Experience Beautiful Sicily by Car

You may be surprised, especially when you land in its beautifully located coastal airport, by Palermo's bustle and traffic. You'll have time to dive in properly, but first, head from the airport to right outside the city-center for a couple of nights at Villa Igiea. It is a spectacular, historic hotel that makes you feel like you've suddenly made friends with an old Sicilian baroness, who's invited you to stay. Order an afternoon espresso (or Prosecco) on the terrace, watching the boats come and go.

Over the next two days in the city, you'll want to visit the gold-covered Capella Palatina and the stunning Teatro Massimo. Take a leisurely stroll down Via Ballaro, exploring the open air market, while trying some local snacks (panelle, wild strawberries if you're lucky and little fried fish), and spring for a cooking class with Gabriella Garajo.

Today, you'll wake up to your fabulous breakfast buffet at Villa Igiea, and your rental car, which will be delivered to the front of the hotel. It's time to hit the road. You're en route inland to the most picturesque, rambling villa with an open kitchen, lovely and rustic, little spa and the most "make yourself at home" energy -Fontes Episcopi. This feels less like a baroness invited you to stay, and more like your coolest friend who randomly finds the best places, has invited you to stay.

While you're here, you'll partake in a cooking class with the hotel's chef, swim in the pool, have a holistic spa treatment in the massive oak tubs and generally slow all the way down.

This is a great location, as you are in close proximity to some fantastic exploring. For instance the incredible and fascinating Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is just twenty-plus minutes away! If you feel like sitting on the southern coast for a sunset aperitivo and dinner, you're an hour's drive from the lovely Verdura Resort, as well as ADLER Sicilia. Both of which have gorgeous restaurants and spas. Plan accordingly.

Today, you'll wake up and bid arrivederci to Fontes Episcopi for the glitz and glam of Taormina. Yes, we're heading into "White Lotus" territory today, but you'll make at least one authentically Sicilian stop en route. Santa Maria La Nave is a stunning winery on Mount Etna, which is dedicated to its fertile land, ensuring successful harvests year after year. Stop in for lunch with wine pairings as you watch the chef prepare handmade pasta for you, from seven types of ancient milled grains. You'll taste their incredible wines while looking out at a volcano. It's unforgettable.

Continuing on your road trip, you will drive about thirty minutes to Taormina. You have the option to either check into the Four Seasons San Domenico (for the full in-town Taormina experience), or the Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea. The latter is located just outside the center of town, and is right on the water with its own private beach. Your car can be arranged to be picked up from your Taormina hotel.

Spend your last days here swimming, sunbathing, eating and then repeat. You'll fly out of Catania (an hour's drive from Taormina), which has many direct, international and connecting flights. Say a la prossima to Sicily, because you'll definitely be back!