Taormina to Palermo

Once you have arrived in Taormina, make your way to your hotel and settle in. Overlooking the Ionian Sea, this elegant hilltop town has long been one of Sicily’s most refined destinations. Private airport transfers can be arranged on request.

This evening, you have free time to explore at your own pace and grab dinner at one of the restaurants

Taormina - Etna - Taormina. Today, we journey to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Travelling by Land Rover Discovery jeep with expert local guides, we ascend through vineyards and lava fields to explore this extraordinary landscape up close. We discover ancient craters, walk through the Sartorius Mountains, and visit volcanic caves shaped by historic lava flows, gaining insight into the power and history of Etna.

Later, we continue to the renowned Cottanera winery on the slopes of the volcano, where we enjoy a wine tasting paired with a light lunch featuring regional specialities influenced by Etna’s unique terroir.

In the afternoon, we return to Taormina. You have free time to relax or explore as you wish - perhaps wander along Corso Umberto, browse the boutiques, or simply enjoy the coastal views.

Taormina - Savoca - Forza D'Árgo - Taormina. This morning, we travel into the hills above the Ionian coast to Savoca, a quiet medieval village made famous by The Godfather. We walk through its cobbled lanes, visit the Church of Santa Lucia, where Michael Corleone’s wedding scene was filmed, and stop at the iconic Bar Vitelli. We also enjoy a traditional Sicilian cannolo tasting.

We then continue to Forza d’Agrò, another atmospheric hilltop village and film location. Here, we enjoy lunch in a family-run trattoria, experiencing authentic local flavours in a relaxed setting.

Later, we return to Taormina. You may choose to visit the Ancient Greek Theatre, dramatically set above the sea with views towards Mount Etna and Naxos Bay (entrance fee payable locally). Alternatively, you can spend time wandering the lively streets and artisan shops.

Taormina - Syracuse - Ortigia - Noto. After breakfast, we head into the Sicilian countryside to a charming private villa surrounded by olive trees and citrus groves. Here, we take part in a hands-on cooking class with a welcoming local hostess, preparing traditional Sicilian dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. We then sit down together to enjoy the meal we have created, paired with regional wines and liqueurs.

Later, we continue to Syracuse for a guided visit of the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, one of Sicily’s most significant classical sites. We explore the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the limestone Ear of Dionysius - an atmospheric cave steeped in legend (entrance fee payable locally).

We then move on to Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse, where we walk past the Temple of Apollo and reach the elegant Piazza del Duomo, home to the Cathedral of Syracuse (entrance fee payable locally).

In the evening, we settle into our hotel in the Noto countryside and enjoy dinner.

Noto - Marzamemi - Noto. We begin our day in Noto, a UNESCO-listed town renowned for its golden Baroque architecture. We stroll along its elegant streets, admire the Cathedral of San Nicolò (entrance fee payable locally), and pause to enjoy a traditional granita served with brioche at a historic pastry shop.

We then continue south to the fishing village of Marzamemi. Here, we take a one-hour boat tour to explore the coastline and its clear turquoise waters. Afterwards, you have time to wander the charming piazza, browse small boutiques, or relax with a drink overlooking the sea.

Later, we return to our hotel in the Noto countryside, where we enjoy dinner

Noto - Agrigento - Palermo. Today, we travel to Agrigento to explore the remarkable Valley of the Temples, one of the finest examples of ancient Greek civilisation outside Greece. We walk among the impressive ruins, including the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Juno (entrance fee payable locally), set against a striking Sicilian landscape.

We then enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch in a local restaurant with views of the temples. Afterwards, we stroll through Agrigento’s historic centre and stop at a renowned pastry shop to taste traditional almond sweets.

Later, we continue to Palermo. On arrival, you have time to relax or explore at your own pace.

Palermo - Monreale - Palermo. This morning, we explore Palermo, a city shaped by centuries of Arab, Norman and Baroque influence. We visit the Palatine Chapel, renowned for its dazzling golden mosaics, and admire the Cathedral (entrance fee payable locally).

We then ride through the historic streets in a traditional Ape Calessino, passing through the lively Ballarò Market, where the colours, aromas and energy capture the spirit of the city. We pause to sample Palermo’s iconic street food, including arancini, panelle and crocchè, followed by a visit to a historic cloister to taste delicate pastries inspired by centuries-old convent recipes.

Later, we travel to Monreale to visit its magnificent Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its vast Byzantine mosaics, and stroll through the peaceful cloister (entrance fee payable locally).

In the evening, we return to Palermo, where you have free time to enjoy the city at your own pace.

Palermo - Cefalu - Palermo. We travel to the charming coastal town of Cefalù, where the impressive Norman Cathedral stands proudly by the sea. We explore the historic centre with its narrow medieval streets and take time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this seaside setting (entrance fee payable locally).

We then continue to the historic Duca di Salaparuta winery, founded in 1824, where we enjoy a light lunch paired with a tasting of the estate’s wines, celebrating one of Sicily’s most established wine-producing families.

Later, we return to Palermo. You have free time to explore the city at your own pace or simply relax and enjoy your final evening in Sicily.

After our final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you might have some time to enjoy a last stroll through Palermo’s lively streets, pick up a few final souvenirs, or simply relax and take in the atmosphere of the city.

You will then make your way to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels! Private airport transfers can be arranged on request.