Curator’s statement
This journey traverses Sicily's most captivating corners, from bustling markets to serene coastlines. Perfect for travelers wanting to get the most out of a trip and seeking both cultural immersion and luxurious comfort. You’ll experience Sicily's rich heritage through its architecture, witness its natural wonders and savor its renowned cuisine while staying in some of the island's finest hotels. This itinerary covers a good part of the island focusing on Palermo, Sciacca, Syracuse/Ortigia and Taormina; however many travelers will choose to focus on either the north and west or south and eastern areas of the island. Palermo: Sicily's vibrant capital blends Norman, Arab and Byzantine influences, most visible in its UNESCO-listed monuments and bustling street markets. Sciacca: This charming fishing port sits dramatically on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, known for its thermal baths and ceramic artisans. Ortigia: This small island connected to Syracuse is a maze of ancient Greek ruins and baroque piazzas, centered around its magnificent Duomo built into a Greek temple. Taormina: This glamorous resort town perches on a cliff above the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna as its backdrop, featuring a stunning ancient Greek theater and medieval streets.
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Day 1: Arrive in Palermo & explore
Afternoon: Start fighting jet lag with an immersive walk through Palermo's historic heart, where you'll discover magnificent Arab-Norman architecture at the 12th-century Cathedral, wander the atmospheric streets of the medieval Kalsa quarter and marvel at artistic treasures like the Byzantine mosaics of Chiesa della Martorana, the elaborate Pretoria Fountain and the grandeur of Teatro Massimo, Europe's third-largest opera house.
Evening: Choose between panoramic dining at the contemporary Doba Restaurant with its stunning rooftop views, or experience authentic Sicilian cuisine in the cozy, traditional atmosphere of Trattoria Altri Tempi.
Day 2: Monreale & food culture
Morning: Begin your day with a 30-minute bus or taxi to Monreale, where the cathedral's breathtaking Byzantine mosaics and sweeping views over the Conca d'Oro (Golden Valley) offer a serene morning of artistic and architectural wonder.
Afternoon: Dive into Palermo's rich culinary heritage in the afternoon with a guided food tour through the city's historic markets — from the ancient stalls of Ballarò to the artistic legacy of Vucciria and the seafood treasures of Capo Market — where you'll taste your way through Sicilian specialties like sfincione, pane e pannelle, arancini, fresh cannoli and brioche con gelato.
Day 3: Cooking class & coastal luxury
Morning: Head to Menfi's Planeta Foresteria for an immersive Sicilian cooking class.
Afternoon: Continue to the luxurious Verdura Resort, your home for the next three nights.
Evening: Relax over dinner at Liola, where traditional trattoria-style dishes are served with a view.
Day 4: Verdura resort relaxation
Dedicate today to pure relaxation at Verdura Resort, where you can indulge in a spa treatment, unwind on the private beach or challenge yourself on one of the resort's two championship golf courses.
Evening: As the day winds down, savor the spectacular golden hour views with cocktails at the elegant Amare Terrace Bar before enjoying a refined Sicilian dining experience at Zagara restaurant.
Day 5: Wine tasting at Donnafugata
Late morning: Start your day with a scenic hour's drive to the celebrated Donnafugata winery at Contessa Entellina, where you'll discover the estate's prestigious wines through a guided tasting in the heart of Sicily's wine country.
Afternoon and evening: On your return journey to Verdura, explore the charming fishing port of Sciacca, culminating in dinner at either the beloved local Trattoria Mokarta or the refined Colapesce Ristorante, both offering authentic tastes of the region.
Day 6: Ancient wonders & Roman mosaics
Early morning: Begin early with an hour's drive to Agrigento's Valley of the Temples, where a guided tour of this magnificent Greek archaeological site is best experienced in the cool morning light.
Early afternoon: Continue on for 90 minutes to Villa Romana del Casale, another UNESCO World Heritage site to marvel at its extraordinarily preserved Roman mosaics with your pre-arranged guide.
Evening: Complete your journey with a two-hour drive to Syracuse/Ortigia, where you can unwind from your day of ancient discoveries with a light dinner at the charming Sicilia in Tavola restaurant.
Day 7: Ortigia exploration
Morning: Begin your day wandering through Ortigia's atmospheric morning market before exploring the island's treasures at your own pace, including the ancient Temple of Apollo, the stunning Baroque cathedral in Piazza Duomo, a refreshing boat tour through sea caves and the historic Jewish Quarter with its mythical Fountain of Arethusa.
Evening: Cap off your day of discovery with a memorable dinner at Don Camillo, where you'll savor authentic Syracusan cuisine in a warm, traditional setting.
Day 8: Baroque splendors of Ragusa & Modica
Morning: Explore the baroque jewel of Ragusa Ibla with your private guide, wandering through its UNESCO-listed historic center to discover architectural masterpieces like the Cathedral of San Giorgio and charming hidden corners.
Afternoon: Continue to nearby Modica, where you'll weave through the city's famous stairways and baroque churches before experiencing the town's chocolate-making heritage with a tasting at Sabadì's historic workshop.
Day 9: Noto en route to Taormina
Morning: En route to Taormina, explore the baroque splendor of Noto, where golden limestone buildings line graceful streets — be sure to sample the famous granita at Caffè Sicilia and climb Palazzo Nicolaci for panoramic views over this architectural jewel.
Afternoon & evening: After checking in to your hotel, enjoy a cocktail at the Four Seasons' Bar and Chiostro, famous for it’s appearance in White Lotus Season 2. Reservations required if not staying at the hotel. For a dinner with locals visit Ristorante Malvasia or visit Villa Zuccaro.
Day 10: Mount Etna adventure
Morning: Journey up Mount Etna with expert guides to explore Europe's largest active volcano, discovering ancient lava fields and geological wonders, followed by wine tasting at family-run estates on the volcano's fertile slopes.
Afternoon: On your way back to your hotel, stop and unwind with craft cocktails at Bar Sant'Andrea's elegant terrace, where the Bay of Mazzarò provides a spectacular backdrop for reflecting on your day of volcanic adventures.
Day 11: Taormina at leisure
Morning: Savor your final day in Taormina exploring its highlights — from the ancient Greek Theatre to the beautiful Isola Bella beach (accessible by cable car), with time for shopping along Corso Umberto and perhaps a hike up to Chiesa Madonna della Rocca for spectacular views.
Evening: Celebrate your last night in Sicily at the intimate Otto Geleng, where innovative Michelin-starred cuisine is served against the backdrop of Mount Etna and the Mediterranean. Advance reservation is required.
Day 12: Farewell to Sicily
Morning: Final breakfast and departure from Catania airport
Need to know
Practical information
While a rental car offers flexibility, consider hiring a private driver for this itinerary as it covers significant distances. Note that a car is unnecessary in Palermo and can be a hindrance.
The ideal times to visit Sicily are April-May and late September to early November. Many luxury resorts close from late November through March, so plan accordingly.
If driving, obtain an international driver's license — most rental agencies require it, and you'll face fines if stopped without one.
Taormina, though the most touristic destination, merits splurging on accommodations — the stunning views, exceptional service and world-class amenities at its luxury properties are worth the investment.
Pack comfortable, flat walking shoes as Sicily's historic towns feature many steep streets and steps.
Guests at either Belmond Grand Timeo or Villa Sant'Andrea enjoy reciprocal access to both properties' facilities, allowing you to experience the best of hillside and beachfront locations.
Travel Advisor
Sarah Eppler
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