Meals included: breakfast and food tasting
Accommodation: Palermo

Embark on an unforgettable tour of Sicily, starting in the vibrant city of Palermo. This city is an extraordinary tapestry of history and art, shaped by centuries of diverse conquerors and influences.

As we explore on foot, we will visit the breathtaking Martorana Church and experience the lively atmosphere of the Capo food market, renowned for its culinary delights. At the bustling Quattro Canti intersection, be captivated by the stunning fusion of Arab, Norman, and Byzantine architecture, alongside the majestic Neo-Classical Opera House that stands as a testament to Palermo’s rich heritage.

Our engaging local guide will lead you through hidden streets and cherished local spots, enhancing your experience with stops to savor Palermo’s famous street food, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.

In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic 30-minute drive to the enchanting town of Monreale. Here, you will witness the remarkable cathedral, commissioned by Norman King William II in 1172, a true marvel of architectural beauty.

Allow our local guide to guide you through the awe-inspiring golden mosaics that embellish the interior, recognized as some of the most extensive and exquisite in the Mediterranean.

Upon returning to Palermo, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure, with dinner on your own, providing the perfect opportunity to savor the local dining scene. Don’t miss this chance to discover the heart and soul of Sicily!.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Trapani‘s countryside

After checking out, we embark on an enchanting drive west to Alcamo’s renowned wine region. Here, a beautifully restored fortified farmhouse invites us to explore its cellar and production facility, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

Immerse yourself in a tasting of indigenous grape varietals, such as the Catarratto, which forms the backbone of the esteemed Alcamo DOC wine. Our lunch, perfectly paired with homemade dishes, transforms into a delightful and educational journey through the rich flavors of Western Sicily that you won’t want to miss.

As our Western Sicily & Siracusa Tour unfolds, we make our way to the stunning shores of the Stagnone lagoon. Our knowledgeable local guide captivates us with tales and intriguing facts about the ancient art of salt production, all against a backdrop of sun-soaked coastlines and strong winds.

In the late afternoon, we check into a boutique resort that boasts spectacular views of the Western Sicilian coastline, featuring the Aegadian Islands, the bay of San Vito Lo Capo, and majestic Mt. Erice as our backdrop. Unwind by the pool or wander through the serene gardens of this charming escape in the province of Trapani.

This evening, a brief 15-minute drive will transport us to Erice, a captivating medieval village perched high atop a mountain. Indulge in a traditional dinner at a carefully selected restaurant, savoring flavors that are sure to create lasting memories.

Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Trapani‘s countryside

Embark on a short drive to the port of Trapani, where a high-speed ferry whisks you away to the enchanting island of Favignana in just 30 minutes. Favignana, the largest of the Aegadian islands, beckons with its laid-back charm and vivid colors, truly a hidden gem on our Western Sicily & Siracusa Tour.

As you step onto the dock, our knowledgeable local expert greets you and guides you to a delightful coffee break in the lively main piazza. Immerse yourself in history as we stroll to the former Florio tuna fishing facility, now a captivating museum that served as the economic backbone of Favignana for over a century. Explore the fascinating tools and industrial architecture of the tonnara (tuna fishing facility), which tells the story of rich traditions, ancient myths, and ingenious fishing techniques that have played a vital role in sustaining tuna populations in our oceans.

Next, hop into local taxis and ascend to a breathtaking viewpoint, where you can soak in stunning vistas, dip your feet in the refreshing Mediterranean Sea, and discover the island’s unspoiled natural beauty, located closer to Africa than to mainland Italy. Meet an experienced chef for an engaging lesson in the ancient art of making couscous, and indulge your taste buds with delicious, freshly prepared dishes.

As the afternoon unfolds, we set sail back to Trapani on our high-speed boat, with the option to explore the elegant shopping streets of the city center alongside your tour manager. Cap off your day by savoring an early dinner at one of the local eateries (on your own) before we return to our hotel.

*Please note that in case of rough sea conditions, we prioritize safety and may arrange for a larger ferry. If weather conditions are unfavorable, the Favignana excursion will be substituted with another enriching land-based activity. No refunds will be given in either scenario.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Agrigento

After checking out this morning, we explore the countryside of Castelvetrano, one of Sicily’s premier regions for olive cultivation. Here, among century-old olive trees rooted in mineral-rich soil from ancient Greek times, you’ll discover a world of extraordinary flavors as we sample award-winning olive oil that sets itself apart with its exceptional qualities.

Immerse yourself in the experience as we stroll through these impressive olive groves, engaging in a technical and informative tasting of three exquisite types of olives recognized by Slow Food as worthy of protection. This tasting will not only deepen your appreciation for extra-virgin olive oil but also prepare you for a delightful lunch at the rustic farm restaurant, where you’ll savor fresh vegetables, Castelvetrano sourdough bread, and traditional recipes crafted with love.

As we traverse the picturesque plains and rolling hills adorned with vibrant orange groves, we’ll arrive in the sun-soaked countryside of Agrigento. Here, you’ll check into a luxurious 5-star resort, perfectly positioned with breathtaking views of the Valley of the Temples and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea.

Arriving after lunch allows our guests to unwind in style, whether by your private patio pool or at the larger central pool by the bar. Finally, prepare to be amazed at dinner as the resident chef dazzles us with a creative menu featuring local ingredients and traditional recipes, all reimagined with a modern twist and served with fine dining finesse. This is an experience you won’t want to miss!

Meals included: breakfast, pastry tasting
Accommodation: Agrigento

Part of the experience on our Sicily tour, is waking up in the morning surrounded by the fragrances of aromatic herbs, flowers, and lush Mediterranean vegetation. Enjoy breakfast in the sunny and tranquil countryside of Agrigento, at one of the few hotels in the area where you won’t hear any traffic.

A short 5-minute bus transfer will take us to the entrance of one of Italy’s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Valley of the Temples. This site features some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world, dating back to the 6th century B.C. Our informative and friendly local expert will guide us on a journey back in time, with the tour lasting approximately two hours.

Next, we will explore the countryside of Agrigento, known for its local DOC wine appellation. We will visit the President of the consortium in his private home—a restored “Baglio,” or farmhouse, perched on a hill overlooking the vineyards. Lunch will be served on the outdoor terrace (in case of inclement weather, we will dine in the indoor dining room) and will feature a tasting of Sicily’s indigenous grape varieties, Grillo and Nero d’Avola, along with international grapes such as Syrah and Chardonnay.

Our small group tour will then take us to Naro, a hidden gem in our Western Sicily and Syracuse adventure. This Baroque and medieval town is less popular than Noto but deserves a visit for its elegant architecture, including churches and aristocratic palaces. We will take a leisurely walk to experience this typical Sicilian town, where few tourists visit, allowing us to see local life in its authentic form.

For tonight’s dinner, you have the option to drive to the nearby beach town of San Leone to try one of the casual pizzerias or seafood restaurants. Alternatively, you may choose to stay for a romantic à la carte dinner at the hotel’s refined restaurant.

Meals included: breakfast, light lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: on the slopes of Mt. Etna

After another great breakfast at our luxurious resort, we will check out of Agrigento and drive toward the enchanting eastern coast of Sicily.

As we traverse the stunning landscapes of mainland Sicily, we prepare for captivating stories, intriguing facts, and ample photo opportunities. Marvel at the hilltop towns, golden wheat fields, and secluded valleys, including the breathtaking city of Enna, dramatically perched on a cliff, alongside the historical region of former sulfur mines.

Our adventure takes us to the lower slopes of Mt. Etna, near Bronte, where a remarkable microclimate created by the sea’s proximity and fertile volcanic soil fosters the cultivation of the world’s finest pistachios.

Here, you’ll meet Andrea, the passionate owner of a historic farm, where the time-honored art of grafting crooked pistachio trees and harvesting these exquisite nuts has been passed down through generations. As you relax in the farm’s charming courtyard, savor a delightful light lunch featuring an array of savory and sweet specialties crafted from these delectable pistachios, celebrated for their exceptional taste.

We continue our scenic drive around the base of Europe’s highest active volcano, making our way to the next luxurious inn, which is surrounded by ancient lava flows and lush vineyards.

Upon check-in, you can explore the grounds and amenities of this former family country house, now transformed into a hotel. We enjoy tasting Mt. Etna wines, such as the robust Etna Rosso and the vibrant Etna Bianco, learning how the unique terroir influences each sip. Partake in an evening of friendship and relaxation, pairing wines with local delicacies in an informal yet cozy setting.

Meals included: breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: on the slopes of Mt. Etna

After enjoying a delightful breakfast featuring local products, we set off for the world-famous Taormina. Our expert local guide will take us to the iconic Ancient Greek and Roman theatre, where we will enter through a reserved entrance.

Next, we will explore the beautiful gardens that overlook the bay of Giardini Naxos, with the majestic Mt. Etna in the background, along with other hidden stories of Taormina.

You’ll have free time to wander the charming alleys of the town center, filled with high-end fashion stores, artisan pottery, and elegant cafés.

In the afternoon, we will escape the crowds of Taormina and return to our secluded hotel, where we will enjoy one last evening of tranquility, delicious Sicilian food, and wine at our Farewell Dinner.

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: n/a 

Enjoy one more breakfast before checking out. A group transfer to Catania’s airport is included.

Until we meet again!