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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: