Dreaming of Sicilian Sun

Welcome! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA).

After breakfast, transfer to the center of Taormina in the morning to visit with your guide its crown jewel: the Greek-Roman Theatre, renowned for its breathtaking views and historical significance. Today you’ll want to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a small bag with water, a hat, and other personal items.

• Taormina City Tour

  In the morning, take a walking tour of Taormina, one of the most beautiful cities in Sicily filled with rich history. Led by your guide, visit the Greek Roman Theatre, stroll down Via Teatro Greco to the Villa Comunale, where your tour leader will introduce you to a diverse array of botanical wonders. Continue exploring the village center, including the Cathedral, Corso Umberto I, and Piazza 9 Aprile with its charming Clock Tower and Church of S. Giuseppe. The remainder of the day is at your leisure in Taormina. Transfer back to your hotel in the evening. Across the city tour expect to walk 1.5 - 2 miles on paved and cobblestone streets.

  10:00· 120 min· Catania

Wake up to the sea breeze and fill up on breakfast. In the morning, transfer to the medieval village of Motta Camastra, nestled between Mount Etna and the Alcantara River Park. At the end of the experience, transfer back to your hotel in the Taormina area. Today we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.

• Family Meal Traditions in Motta Camastra

  Perched on a hill overlooking dramatic cliffs and a pristine river, the village of Motta Camastra offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Sicilian life. Wander its narrow streets and soak in the timeless atmosphere of this charming off-the-beaten-path destination before being welcomed into a local home for a truly immersive culinary experience. Rather than a formal cooking class, this is a convivial “family cooking” experience shared alongside local Sicilian mammas and nonnas. Together, you’ll roll up your sleeves and take part in preparing homemade pasta, traditional sauces, and local desserts using recipes passed down through generations. Depending on the group size, guests may participate in different stages of the cooking process, from kneading pasta dough to helping prepare sauces or desserts. The experience concludes around the table, enjoying a delicious homemade meal and the warm hospitality that defines Sicilian culture.

  10:30· 240 min· Taormina

Enjoy breakfast this morning then prepare to be transferred to the southeastern coastal town of Syracuse. En route stop at Mt. Etna where you’ll enjoy an easy hike around its craters, explore scenic off-road paths. After the hike, you’ll have time to get lunch on your own, then continue to a local winery for a wine tasting. After wine tasting, you’ll head to Syracuse. Today we recommend wearing comfortable (hiking) shoes, and carry a bag with water, sunscreen a hat and other personal items.

• Mt Etna Hike

  Led by a local guide, enjoy an easy hike at the base of the volcano. You’ll hike past surrounding craters, marvel at the contrast between the black lava and vibrant vegetation, and explore off-road tracks through pine forests. At the end of the hike time at leisure for lunch (on your own). Hike Distance: 2.5 miles / Elevation Gain: 330 feet / Duration: 1-2 hours / Difficulty: Easy.

  10:00· 120 min· Mt Etna
• Wine Tasting at a Local Winery

  Visit a local winery to taste wines enriched by the volcanic soil’s minerals. The Etna area is renowned for its excellent red and white wines, such as Nerello Mascalese and Carricante. Etna wines have a distinctive aroma due to the unique local conditions and the fertile soil of Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe.

  14:00· 60 min· Mt Etna
• Transfer to Mt Etna

  Take a private transfer to Mt Etna.

  60 min
• Transfer to Syracuse

  Private transfer to Syracuse.

  120 min

After breakfast today, join a half-day boat excursion to discover the coastal beauty of Syracuse. Enjoy a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters (weather permitting) and a light lunch on board for a truly relaxing experience. After the tour, you’ll have the rest of the day at your leisure.

• Ortigia Boat Tour

  After breakfast transfer to Ortigia. Join an exclusive half-day excursion and explore the maritime wonders of Syracuse while enjoying a completely relaxing experience. Begin by exploring the northern coast of Syracuse, renowned for its fascinating sea caves and rock formations sculpted by nature into shapes resembling animals. The navigation will continue around the island of Ortigia, where you can admire its most iconic historical sites, such as the former Bourbon prison, Forte Vigliena, the ancient Spanish walls, and the majestic Grand Harbor of Syracuse. The tour also includes a stop for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters along the route (weather permitting) and a light lunch on board. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Depending on the size of the group, you may be split into two small boats (12 people each). The activity may be changed or canceled for safety reasons due to the sea/weather conditions.

  10:00· 240 min· Siracusa

Today is an entire day free at your leisure to enjoy Syracuse on your own. In the evening, join your group one last time for dinner and toast to the memories made!

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA).