La Sicilia ha il richiamo del mare, il fascino dei miti antichi, il profumo dei sogni, le forme dell’accoglienza, la bellezza delle persone.
Fabrizio Caramagna
Sicily has the call of the sea, the charm of ancient myths, the scent of dreams, the shapes of welcome, the beauty of people.
Fabrizio Caramagna
17 unforgettable days in Sicily: flavors and art
An unforgettable journey among the beauty of this enchanted Island, immersed in the wonder of the sea, flavors, art and archaeology and that will imprint itself in your memories through the 5 senses.
Journey in SIcily: Days 1 – 4
Your unforgettable days in Sicily start with your arrival at the Catania airport, but nothing prohibits you from starting your itinerary from another city and adapting the different stops accordingly!
Sicily’s eastern coast holds some of Italy’s most captivating destinations, where ancient history meets natural wonder.
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, Taormina stands as a jewel of Mediterranean charm. Its ancient Greek Theater, dating back to the 3rd century BC, offers not just spectacular performances but also breathtaking views of the coastline and Mount Etna in the distance. The town’s medieval streets wind through elegant palazzos, charming cafes, and boutiques, while the famous Corso Umberto draws visitors with its blend of shopping, dining, and historical architecture, this is why we organize for you a guided tour of this city.
Dominating the landscape, Mount Etna rises as Europe’s largest active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Standing at approximately 11,000 feet, this geological giant has shaped the surrounding region for millennia. Its fertile volcanic soil creates perfect conditions for vineyards, orchards, and farms that dot its slopes. So we propose a visit to olive farm and then lunch in Bronte, a town renowned worldwide as the pistachio capital of Italy. The local pistachios, known as “green gold,” grow in the volcanic soil and possess a uniquely intense flavor that sets them apart from any others. Beyond pistachios, Bronte’s landscape is characterized by ancient lava flows, creating a stark contrast with the lush pistachio groves and local vineyards.
Together, these three locations form a triangle of Sicilian excellence, where visitors can experience the perfect blend of historical grandeur, natural power, and culinary tradition that makes this corner of Sicily truly unique.
One of these days will be free to relax and enjoy, if you wish, the sea of this stretch of coastline
Journey in Sicily: Days 5 – 8
The next stop of your journey in Italy is Ortigia, the ancient part of Syracuse, but before leaving for Syracuse you will stop for a guided tour of Catania for a tour that combines culture and gastronomy!
During your stay in Ortigia in a magnificent boutique hotel, a day will be dedicated to Ortigia, the historical heart of Syracuse, is an island connected to the mainland by short bridges. This ancient Greek settlement captivates with its narrow medieval lanes, vibrant market, and magnificent Piazza Duomo. The cathedral, built around a Greek temple of Athena, exemplifies Sicily’s layered history. The Fonte Aretusa, a freshwater spring by the sea, still bubbles with the same water that inspired ancient myths and continues to enchant visitors today.
We will organize for you also an evocative walk through Noto accompanied by an expert guide: a collection of baroque jewels forms what is known as the Val di Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases some of Italy’s most spectacular architectural achievements. Noto, rebuilt after the devastating 1693 earthquake, dazzles visitors with its golden-hued limestone buildings and elegant Corso Vittorio Emanuele, lined with stunning churches and palaces that glow at sunset. At the end of this, a visit to an agritourism to refresh you with typical products of excellent quality.
Another day will be devoted to a visit to Ragusa Ibla; Ragusa split between the modern upper town and ancient Ragusa Ibla, offers a dramatic setting of winding streets and baroque masterpieces. The magnificent Duomo di San Giorgio stands as a crown jewel, surrounded by noble palaces and charming piazzas.
Nearby Modica, built across two valleys, is famous not only for its architectural splendor but also for its unique chocolate-making tradition, derived from ancient Aztec recipes, what’s better than a lunch at a “home restaurant” in the heart of Modica?
Journey in Sicily: DAYS 9 – 11
Your next stop will be Agrigento. Your driver will take you through Sicily to Agrigento, and along the way we recommend a stop at the villa Romana del Casale for a guided tour; dating back to the late 3rd and early 4th centuries AD, the Villa Romana del Casale boasts the most spectacular array of Roman mosaic artistry ever unearthed, with over 3,500 square meters of pristine floor mosaics adorning this ancient noble residence.
Your accommodation in Agrigento will be an exclusive resort with pool nestled in the heart of the Sicilian countryside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Along Sicily’s western and southern coasts lie some of the most impressive testimonies to ancient Greek civilization outside of Greece itself. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento stands as one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological sites, where eight majestic Greek temples rise against the Mediterranean sky and you cannot miss a tour of these ancient remains accompanied by an experienced guide.
Another day you will go to Selinunte; further along the coast, Selinunte presents an extraordinary archaeological park spanning 270 hectares, containing the ruins of what was once a powerful Greek city. Founded by the Phoenicians as Lilybaeum, the city offers visitors its beautiful baroque center, ancient archaeological museum, and the stunning salt pans that stretch along the coast, creating a unique landscape dotted with historic windmills and snow-white pyramids of salt.
At the end of day No 11 you will depart for Trapani where a 4-star Art Hotel with magnificent SPA, a rich wine cellar and very comfortable rooms awaits you.
Journey in Sicily: DAYS 12 – 13
Day No 12 will be devoted to the historic coastal city of Marsala that combines both historical significance and culinary tradition. Founded by the Phoenicians as Lilybaeum, the city offers visitors its beautiful baroque center, ancient archaeological museum, and the stunning salt pans that stretch along the coast, creating a unique landscape dotted with historic windmills and snow-white pyramids of salt, which, of course, we’ll take you to visit! Marsala is famous also for its fortified wine that bears its name so fundamental for a journey in the Marsala area will be a visit to a family winery, with a production of native varieties and have a light lunch with the traditional dishes.
The day after a lunch at home restaurant where you will walk alsa among the olive grove and learn about the production of EVO (Extra-Virgin Olive Oil) and the departure for the final leg of your journey: Palermo.
Journey in Sicily: DAYS 14 – 17
Your accomodation in Palermo for the following 3 nights will be a Luxury Boutique Hotel in historic center of the city.
Begin your first day in Palermo with your private guide at the vibrant Ballarò market, where vendors’ calls echo through narrow streets as they sell fresh produce and local delicacies. Make your way to the stunning Palermo Cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman-Arab architecture, before exploring the opulent Palazzo dei Normanni with its glittering Cappella Palatina.
In the afternoon, head to the hilltop town of Monreale, just a short drive from Palermo (30 minutes), with your driver. The crown jewel here is the magnificent Monreale Cathedral, renowned for its breathtaking Byzantine mosaics that cover nearly 68,000 square feet of its interior. Golden scenes from the Old and New Testament shimmer in the afternoon light. Take time to wander through the cathedral’s peaceful cloisters, where 228 intricately carved columns create a serene medieval atmosphere. The panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro valley from Monreale’s belvedere provides a perfect end to your day.
One day will be free to relax at your leisure and another will be devoted to a walking tour in Cefalù and, at the end of the visit you’ll return in Catania per last night, ready for your return at home the day after.
This is just one example of the exciting experiences you can have on a trip to Sicily.
It would be possible to include some days at the Aeolian Islands as an alternative or in addition.
The Aeolian Islands rise from the Mediterranean like nature’s crown jewels. From Stromboli’s fiery nighttime displays to Lipari’s charming ports and Vulcano’s therapeutic mud baths, these UNESCO-protected islands blend raw geological drama with Italiahttps://stage.20regionsofitaly.com/general/aeolian-islands-journey-through-panoramas-and-traditions/n island living at its finest.
Each trip can be tailored to your needs, tastes and interests, contact us for a free quote of the “trip of your desires”!
Visit Taormina
The pearl of the Ionian
Begin your stroll at Porta Messina and wander down Corso Umberto, Taormina’s enchanting main street. Pass elegant boutiques and charming cafes housed in medieval buildings as you make your way to Piazza IX Aprile, the town’s stunning belvedere. Take in breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea before continuing to the Ancient Greek Theater, perched dramatically on a cliff.
Wind through picturesque side streets adorned with flowering bougainvillea to the Public Gardens, where noble palm trees frame perfect photo opportunities of the coastline. End your walk at Porta Catania, taking one last look at the crystal-blue waters below.
Etna’s treasures
Olive & Pistachio tour
Delve deep into the world of “Mount Etna PDO olive oil” and dive into the world of Bronte pistachios with a guided tour with a food expert guide. Before returning to the hotel you will be taken on a scenic tour to the slopes of Etna, which at over 3,000 meters is the highest active volcano in Europe.
Ragusa Ibla & Modica
A day between beauty and gluttony
Perched on a limestone hill, Ragusa Ibla enchants visitors with its Baroque splendor. The UNESCO-listed historic center features winding medieval streets leading to the magnificent Duomo di San Giorgio, with its grand staircase and soaring dome.
Nearby, the charming town of Modica is famous for its unique chocolate, made using an ancient Aztec recipe brought by the Spanish. This granular chocolate is crafted at low temperatures, preserving the raw sugar crystals and creating a distinctive texture. Local artisans still follow the traditional cold-working method, producing dark, rich chocolate bars flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, or chili – a taste of history in every bite.
Private tour to Sicily’s baroque jewel: Noto
Where Limestone Masterpieces Tell Tales of Renaissance and Rebirth
Noto, a stunning baroque city in southeastern Sicily, is often called the “Stone Garden” due to its magnificent honey-colored limestone architecture.
After a devastating earthquake in 1693, the city was entirely rebuilt, resulting in a masterpiece of 18th-century baroque urban planning.
The elaborate churches, palaces, and buildings along Corso Vittorio Emanuele showcase intricate facades with dramatic sculptures and ornate balconies. UNESCO designated Noto as a World Heritage site in 2002.
Ancient Greece in Sicily: The Valley of the Temples
Exploring the Mediterranean’s greek temples
The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento stands as one of the world’s most impressive ancient Greek archaeological sites. This UNESCO World Heritage site features remarkably preserved Doric temples dating back to the 5th century BC. The Temple of Concordia remains nearly intact, while the massive Temple of Zeus was once among the largest Greek temples ever built.
Set against Sicily’s dramatic landscape, these golden limestone monuments stretch along a ridge, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Palermo & Monreale: Sicily’s Golden Mosaic Trail
Where Norman kings and Byzantine artists created Medieval masterpieces
Discover the vibrant fusion of cultures in Palermo and Monreale, where Arab, Norman, and Byzantine influences create an unforgettable architectural tapestry.
Begin your journey at Palermo’s bustling Ballarò market, then explore the stunning Cappella Palatina with its glittering gold mosaics and intricate Arab-style ceiling. Visit the majestic Cathedral and the Norman Palace, heart of Sicily’s medieval power. Just a short drive away, Monreale’s magnificent cathedral awaits, boasting the world’s largest concentration of Byzantine mosaics covering nearly 70,000 square feet. This spectacular display of medieval art tells biblical stories through millions of golden tesserae, creating an awe-inspiring testament to human creativity.
