Day 1
Sunday
Welcome to Palermo, a land of extraordinary beauty, centuries-old traditions, and unmistakable Mediterranean warmth.
Upon arrival at Palermo Airport, proceed through Passport Control, collect your luggage, and complete customs formalities.
Independent transfer to your hotel.
Your Sicilian journey begins in Palermo, the island’s vibrant capital, where layers of history, architecture, art, and everyday life come together in a fascinating blend of cultures and traditions.
After some time to settle in and relax, meet your fellow travelers and begin your experience with a welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant.
This first evening is an introduction to Sicily through its flavors: authentic recipes, locally inspired ingredients, and the warm, convivial atmosphere for which the island is renowned.
It is the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of your journey and get your first taste of the culture, hospitality, and character that make Sicily so special.
Overnight in Palermo: Hotel Principe di Vilafranca.
Day 2
Sunday
Palermo Highlights, Monreale’s Golden Mosaics & Olive Oil Experience
Palermo → Monreale → Castelvetrano
After breakfast, set out to discover the vibrant soul of Palermo on a guided walking tour through some of the city’s most fascinating landmarks.
Begin along the picturesque Cala waterfront, Palermo’s historic harbor, before continuing toward elegant Piazza Marina, framed by noble palaces, historic buildings, and centuries-old trees.
One of the highlights of the morning will be a visit to Palazzo Butera, one of Palermo’s most remarkable aristocratic residences. Overlooking the sea, this beautifully restored palace offers a fascinating encounter between Sicily’s noble past and its contemporary cultural identity. Its frescoed ceilings, elegant salons, architectural details, and carefully curated art collections reveal the many layers of Palermo’s history while illustrating the city’s remarkable ability to preserve its heritage and continuously reinvent itself.
Continue through the historic center to the celebrated Quattro Canti, the monumental Baroque crossroads considered the symbolic heart of Palermo, before reaching the impressive Palermo Cathedral. Its distinctive architecture reflects the many civilizations that shaped Sicily over the centuries, blending Arab, Norman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences into one extraordinary monument.
Afterward, enjoy some free time for lunch before departing for Monreale, set on the hills overlooking Palermo.
Here, visit the magnificent Cathedral of Monreale, one of the greatest masterpieces of Norman Sicily. Step inside to admire its spectacular golden mosaics, which cover much of the interior and depict an extraordinary series of biblical scenes. The shimmering mosaics, monumental architecture, and refined craftsmanship make this one of Sicily’s most memorable artistic and spiritual treasures.
In the afternoon, continue south through the beautiful Sicilian countryside toward Castelvetrano, where you will reach Agriturismo Case di Latomie.
Upon arrival, enjoy a special extra virgin olive oil tasting experience, discovering the aromas, flavors, and characteristics of locally produced Sicilian olive oil. Learn about the traditional methods of olive cultivation and production and about the importance of olive oil within Sicily’s agricultural and culinary heritage.
Surrounded by olive groves, nature, and the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside, settle into this charming rural property for a relaxing evening.
Overnight at Agriturismo Case di Latomie.
Day 3
Tuesday
Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples & Monastery Sweets Traditions
Castelvetrano → Agrigento → Favara
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Agrigento to discover one of Sicily’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures: the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest surviving examples of ancient Greek architecture in the Mediterranean.
Walk among its monumental temples, dramatically set against the Sicilian landscape, and admire the remarkable state of preservation of these ancient structures. The visit offers a fascinating insight into the island’s classical past and the civilizations that helped shape its history.
The journey continues with a visit to a historic monastery, where you will discover another deeply rooted Sicilian tradition: the art of convent pastry-making. For centuries, nuns across the island have preserved and handed down recipes for delicate sweets prepared with almonds, pistachios, citrus, ricotta, and other local ingredients.
Enjoy a tasting of these traditional monastery sweets while learning more about the cultural and spiritual heritage behind this unique culinary tradition.
At the end of the day, continue to Hotel Alba Palace, where you will settle in for the evening and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Alba Palace.
Day 4
Wednesday
Roman Villa Mosaics, Ragusa & Sicilian Artisan Workshop
Favara → Piazza Armerina → Ragusa
After breakfast at the hotel, travel inland toward the charming hilltop town of Piazza Armerina, home to one of Sicily’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures: the Villa Romana del Casale.
This remarkable Roman villa preserves some of the finest and most extensive mosaics of the ancient world. Admire the vivid scenes depicting mythology, hunting, daily life, athletic activities, and ceremonial traditions, all rendered with exceptional detail and artistic sophistication.
Continue to Ragusa, one of the great jewels of Sicilian Baroque architecture. During your guided visit, stroll through its picturesque streets and admire the elegant churches, noble palaces, and harmonious urban scenery that make this historic town so distinctive.
Enjoy some free time for lunch before continuing with a special encounter with local craftsmanship.
Visit an artisan workshop dedicated to traditional Sicilian straw bags, where skilled artisans continue to preserve techniques handed down through generations. This experience offers an authentic glimpse into Sicily’s creative heritage and the craftsmanship that remains an important part of the island’s cultural identity.
At the end of the day, arrive at the atmospheric Hotel Antico Convento, a property rich in history and character. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome aperitif before settling in for a relaxing evening.
Overnight at Hotel Antico Convento.
Day 5
Thursday
Modica’s Aztec-Inspired Chocolate & Historic Country Watermill
Modica & the Sicilian Countryside
After breakfast at the hotel, dedicate the day to discovering the flavors, traditions, and rural heritage of Modica, one of southeastern Sicily’s most fascinating Baroque towns.
Begin with a special chocolate tasting experience celebrating Modica’s renowned chocolate-making tradition. Produced according to an ancient cold-processing technique introduced during the Spanish period and often linked to Aztec methods, Modica chocolate is instantly recognizable for its distinctive grainy texture, intense aroma, and pure, concentrated flavors.
Taste a selection of traditional varieties while learning about the history and craftsmanship behind one of Sicily’s most iconic culinary specialties.
Afterward, enjoy some free time for lunch.
In the afternoon, continue into the countryside to visit the historic Cavallo d’Ispica Watermill, a fascinating example of Sicily’s rural heritage. Once powered by flowing water and used to grind grain, the mill offers an evocative glimpse into the traditional agricultural life of the region and the ingenious techniques used by past generations.
At the end of the visit, return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Antico Convento.
Day 6
Friday
Sicilian Almond Tasting & Siracusa-Ortigia Highlights
Ragusa → Siracusa-Ortigia → Mount Etna Area
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Siracusa.
En route, stop at a traditional almond farm, where you will enjoy a relaxing walk through the countryside and learn more about one of Sicily’s most characteristic agricultural products. The visit concludes with a tasting of locally grown almonds and almond-based specialties.
Continue to Siracusa, one of the most important cities of the ancient Greek world and a place where history, architecture, and Mediterranean beauty come together effortlessly.
Weather permitting, enjoy a scenic boat tour along the coastline (available from April through October), offering a different perspective of the city and its dramatic relationship with the sea.
Continue with a guided walking tour of Ortigia, the historic heart of Siracusa. Wander through its narrow streets, elegant piazzas, Baroque façades, and charming waterfront while discovering the extraordinary layers of Greek, Roman, medieval, and Baroque history that define this remarkable island district.
In the afternoon, leave the southeastern coast behind and continue toward the foothills of Mount Etna, where you will settle in at the elegant Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort.
Overnight at Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort.
Day 7
Saturday
Mount Etna North Side, Winery Experience & Taormina
Mount Etna North → Winery → Taormina
After breakfast at the hotel, set out for a day dedicated to two of Sicily’s most celebrated highlights: Mount Etna and the enchanting town of Taormina.
Begin with an exploration of the northern side of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano and one of the most fascinating volcanic landscapes in the world.
Known locally as Mongibello, Mount Etna has shaped the history, agriculture, and identity of eastern Sicily for centuries. Its vast lava fields, ancient craters, forests, and constantly evolving landscape offer an extraordinary insight into the power of nature.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional geological and scientific importance, Etna remains one of the most closely studied volcanoes in the world. Its long volcanic history has created a landscape of remarkable contrasts, from fertile vineyards and orchards at lower elevations to dramatic lava formations and barren volcanic terrain higher on the mountain.
Explore the volcanic environment of the Etna North area, with the possibility of joining an optional higher-altitude ascent, subject to weather and volcanic conditions.
After your Etna experience, continue to a carefully selected local winery located on the slopes of the volcano. The mineral-rich volcanic soils and distinctive microclimate give Etna wines their remarkable personality and elegance.
Enjoy a wine tasting followed by lunch, discovering local grape varieties and the close relationship between the volcano, the land, and the wines produced here.
In the afternoon, continue to Taormina, one of Sicily’s most iconic destinations. Visit its magnificent Ancient Theatre, dramatically positioned above the coastline and offering unforgettable views over the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.
After the visit, enjoy some free time in Taormina to stroll along its elegant streets, browse local boutiques, relax at a café, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of this celebrated Mediterranean town.
Return to the hotel in the evening and gather for a special farewell dinner, celebrating the experiences, flavors, and memories shared throughout your Sicilian journey.
Farewell dinner and overnight at Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort.
Day 8
Sunday
Departure from Sicily
Mount Etna Area → Catania Airport
After breakfast at the hotel, it is time to say goodbye to Sicily, taking with you the memories, flavors, and experiences of your journey across the island.
At the scheduled time, join the group shuttle transfer to Catania Airport for your departing flight.
Please note that one group shuttle departure will be scheduled in the morning only. The exact departure time will be communicated prior to departure.
Travelers whose flight schedule does not correspond with the scheduled group shuttle may request a private airport transfer at an additional cost.
Arrivederci Sicilia — until we meet again!
Travelling across the island, the itinerary connects some of Sicily’s most celebrated destinations — including Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento, Ragusa, Siracusa, Taormina and Mount Etna — with countryside experiences, local producers, traditional craftsmanship and places that often remain outside the usual tourist routes.
