Day 1 - Arrive Sicily

Sicily has beckoned seafaring wanderers since the trials of Odysseus were first sung in Homer's Odyssey. The island has been a melting pot of great Mediterranean cultures: first Greek and Roman; then Arab and Norman; and finally French, Spanish and Italian. The evidence lies in the temples of Agrigento and Syracuse, the Monreale Cathedral near Palermo, and the theatre at Taormina. A culture shock to some, Sicily presents an old-world charm that has long since left the mainland. Nothing can beat the feeling of enjoying a sundowner on a warm Taormina evening with the Mediterranean lapping far below you, and the natural light show of Mount Etna playing in front of you as lava continues to roll down, as it has done for millennia.

Upon arrival at Catania airport, you will be welcomed to Italy by your local A&K Guardian Angel as you exit customs into the arrivals hall, and transferred to your hotel where you will be assisted with check-in procedures.

The San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel - Taormina features multiple terraces with clear views of the surrounding waters, as well as Mount Etna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a beach club, lush gardens containing a pool, and several restaurants and bars, including the two-Michelin star restaurant, Principe Cerami. Regarded as one of the most famous hotels in the world, San Domenico Palace welcomed notable guests, including Oscar Wilde, Elizabeth Taylor, and DH Lawrence, among many others. Along with idyllic natural surroundings, Taormina is also home to countless historical attractions, including an ancient Greek Theatre and the Corvaja Palace from the medieval era. The Hotel also includes a state-of-the-art spa with seven treatment rooms, an indoor pool, and a Turkish bath. You can look forward to exceptional service and updated amenities when visiting San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel, while enjoying the atmosphere and allure of the hotel’s historic surroundings.

Overnight: San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a FS Hotel

Meal Plan:

Day 2 - Sicily

Perched atop a high cliff, Taormina appears to float above the azure waters of the Bay of Naxos. The air in Sicily’s most glamorous spot is perfumed with the scent of orange and lemon blossoms, and here you find narrow streets full of local colours and flavour. Explore this little corner of paradise as you stroll through Taormina’s main street, Corso Umberto, revealing chic stores and plenty for history buffs. Visit the Greek Theatre, whose unparalleled position offers spectacular views of Mount Etna and the surrounding landscape. Later, continue to the medieval village of Castelmola di Sicilia, amazingly founded on a crag high above Taormina. Castelmola retains its medieval character, layout, and its position, both tranquil and peaceful, offering the perfect spot for enjoying the locally-produced almond wine.

Afterwards, continue to Castello degli Schiavi.

Castello degli Schiavi has been in the limelight because of the place chosen by famous film directors who have filmed scenes of the film: Francis Ford Coppola, preferred this setting for major scenes, like the unforgettable explosion of the car after the wedding, "The Godfather", a masterpiece of the most prestigious awards; Mike White picked this location for the Di Grasso’s tour in The White Lotus.

After your excursion, you are privately transferred back to your hotel. (6 hours, driver and guide).

Overnight: San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a FS Hotel

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Sicily

This morning, while skies are clearest, head into the fertile lava flow of Europe’s largest active volcano. Your route takes you along the winding, pleasant roads which pass through Etna wine country. Mount Etna dominates much of the landscape and nature of eastern Sicily and from various lookout points, on top of the slumbering giant, it is possible to survey much of the fertile volcanic lowlands covered in almond trees, olive groves, citrus plantations, and rolling vineyards below.

After ascending to 3,000 feet by road, travel by cable car into the heart of the black, lunar landscape, an otherworldly departure from the lush subtropical vegetation of Taormina. Enjoy a stop for lunch with wine tasting at Planeta winery (upon availability). At the end of the day, you are privately transferred back to your hotel. (8 hours, driver and guide).

Special note: Please dress appropriately. It can be quite cold at higher altitudes, even in the warmer months, and worth wearing layers, a warm jacket, hat, and sunglasses. Good footwear (ideally hiking shoes) is recommended as well as clothes that are easily cleaned due to the black volcanic soil.

Overnight: San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a FS Hotel

Meal Plan: B/L

Day 4 - Sicily

Taormina is one of the most spectacular cities in Sicily, but its crowds and heat can be daunting. Take a break with this half-day on a private luxury yacht in the Bay of Taormina to admire highlights like Isola Bella and the bays of Spisone and Mazzarò,

At the end of your excursion, you are returned to your hotel. (4 hours skipper, private yacht, and return transfer).

Overnight: San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a FS Hotel

Meal Plan: B

Day 5 - Sicily

Today, you are privately transferred to Noto.

Nestled between olive groves and vineyards, Il San Corrado di Noto is the first boutique resort of its kind in Val di Noto, Sicily's renowned UNESCO World Heritage destination. Once an ancient masseria owned by Prince Nicolaci, it has been thoughtfully converted into an idyllic, all-suite retreat, following a meticulous 3-year transformation. Located just outside Noto, featuring suites and pool villas, the new hotel offers an abundance of space and privacy, paired with discreet service and focus on heritage and wellbeing. The resort is home to two swimming pools, including an expansive 100m long heated pool - one of Sicily’s largest, as well as a spa, a yoga pavilion, a fitness suite, and a tennis court. The resort also operates a private beach club in the summer months which is located a short drive from the property, accessible via a complimentary shuttle service. Each spacious suite is complete with an outdoor patio, while the 1 and 2-bedroom pool villas offer flexible accommodation options for couples, friends, and families. The resort is home to two signature restaurants, Casa Pasta and Principe di Belludia, an upscale dining destination that showcases the region’s seasonal produce. Set to be Sicily’s most desirable boutique resort, Il San Corrado Di Noto is a celebration of Sicilian spirit and tradition in an exceptional destination.

Overnight: Il San Corrado Di Noto

Meal Plan: B

Day 6 - Sicily

Explore the architectural treasures of Sicily today. Head to Noto, a Baroque town so rich in heritage and beauty that it has earned a UNESCO World Heritage listing. It is called the Capital of the Baroque for its architecture, completely rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake which destroyed the entire town. The city transformed the tragedy into rebirth and art and reconstructed the buildings in a Baroque style. Discover the stunning architecture of Noto, including its magnificent cathedral. (4 hours, driver and local guide).

In the afternoon relax by the pool at your hotel.

Overnight: Il San Corrado Di Noto

Meal Plan: B

Day 7 - Sicily

Restored at the end of the 19th century by famous architect Ernesto Basile, the 'Art Nouveau' style Grand Hotel Villa Igiea Palermo is rich in character and still retains its frescoes, original furniture and décor with a modern twist. Each of the elegant rooms of this Rocco Forte hotel is individually decorated with lovely hardwood floors and luxury marble bathrooms. There are two restaurants to choose from as well as the pool bar and grill for a more informal dining experience. You can enjoy gourmet food at Cuvée du jour or head to Donna Franca Florio for Mediterranean food that can be served on the beautiful terrace overlooking the sea during the spring and summer months. Other amenities include a small fitness facility, a swimming pool and access to a wealth of water sports activities or massage treatments. Located near the port and overlooking an ancient Greek temple, Grand Hotel Igiea Palermo is the perfect place for those seeking a relaxing yet cultural getaway.

Overnight: Hotel Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Meal Plan: B

Day 8 - Sicily

Depart from your hotel early this morning in order to enjoy the best of the Ballarò market before exploring Palermo itself. Wander through the colourful and bustling market and stop for a typical Sicilian snack of ‘lo scaccio’ - a mix of pumpkin seeds, dried chickpeas and assorted Sicilian nuts. For the more adventurous, try the traditional Palermo Pane ca meusa, a delicious spleen sandwich. Your guide then leads you through the heart of old Palermo (Quattro Canti), Pretoria Square (also called Piazza della Vergogna) to see the Palermo Duomo and La Martorana, which is decorated with beautiful Byzantine mosaics. Alternatively, visit the magnificent Baroque church of Casa Professa. (8 hours, guide and driver).

Overnight: Hotel Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Meal Plan: B

Day 9 - Sicily

Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty, dramatic sites, and culture of north-west Sicily during a full-day excursion. Begin with a visit to Segesta, one of the finest surviving Doric temples in Sicily, whose solemn isolation lends the site an almost mystical air. Afterwards, take a scenic drive up to the hill town of Erice, offering some of Sicily’s most impressive views, which overlooks the stunning Trapani coast and the Egadi Islands. The town is well known for its traditional almond pastries, the most famous of which are made by Maria Grammatico. Maria was immortalised in Mary Taylor Simeti’s biography “Bitter Almonds”, a story recounting Maria’s life growing up in a convent in Erice where she learned the secrets behind these local treats, traditionally made by the nuns. Enjoy a visit to the Grammatico Pasticceria where, depending on Maria’s schedule, you are treated to a pastry-making demonstration * followed by a sampling of these fine local sweets. The town itself has a perfectly-preserved medieval character including beautifully-paved streets, stone houses, numerous churches, squares, and fine city walls. (8 hours, driver and guide).

*The pastry demonstration is subject to availability at confirmation stage and is not possible during the months of July, August and up to 15th September.

Overnight: Hotel Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Meal Plan: B

Day 10 - Sicily

Today, you will be privately transferred to Palermo airport.

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B