Sicily Private Tour
Local Time
Why You Should Go
The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily (Sicilia in Italian) holds rich history, delicious delicacies, and bold landscapes for visitors to revel in. Although a part of Italy as a whole, Sicily breaks out in its own right with an individual culture unlike its nearby mainland counterparts. Even the language’s dialect spoken here has been argued to be a language all its own! And if the language doesn’t separate them, their physical appearance certainly does. Sicilians tend to be much darker in complexion and entail stronger facial features, thanks in part to the Phoenician and Arab ancestry the island holds.
Standing tall and intimidating over the island is Mt. Etna, the highest and most active volcano in Europe. If you look closely, you can see skiers making their way down the snowcapped volcano from one of the two ski resorts, weaving in and out of the lava bumps. For a more relaxing endeavor, we recommend unwinding at one of the islands northern black sand beaches (result of volcanic activity!), or the stunning white sand beaches to the south. Explore the countryside where wines are cultivated, visit an underground vault holding 8,000 mummies, and learn how/why the local mafia still makes the rules. But perhaps the most famous reason to visit Sicily, the food! Masters of the classic pizzas and pastas, here you will find a focus and pride in the local produce and seafood (and having invented the cannoli!).
Due to the contrasts of the island versus mainland Italy, we feel Sicily is the perfect destination for visitors who have visited Italy before and wish to experience a new side of Italian culture, or simply as an exciting add-on to any Italian expedition!
Best Travel Time: Spring Summer Fall
*The average cost of our fully comprehensive itineraries ranges from USD $4,000 – $6,000 per COUPLE per DAY. All of our private tour itineraries are inclusive of all luxury accommodations, private guide/driver throughout, meals as specified, INTERNAL air flights/rail /private transfers, & all taxes/service fees.
Sample Itinerary
9 Days
Each private luxury tour is custom to the wishes of each client. This itinerary is a sample. Partnering with our long-established relationship with United Airlines, our sister company, TRAVNET, may provide competitive Polaris/Business Class international airfare, along with mileage points conversion.
Day 1
Fly to Palermo
Through our sister company, premium air provider TRAVNET, we may assist with your international airfare, as well as with mileage points conversion.
Day 2
Arrive Palermo
Upon arrival at Palermo International Airport, you will be transferred to Hotel Villa Igiea. You can spend the remainder of the day relaxing from the journey, or hit the ground running and exploring Palermo on your own.
Meals: —
Accommodations: Hotel Villa Igiea
Day 3
Full Day Private Tour of Palermo
As you will learn quickly during your time in Palermo, this city, due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea, has been fought over and conquered by a long succession of rulers. During your tour today, you will visit various sites that represent some of the more prominent cultures and see how their influence still impacts locals today. Your expert guide will walk you through the old town to marvel at the Palermo Duomo. In the afternoon, enjoy a stop at the colorful and bustling Ballaro Market to try some traditional Sicilian snacks, such as the Palermo Pane ca meusa (a spleen sandwich!). Afterwards, embark on an excursion just outside the city to Monreale, to see the beautiful Cathedral and Cloisters here.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Villa Igiea
Day 4
Palermo at Leisure
Today is at leisure to unwind with the amenities of your hotel or exploring/shopping on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Villa Igiea
Day 5
Private Transfer Palermo to Taormina
Today, make your way to Taormina via private transfer (approximately 3 hours). En route, enjoy a stop in the medieval seaside town of Cefalu for lunch and a leisurely stroll. Upon arrival to Taormina, the rest of the day is free for independent pursuits.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: San Domenico Palace
Day 6
Full-Day Tour of Mt. Etna, Taormina, and Castelmola
With your private expert guide, enjoy the morning portion of your tour exploring your “home base”. Mt. Etna awaits you as you ascend the winding roads, passing through Etna wine country. Stop at various lookout points where you will witness the fertile volcanic lowlands as well as the beautiful views of the country from this vantage point. Make your way back down to Taormina and explore the narrow streets, paved with bright colors and fruity smells – including the main street of Corso Umberto for optimal chic shopping. After lunch, the tour continues to Castelmola, a village perched on a cliff above Taormina. The village has retained its medieval character and is a peaceful place to enjoy a glass of the delicious almond wine. Cheers!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: San Domenico Palace
Day 7
Full-Day Excursion to Syracuse
What began as a small Greek outpost and later became the most powerful states in the ancient world, and the birthplace of Archimedes, the city of Syracuse was considered by Cicero to be “the greatest and most beautiful Greek city of them all”. Begin with a visit to the 5th century BC Temple of Athena. Next, head to Neapolis to visit the Greek Theater, one of the most prime examples of ancient theater architecture in the world (the famous Greek playwright Aeschylus once premiered works here!). Spend the rest of the day visiting various ancient sites and relics before returning to your hotel in Taormina for the night.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: San Domenico Palace
Day 8
Taormina at Leisure
Enjoy your final full day in Sicily at leisure for independent pursuits.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: San Domenico Palace
Day 9
Transfer to Catania Airport + Fly Home
Meet your private driver in the lobby of your hotel and transfer to Catania International Airport for your journey home. Safe travels!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: San Domenico Palace
Hotels
Hotel Villa Igiea is considered the best hotel Palermo has to offer. The property boasts a magnificent and ornate example of Sicily’s 19th-century architectural history among its 100 rooms and suites. They are decorated in sophisticated colors with relaxing furnishings, accenting its colorful and historic surroundings. If you aren’t impressed by the rooms alone, you are sure to be “wow’d” by the spectacular grounds. The outdoor pool was built to incorporate ancient stone ruins and the bar is surrounded by frescos, so you can enjoy a drink in what feels like the inside of a painting! There is also a restaurant located inside the hotel called Florio, serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine in a beautiful, colorful setting. Additional amenities for guests to enjoy include a full spa and fitness center.
Hotel Villa Igiea
Hotel Villa Igiea is considered the best hotel Palermo has to offer. The property boasts a magnificent and ornate example of Sicily’s 19th-century architectural history among its 100 rooms and suites. They are decorated in sophisticated colors with relaxing furnishings, accenting its colorful and historic surroundings. If you aren’t impressed by the rooms alone, you are sure to be “wow’d” by the spectacular grounds. The outdoor pool was built to incorporate ancient stone ruins and the bar is surrounded by frescos, so you can enjoy a drink in what feels like the inside of a painting! There is also a restaurant located inside the hotel called Florio, serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine in a beautiful, colorful setting. Additional amenities for guests to enjoy include a full spa and fitness center.
Known most recently for its cameo in the hit show “White Lotus”, this luxury hotel is in a renovated Dominican monastery and offers stunning views of Mount Etna and Taormino Bay. The hotel is surrounded by colorful, flowering gardens and manicured courtyards. One of our favorite features is the on-site chapel still intact from the hotels days as a monastery(!). There is an outdoor infinity cliffside pool, a spa, fitness center, Italian gardens to stroll and enjoy, and three restaurants inside the hotel (one with two Michelin stars!). The 102 rooms are decorated in a modern/classic fashion with comfortable and crisp neutral colors. All are decorated with lush fabrics, beautiful lantern, style, lighting, and carved wood furniture. Rooms range in unique features from looking over the cloister and the town to several categories of suites with private, outdoor hot tubs and terraces and multiple bathrooms.
San Domenico Palace
Known most recently for its cameo in the hit show “White Lotus”, this luxury hotel is in a renovated Dominican monastery and offers stunning views of Mount Etna and Taormino Bay. The hotel is surrounded by colorful, flowering gardens and manicured courtyards. One of our favorite features is the on-site chapel still intact from the hotels days as a monastery(!). There is an outdoor infinity cliffside pool, a spa, fitness center, Italian gardens to stroll and enjoy, and three restaurants inside the hotel (one with two Michelin stars!). The 102 rooms are decorated in a modern/classic fashion with comfortable and crisp neutral colors. All are decorated with lush fabrics, beautiful lantern, style, lighting, and carved wood furniture. Rooms range in unique features from looking over the cloister and the town to several categories of suites with private, outdoor hot tubs and terraces and multiple bathrooms.
Request Custom Itinerary
Location
Overview
| Population |
|---|
| 5 Million |
| Language |
|---|
| Italian |
| Currency |
|---|
| Euro |
| Temperature |
|---|
| Highs: High 80’s |
| Lows: Mid 60’s |
| Area |
|---|
| 27,708 SQ KM |
| 10,698 SQ MILES |
| Capital |
|---|
| Palermo |
Similar Trips
-
Australia Private TourFall Family Friendly Hiking & Trekking South Pacific Winter
-
New Zealand Private TourFall Family Friendly Hiking & Trekking South Pacific Winter
-
Vietnam Private TourAsia Culture & Heritage Fall Family Friendly Philanthropic Winter
-
Expansive Japan Private TourAsia Culture & Heritage Fall Family Friendly Hiking & Trekking Spring Summer
