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Palermo, Italy, is a captivating destination that offers a myriad of reasons to visit. First and foremost, the city’s historical and cultural significance is truly remarkable. With its rich tapestry of civilizations that have left their mark over centuries, Palermo boasts a diverse architectural landscape. From the awe-inspiring Norman Palace and its stunning Cappella Palatina to the intricate mosaics of the Palermo Cathedral, you’ll be immersed in a journey through time. The city’s palaces and palazzos, such as the Palazzo Abatellis, provide a glimpse into its aristocratic past, displaying magnificent art collections from different eras.
Secondly, Palermo’s culinary scene is a delight for food enthusiasts. Sicilian cuisine is renowned worldwide, and Palermo offers a delectable array of flavors to savor. Explore the vibrant street markets like Ballarò, Vucciria, and Capo, where you can indulge in Sicilian street food and traditional delicacies. From the beloved arancini and panelle to mouthwatering cannoli, your taste buds will be treated to a symphony of flavors. In addition, Palermo’s restaurants serve up exquisite seafood dishes and a variety of Mediterranean-inspired creations. Immerse yourself in the gastronomic wonders of the city and experience the unique fusion of Sicilian culinary traditions.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Grand Hotel Villa Igiea Palermo
A Fabled 19th Century Palazzo
Discover history, majesty and serenity at Villa Igiea: a turn-of-the-century palazzo at the perimeter of vivid Palermo, the foot of Mount Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo. A long-loved seaside-meets-city sanctuary for royalty, dignitaries and Hollywood luminaries, trace their paths through tiered villa gardens that sweep down to the port and out to the Tyrrhenian Sea; on excursions to Palermo’s bustling markets, Baroque palaces and ancient sites, or yacht trips along its picturesque coast; and through Villa Igiea’s Italian restaurants, atmospheric bars and palatial Art Nouveau interior, revitalised as a Rocco Forte hotel.
Full Day Monreale and Palermo with Jewish tour with guide and driver
Departe for Monreale for a guided visit to the Dome, a wonderful example of the Arab-Norman art and architecture. Launched in 1174 by William II, the Dome represents scenes from the Old and New Testaments all in golden mosaics.
Later back to Palermo and start your walking tour of the city center by seeing “four corners” that converge Palermo at a quartet of baroque palaces left over from the heyday of Spanish rule dating from 1560, Piazza Pretoria and Via Maqueda. Enjoy a street food tasting.
Continue to Steri Castle: a paradigmatic place of the history of Palermo and Sicily. This fortified palace was the ancient mansion of Chiaramonte, a local aristocratic family that influenced the history of Sicily during the 13th and 14th centuries. It then became the site of the Holy Inquisition and, nowadays, it’s possible visiting the prisons, witness of its bloody history.
Then, tour the Jewish Giudecca: there are many protagonists in the long millennia of the history of Palermo, including the Jews. Around the year 1000, just outside the southern walls and on the banks of the river Kemonia, the Jews built their suburb, the Hârat ‘al Yahûd – the district of Jews. They lived there until 1492, the year of their historical expulsion. The Giudecca was divided in two quarters: the Mesquita and the Guzzetta. The building of the streets called Maqueda and Roma, between the 16th and the 19th century, caused the demolition of the Giudecca: a labyrinth of alleys, squares, orchards and gardens, of which visible traces still remain.
Marsala: Olive Oil, Salt and Wine tour & Erice from Palermo
You will travel along the Salt Way Road and through the Nature Reserve of the Stagnone (that literally means large pool). Since this large lagoon has shallow and very salty water, it is the ideal place for saltworks. Be fascinated by this unusual landscape: panels of mirror-like water, held by thin strips of earth and white windmills. Beyond the saltworks stand out some islands:
Theatrical Night at Teatro Massimo & a 3-Course Dinner
Tonight will be an unforgettable evening at Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest opera house. Take in the drama of an opera or live performance in a theatre designed to look like a classic Greek Temple. Travel through time to the peak of the Belle Époque in Palermo, where the Florio family’s most distinguished guests would have dined in this original Louis XVI hall.
The Story of Florio–Constructed in 1900 at the height of the Belle Époque, the influential Florio family transformed Villa Igiea from a private palazzo into one of the most luxurious hotels in Sicily. Once considered the most famous retreat in Sicily, Villa Igiea has been a symbol of elegance and hospitality that has seen artists, Hollywood elite, and royalty pass through its doors.
Florio Restaurant’s decadent interiors pay homage to the Belle Époque era’s elegance with a restrained colour scheme and soaring floor-to-ceiling windows, which bathe the space in a soft natural light and reveal magnificent views of the Tyrrhenian Sea recalling the golden age, here the Florio family’s most distinguished guests would have dined in this original Louis XVI hall.
Cefalù and Castelbuono with Lunch at Winery
Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel. After a 1 hour scenic sea view drive you will reach Castelbuono, a charming locality in an attractive wooded location at 500 mt. above sea level, that belongs to the protected reserve “Madonie Mountains Park”. Castelbuono (literally “good castle”) has vestiges of medieval architecture. Visit the village and stop at one of the typical bars to taste a pastry made with Sicilian “manna”.
Then travel to Cefalù, a gorgeoius town located on the northern coast of Sicily and one of the major tourist attractions in the region. Built on a promontory dominated by a sheer cliff, Cefalù, still keeping its ancient print, has grown around the Cathedral by Ruggero II. The Cathedral, began in 1131, is one of the most interesting medieval monuments of the island and boasts outstanding mosaics and a wonderful cloister. A large part of the town is pedestrian. Stroll through the medieval narrow street and admire the picturesque houses on the sea and the long beach of finest sand.
An unforgettable bistro with a Sicilian soul, that enchants both palate and eye.
Perched on terraces that float between the magnificent garden and the sea, Alicetta offers an enchanting view and it becomes a bona fide bistro, also open in the evening. Here, one can enjoy artfully crafted aperitifs complemented by enticing starters and unforgettable mains that narrate the tale of Sicily and the very soul of the Mediterranean that surrounds us.
In the kitchen, presided over by our Creative Director of Food Fulvio Pierangelini, the focus is on the raw ingredients. These are predominantly locally sourced but with a touch of the unexpected and intriguing. In every dish, you can sense the passion and respect that distinguish Chef Pierangelini’s cooking.
Seafood crudo, crustaceans, vegetables, savoury starters like mussels tortino, potatoes, and parsley; red shrimp with a spicy Sicilian mango sauce and tuna caponata will be followed by a selection of elegant and tasty first courses. The dreamers among us can delight in a soup made from Sciacca’s small lobsters, crispy ricotta ravioli, candied tomatoes and harissa, as well as traditional pasta with sardines, fennel pesto, and pine nut cream.
Next, the grill and fire take centre stage to infuse taste and flavour not only into the day’s catch of fish and shellfish but also a selection of exquisite meats, including specialities made from the Nebrodi’s black pig.
MEC Restaurant – One Michelin Star
In the renovated high-tech setting of the Palazzo Castrone in the historic heart of Palermo, Carmelo Trentacosti serves up modern and elegant dishes with carefully selected flavours which are never overstated. Choose between two tasting menus (one of which is vegetarian) or à la carte options, including some dishes (such as the crêpes Suzette) prepared at your table.
Carmelo Trentacosti, a disciple of Nino Graziano, with a training path dotted with important collaborations in the most prestigious Italian restaurants, Carmelo Trentacosti ensures that his dishes stand out for their kept flavors, never exaggerated, which highlight a unique refinement.
Siracusa, Italy, is a captivating city that boasts a rich historical heritage and stunning natural beauty. Located on the southeastern coast of Sicily, Siracusa was once a powerful Greek city-state and a center of culture and learning. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts visitors from around the world. The city’s main highlight is the archaeological park of Neapolis, where you can explore the ancient Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, and the picturesque Ear of Dionysius cave. The island of Ortigia, the historical center of Siracusa, is a charming labyrinth of narrow streets, beautiful Baroque architecture, and quaint piazzas. Strolling through its streets, you’ll come across landmarks like the Duomo, a magnificent cathedral built on the site of an ancient Greek temple, and the Fountain of Arethusa, a natural spring surrounded by lush vegetation. With its historical significance and architectural wonders, Siracusa offers a captivating glimpse into Sicily’s ancient past.
In addition to its rich history, Siracusa also boasts breathtaking natural beauty. The city is blessed with stunning coastal landscapes and crystal-clear waters. The nearby beaches of Fontane Bianche and Arenella offer pristine stretches of sand where you can relax and soak up the sun. For nature lovers, the Vendicari Nature Reserve is a must-visit, with its diverse ecosystem, marshes, and lagoons that attract numerous bird species. You can also explore the stunning sea caves along the coast, such as the Grotta dei Cordari and the Grotta del Ninfeo. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or natural beauty, Siracusa offers a delightful blend of attractions that will leave you mesmerized.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Des Etrangers Et Miramare Hotel Siracusa
Timeless Elegance in Ortigia-Set in heart of Ortigia, Grand Hotel Des Étrangers is an art deco icon and byword for understated elegance. There are many 5-star hotels in Sicily but nowhere quite like Grand Hotel Des Étrangers.
Des Etrangers Grand Hotel is located in the very heart of the authentic Ortigia Island. It is a unique jewel in luxury hospitality of Syracuse, which offers an enchanting context of art, culture and urban regeneration. The restoration project envolved an historical nineteenth century Palace which has kept the most authentic sides of the building by maintaining the original characteristics. The Hotel therefore reveals the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. Each space is different, but everywhere there is a sense of peace and luxury– and quality is key.
Activities in Siracusa, Sicily, Italy
Private Siracusa with a Jewish Tour
First stop is the Archaeological Park: This archeological site contains the most complete Greek Theater existing from antiquity and it covers 24,000 square metres in a naturalistic area on the outskirts of Syracuse. A place dedicated to lovers of Greek history, who can take a long walk immersed in the remains of this ancient civilization. The masterpieces of the past present in the Neapolis Park are many. In fact, this is one of the largest archaeological areas in the Mediterranean and one of the most beautiful and best preserved in all of Sicily.
Next, transfer back to Ortigia and enjoy a taste of Syracusa: Walk along the the small Baroque island of Ortigia, the historic center of Syracuse, is widely considered one of the most beautiful destinations in Sicily. Inhabited for over 3,000 years and renowned for its Greek heritage, it is a UNESCO landmark for its “remarkable testimony of the Mediterranean cultures over the centuries”and makes for a perfect escape in any season. Dotted with impressive church facades, outdoor restaurants, elegant piazzas and surrounded by a crystalline sea, Ortigia is more manicured than Catania, less overrun that Taormina and as delicious as Palermo.
During the walking tour, you’ll see also the Jewish Giudecca and Mikwe: Syracuse was one of the first cities in eastern Sicily to welcome Jews. The situation changed in late 1492 when all of the Sicilian Jews were forced to leave the island after the long coexistence. Sicily boasted one of the largest concentrations of Jews in the Diaspora. The Giudecca (Jewish quarter) was in the island of Ortigia. All left because of the expulsion of 1492. The Giudecca (the Jewish quarter) is a quadrilateral area bordered to the west by Via della Giudecca, to the south by Via Larga, by the sea to the east, and criss-crossed by parallel streets: Via dell’Olivo, Vicolos I II, III and IV Giudecca, Vicolo dell’Arco and Via Minniti. It has retained the same network of streets ever since: low-rise buildings with one or two stories at most, the hospital, the Mikwe, the Synagogue (where the church of San Giovanni Battista now stands), known by the Arab name meschita. At the end of the tour, independent transfer to your hotel.
Tour of Noto and Marzamemi
Meet your guide/driver in the lobby of our hotel and head to “Val di Noto” . Badly damaged in 1693 by a strong earthquake and largely rebuilt in Sicilian Baroque style. Noto is the town symbol of Baroque style and indeed it gives the name to the “Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto” UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through the center of Noto you can admire Baroque churches, including the amazing Cathedral and palaces with pompous balconies with wrought iron railings and cherubs, lions, sirens and grotesque figures that decorate the facing. Noto is called the “Garden of Stone” because of its typical honey-colored stone. The main street is pedestrian and very pleasant to walk.
The visit of Noto is independent. A few kilometers away, directly overlooking the sea, a fisherman village of Marzamemi will captivate you. The village extends around the harbour and it is characterized by narrow streets and little stone houses with roof tiles and colored windows, while a large square is the center of the town. Once fishermen were used to practice tuna fishing and today the Tonnara is still well visible.
Enjoy a nice walk in the old town, full of characteristic restaurants that animate the square, surrounded by the ocean and the breeze. At the end of the tour you will be driven back to your hotel.
Tour of Ragusa and Modica
Today you are greeted at Siracusa hotel and departure to the “Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto”.
Siracusa at leisure and a Sunset Sailing Experience
Reach the port of Ortygia on your own and start your Siracusa Sailing Experience. Get on board of the sailing boat in company of an expert Skipper. The ship is a private experience along the coast of Syracuse enjoying the view of Ortygia from the sea and the crystal clear waters of Plemmirio.
Plemmirio is a marine protected area with an extraordinary submerged seabed very rich in any marine species populating the Mediterranean. Swim or snorkel in this nature reserve and breathe the sea breeze, while admiring the beautiful coasts of eastern Sicily. On board you will find beach towels and equipping for snorkeling.
Listen to the ancient stories of this Greek harbor while sailing around the Ortygia Island. If you want to learn the secrets of sailing, our Skipper will explain you everything you want to know. Enjoy the ritual of the aperitif on board: a delicious tasting of food and wines made by local farmers and producers. At the end of the tour bak to Ortygia docking pier. Independent transfer back to your hotel.
Exclusive Gastronomic Identity-Constantly evolving contemporary Italian cuisine.
Embellished by a magnificent view of the Piazza del Duomo of Ortigia, a place of authentic and extraordinary beauty, the Regina Lucia restaurant is located inside a noble palace with an elegant Baroque style and originally from the 1700s.
From the balanced synthesis of innovative flair and tradition, in the summer of 2016 the Regina Lucia gastronomic project was born, a theater of action of the chefs and owners Roberta Gallo and Salvatore Calleri, and a renowned restaurant with constantly evolving contemporary Italian cuisine.
Chefs Roberta and Salvatore, attentive, complementary professionals with a heart of gold, love to take care of every step, from the choice of the raw material to its elaboration, up to the final realization of the dish.
il Tiranno Caportigia Restaurant
A meeting of taste and atmosphere, this is the mix of the Il Tiranno bistro, the flagship of the house. The splendid view of the garden of the Syracusan forum surrounded by trees, flowers and Mediterranean essences welcomes you.
A special setting, captivating at any time of the year, to indulge in the taste of the dishes proposed by chef Valentina Galli. The taste experience at the Tiranno restaurant remains one of the most beautiful and intense moments to try. Il Tiranno’s cuisine is made of love, technique, textures and contaminations because we think happiness is only real when shared.
The Finest Expression of Sicilian Culinary Art
Nestled in the heart of Ortygia, just a few steps away from the Maniace Castle, Cortile Spirito Santo is located inside the Palazzo Salomone Luxury Suites, occupying a beautifully restored 17th-century historic palace. Cortile Spirito Santo is a place of unique charm that exudes history and culture with elegance and modernity. Its crown jewel is the contemporary Lounge Bar in the private courtyard, facing the magnificent Cupola of the Spirito Santo Church, from which it takes its name.
The creation of our dishes is a fine art – Our top priority: great care and attention to every detail. It’s all in the details, starting off with the carefully selected and sourced local ingredients, such as the finest freshly caught seafood, Sicilian meats, truffles and mushrooms from Etna’s and Hyblaean forests.
Our courtyard Lounge has a perfect chillout atmosphere. You will be seduced by its contemporary ambiance and enchanted by the view at the stunning Cupola of the Spirito Santo Church. So, have a drink while listening to live jazz, performed by the coolest cats in town, and let the magic enchant you.
Taormina, Italy, is a picturesque town located on the east coast of Sicily, known for its breathtaking views, ancient ruins, and vibrant atmosphere. Perched high on a hill, Taormina offers panoramic vistas of the sparkling Ionian Sea and the majestic Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano. The town’s most iconic landmark is the ancient Greek Theater, which dates back to the 3rd century BC. This remarkably preserved amphitheater hosts various cultural events and concerts, allowing visitors to experience performances against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. Taormina’s medieval streets are lined with charming shops, boutiques, and cafes, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation.
In addition to its historical significance, Taormina boasts beautiful beaches that attract sun-seekers from around the world. The nearby Isola Bella is a small island nature reserve, connected to the mainland by a thin strip of sand. With crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings, it is a haven for swimming and snorkeling. The beaches of Mazzarò and Letojanni are also popular choices, offering soft sands and a range of water activities. Taormina’s lively atmosphere is complemented by its vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars, restaurants, and clubs that cater to a variety of tastes. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, lounging on the beach, or indulging in the town’s culinary delights, Taormina offers a truly captivating experience that will leave a lasting impression.
ACCOMMODATIONS: San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel
Perched on a rocky promontory high above the Ionian Sea, the iconic San Domenico Palace welcomes you to a 14th-century convent reimagined. Swim in our clifftop infinity pool, stroll in magnificent Italian gardens, soak in the history, savour Michelin-starred dining and escape into a Four Seasons world of timeless beauty. Framed by the dramatic landscapes of Sicily’s east coast, San Domenico Palace offers a magnificent setting overlooking Mount Etna, the Ionian Sea and the Greek theatre. Just off Taormina’s main street, the Corso Umberto, our Hotel is an easy walk to the charming shops and restaurants of the old town. This is the perfect home base for exploring eastern Sicily’s most famous attractions, including the historical cities of Modica, Noto and Siracusa, and the tiny, fascinating island of Ortigia.
Activities in Taormina, Sicily, Italy
Etna South Side and Winery from Taormina
Today you are greeted at Taormina and driven to the Etna Natural Park-South Side (Rifugio Sapienza), a beautiful Volcano rich in sounds, perfumes, and colors. On arrival, those interested in experiencing the Etna craters will have the opportunity to explore independently the Silvestri Craters. You will have the opportunity to ascent to the highest elevation (up to 2800 meters) by Cable car and 4×4 vehicles (weather and volcanic conditions permitting – tickets to be paid on the spot) to experience the lava fields and incredible landscape view from Europe’s highest and most active volcano.
Then enjoy lunch at local winery with winetasting. Later back to Taormina.
Small Group Taormina Cooking Class with Lunch Included
To Start the Taormina Cooking Class, this morning private transfer to the meeting point at Porta Messina (centrally located) in Taormina to meet the Chef. A brief walk takes youto the local Market where we’ll purchase fresh fruit, vegetables and all the ingredients necessary for the cooking course.
Then you will go to the House andl start cooking. At the end of the cooking course, enjoy your scrumptious creations with the perfect compliment—a beautifully paired Sicilian wine. Dessert follows accompanied by a typical local Dessert wine. BUON APPETITO! Transfer back to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Godfather Tour
During “The Godfather” tour, you will walk along the authentic picturesque streets of Savoca and Forza d’Agro remained unchanged since the movie was made, visit ancient churches, famous Bar Vitelli where Michael Corleone asked Apollonia’s father her hand in marriage, church where they married, and other movie locations. Optionally, you may taste perfect local Sicilian wines and locally produced food sitting at a terrace with panoramic view of Savoca, mountains, the Mediterranean coast and surrounding countryside at a family-owned restaurant.
First stop is Savoca, an unspoilt medieval town that near Taormina that acted as stand-in for Corleone where Michael was hiding out during the “going to the mattresses” time. Here you will visit Bar Vitelli that looks exactly the way it did in the movie, and see the exact spot where Al Pacino informed Apollonia’s father that his name was Michael Corleone, and that “there are people who’d pay a lot of money for that information, but then your daughter would lose a father instead of gaining a husband”. Here you can take pictures with an authentic Sicilian shotgun “Lupara”, see pictures from the movie and a mirror monument for Coppola, enjoy panoramic view of the Mediterranean opening from the square where the wedding ceremony scene was shot, purchase The Godfather souvenirs, and – “leave the gun, take the cannoli” – taste original Sicilian cannoli and lemon granita at Bar Vitelli.
Then you will walk to an ancient church of Santa Lucia, where Michael and Apollonia were married kneeling in the doorway. Then follow the same path down the hill that the newlyweds did, and visit another old church dating back to the 13th century. Walking along the fabulous streets of Savoca, on a good day you can also meet some actors – for example a lady who played Apollonia’s mother and who still lives in Savoca.
Later, optionally you can visit a family-owned restaurant and at a terrace with romantic sea view taste local Sicilian wines with traditional food (locally produced cheeses, salami, prosciutto, caponata, olives, extra virgin olive oil, fresh home-made bread, home made lemon granita – everything is prepared with organic ingredients of local origin – “km0”!).
The tour will continue in Forza d’Agro, another stunning hilltop town with a “Godfather” connection. You will walk the abandoned streets (“Where have all men gone?” – “They’re dead from vendettas”), explore the historic square and see the pictures from the movie, visit ancient churches, see the piazza where young Vito Andolini (later Vito Corleone) escaped Don Ciccio’s men by hiding in a basket on a donkey’s back, walk up to see the remains of a 12th century Norman castle, admire delightful panoramic view of the Ionian coastline, and get a flavor of the Sicilian pastoral lifestyle remained unchanged since ancient times.
Principe Cerami, Michelin Star Restaurant
Principe Cerami is San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel’s Michelin Star Restaurant. It is named after Sicilian nobleman Prince Domenico Rosso di Cerami, who inherited the convent around 1866, creating the circumstances for it to become a Hotel in 1896.
Here you can enjoy a culinary journey, curated by celebrated chef Massimo Mantarro. The Etna-born master presents quintessential Sicilian cuisine showcasing local ingredients and traditions.
Enjoy your meal outside, on the restaurant’s spectacular terrace overlooking Taormina Bay, or inside, surrounded by the grandeur and elegance of the main dining room.
La Capinera Michelin Star Restaurant
A shining star by the Taormina sea.
In Taormina Mare, hidden away from the bustling town centre, overlooking the Ionian Sea, La Capinera welcomes you with its elegance and simplicity. And, when the weather is warm, our beautiful terrace impatiently awaits you, adding a unique colour and aroma to your culinary experience.
From the catch of the day and locally sourced Slow Food produce and vegetables, right the way through to escargot caviar and the intense flavour and aroma of premium Sicilian olive oils, La Capinera proposes the very best interpretations of traditional Sicilian cuisine. Michelin-starred, the restaurant has been ‘baptised’ by international food critics as “one of the best Italian restaurants”.
Otto Geleng Michelin Star Restaurant
Sicilian magic for all the senses
Ignite your taste buds with authentic, exquisite and inventive Sicilian cuisine at Otto Geleng.
Enter our noble ‘salotto’ and anticipate a showcase of Sicilian gastronomy at Otto Geleng. Enamoured by the region’s bountiful natural ingredients, executive chef Roberto Toro skilfully leads you on a refined, evocative journey, rich in delicious nostalgia.
There’s a reason why Taormina has a reputation for inspiring great artists, including the young German painter who gives our restaurant its name. Cinematic views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea frame this cultured town, which remains in constant conversation with fascinating history. Find us perched up on its hillside, just a stone’s throw away from the ancient Greek Theatre.
Luxury Travel Advisor, Founder, and CEO
Contact Lisa Crawford today at 954-456-0419