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Sicily
Selected Hotels
VERDURA RESORTWith two kilometers of private Mediterranean coastline, this resort blends in the Sicilian
landscape. A true sense of space and uninterrupted views of the azure waters enlighten all suites
BELMOND GRAND HOTEL TIMEO
A Sicilian hideaway that fuels the imagination. Set in the heart
of Taormina, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo serves up views that have enchanted for more than a
century
VILLA CARLOTTAAn intimate boutique Hotel overlooking the Ionian Sea.
Carlotta provides a secret refuge for guests who are looking for
high quality with personality and style
Favorite Restaurants
LA CIALOMAClose to Syracuse, dining in this typical Sicilian tavern is a full immersion in the regional
culinary tradition from the ambience to the seafood, meat,
and pasta based dishes
CASA GIOLÌ This is your secure dining place
in Taormina with its extraordinary centuries-old location and the
premium quality of refined dishes from the best Sicilian culinary
tradition
OSTERIA DEI VESPRI Settled in an ancient palace in the city of Palermo, this
Sicilian osteria creates seasonal menu combining the regional
traditional recipes with modern reinterpretations
Insiders Picks
ORTIGIA ISLANDThe pearl of Syracuse, it is
the real historical center with incredible Baroque architecture
SCOPELLOA small village of the ‘600,
between Palermo and Trapani with beautiful sceneries
LA RIVIERA DEI CICLOPIBetween Catania and Taormina, the magical coast that inspired
the Odyssey
With an atmosphere that seems to be stuck in the 1950s and an overabundance of
foreign influences throughout the centuries, this raw and simple land has fascinated
international writers and directors for years, becoming the set of many Hollywood
productions.
“Sicilians build things like they will live forever and eat
like they will die tomorrow.”
Plato
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TO CATANIA
SPRING
Ideal time of the year to explore the entire island,
from East to West. For the active travelers, the
territory offers great hiking trails that will lead
to ancient necropolis and inspiring landscapes.
Start and top off your days with delicious and
fresh cannoli.
SUMMER
Other than exploring the main sites, spend
days in the Eolian Islands. Salina, Vulcano,
Lipari, Panarea, Stromboli Islands among others
smaller islands are a great destinations for those
seeking to relax and explore the wild nature of
the volcanic soil. Refreshing Granita and gelato
will help beat the heat.
FALL
The warm temperatures that characterizes the
island makes it possible to enjoy outdoor tours
and excursions. Visit the Valley of Temples of
Agrigento and explore the reward winning
vineyards on the slopes of Mt Etna. All topped
off with Pane cunzato and Chocolate of Modica.
WINTER
More than its coastal attractions and beautiful
islands, Sicily has immense treasures to discover.
From splendid Baroque palaces to magnificent
cathedrals . Moreover, it will be the ideal time to
indulge in the fantastic culinary tradition of the
island from pasta alla norma, to the arancini, to
the caponata, and end with cassata.
seasons
Travel Time
Palermo
Taormina
Catania
Syracuse
Noto
Agrigento
Sciacca
SegestaErice
Sicily
Messina
• From Syracuse
• From Palermo
• From Sciacca
• From Taormina
1 h 00 m
2 h 30 m
3 h 00 m
1 h 00 m
2 h 00 m
n.a.
n.a.
2 h 00 m
CAR TRAIN
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Discover the bustling streets of Palermo where
the buzzing of motorbikes, shouting of Sicilian
dialects and rich flavors are sure to draw you in
to another era.
With its unique mix of Greek, Roman, Arab and
almost every European power in the Middle Ages and
Renaissance, Palermo is a melting pot of culture, art and
architecture. Your Access Italy guide will be sure to hit
all the must-see spots including the baroque churches,
historical buildings in varying states of refurbishment,
theaters, and the breathtaking Monreale Cathedral,
whose richly decorated mosaics will leave you in utter
awe.
Travel back to VI century B.C. to one of the largest
archaeological sites in the world, the spectacular
Valley of Temples and a must-see site in the
region.
Founded by Greek colonists, Agrigento was one of the
most resplendent centres in the Mediterranean. Your
private Access Italy guide will navigate the winding hills
as you learn of the beautifully preserved Doric temples
among the town walls -many of which have not been
excavated. After you have explored the archeological
site, you will enjoy an authentic Sicilian lunch surrounded
by the sweet aromas of olive groves, pistachio trees and
wild flowers.
Agrigento: Valley of Temples
Palermo Full immersion
ART & HISTORY
ART & HISTORY
• Private Excursion with Driver
and Official Guide
• Admission Tickets: Valley of
Temple
• Wine Tasting and Lunch
Inclusions:
• Private Tour with Driver and
Official Guide
• Admission Tickets Included:
Monreale Cathedral
Inclusions:
Feel like you have traveled back in time
as you explore the charming village
of Taormina, perched atop the Ionian
Seaside.
Aside from the quaint medieval streets and
picturesque palazzi lies the infamous Greek
Theatre, where you can admire the stunning
panoramic views. Once you have worked up an
appetite you will cruise over to a family-owned
private wine estate on the slopes of Mt. Etna
up to 6,500 ft above sea level for an authentic
Sicilian lunch and wine tasting. Conclude your
day at Mt. Etna, where your Access Italy guide
will share its history and folklore as you admire
its unique lunar like landscape surrounding the
active volcano.
Taormina & secrets of Etna
ART & HISTORY, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SELECTED CELLARS
• Private Excursion with Driver
and Official Guide
• Wine Tasting and Lunch
Inclusions:
Verdura ResortS.S. 115, Km 131 - Sciacca
Exclusive partnership with Access Italy
Explore the charming village of Taormina, perched
atop the Ionian Seaside and better known as the
backdrop to The Godfather films.
Meander around the quaint medieval streets and visit
the grand Teatro Greco, the second largest theatre in
Sicily. Next you will follow the steps of Michael Corleone
and head inland to Savoca, a small town better known
for Bar Vitelli, where film aficionados will remember
as the site for the infamous wedding of Michael and
Apollonia. As you head over to the east slopes of Mt
Etna for lunch, you will enter the XVIII century residence
of Don Corleone Castello degli Schiavi, where the Baron
himself will open his doors for you before you wrap up
your day with a glass of wine and a perfect sunset.
Godfather & Wine tour ART & HISTORY, SELECTED CELLARS
• Private Excursion with Driver
and Official Guide
• Admission Tickets: Greek
Theater Castello degli Schiavi
• Wine Tasting and Lunch
Inclusions:
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What better way to capture the essence of Sicilian life than by taking
the coastline by sea aboard your very own private yacht. Awaken
your senses of both sight and smell by admiring the quaint fishermen
villages, jagged cliffs, sandy white beaches and taking in the famous
Sicilian scents of wild spices and citrus. Your Access Italy Skipper will
follow in the footsteps of Aeneas as you sail among the unforgettable
Mediterranean waters complete with a picturesque sunset and
wineglass in hand.
Enjoy a culinary tour of Catania for a mouth savoring discovery of
the best Sicilian gastronomic tradition. Your Access Italy guide will
take you to the lively local fish market for a glimpse of the rural
life and customs. Your next stop will be at our favorite bakery and
cheese shop to enjoy local delicacies and authentic flavors, typical of
Southern Italy’s seaside towns. As you learn about the Sicilian pastry
heritage, treat your palate with delicious cannoli and the renowned
Arancino (do not make the mistake to say Arancina in Catania!) for a
complete overview of the local culinary traditions.
Sicily by Boat
Catania Food Tour
INSPIRING NAVIGATIONS SELECTED CELLARS
CULINARY DELIGHTS, LOCAL TRADITION
Explore Marsala, the land of Wine and Salt Ponds. Set on the
westernmost point of the island, this modern Mediterranean city saw
the rise and fall of many cultures, each contributing significantly to the
flourishing of a vast artistic heritage. You will visit a local winery and sip
the exquisite Marsala Wine, discovering how the British sailors made
it famous all over Italy since 1773. While vineyards occupy the entire
city’s surroundings, the real protagonist of this landscape are the
Salt Ponds, offering spectacular sights when at sunset they become
tinged with red and pink or when the snow-white accumulations of
salt appear.
Sicily culinary traditions and multi favored recipes encases its vibrant
history and blends in the various civilizations that dominated the
island over two millennia. From the indigenous populations to the
Ancient Greeks and Romans, to the Normans, the Spanish, the Arabs,
all contributed to enrich Sicily cuisine and create delectable dishes.
Marsala Wine Tour
Sicilian Cooking School
CULINARY DELIGHTS
Inclusions:Inclusions:
Inclusions: Inclusions:
• Private Experience with Local Chef
• Lunch
• Private Walking Tour with Official Guide
• Tastings
• Private Boat Excursion with Skipper
• Private Transfer included
• Private Excursion with Driver
• Wine Tastings
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Climbs up the Etna, the tallest active volcano in Italy. Prison to the
monster Typhon and home to the forges of Hephaestus according
to Greek mythology, its imposing figure has been a constant in the
culture and folklore of the Mediterranean Sea. While you hover the
Etna craters in your private jeep, you will admire the pitch-black paths
formed by lava flows descending down the slopes that witnessed
centuries of volcanic activity.
In the province of Syracuse lies the legendary Hybla, the Sicilian reign
dating back to the XIII century B.C. Testimony of this obscure past
and archaic civilization are the Anaktoron and necropolis from the
Bronze Era, one of the biggest in Europe. Embark on an inspirational
immersion in nature and ancient history as you hike up the magical
Anapo Valley and through natural and artificial grottoes.
Hiking in Pantalica
ART & HISTORY, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Explore the beautiful town of Syracuse, going
through its Greek origins and multiple cultural
influences, which enriched it to the point that the
whole urban area was appointed as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
Your first stop will be the Archaeological Park of the
Neapolis, containing some of the best preserved
ancient monuments, such as the Greek Theatre, the so
called Dionysius’ Ear and the Roman Amphitheatre. You
will then move on to the Ortigia Island, a treasure chest
of natural beauties, temples, castles, ancient habitations
and baroque churches, culminating in the Arethusa
with its Papyrus plants, overlooking the Ionic sea. You
will end your day visiting the neighboring small town of
Noto, known for its splendid baroque cathedral.
Syracuse and NotoART & HISTORY, CULINARY DELIGHTS
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Etna by Jeep
Inclusions:
Inclusions:
• Private Excursion with Driver and Official
Guide
• Private Jeep Tour with Official Guide
• Private Tour with Driver and
Official Guide (Syracuse)
• Admissions included:
Syracuse Archaeological Park
and Cathedral
Inclusions:
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Enhance your exploration of Palermo as you dive into the historic
Capo Market in a myriad of colors, scents, and lively voices. You will
get a sense of the local culture true its culinary traditions and vibrant
atmosphere sampling savory and aromatic bites. Of course you will
delight in a rich arancina and a sweet cannolo in the best spots in
town!
Enrich your exploration of Sicily discovering the myths and legends,
the history and colors of the oriental coast of the island, between
Catania and Taormina. Visit the picturesque Baroque town of Acireale
famous for the the traditional Sicilian puppets theater. Then, retrace
Ulysses’ corybantic experiences during his navigation back to Itaca
and his encounter with the intimidating Polifemo on the Cyclops
Island which you will spot off of the coast of Aci Trezza learning the
myth behind the creation of its Faraglioni.
Tour of Acireale and Aci Trezza
ART & HISTORY
Flavors of PalermoCULINARY DELIGHTS, LOCAL TRADITION
Inclusions:
Inclusions:
• Private Tour with Driver and Official Guide
• Tastings
• Private Walking Tour with Official Guide
• Tastings
Among lively markets and bustling streets,
Palermo hides magnificent palaces of a noble
past such as the Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi made
famous by the scene in the ball hall in Visconti’s
“The Leopard”.
With your local guide you will visit a less known
aristocratic Sicilian palazzo equally beautiful and
elegantly decorated, a splendid example of the Sicilian
Baroque. Wander from sumptuous halls to intimate
chambers admiring the refined wall adornments and
remarkable art pieces, while learning about the crucial
historical events that determine the fall of the local
aristocracy.
Elegant Palermo ART & HISTORY
• Private Walking Tour Official
Guide
• Admission Tickets: Palazzo
Alliata di Villafranca
Inclusions:
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Sicily is a sprinkled by UNESCO World Heritage
sites, concentrated in particular in the Noto Valley
with incredible monuments in Sicilian Baroque
style.
Dedicate your day to explore the area and visit the towns
of Modica, Ragusa, and Scicli. In Modica, also known
for its savory chocolate, the St. George Duomo will
you in awe with its spectacular façade that dominates
the old town. Same name to the stunning Duomo in
Ragusa where you will also visit the St, Mary of the Stairs
Church that connects the two towns of Ragusa Ibla and
Ragusa Superior. The last gem for the day is the little
town of Scicli, and walk along the elegant Via Francesco
Mormino Penna lined by exquisite palaces and churches
to end at the Palazzo Bonaventano, one of the greatest
example of the Sicilian Baroque.
Between Sicily and Calabria, The Canal of Messina
is surrounded by incredible history and fascinating
mythology.
First head to Messina, the stunning cathedral and look
up to the top of the Bell Tower at the astronomic clock
almost a century old. Every day at noon an unexpected
surprise rewards the curious! Then, board the ferry to
cross the canal and reach the National Museum of Magna
Greece in Reggio Calabria. Among other incredible
archeological remains. Marvel at the world famous
Bronzes of Riace, statues dating back to the V century
B.C. After your tour, take the ferry back to Messina.
Messina & the Bronzes of Riace
Baroque Sicily
ART & HISTORY
ART & HISTORY
• Private Excursion with Driver
and Official Guide
• Admission Tickets: Reggio
National Archaeological
Museum
Inclusions:
• Private Excursion with Driver
and Official Guide
Inclusions: