Quintessential Sicily

Arrival in Palermo by flight (not included in the package) and private transfer to your hotel in the city centre. 

In the afternoon, meet our guide for a private tour of the Sicilian capital’s highlights. Our guide will reveal not only the most iconic places of the city but also some hidden gems known only to locals. Dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants in the centre and overnight stay.

After breakfast, free time to explore Palermo’s characteristic markets. Ballarò, Vucciria, and Capo reflect the authentic soul of the city. Among voices, aromas, and colours, you will find fresh products, street food, and local crafts. Strolling through the stalls is a lively experience that blends tradition, culture, and conviviality at the heart of genuine Sicily. 

In the afternoon, private transfer to Monreale, where a guide will take you to visit the famous Cathedral to discover golden Byzantine mosaics, Norman architecture, and millenary stories. Explore the central nave, the Benedictine cloister, and the Christ Pantocrator, a majestic symbol of Sicilian faith and art. Return to Palermo for overnight.

In the morning, leave your accommodation in Palermo and start exploring western Sicily. 

A private transfer will bring you from Palermo to Trapani where you will take the cable car to Erice, a charming medieval village perched on a mountain with breathtaking views of the sea and the Egadi Islands. Its narrow, cobblestone streets are a journey back in time, featuring ancient churches, castles, and fortified walls. This is an ideal place to savour Sicily’s history, culture, and natural beauty, as well as some typical sweets for which the town is famous (we will provide our favourite address). 

After your visit of Erice, the driver will take you to you to your new accommodation, the Ecoluxury Retreat Foresteria Planeta, a charming Wine Relais located near Agrigento where you will have free time to enjoy the facilities. Overnight stay at Foresteria Planeta.

La Foresteria Planeta

Menfi

After several days exploring the island, it’s time to slow down and immerse yourself in Sicilian flavours with a cooking class led by an expert chef. 

A transfer will bring you to Tenuta Ulmo Planeta, in the heart of Sicily, where you will discover Sicilian flavours through a cooking course. You can choose a traditional course or, if you’re already an experienced cook, refine your techniques with fine dining recipes. 

After lunch, enjoying the fruits of your labour, you will embark on a dedicated journey through Planeta’s prestigious wines. With six wineries across five territories, each interpreting Sicily’s great varieties, you will be immersed in an unparalleled oenological experience. After these experiences return to your accommodation for time at leisure. 

During summer months you can indulge to the hotel’s beach club located a few kilometres away and reachable with an hotel shuttle. Overnight stay at Foresteria Planeta.

La Foresteria Planeta

Menfi

Check out from hotel and after a short transfer reach Agrigento, where you will visit the beautiful Valley of the Temples accompanied by a private guide. A guided tour of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples immerses you in the grandeur of ancient Akragas. 

Your guide will lead you among the remains of Doric temples, such as those of Juno and Concordia, sharing stories and anecdotes about the city and its deities. Walking among the columns and walls, you will discover fascinating details about ancient Greek art, religion, and daily life. 

After the visit the journey continues to your new destination in the Ragusa/Noto area for the overnight stay.

After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to Ragusa, located in the heart of the stunning Val di Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site that you will explore with a private guide.  

In Ragusa Ibla, lose yourself in the picturesque, cobbled streets, visiting the Ibleo Garden and the Church of Santa Maria del Gesù. End your visit admiring breathtaking views over the city and valley. A short distance from Ragusa is Modica, famous for its artisanal chocolate, historic palaces, and the beautiful Baroque cathedral. Stroll along Corso Umberto, admire the Church of San Pietro, and visit its fascinating museums. 

A stop at a renowned chocolate workshop in Modica is a must to see the production techniques and taste the Modica IGP chocolate, with pre-Columbian origins brought to Sicily by the Spanish in the 17th century. Thanks to cold processing, it retains a granular texture and unique flavour. Return to your accommodation for the overnight stay.

In the morning, reach Syracuse where, accompanied by a private guide, you will begin your journey through centuries with a visit to the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Here you will discover the majesty of the Greek Theatre, still used for performances today, the Ear of Dionysius, and the Latomia del Paradiso, an ancient quarry carved into the rock. 

After exploring these wonders, head to Ortigia, the island that holds the historical heart of Syracuse. Accompanied by your guide, visit the Temple of Apollo overlooking the lively Corso Matteotti and reach the majestic Cathedral Square, where the Syracuse Cathedral stands—a perfect fusion of Greek and Baroque architecture built on the ancient Temple of Athena. 

At the end of the guided tour, you can continue independently exploring Ortigia’s marvels, stopping at the legendary Fonte Aretusa, linked to the mythology of Artemis, and reaching the Maniace Castle, a medieval fortress dominating the island’s tip. Built in the 13th century by Frederick II, the castle is an impressive example of Norman architecture with towers and walls overlooking the crystal-clear sea, from whose panoramic terrace you can admire a spectacular view of the city and harbour. Return to the hotel for overnight.

Time to leave your accommodation in southern Sicily and head with a private driver to your next destination, Taormina, with a stop in Catania. 

Explore the vibrant heart of Catania on a guided tour through its historic centre, where baroque architecture, ancient traditions, and the energy of daily life blend beneath the shadow of Mount Etna. Stroll along Via Etnea and admire the city’s unique black-and-white charm, shaped by lava stone and limestone. A highlight of the tour is the stop at the famous Fish Market (La Pescheria), just behind Piazza del Duomo. 

Here, lively vendors call out their prices amid the scent of the sea and the colourful display of freshly caught fish, seafood, and local produce. Visitors can experience the authentic atmosphere of Catanian life, taste traditional delicacies, and interact with friendly locals. 

The tour continues through picturesque alleys and elegant squares, offering a perfect glimpse of Catania, a captivating mix of history, culture, and Mediterranean passion. Reach your accommodation in Taormina’s area in the afternoon. 

Meet your private guide and experience the timeless beauty of Taormina on a private guided tour designed to reveal the charm and elegance of Sicily’s most iconic hilltop town. 

Strolling along the famous Corso Umberto, you’ll discover a blend of ancient history, boutique sophistication, and breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. Your expert and knowledgeable guide will lead you through the town’s cobblestone streets, sharing stories of Greek settlers, Roman emperors, and artists who found inspiration here. 

The tour includes a visit to the magnificent Ancient Theatre, where the backdrop of Mount Etna and the sea create one of the most stunning panoramas in the Mediterranean. Along the way, you’ll uncover hidden courtyards, vibrant gardens, and charming cafés that capture Taormina’s unique spirit. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to further explore Taormina on your own. 

Join a beautiful day trip to Mt. Etna. Your journey begins with a comfortable pick-up from your accommodation. Sit back and enjoy a scenic drive through ever-changing landscapes, from ancient lava fields and lush vineyards to charming mountain villages that embody the soul of Sicily. As you ascend the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, your expert guide will share captivating stories of myth, history, and the island’s volcanic heritage.

Explore a fascinating lava cave, equipped with helmets and lights for a safe and exciting adventure suitable for all ages. Pause at a welcoming Etna Mountain hut to relax, enjoy refreshments, and take in the tranquil beauty of your surroundings. Continue with a gentle trek at the Sartourius Craters across ancient craters and fragrant pine forests, where panoramic views of the Ionian coast and the dramatic lava landscape create an unforgettable finale to your Etna experience. Transfer back to your accommodation.