Sun, Seafood, and Celebrations: Our Sicilian 10-Day Family Adventure

We planned this special Sicilian journey to celebrate my dad’s 80th birthday, something meaningful, slow-paced, and full of flavor, history, and beauty. This wasn’t just any vacation. It was a carefully mapped-out route across southeastern Sicily, balancing comfort, culture, and quality time with family. Since we were covering multiple regions, from Ortigia to Noto, Ragusa to Taormina, we opted for a rental car to give us flexibility and freedom along the way.

If you’re looking for a luxurious yet soulful way to explore Sicily, with the kind of meals, views, and moments that stick with you long after, you’ll want to bookmark this.

Day 1: Arrive in Sicily & Unwind in Ortigia

Begin your Sicilian adventure by flying into Catania and heading straight to the historic island of Ortigia. Settle into a luxury boutique hotel (we recommend the Grand Hotel), drop your bags, and explore the charming piazzas, waterfront promenades, and Baroque architecture that define this ancient city center.

Highlights:

• Piazza Duomo & Arethusa Fountain
• Waterfront walk along Lungomare di Levante
• Dinner at an upscale seafood restaurant (we recommend Ranieri)

Day 2: Discover the Classics of Syracuse

Spend the day exploring the archaeological treasures of greater Syracuse. Visit Greek and Roman ruins, wander local markets, and dive into Sicilian street food culture. In the evening, enjoy a modern twist on traditional cuisine in the Jewish Quarter.

Highlights:

• Neapolis Archaeological Park (Greek Theatre, Ear of Dionysius)
• Ortigia Market & lunch at a gourmet deli (we recommend Fratelli Burgio)
• Shopping and strolling along Via Roma
• Dinner at a stylish modern Sicilian restaurant we recommend Oz)

Day 3: Leisure & Local Flavor in Ortigia

Enjoy a relaxed morning with espresso and pastries at a local café (we liked Viola Bakery). Meander through markets, book an optional boat tour, or unwind at a tucked-away beach. End the day with aperitivo.

Highlights:

• Ortigia Market
• Optional boat ride or beach time at Cala Rossa

Day 4: Road Trip to Noto

Pick up your rental car and take a scenic drive to Noto, one of Sicily’s most enchanting Baroque towns. Check into a 5-star hotel (we stayed and loved San Carlos Suites) and explore the stunning architecture and golden stone facades that make this town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Have lunch at our favorite cafe, Forno Piano Altro for seasonal and fresh pastas and dishes.

Highlights:

• Noto Cathedral & Church of San Carlo
• Artisan boutiques along Corso Vittorio Emanuele
• Dinner at a Sicilian restaurant with house-made pasta (we recommend Savino Noto)

Day 5: Nature, Beaches & Baroque Night

Spend your day exploring the coast or nearby nature reserves. Lounge at the beach or walk coastal trails, then return to Noto for an evening of wine tasting and souvenir shopping. Enjoy dinner in a traditional trattoria tucked into the heart of town.

Highlights:

• Vendicari Nature Reserve or Lido di Noto
• Local crafts and wine in Noto
• Dinner at a charming trattoria (we recommend Nache)

Day 6: Sicilian Cooking Class & Arrival in Ragusa

Drive inland to a countryside farmhouse for a hands-on cooking class with a Sicilian family, making pasta, arancini, cannoli, and more. After lunch, continue to Ragusa and check into a luxurious estate hotel with old-world charm.

Highlights:

• Cooking class with lunch included (contact Nomoon Travel to book)
• Scenic drive to Ragusa
• Dinner at a cozy restaurant serving regional classics (book at Pane e Cipudda Osteria Ragusa)

Day 7: Explore Ragusa Ibla & Optional Trip to Modica

Wander through the cobbled streets of Ragusa Ibla, visit lush gardens, and enjoy panoramic views. Optionally, take a short drive to Modica for baroque architecture and artisan chocolate. Consider a Michelin-starred dinner to elevate your evening.

Highlights:

• Duomo di San Giorgio & Giardino Ibleo
• Optional side trip to Modica
• Dinner at a Michelin-starred or traditional restaurant (we recommend Michelin-starred Locanda Don Serafino)

Day 8: Drive to Taormina

Journey north along the coastline to Taormina, Sicily’s most glamorous hilltop town. Drop off your rental car and check into a luxury resort with sweeping views of the sea and Mt. Etna. Spend your first evening soaking up the lively energy of Corso Umberto.

Highlights:

• Coastal stops along the way
• Check-in at a five-star hotel (we loved Belmond’s Villa Sant’Andrea) with views
• Evening stroll and dinner in an elegant restaurant (we recommend Le Quattro Sorelle Palmeri Ristorante or Gastro matto)

Day 9: Sea, Sun & Scenic Views

Spend the morning at the ancient Greek Theatre with breathtaking views. Then, take the cable car down to Isola Bella and relax by the sea. Later, enjoy aperitivo in the public gardens followed by a fine dining experience with views of Etna.

Highlights:

• Teatro Greco
• Take the cable car down to Isola Bella and Mazzarò Beach to relax and have some Negonis (25 euros each person day bed)
• Dinner at a seafood restaurant (we loved Gourmet 32) with outside dining

Day 10: Optional Excursions & Farewell Evening

Choose how you’d like to spend your final full day: explore the nearby hilltop town of Castelmola, enjoy an Etna wine tasting, or unwind at a spa. Wrap up your journey with one last sunset stroll and a farewell dinner.

Highlights:

• Optional: Castelmola, Etna wine tour, or spa experience
• Final shopping or seaside aperitivo
• Dinner at a gourmet spot (we loved our pistacho sandwiches and gelato at Nove) followed by granita at Bam Bar

Departure Day: Arrivederci, Sicilia

Head back to Catania Airport via private transfer with full hearts (and full bellies). You’ll leave with unforgettable memories, new favorite flavors, and a deeper appreciation for Sicily’s charm.

Need Help Planning?

This trip was more than a birthday celebration, it was a reminder of why we travel in the first place: to connect, to celebrate life’s milestones, and to share unforgettable moments with the people we love. From sipping wine under the Sicilian sun to wandering through ancient hilltop towns, every detail of this itinerary was planned with care and absolutely worth it. Let Nomoon Travel handle the logistics, car rentals, boutique stays, curated experiences, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy.