Custom Private Tours of Sicily

Upon your arrival in Sicily we will be very happy to greet you at the Falcone e Borsellino Airport (Palermo airport, PMO) and bring you to Palermo (39 km - 24 miles), the capital of Sicily in the Northern coast of the island, a town that boasts more than 2,700 years of history, art and culture. The transportation from the airport of Palermo to the hotel is guaranteed regardless of the time and the day of your arrival in Sicily. You will check-in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Note: Palermo is a great place for shopping. You will find a variety of artisanal shops and high-end brand name stores. If you are into the party scene and meeting locals, the city is also known for its vibrant nightlife. OPTIONS FOR EARLY ARRIVAL IN PALERMO (ON REQUEST) We may provide you an English speaking driver (and on request also an English speaking local guide) to visit: #1Mount Pellegrino. #2 Mondello.

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. 09.00 am: appointment in the hotel lobby with an English speaking local guide. Your day begins with the guided walking tour of the historic center of Palermo. You will be awe struck by the beautiful Palermo Cathedral, the Quattro Canti, the Fountain of Shame, the Teatro Massimo Opera House (the Teatro Massimo is the third largest opera house in Europe, and is featured in The Godfather III), and many more churches, palaces, and other must-see places in Palermo. The open air markets and street food in Palermo are an attraction worth visiting, and tasting! The city is ranked 5th among the world's best places for the quality of its street food. Discovering the city’s culinary heritage is like going back in time and exploring the layers of Sicily’s past. You will enjoy delicious food while visiting beautiful sites and monuments!

After luch you will venture off to Monreale by tour bus (12 km - 7 miles from Palermo). The main reason for visiting Monreale is to see the Cathedral built in the 12th century, a must in your tour of Sicily. Monreale is a small village situated on the slopes of a rugged hill. It overlooks the ‘Conca d'oro’, the fertile valley of Palermo with the shore of the Mediterranean in the near distance and the city of Palermo. The Norman Cathedral of Monreale (1174) is one of the finest examples of sacred architecture in Italy because of its refined Byzantine mosaics made with gold tesserae. They represent scenes from the Old and New Testament. You will be amazed by the famous Christ Pantocrator. It's an impressive huge mosaic and also a masterpiece of perspective illusion on the spherical wall behind the main altar. You will return to your hotel in the afternoon. Your evening is on your own.

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. 08.30 am: meeting with your driver in the hotel lobby. You will move to Erice in the Westernmost point of Sicily.You will head up to Erice (124 km – 77 miles from Palermo), a beautiful village ‘suspended in time’ at 750 meters (2200 feet) above sea level. Erice boasts one of the most spectacular views in Sicily facing the Egadian Islands and Trapani! You will also look out the terrace at the Pepoli towers that overlook Mt. Cofano and the gorgeous coastline to San Vito lo Capo. Then you will walk through the narrow, well-kept, cobblestone streets that lead to the cathedral and cross the ancient Trapani gate. At lunchtime you will be welcomed in the most renowned restaurant in the village that offers great seafood and delicious dishes from the most traditional Sicilian cuisine. You will return to the hotel in Palermo in the late afternoon. Your evening is on your own.

ON REQUEST: after lunch you may visit follow the ‘salt road’ from Erice to Marsala. It is a surreal environment with pink flamingos, ‘Saline’ (sea salt fields) and windmills used to pump water and grind salt. Marsala (52 km – 32 miles from Erice) boasts some of the most popular wineries in Italy. You may be welcomed into Florio, a historic winery (almost two hundred years old) and enjoy a great wine tasting of some renowned Sicilian wines. This is your chance to enter into a stimulating environment and be seduced by amazing essences. This is a must for all wine enthusiasts!

ON REQUEST: In Erice, you may be invited by a renowned chef at his house that boasts a great view on Mt. Cofano and the west coast of Sicily. You will learn how he prepares some traditional Sicilian receipts such as “cous cous” (an Arabic culinary specialty, now great expression of our culture) and then you will enjoy the lunch all together. During the lunch you will realize why the area of Trapani is famous for the great quality of its olive tree groves and so you will enjoy the traditional Sicilian olive oil paired with delicious food made by the chef.

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant and check out. 09.30 am: meeting with your driver in the hotel lobby. You will depart to Caccamo to visit a part of Sicily that is off the beaten track and still unknown to tourists. The town’s medieval architecture and ancient narrow streets set a timeless atmosphere that is sure to leave a strong impression on you. A local guide will show you around the Caccamo Castle. This impressive fortress is the largest of its kind in Sicily. It was built by the Normans in the 12th century at the summit of a rocky peak. The castle offers breathtaking views extending on the Rosamarina Lake and as far as the Mediterranean Sea. The castle holds an important historical significance as it was never successfully conquered. It is sure to make you feel like you travelled back into middle ages.

Finally we will depart to Cefalù, a picturesque fishing village located on the northern coastline of Sicily, (39 km 24 miles from Caccamo) that will be your home base for the next night in Sicily. Cefalù is surrounded by an enviable promontory that follows a beautiful coastline. It is certainly a ‘postcard-worthy’ Sicilian village! You will check-in at your accommodation by the sea and enjoy some down time at leisure. You may enjoy the afternoon at the sandy beach in Cefalù (one of the best beaches in Sicily) or you may go browse at one of the many handicraft shops in the quaint medieval streets.

ON REQUEST: Guided visit of Cefalù. You may meet an English speaking local guide in the hotel lobby and discover Cefalù. This town also boasts an important heritage. In addition to the lovely seaside, it is very picturesque thanks to its medieval architecture. During your guided visit of Cefalù you may stroll through charming narrow streets covered with cobblestones that lead to the majestic cathedral built in 1131. The Cathedral in Cefalù belongs to the Arab-Norman itinerary (UNESCO's World Heritage Sites).

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant and check-out. 8.30 am: meeting in the hotel lobby. You will cross Sicily from North to South to the Valley of the Temples (153 km – 95 miles from Cefalù) a UNESCO site and one of the best places to visit in Sicily! You'll take a pleasant guided walking tour of this amazing archaeological site. Your English speaking local guide will show you the buildings that were once dedicated to the Pagan Gods. As you walk amongst the ruins, you will find yourself surrounded by olive trees and almond trees that are hundreds of years old. One of the most impressive monuments, Temple of Concordia, built in the fifth century BC is still standing. This temple is one of the most beautiful Greek temples in Sicily and definitely the best preserved Greek temple outside of Greece.

Finally it's off to head to the South East of Sicily and reach Ragusa Ibla, another UNESCO site and your home base for the night! You'll check-in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

ON REQUEST: Guided visit of Ragusa. With an English speaking local guide you may discover true postcard landscapes and a stunning village rich in narrow cobbled streets, churches, and palaces from the 17th and 18th century. The most of them are adorned with capitals made of local stone and inlaid by the hands of skilled craftsmen. Ragusa is popular thanks to its unique architectural style, the Val di Noto Baroque. The city was destroyed by the devastating earthquake in 1693 and this is the reason why this town retains various artistic wonders and has been included in the UNESCO Heritage Site list.

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant and check-out. 9.00 am: meeting with the driver in the hotel lobby and transfer to Modica, one more UNESCO site! You will be astonished by a wonderful view of the historic center of this village from a viewpoint. Then you will board a vintage Fiat 500 from the late 60s or early 70s, an unusual and funny iconic Italian vehicle ideal for exploring the narrow streets of Modica. With expert local drivers you will enjoy an unconventional ride along the cathedral of Saint George and the other highlights in Modica.

Then it's off to Noto (UNESCO site). Also the ancient town of Noto was virtually razed by the 1693 Sicilian earthquake. It was then decided to re-build the new town 5 miles south of the original location. The best architects of that time created a masterpiece! The layout utilized the sloping hillside for outstanding scenic effects. The town was dubbed the "Stone Garden" and is currently listed among UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Noto will surprise you with gorgeous buildings, stairways and churches from the 18th century. The majestic cathedral and most of the buildings are made with yellow limestone. You will be impressed by the stunning balconies adorned with animals, funny faces, and mythological figures! During the stroll in Noto, we recommend you to have a pleasant stop at one of the best café in town. You must try a flavorful ‘granita’ (traditional Sicilian puree of fruit and sugar).

Then it's off to move to Syracuse (Unesco site), your home base for the next 2 nights in Sicily. Actually you will reach Ortigia, the stunning historic center of Syracuse. Ortigia is separated from the mainland by a narrow canal and is accessible by bridge. You'll check-in at an accommodation ideally located in the heart of the old city center.

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. 09.00 am: you will meet your English speaking local guide in the hotel lobby. You will enjoy an amazing guided walking tour of Ortigia, the wonderful historic center of Syracuse. Syracuse combines a rich cultural heritage, small town charm, beautiful scenery, and offers a great variety of activities. The town is almost 2700 years old and it is one of the most beautiful UNESCO sites in Sicily. In the city center, you will have the chance to admire the remains of Sicily’s Greek past: the temple of Apollo (the oldest temple in Sicily), and the temple of Athena (incorporated into the town’s Cathedral, which is also one of the first Christian churches in Europe). Syracuse’s white limestone buildings are sure to amaze you. During the walking tour you will visit the outdoor market of Ortigia, some beautiful palaces and fountains from last centuries and some proofs of the Norman period (12th century) such as the Castle of Maniace.

ON REQUEST: (options for the afternoon): Archaeological park of Syracuse. If you are an archaeology enthusiast, we can provide you with a private vehicle and an English speaking local guide to visit the archaeological park of Syracuse. The park’s main attractions are the ancient Greek theater (the largest and the best preserved in the entire Hellenic world), and the Ear of Dionysus. Private boat tour. If you are sea lover, we may provide you with a private boat tour along the coastline of Ortigia and the Plemmirio Nature Reserve.

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant and check-out. 08.30 am: meeting in the hotel lobby with your driver. You will depart to Mt. Etna and reach Rifugio Sapienza (1900 mt – 6000 ft). Wear your sport shoes and wind jacket... you will get the opportunity to walk along the edge of an extinguished crater and see the remnants of previous lava flows. This is a very easy and pleasant trail! Mt Etna was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2013 and is the highest active volcano in Europe (3430 mt – 10.922 ft), but offers a wide range of activities to do at lower altitudes. The slopes of the volcano are also covered by many stunning wineries which produce some of the finest wines in the world. At lunch time we will bring you to a historical winery whose vineyards are surrounded by beautiful and fascinating natural environments. An enologist-sommelier will show you the old cellars in which renowned Mt. Etna wines are aged.

Then it's off to Taormina, the jewel of Sicily and your home base for the next 2 nights in Sicily. You will check-in at your accommodation and spend the rest of the day at leisure and enjoy the vibrant night life of Taormina. You may decide to stay in the heart of Taormina, (Taormina was built by the ancient Greeks on a fertile hill - 658 ft. above a turquoise sea. In this case we recommend you to stay near Corso Umberto, the most charming pedestrian street of this beautiful village) or you may decide to stay by the sea near Isola Bella (the Beautiful Island), that is the best beach in Taormina.

Breakfast at the hotel. 9.30 am: reach Porta Messina and meet a young local English speaking chef born in Taormina. You will enjoy a fascinating journey into Sicily’s rich cuisine, history and culture. Your venture starts with a journey deep into the colorful local market to purchase ingredients for your cooking class. The local chef will instructs you in the selection of the best vegetables and how to tell fresh fish from bad fish! In his warm and welcoming house, you will engage in a hands-on cooking class and enjoy the four-course Sicilian menu that you have prepared together. Duration: 9.30 am – 3.00 pm (the lesson is not private) Your afternoon and evening are on your own. Tips: in the afternoon you may stroll in Taormina on your own to enjoy leisure and shopping in Corso Umberto, the most elegant pedestrian street in town. Or you may walk to the funicular station to reach the sea in 5 minutes. The cable car enables you to admire a wonderful scenic landscape!

ON REQUEST: Taormina combines the natural beauty with the artistic and archaeological heritage. On request we may provide you with an English speaking local guide in order to visit the highlights in Taormina such as the world famous ancient Greek Theater from the 2nd century bC.

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Leisure time according to your flight departure and check-out. Departure to the airport Fontanarossa, Catania, CTA (67 km – 41 miles from Taormina). Bye bye Sicily! The transportation is guaranteed regardless of the time and the day of your departure from Sicily.