Grand Tour of Sicily's Extraordinary Highlights

As you coast along the tarmac at Palermo international airport, you'll catch your first glimpses of Sicily's sparkling coastlines shimmering beneath the warm Mediterranean sun. You'll be greeted at the airport by your private transfer and escorted to your luxury accommodations in the heart of Palermo's historic downtown. Enjoy an afternoon of rest and relaxation. In the evening, take to the city’s cobbled streets to peruse quaint shops and marvel at Gothic architecture. Choose from a variety of dinner options as warm sunset hues fill the streets.

Today, you'll join a private guided tour of Palermo's historic city center. You'll uncover a few of the city's many gems, including the Palace of the Normans, home to the Cappella Palatina and some of the most sought-after Byzantine mosaics. Then, step inside the cathedral for an up-close look at the Norman tombs and jewel-encrusted crown of Catherine of Aragon. Here, you can also marvel at the red-domed San Giovanni degli Eremiti building and the Tetro Massimo. Enjoy lunch and the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.

Bite into some of the flavors Sicily has to offer. Join a relaxing four-hour excursion as you indulge in this energetic affair along Palermo's bustling city streets. Sample olives, pizzas and pasta, cannolis, gelato, and more. At Vucciria Market, you'll experience where ancient Sicilian architecture and the vibrant city life of today converge. In the afternoon, take part in a guided tour of Monreale Cathedral, where you'll see a dazzling mix of Arab, Byzantine, and Norman design.

Travel to Erice to view breathtaking natural landscapes. In the morning, after breakfast, you'll check out of your hotel and board a private transfer to the medieval town of Erice. You'll begin by exploring the scenic wonders of the Nature Reserve of Saline di Trapani e Paceco, with vistas of salt panes and windmills speckled across the horizon. Pause at the Motya docks as sailboats bob in the shimmering waters before you. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Ettore Infersa Salt Museum where you'll learn more about the extraction process.

In the morning, you'll meet your private driver outside your accommodations at the Verdura Resort in Sciacca. You'll then travel to beautiful Selinunte for a private guided tour of one of the largest archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Later in the day, you'll continue to Sambuca di Sicilia to visit the Ulmo Estate. Ulmo is home to one of the most dazzling wineries in Sicily, with exquisite vistas to match. Enjoy a wine-tasting experience with a sommelier as you learn about the history of the region's wine and production process.

Enjoy a bit of pop culture as you tour Corleone, best known as the set of famed movie "The Godfather" and the birthplace of the mafia. You'll spend the day with your expert guide as you explore the historic center. You'll visit the Anti-Mafia Museum to learn about heinous Cosa Nostra crimes and the bravery of those who denounced the mafia's activities. In the evening, you'll arrive in beautiful Agrigento, where you'll check into your luxury accommodations. At sunset, visit the beautiful Valle dei Templi.

Set out for Piazza Armerina en route to the beautiful city of Ragusa. In the early morning, you'll board your private transfer to Ragusa after a light breakfast at your hotel. Mid-morning you'll stop at the famed Piazza Armenia, home to the stunning mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale, a Unesco World Heritage Site, and one of the largest collections of Roman mosaics in the world. In the evening, you'll continue on to your five-star accommodations in Ragusa.

Awake to the scenic landscapes of Ragusa Ibla, a city perched atop a hillside. During the first half of the day, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the city center, including the Hyblean Gardens, the Basilica di San Giorgio, and the Church of Santa Maria delle Scale. Marvel at the pops of color set against the backdrop of Sicily's rolling plains. Then, visit Gli Aromi Farm, where you'll be greeted by the owner. Stroll through the farmlands and sample fresh herbs, among them basil and rosemary, prerequisites for nearly all Italian dishes.

Enjoy the sweeter side of Italian gastronomy in the beautiful city of Modica. Amidst the landscapes and traditional Sicilian homes tucked into the hillside, roll up your sleeves for a private, gourmet cooking class. Inhale the intoxicating aromas of sweet, creamy coca and rich caramel at a hands-on chocolate-making class. With a private chef, immerse yourself in Modica's ancient chocolate production methods. Then, treat your taste buds to Cioccolato di Modica, renowned for its grainy texture and rich, aromatic flavor.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning before checking out of your hotel. You'll then meet your private transfer just beyond the lobby of your hotel and be whisked away to the picturesque Sicilian town of Siracusa. Along the way, you'll stop in Noto to admire beautiful Baroque architecture lining the cobble-stoned streets and enjoy a light lunch in the city's historic center. In Siracusa, you'll join a tour of its archaeological park before meandering through the quaint streets to visit the Fountain Arethusa, the Cathedral, the Archimede Square, and the ruins of Apollo’s temple.

Peruse the food stalls of the ancient Ortigia market with a local chef and culinary expert. Browse the kaleidoscope of fresh vegetables, seasonal fruit, and sweets at your leisure. Then, meander over to the fish vendors to check out the daily catch. You and the group will pick out fresh ingredients before rolling up your sleeves to try your hand at Sicilian cooking. Spend the afternoon preparing an exquisite five-course meal, while sipping on locally sourced wine, before indulging in your culinary creation.

Rev your engines as your adventure takes a new turn to the stunning landscapes of Mount Etna. Explore this renowned volcano in a 4x4 Land Rover on a guided tour. Take in vistas from every angle, including the expansive terrain and vibrant hues of deep reds, browns, and ambers. Later that day, you'll travel to a winery for a light lunch and leisurely afternoon as you overlook the majestic snow-capped mountain peak looming in the distance.

Escape to the crystal-clear waters of Taormina, a chic resort town on the outskirts of Mount Etna and just steps away from a stunning Greek theater, medieval churches, and beautiful views of the Gulf of Naxos. In the early afternoon, you'll check into your hotel overlooking the beaches below. You'll spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the coast and taking in the mountains that frame the water's edge. Partake in water sports like kayaking or snorkeling, or opt for a restful afternoon lounging on the beach or at your hotel.

See more settings from "The Godfather'' with your driver as you set out for the Castello degli Schiavi, one of the primary locations for filming. Later, drive to Savoca and visit the famous Bar Vitelli. Take a stroll along the promenade and step inside the well-known Sant’Nicolò church, also known as Santa Lucia. Continue driving to the quaint medieval villages of Forza D’Agrò and Castelmola for incredible ocean and countryside views.

Set sail on a private boat to tour the coast of Taormina for unparalleled views of the charming villages dotting the coastline. Discover the sparkling bays of Giardini Naxos and Capo Taormina. Continue your voyage to the famous Isola Bella, the bay of Mazzarò, and the picturesque Mermaids Bay. Throughout the tour, your guide will prompt you to jump in and enjoy the refreshing waters while swimming or snorkeling, or sunbathe on the deck. Return to Taormina around lunchtime for a leisurely afternoon.

Alas, your grand Sicilian adventure has come to a close. You'll enjoy a light breakfast at your hotel before meeting your private airport transport outside the lobby. Catch final glimpses of the sparkling coastlines while recalling the aromas of Sicily’s culinary delights, its stoic history, and vibrant city culture. Soon, you'll arrive at Catania Airport and board your international flight home.