Sicilian Secrets Premium Collection: the exclusive Sicily tour for 2027

Overnight stay: 4* Splendid Hotel, Taormina – Handwritten Collection

Welcome to Sicily!
Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel in Taormina, one of Sicily’s most beautiful seaside towns. Private airport transfers can be arranged on request. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and settle into the Sicilian lifestyle. Explore Taormina’s elegant pedestrian streets, browse local boutiques, enjoy a gelato overlooking the sea, or choose from one of the town’s excellent restaurants for dinner. Your Sicilian adventure begins in a destination renowned for its stunning coastal views, vibrant atmosphere and unique blend of history, culture and Mediterranean charm.

Included meals: Breakfast, Light lunch
Experiences: Traditional Sicilian Cannolo Tasting
Overnight stay: 4* Splendid Hotel, Taormina – Handwritten Collection

After breakfast, travel into the hills above the Ionian Coast to discover two of Sicily’s most authentic villages and famous filming locations from The Godfather. Your first stop is Savoca, where you’ll visit the Church of Santa Lucia and the iconic Bar Vitelli, both featured in the legendary film. Enjoy a traditional Sicilian cannolo while learning about local history, traditions and the connection between these villages and Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece. Continue to nearby Forza d’Agrò, a beautifully preserved medieval village overlooking the coastline. Here, enjoy lunch at a family-run trattoria where traditional Sicilian recipes and warm hospitality remain at the heart of everyday life. In the afternoon, return to Taormina for a guided visit of its historic centre, including the spectacular Ancient Greek Theatre. Perched above the sea with Mount Etna in the background, it is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Sicily. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore Taormina at your own pace.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Experiences: Jeep Adventure on Mount Etna, Wine Tasting
Overnight stay: 4* Splendid Hotel, Taormina – Handwritten Collection

Today is dedicated to one of Sicily’s most iconic landscapes: Mount Etna. Travel to Europe’s highest active volcano and explore its unique environment aboard a Land Rover Jeep accompanied by expert local guides. Drive through lava fields, ancient volcanic landscapes and mountain forests while learning about the geology and history of this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depending on weather and volcanic conditions, enjoy short walks through volcanic terrain and visit lava caves formed by historic eruptions. Continue to the renowned Terra Costantino Winery on the slopes of Mount Etna. Here, enjoy a guided tasting of Etna wines followed by a light lunch featuring local products that reflect the unique volcanic terroir of the region. In the afternoon, travel to Catania, Sicily’s second-largest city and one of its most authentic urban centres. During a guided walking tour, discover the city’s elegant Baroque architecture, lively piazzas, historic fish market area and daily local life. Return to Taormina in the late afternoon.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experiences: Authentic Sicilian Family Cooking Class
Overnight stay: 4* Villa Giulia Hotel, Noto

One of the most memorable experiences of the journey awaits today. Visit a private historic residence in the Sicilian countryside, where you will be welcomed by a local family. Together with the lady of the house, learn how to prepare traditional Sicilian recipes using fresh seasonal ingredients and cooking techniques passed down through generations. This is not a demonstration, but a genuine hands-on experience inside a family home where Sicilian hospitality and culinary traditions are still part of everyday life. After enjoying the lunch you have prepared, continue to Syracuse for a guided visit of the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre and the famous Ear of Dionysius.
The day continues in Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse. Walk through elegant piazzas, narrow streets and waterfront promenades while discovering the rich Greek, Roman and Baroque heritage of this remarkable city. Later, arrive at your historic countryside hotel near Noto where dinner is served.

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Experiences: Granita & Brioche Tasting, Boat Tour, Sicilian Aperitif.
Overnight stay: 4* Villa Giulia Hotel, Noto

This morning, explore Noto, widely regarded as the capital of Sicilian Baroque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through its elegant historic centre, admire the Cathedral of San Nicolò and discover why Noto is considered one of Italy’s most beautiful towns. Enjoy a traditional Sicilian granita served with freshly baked brioche at a historic local pastry shop before continuing your journey south. In the afternoon, reach the charming fishing village of Marzamemi. Enjoy a relaxing boat excursion along the coastline, discovering hidden coves and crystal-clear waters. Back on land, explore the village’s picturesque streets and historic tuna fishery before enjoying a traditional Sicilian aperitif in one of the waterfront cafés. Return to your hotel in the Noto countryside for dinner.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Experiences: Traditional Sicilian Pastry Tasting
Overnight stay in Palermo: 4* Palazzo Liberty Unique Hotel, Palermo

Today travel across Sicily towards Palermo. Along the way, stop in Agrigento to visit the extraordinary Valley of the Temples, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accompanied by a local guide, explore the remarkably preserved Greek temples, including the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Juno, while learning about the history of ancient Akragas. Lunch is served at a selected local restaurant overlooking the archaeological area. Before departing, enjoy a walk through Agrigento’s historic centre and stop at a traditional pastry shop to sample local almond specialties. Continue to Palermo and check in to your hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast, Light Lunch
Experiences: Winery Visit and Wine Tasting
Overnight stay*: 4* Palazzo Liberty Unique, Palermo

Travel to the historic Duca di Salaparuta winery, one of Sicily’s most prestigious wine estates. Founded in 1824, the winery has played a key role in the development of modern Sicilian winemaking. During your visit, learn about the estate’s history and production methods before enjoying a guided wine tasting. A light lunch featuring local products is served alongside the wines. Continue along Sicily’s northern coastline to the beautiful seaside town of Cefalù. Explore its historic centre, visit the magnificent Norman Cathedral and enjoy free time to wander the charming streets, browse artisan shops or simply relax by the waterfront. Return to Palermo in the afternoon.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Experiences: Ape Calessino ride, street food experience, local specialties tasting
Overnight stay*: 4* Palazzo Liberty Unique Hotel, Palermo

Today is dedicated to experiencing Palermo through its history, culture and food. Begin with a guided tour of the city’s highlights, including the Palatine Chapel and Palermo Cathedral, two of Sicily’s most important cultural landmarks. Then board an Ape Calessino for a fun and authentic ride through Palermo’s historic centre. Continue to the lively Mercato del Capo, one of the city’s most famous markets. Here you will experience the vibrant atmosphere of everyday Palermo while tasting some of Sicily’s most iconic street food specialties, including arancine, panelle, crocchè and other local favourites.
The culinary experience continues with a tasting of traditional Sicilian pastries prepared according to historic recipes that have been preserved for generations. The afternoon is free to explore Palermo at your own pace, enjoy some shopping or relax before your final evening in Sicily.

Included meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy some free time before your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, take a final stroll through Palermo’s historic streets, enjoy a coffee in one of the city’s elegant piazzas or simply relax at the hotel. Your Sicilian Secrets journey concludes today. Private airport transfers can be arranged on request.