To make the most of your week’s adventure exploring the island, your travel buddy DAYMADE has pulled together this ultimate Sicily itinerary for seven days.

– Return business class flights for two people

– 7 night stay(s) at boutique hotels around Sicily (dependent on final itinerary & availability)

Recommended 7 day itinerary:

Day one: Explore the island’s incredible capital, Palermo. Meander the maze of tight-knit streets, connecting hidden squares and ornate buildings, and don’t miss some iconic landmarks, such as Palermo Cathedral and Norman Palace, as well as Quattro Canti with its symmetrical fountains. Outside the city is Cattedrale di Monreale, a medieval treasure and Italy’s oldest church. For culture vultures, visit the Massimo Theater, well known for its acoustics and the best place for a night at the opera. There are galleries and museums aplenty too to be discovered.

Hungry? Check out the city’s bustling markets (Capo, Ballarò and Borgo Vecchio), where you’ll find all kinds of delicious treats, including heavenly arancini.

Day two: One of Sicily’s many pulls, is the charm of its small seaside towns. Cefalù is perhaps the best example – a place that may have you debating whether to stay longer. Just take one look at that old harbour. It’s Sicily in a postcard.

Day three: Soak in the views in Taormina. It’s a real hotspot for Italians in the summer, and with good reason. Perched on a hillside above the dramatic Mediterranean coastline, the resort town hosts dramas, concerts, symphonies, operas, ballet performances and music festivals throughout the summer months.

Day four: Climb Mount Etna. Dominating large parts of the island’s skyline, Mount Etna is one of Europe’s most famous volcanoes and one of the world’s most active. Yet, despite this continuous activity, it is relatively easy to explore and visit – and best of all with a local guide to learn about this fascinating natural spectacle.

Day five: Admire the architecture in Catania. In the shadow of Mt Etna lies this ancient port city and Sicily’s second largest. Given its location, the city has undergone plenty of volcano-enforced renovations, layering it with a rich tapestry of history. Indeed, as you walk around, you’ll notice that the locals have built on, in and around, the cooled lava flows, making for some fascinating, unique volcanic architecture known as ‘The Black Baroque of Catania’. For a tasty excursion, the famous fish market La Pescheria is well worth a wander. You can sample the Mediterranean delights (freshly caught that morning) with plenty of nearby seafood restaurants to choose from.

Day six: Visit small towns in Val di Noto. This incredible area of southeast Sicily deserves more than just one day, so you may want to be selective and pick your own. That’s because the area of Val di Noto is made up of eight towns: Caltagirone, Catania (covered above), Militello, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo, Ragusa and Scicli. Thanks to the never-ending volcanic activity of Mount Etna, they were all largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1693, leading to their rebuilding in the iconic late Baroque style.

Day seven: Step back in time in Agrigento. Rounding out our ultimate seven-day Sicily itinerary is an unforgettable day in the Valley of the Temples, just outside Agrigento. It’s the largest archaeological site in the world, one of Sicily’s most renowned attractions, and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back as far as 500 BC, there are plenty of temples to discover, including the Temple of Concordia in all its Doric architectural glory. Do take an hour or two to explore the nearby city of Agrigento. The medieval centre is home to plenty of trattorias and bars, and there’s always time for a stroll along the narrow alleyways that weave their way between old mansions and grand churches. For foodies, head to the market held every Friday, where you can find authentic Sicilian flavours.