The Authentic Journey

Eleven-Day Private Journey

The Authentic Journey

Palermo to Taormina, the long way round

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What You'll Find

Eleven days the long way round the island, staying long enough in each place to stop being a visitor there.

Three nights in Palermo, two in Ragusa, two in Syracuse and three in Taormina: a route that crosses Sicily from the Tyrrhenian coast to the baroque south, then north again to the foot of Etna.

Along the way, a street food walk through the Capo market, coffee with the owner of a noble residence, a hands-on cooking lesson at a country estate, a chocolate workshop in Modica and a 4x4 morning on the volcano. Transfers, guides and reservations are private throughout.

"Long enough in each place to stop being a visitor there."

The Journey

Eleven Days, Coast to Coast

Arrive in Palermo
Day One

Arrive in Palermo

Private arrival transfer from Palermo Airport to the Hotel Politeama. A gentle independent walk in the afternoon: Politeama Theatre, Via Libertà and the Teatro Massimo, followed by a welcome dinner at the Politeama Roof.

Stay: Hotel Politeama, Palermo

Palermo, street by street
Day Two

Palermo, street by street

Private Palermo walking tour with a street food experience through the Quattro Canti, the historic alleys and the Capo market. In the afternoon, a private visit to a historic noble residence, followed by coffee with the host.

Stay: Hotel Politeama, Palermo

A day in Cefalù
Day Three

A day in Cefalù

Private transfer to Cefalù and guided walk through the old town and its Norman cathedral. A relaxing afternoon at the Calette Reef Club, at Le Calette, before returning to Palermo.

Stay: Hotel Politeama, Palermo

South, by way of the wine estate
Day Four

South, by way of the wine estate

Private transfer from Palermo to Ragusa with a stop at Feudi del Pisciotto, where lunch is served at Il Palmento di Feudi inside the historic wine estate. A hands-on farm cooking experience follows, built around traditional Sicilian family recipes, before the transfer on to Ragusa.

Stay: Selected 4★ Superior Hotel, Ragusa

Ragusa Ibla and Modica
Day Five

Ragusa Ibla and Modica

Private half-day walking tour of Ragusa Ibla, through its baroque streets and staircases. In the afternoon, a private chocolate workshop visit and guided tasting in Modica.

Stay: Selected 4★ Superior Hotel, Ragusa

Noto, and on to Syracuse
Day Six

Noto, and on to Syracuse

Private transfer from Ragusa to Syracuse with a stop in Noto and a guided walk through the golden heart of the town, followed by arrival and check-in in Syracuse.

Stay: Selected 4★ Superior Hotel, Syracuse

Ortigia, and the water around it
Day Seven

Ortigia, and the water around it

Private half-day walking tour of Ortigia. In the afternoon, a private boat tour around the island, or free time by the sea, weather permitting.

Stay: Selected 4★ Superior Hotel, Syracuse

North to Taormina
Day Eight

North to Taormina

Private transfer from Syracuse to Taormina and check-in at a selected 4★ Superior hotel. A late-afternoon private tuk tuk orientation tour of the town, followed by free time.

Stay: Selected 4★ Superior Hotel, Taormina

The theatre, and the sea below it
Day Nine

The theatre, and the sea below it

Private Taormina walking tour, including the Ancient Theatre and the panoramic viewpoints above the bay. A relaxing afternoon at Lido Villeggiatura, the Villa Sant'Andrea beach club.

Stay: Selected 4★ Superior Hotel, Taormina

Mount Etna, up close
Day Ten

Mount Etna, up close

Private 4x4 Mount Etna experience across lava landscapes, with a short moderate walk and a lava cave. A rustic farm or winery lunch follows, built around local Etna produce, before the return to Taormina.

Stay: Selected 4★ Superior Hotel, Taormina

A last Sicilian table
Day Eleven

A last Sicilian table

Private Sicilian cooking class with lunch, subject to flight times, followed by the private departure transfer to Catania Airport.

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