Art, History & Vineyards in Southeast Sicily

Day 1

Upon arrival at Catania Airport, you’ll be met by your private driver and transferred to the beautiful city of Syracuse on the southeast coast, famous for its ancient ruins.

Your home for the next two nights is a restored palace overlooking the sea in Ortigia, the historic heart of the city located on a small island connected to Syracuse by bridge.

Take the evening to relax and explore your new surroundings. We can provide recommendations and reservations for dinner to get your trip off to a perfect start.

Day 2

Today you’ll delve into the secrets of Sicilian cuisine with a private cookery class. The class begins with a tour of Ortigia’s delightful food market where you’ll see the raw ingredients of the Sicilian cookbook on display. Then you’ll head to the kitchen to cook up a storm – before savouring the fruits of your labour with your host and accompanying wines.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure – if you have time you may wish to visit the archaeological site with its beautifully preserved ancient Greek theatre.

Day 3

After breakfast, your driver will chauffeur you to Noto, home to one of Sicily’s most beautiful historic centres. Completely destroyed by the 1693 earthquake that devastated this part of the island, the town was entirely rebuilt in Sicilian Baroque style. The result is simply spectacular – and deservedly a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your accommodation for the next two nights is in a wing of a beautiful restored Baroque palazzo, home to just a handful of grandiose rooms, each with a magical view. After settling in, wander amongst the beautiful golden-hued buildings – especially spectacular during the afternoon light. You may wish to visit some of the cathedrals, churches and palaces to admire their architecture and the stunning Baroque art housed within.

Day 4

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for a wine tasting day in Noto, the most celebrated wine region in Sicily. Located in one of the hottest parts of the island, it’s home to an array of wonderful wines including the celebrated Nero d’Avola, which flourishes here.

You’ll learn about the climatic conditions and soil that result in superb grapes, and the unique methods used to create this style of wine. The day includes a vineyard tour, tasting and lunch with wine pairings at an organic vineyard, renowned for its sustainability.

Day 5

Today you’ll swap your palazzo in Noto for an ancient baglio in the heart of the Ragusana countryside for a glimpse of authentic Sicily. This magical agriturismo experience includes a tour and tasting of the estate’s organic wines, along with a six-course dinner of traditional Sicilian cuisine with a modern twist.

They’ll be plenty of downtime too, so you can cool off in the pool, work on your tan on a recliner, or wander through the organic estate and gardens, before retiring to your characterful room for a restful night’s sleep.

Day 6

The final stage of your Sicilian journey takes you to Agrigento, one of the oldest cities in Sicily, famous for the classical Greek temples than run through the Valley of the Temples. You’ll check into your five-star hotel, a 300-year-old restored palace located within the Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park, with incredible views over the Temples of Concordia and Juno.

Your stay includes a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the archaeological museum, where you’ll learn about the golden age of the Greeks in Sicily and see their remarkable legacy.

The hotel includes a pool to refresh after your explorations and two restaurants that both offer a side order of incredible temple views with dinner. Before bed, sip a glass of limoncello on the terrace or in your room and marvel at the temples, illuminated against the night sky.

Day 7

Your Sicilian adventure draws to a close today, but you may have time to indulge in a treatment at the spa before returning to the airport.