Rome and Sicily pair the imperial capital with Italy's wild, layered island. The honest plan for a week: three days in Rome, a short flight south, then one corner of Sicily, not the whole island, which is huge and deserves far more. Base on the east around Taormina and Etna, with the Baroque southeast in reach. Fly rather than face the long land-and-ferry haul, and pick one Sicilian zone so the island feels like a holiday, not a road rally.
No car in Rome. The fast train and metro suffice. A short flight links Rome to Catania, then a car helps for the Sicilian countryside (park outside the towns). Book the Colosseum and Vatican ahead.
How do you want to see it?
Rome · LazioCompare the same experience on GetYourGuide and Viator, save what you like to My Trip, share it, and book when you’re sure. Nearest to this page first.
7-Day Rome and Sicily Itinerary
Days 1-3: Rome
The Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine, the Vatican Museums and St Peter's, the Pantheon and Baroque fountains, with evenings in Trastevere. The capital, unhurried.
Day 4: Fly to Sicily
A short flight to Catania, then to your east-coast base around Taormina, with its clifftop Greek theater and sea views. An easy transition to island time.
Days 5-7: Taormina, Etna, and the Southeast
The volcano Etna by cable car and guide, the Baroque towns of the southeast (Siracusa, Noto), and beaches and granita (Sicilian crushed-ice dessert). One corner of Sicily, savored, not the whole island.
Q&A: Rome and Sicily in 7 Days
Can I see all of Sicily in this week?
No. Sicily is large and a week split with Rome only allows one corner. Base on the east around Taormina and Etna, with the Baroque southeast in reach, and save the west (Palermo, the temples) for another trip.
How do I get from Rome to Sicily?
By a short flight to Catania or Palermo, far quicker than the long train-and-ferry journey. From the airport, a car helps to explore the Sicilian countryside.
Should I climb Etna?
Yes. A guided trip up Europe's most active volcano, by cable car and 4x4, is a Sicilian highlight. Book ahead and go with a guide, as conditions and access change.
Do I need a car in Sicily?
It helps for the countryside and the Baroque towns, though Taormina itself is walkable. Park outside the historic centers and mind the ZTL zones, as on the mainland.
When should I go?
Spring and fall for comfortable weather on both legs. Summer is very hot in Sicily and Rome. The island is mild in winter, though some coastal spots quiet down.
