasonable cost.
Can we customize this itinerary?
Yes. This sample itinerary is a starting point, and every Trips 2 Italy package is fully customizable. Your travel consultant will adjust the destinations, hotel category, pace, and experiences to fit your celebration.
When is the best time to take this trip?
The package is available all year around on request. Late spring and early summer align perfectly with graduation season and bring warm beach days, while fall offers mild weather, the grape harvest, and thinner crowds at the temples and theaters.