100% customisable travel idea

Western Sicily Sunny family road trip

Sicily - Palermo - Trapani - Marinella di Selinunte

Sicilian playground

From $2500 to $3400 per person for 11 days Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

Itinerary highlights

  • Set off together to explore western Sicily, from Palermo to the province of Trapani, with the sea always within easy reach.
  • Enjoy a relaxed pace, a tailored itinerary and kid-friendly accommodations with swimming pools.
  • Fun exploration of Palermo, cycling through the salt marshes of Marsala - already planned; a treasure hunt in Trapani, the ruins of Selinunte, are just some of the lovely options.
  • Direct flights, rental car, Concierge service and our personalised recommendations: the extra Voyageurs touch.
Sicily is Italy, but it is also a little bit of Greece, with some of the Arab world, and even with the Normans… And then of course there’s the mountains and the sea, the vineyards, the orchards and Mount Etna lying dormant. Cities whose long history can be read on delightful walks. From peaceful, understated villages to baroque churches that are theatrical and effusive. It’s an island full of surprises, and it’s much more cheerful, colourful and lively than its dark legend suggests. This journey, tailored for younger travellers, offers a leisurely exploration of the most beautiful natural and artistic sites along the west coast. You’ll arrive in Palermo through the main gate. Four days will allow you to appreciate the city’s wealth and atmosphere, as well as to explore the surrounding area - for example, as far as Cefalù. Then, you’ll have another four days in Trapani, for the sea-side charms and strongholds of the west. Western Sicily has attracted travellers since antiquity. You’ll also get a chance to enjoy the beaches. The trip will draw to an end in the small port of Marinella di Selinunte, just astone’s throw from the ancient Greek city of Selinunte, among the most important and prosperous cities of antiquity. And there will always be the sea, which will never have truly left you. Along the way, from Doric columns to baroque spirals, from orange groves to small ports and from maquis to coves, you will experience authentic generosity: Sicily gives abundantly, to both young and old.

Your journey

The journeys - by rental car for maximum independence - take into account how many kilometres children can handle, and the accommodations allow the whole family to relax when you’re not busy exploring. In Palermo, your charming accommodation in the heart of the historic centre is arranged around a lush, highly enjoyable garden; in Trapani and Marinella di Selinunte, the countryside has provided families on the move with holiday homes that are both chic and welcoming. La dolce vita unfolds in all its forms - swimming pools, spa treatments and delicious cuisine. We have also included some activities in your itinerary that, thanks to their variety and contrasts, will spark new emotions each day: a fun tour of the capital followed by a bike ride through the salt marshes, accompanied by private guides. You have every opportunity to improvise your explorations around this, whether or not you follow our suggestions. Moreover, you’ll always have access to the contact details of our on-site Concierge, who is accustomed to handling minor mishaps and unexpected whims.

They’ll adore it in Sicily.

Sicilians, who speak with their hands, arms and shoulders; the very, very blue sea, never far away; devouring a pizza bigger than yourself; golden churches; siesta time in the shade; Greek and Roman temples and theatre; the song of the cicadas; cycling with the wind in your hair, the lagoon as a backdrop; pools nestled among olive groves; sipping Seltz limone, snacking on pistachios, savouring cannoli and granita, etc.
Sicile - Italie © Lucy Laucht
Sicile - Italie © Lucy Laucht
Sicile - Italie © Claire Guarry
Sicile - Italie © Claire Guarry
Palerme - Italie © Pier Luigi Aldinucci/Kintzing
Palerme - Italie © Pier Luigi Aldinucci/Kintzing
Trapani - Italie © Alexandra Smielova / Unsplash.com
Trapani - Italie © Alexandra Smielova / Unsplash.com
Sicile - Italie © Nuria Val/Coke Bartrina
Sicile - Italie © Nuria Val/Coke Bartrina
Sicile - Italie © Rosella Degori
Sicile - Italie © Rosella Degori
Sicile - Italie © Nuria Val/Coke Bartrina
Sicile - Italie © Nuria Val/Coke Bartrina
Sicile - Italie © Nuria Val/Coke Bartrina
Sicile - Italie © Nuria Val/Coke Bartrina
Temple de Ségeste - Sicile - Italie © Birute/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Temple de Ségeste - Sicile - Italie © Birute/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Sicile - Italie © Nuria Val
Sicile - Italie © Nuria Val
Sicile - Italie © Jackie Cole
Sicile - Italie © Jackie Cole
Sicile - Italie © Stephanie Tetu/Picturetank
Sicile - Italie © Stephanie Tetu/Picturetank
Trapani - Sicile © Jordi de Rueda/Getty Images
Trapani - Sicile © Jordi de Rueda/Getty Images
Sicile - Italie © Jackie Cole
Sicile - Italie © Jackie Cole

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

On arrival, a private transfer will take you to your accommodation for four nights in the historic centre of Palermo. One of the many highlights of this exclusive hotel (it only has seven rooms) is its tasteful décor and lush private garden, where you can enjoy breakfast in the shade of citrus trees. This place is characterised by its charm and authenticity, as well as its warm and attentive welcome. Just a hundred metres away is the famous Ballaro food market, the most beautiful and typical in the city. The group can take advantage of this opportunity to whet their appetite with a stroll among the colourful, enticing stalls, which offer a glimpse of the island's historical and cultural heritage, namely the Arabian occupation and its influence on Sicilian food and cuisine.

Beneath its weathered exterior, the Sicilian capital hides many treasures best discovered on foot, with eyes raised and an open heart: timeworn palaces, lofty bell towers, shaded squares… Captivating Palermo only quiets down during the essential siesta - a faithful ambassador of a laid-back lifestyle. On
your agenda: A private guided tour of Palermo. A tour designed for families, combining highlights with fun activities for young travellers. Along your route: the red domes and mosaics of the Arab-Norman monuments classed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites (the Palatine Chapel, the cathedral), the murals in the historic centre and the exotic gardens. Finally, you get to know the pupi,the puppets that play an important role in the island’s culture.

Things to see and do:  The catacombs; the collections at Palazzo Abatellis; a stroll along Mondello beach, on the outskirts of the city; a spot of shopping at the markets of Vucciria, Il Capo or Ballaro.
Our suggestion: 
A trip to Cefalù. 70 kilometres east of Palermo, this fishing port on the Tyrrhenian Sea offers a remarkable combination of seaside charm and cultural opulence. It was once a stronghold of the Norman Kingdom of Sicily, as evidenced by the fortified palace of Osterio Magno and its cathedral, a marvel of Arab-Norman art. Head to the sandy beach to admire the seafront, the row of houses, and the Rocca in the background - an impressive rocky promontory that proudly overlooks the town and completes this picturesque postcard scene. On the way, make sure you stop off in Bagheria, a town near Palermo. Its name may be less evocative, but in the 18th century it was the preferred holiday spot of the Sicilian nobility. Today, visitors can still admire its imposing villas, with their ostentatious luxury, such as Villa Palagonia and Villa Valguarnera, remnants of this illustrious past.

Things to do together - Stroll from the botanical garden to the Foro Italico. On the edge of the Tribunali district, the Botanical Garden offers respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Vines, thorny trunks, black roses, cotton fruits, cacti, freshwater turtles, succulents, and palm trees of all kinds coexist in organised chaos. The site was, in its early days, a medicinal plant laboratory. Today, flowers, trees, and plants from all over the world grow and flourish on nearly 10 hectares. After strolling through the garden, head to the nearby Foro Italico Umberto I. This large esplanade overlooking the sea is a popular place for families and walkers to relax. A few sculptures line the walk, but it is the sea air that draws the locals. On Sundays, bicycles weave between walkers and kites fill the sky.
Optional - Gourmet aperitif and panoramic view over the city rooftops.

Pick up your rental car and take the fast road to Trapani.
On the way, see the Zingaro Nature Reserve, Sicily’s first protected area, which stretches between the villages of San Vito Lo Capo and Scopello. A 7km (4 miles) trail runs along the coastline, revealing stunning coastal views as well as typical local flora and fauna. Other paths branch off from time to time, leading to lovely sheltered coves. The reserve also has several small museums set up in shepherd's huts, delving into the history of Zingaro. In Scopello, why not stretch out on the beautiful Tonnara beach?
Continuing on, spend four nights in the Trapani countryside, at a small family-run agritourism establishment surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The rooms offer all the space and comfort you need. Local ingredients are showcased on the plates. In addition to the lovely outdoor swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers, you'll enjoy the belvedere or panoramic wine bar, the perfect spot for watching the sunset. 

A charming coastal town, Trapani offers visitors the chance to enjoy its abundant natural beauty, particularly at Cala Rossa and Cala del Bue Marino, two idyllic coves bathed by turquoise waters. The surrounding area also offers a journey through time, following in the footsteps of the Romans, Arabs, Normans and Angevins, with sites such as the theatre, the temple of Segesta and the archaeological site of
Motya. Optional: family treasure hunt in Trapani.

Not to be missed during the day - cycling on Favignana Island. Nicknamed the farfalla for its butterfly shape, the island of Favignana owes its development to the Florio family, who boosted the local tuna fishing industry. It is easy to explore the rugged coastline by bicycle, for young and old alike.

On the agenda - The salt marshes of Marsala by bicycle. The Stagnone Lagoon Nature Reserve offers a magical, timeless setting. A natural landscape that is evocative and breathtaking for its history, its colours, its scents, the gentle rhythm of the waves rocking the small fishing boats, and the emotions stirred by its white salt marshes with their windmills. On bikes and following a private guide, the group sets off first on a bike path and then on flat trails, soaking up the tranquility and natural charm of their surroundings. With a bit of luck and depending on the season, you may spot pink flamingos, mallards or even grey herons. During the walk, you will reach the Saint Theodore Tower and enjoy a splendid view of the Egadi Islands; you will also sample some local savoury specialities.

Drive to Marinella di Selinunte, where you will stay for two nights, just a few minutes' drive from the archaeological site of Selinunte and the beach. Your retreat embraces the gentle way of life, in one of the island’s most unspoilt corners. In the atmosphere of a traditional, fully renovated Sicilian baglio, local natural materials and modern design complement each other to create warm spaces. Designed to ensure the well-being of its guests, there is a wide range of high-quality facilities: a spa, a fitness area, a restaurant serving local produce, a swimming pool and a terrace overlooking a beautiful olive grove.

The small port of Marinella di Selinunte is just a stone’s throw away from the archaeological site of Selinunte. And what a site! With its temples dedicated to the Greek pantheon, its acropolis, its hills from which the neighbourhoods of an ancient city rise again, and its various sanctuaries, Selinunte is a Mediterranean rarity, both historically and aesthetically. The region is also rich in natural beauty, boasting several beaches and coves. First, there is the main beach, which is easily accessible and offers a remarkable view of the ancient ruins from its fine sandy shore. Nearby, the Foce del Fiume Belice nature reserve is home to wilder beaches with small sandy coves, much appreciated for their tranquility and unspoilt environment.
Optional - A private tour of Selinunte.

Drive to Palermo Airport, return the car, and take a direct flight back.

À la carte

This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.

Palermitan aperitif on the rooftops

Free as a bird in the sky - that could be the motto of this elegant gourmet restaurant in Palermo, just a stone’s throw from the Teatro Massimo. You enter through a hidden door. Once on the rooftop, the view over the rooftops of the historic centre delights the whole family, just as much as the antipasti and the sophisticated cocktails.

Family treasure hunt in Trapani

The goddess Demeter, protector of the harvest, has lost her precious golden sickle! She desperately needs help finding it. According to legend, several fake tools were hidden in the delightful town of Trapani. But where is the true sickle hidden? During this activity, led by a private guide, you'll dive into the heart of an intriguing treasure hunt. You’ll wander through the cobbled streets of Trapani, letting yourself be captivated by the unique architecture of this sun-drenched and historic city. From the majestic Baroque palace to the colourful stalls of the fish market, every corner could hold a clue.

The ancient Greek city of Selinunte

With its temples dedicated to the Greek pantheon, its acropolis, its hills where the neighbourhoods of an ancient city are reborn and its various sanctuaries, Selinunte is a Mediterranean rarity, both historical and aesthetic. Between the 7th and 5th centuries BC, it was a beacon shining over the Greek world, displaying a splendour rarely equalled. Ideally situated to play a major role in Mediterranean trade, it was nevertheless its strategic position that led to its downfall: having aroused the jealousy of Segesta, it was emptied of its inhabitants and razed by the Carthaginian allies of its rival. A few years later, an earthquake finally brought it to its knees. A private guide will take you on this fascinating tour.

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Estimated budget

Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

Based on 2 adults and 2 children
The estimated budget for this trip is $2,500 to $3,400 per person.

A fixed price is rarely applicable to a bespoke journey. The final cost depends on various factors, such as the level of service, travel dates, and booking lead times. The only definitive price will be the one provided in your personalized proposal.

The average price for this trip is $2,900 per person


Included in this suggestion

  • The direct international flight 
  • Airport taxes and fuel surcharges
  • Carbon absorption contribution for your trip's CO2 emissions through reforestation projects (via our Philippe Romero Insolite Bâtisseur Foundation)
  • The private transfers mentioned in your itinerary
  • Car rental for 7 days
  • Four nights in Palermo, in double rooms with breakfast.
  • Four nights in Trapani, in double rooms with breakfast
  • Two nights in Marinella di Selinunte, in a family suite with breakfast
  • The fun tour of Palermo with a private guide.
  • The bike tour through the salt marshes of Marsala, with a private guide.
  • Our on-site Concierge service
  • A travel booklet with useful information (your day-by-day itinerary, hotel contact details, a personalized selection of our recommendations, etc.)
  • Our recommendations and reservations at selected restaurants
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