The Soul of Sicily

Once you land at Palermo Airport, please make your way to our beautiful boutique hotel in Cefalù, Alberi del Paradiso. If your flight arrives by 1:30 pm, you are welcome to join the group transfer departing the airport at 2:15 pm. Guests arriving a day early may either take a taxi to the hotel or purchase our optional private arrival transfer.

Perched on a hillside just above town, Alberi del Paradiso offers stunning views of the whitewashed village of Cefalù and the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea. Each room features a private balcony, providing the perfect setting to relax and soak in the scenery.

After you settle into your room, spend the afternoon strolling into town and lounging on one of Sicily's finest beaches while marveling at the stunning Arab-Norman architectural wonders surrounding you. 

We'll toast to the journey ahead with a welcome drink later in the evening, then transfer to dinner in town.

After a hearty hotel breakfast, we'll depart for the stunning Abbazia Santa Anastasia winery in Castelbuono. This historic 12th-century Benedictine abbey on the slopes of Mount Etna is renowned for producing exceptional wines that beautifully express the unique volcanic terroir.

After exploring the estate, a local guide will lead us on a walking tour of the charming village of Castelbuono, with a special stop at a renowned pastry shop to sample the famous pistachio panettone. We'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a lovely local restaurant, where we can savor the flavors of Sicilian cuisine.

Indulge in a leisurely afternoon around Cefalù. With its long sandy beach hugging the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, UNESCO-listed Catholic Cathedrals, and a lively promenade with perfect sunset views, you won't run out of activities for the evening. 

Dinner will be in the old town tonight at a delicious pizzeria, the perfect ending to a wonderful day in Sicily.

Today is all about food, so be sure not to fill up too much on breakfast! We're heading to Palermo, a vibrant, cosmopolitan city about an hour away. 

We'll stroll through the bustling Mercato del Capo, perhaps seizing the opportunity to sample a few delectable Sicilian treats along the way, such as the famous panelle (chickpea fritters) and arancine (deep-fried rice balls). 

After exploring the market, we’ll sit down at a local taverna for a three-course lunch before the adventure continues. 

Following lunch, we'll be sure to stop at the stunning Dome of Monreale, an architectural masterpiece dating back to the Norman period. Its interior walls are entirely adorned with breathtaking Byzantine mosaics, and 228 intricately designed columns surround the outdoor walkway and courtyard.

After a day of culinary and cultural exploration, we’ll return to our hilltop oasis for dinner in its beautiful citrus garden while the sun sets. 

After breakfast, it’s time to check out and bid farewell to Cefalù. Today, we're off to the stunning landscapes of Agrigento to explore the ancient wonders of this hilltop city.

Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most iconic remnants of classical Greek civilization. We’ll explore the history and grandeur of this ancient site, marveling at the well-preserved Temples of Juno and Concordia. 

We'll enjoy a delightful home-cooked lunch in an exclusive garden overlooking the temples, a stunning slice of paradise where nature and history collide. 

After lunch, our driver will meet us for a transfer to our next accommodation in Ragusa. But first, we'll stop at Villa Romana del Casale, another UNESCO site, renowned for over 35,000 square feet of intricate mosaics depicting ancient life, mythology, and culture.

Our home for the next few days is the 5-star Antica Badia Relais Hotel, a charming renovated 18th-century convent nested in the old town of Ragusa. We'll enjoy a group dinner at one of the nearby restaurants before turning in for the night. 

Our day begins with a hearty hotel breakfast. We'll step right outside of our hotel into the ancient stone labyrinths of Ragusa, spending the morning discovering the noble palaces and cathedrals that make this town so artistically splendid. 

Continuing, we'll visit gli AROMI, a fully immersive farm estate located just outside of Scicli. As we soak in the magical views of the Mediterranean Sea, a guide will show us how plants are cultivated using traditional methods and immerse us in the region's aromas and flavors through demonstrations and tastings. 

Lunch will be a meal prepared with fresh herbs from the garden, and we'll even be able to take home a blend of dried herbs to use in our own kitchens.

To round out the day, a guide will show us around Modica, one of southern Sicily's most unique destinations. 

As we arrive in this medieval hillside town, our first stop will be at Il Laboratorio, a chocolate-making factory that's a delight for the senses. We'll watch as expert chocolatiers create their specialties, and we'll even get to sample a few! Afterward, embrace the chance to stroll around town, admiring its beautiful architecture and Baroque cathedral. 

It's been a big day. Dinner is on your own tonight or with new friends; your guide would be happy to give some local recommendations. 

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, our driver will pick us up at 9 am for a full day of ocean views and history. 

We'll begin on the enchanting island of Ortigia, a coastal oasis of sunlit Baroque façades and shimmering turquoise waters. We'll board a boat for a gentle ride around the island, gliding past sea caves and ancient forts perched on the cliffsides, a picturesque introduction to the history and beauty of this region.

Back on land, let's wander through Ortigia’s heart with a knowledgeable guide, discovering grand piazzas and the magical Fountain of Arethusa, a natural spring famous within Greek mythology. We'll pause to enjoy a relaxed lunch, savoring local specialties that capture the essence of Sicilian flavor.

Continuing on, we'll drive to the town of Noto, an architectural wonder so gorgeous you might mistake it for a film set. Home to one of Sicily's most beautiful historic centers, and we'll have about an hour to wander the town, shop, and stop by a local cafè to taste the famous Italian granita (crunchy, flavored ice). 

We'll head back to the hotel after a long day of sun-soaked adventures to rest and refresh. Dinner is on your own tonight.  

Today we journey from Ragusa to Taormina, a scenic drive of approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, with a meaningful stop in Siracusa along the way. There, we'll step into the remarkable Neapolis Archaeological Park, one of Sicily’s most compelling windows into the ancient world.

Set just beyond the modern city, Neapolis brings together some of the island’s most significant Greek and Roman monuments in an expansive, impressive landscape. The Greek Theater, carved into the hillside in the 5th century BC, is at the core of the site. It offers sweeping views toward the sea, and its grand scale continues to impress visitors even centuries later.

Nearby, we'll explore the legendary Ear of Dionysius, a soaring limestone cave known for its remarkable acoustics. Walking inside, we can admire its soaring height and the haunting elegance of its curved walls.

Our last stop is another jewel of the area: The Roman Amphitheater. Highlighting the Roman influence in Siracusa, this arena once hosted gladiatorial combats and public spectacles, a vivid reminder of the city's dynamic cultural layers.

Once in Taormina, we'll check into Villa Schuler, a third-generation owner-run hotel that feels like we just stepped into someone's very elegant home. Settle into your room and indulge in the sweeping views of Mt. Etna before we gather in the lobby for dinner. 

This evening, we'll dive into the heart of Sicilian tradition with a hands-on cooking experience in the enchanting setting of Giardini di Babilonia, a journey through Sicily’s authentic flavors, using fresh, seasonal ingredients picked straight from the garden. Our passionate chefs will guide us through preparing a traditional Sicilian menu from start to sweet finish. Buon appetito!

Today's schedule is entirely up to you. We've had so many adventures thus far; we want to hand the reins over to you to explore this iconic city at your leisure. 

Perhaps you'll take a stroll down the main street in Taormina, Corso Umberto, and peruse the boutique shops, gelaterias, and historic buildings. 

Then you could head to the ancient Greek Theatre, Teatro Antico di Taormina. This well-preserved amphitheater offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the coastline. 

Experience genuine Sicilian flavors at a local trattoria. Sample the pasta alla Norma or fresh seafood, and be sure to enjoy a glass of regional wine with your meal.

In the afternoon, take a relaxing walk through the lush gardens of Villa Comunale, or maybe hop on a cable car over to Isola Bella to explore an ornate, Baroque palace. 

Relish dinner at one of Taormina's rooftop restaurants, then finish your day with a visit to a local gelateria for a scoop (or two) of gelato. Sit on a bench in Piazza Duomo and relax while watching the world pass by.

Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready for the incredible adventure ahead! Today's excursion to Mount Etna will include craters, volcanic caves, and trails that wind through the heart of Etna's lush undergrowth. 

The adventure begins in our 4x4 Jeeps. As we head to the northern side of Etna, an expert guide will share fascinating stories and legends about the villages surrounding the volcano. 

Once we reach the heart of the protected area of Etna Park, we’ll start our trekking adventure along trails that wind through the underbrush. Surrounded by pines, birches, and ancient lava flows, make sure to take a moment and soak in the stunning landscapes and craters.

Lunch will be at a popular local winery, where we can savor regional dishes. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Taormina, giving you free time to explore at your own pace. 

We'll gather for our farewell dinner later this evening at Nunziatina, sharing Sicilian-style "tapas" and reminiscing on the wonderful week we've shared. 

Today is the day we must bid farewell to our Sicilian home away from home. After one last breakfast together, we'll take a group airport transfer to the Catania Airport, depending on our collective flight times.

Make sure to share phone numbers and photos from our trip to keep the memories of fun times and friends you've met along the way. Ciao!