Fly from the US to Catania, Sicily

Upon arrival in Catania, a private driver will pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Taormina. You will have time to rest and relax before meeting your group for a welcome talk and dinner. Sleep near Taormina .

This morning you will explore beautiful Taormina, which is considered one the foremost pearls of the Mediterranean Sea. You will start your day with a stroll along its most famous promenade to one of Sicily’s finest “Pasticceria’s” before visiting its famous Greek theatre. In the afternoon you will visit a winery on the slopes of Mt. Etna for dinner. Sleep near Taormina.

Today we will stop to visit one of our favorite wineries on our way to Siracusa, the ancient Greek colony that outshined its master during the decline of the Greek empire. In Siracusa, we will wander through the unforgettable Piazza del Duomo to behold the Fountain of Arethusa. The legends shared by our classically educated guide will bring our walking tour to life. Sleep in Ortigia (Siracusa).

Today you will tour the “Val di’ Noto,” a valley so beautiful and unique that it was declared a World Heritage site in 2002. We will first visit Modica, famous for its chocolate, where you will participate in a chocolate making experience. Later, we will stop in the countryside to taste fresh ricotta cheese (cooked over a hot stove in wooden barrels) and the most incredible hand-made Sicilian Cannoli you will ever have. Afterwards, you can wander the baroque jewel of Noto, an amazing city built at the end of the 17th century after an earthquake destroyed Old Noto entirely and enjoy a stop for a few more pastries. Sleep in Ortigia (Siracusa).

You will start your day with a lovely drive across scenic agrarian landscapes to the Piazza Armerina and the Imperial Roman Villa of Casale. This ancient Roman hunting lodge and beauty spa was well known among the Who’s Who of the 4th century. You will have plenty of time to view the original mosaics that decorate the lodge’s former exercise rooms and baths. We will then make our way to Agrigento where we will enjoy dinner at a lovely seaside restaurant. Sleep at a resort near Agrigento.

This morning we will visit the Ancient Valley of the Temples, one of the richest archaeological areas of the world. Here our guide will lead you among the remains of approximately 20 ancient temples including the Temple of Concord, Castor, Pollux and Hercule. In the afternoon, we will head to a countryside resort near to Castelvetrano where we will stay for the next two nights. Sleep near Castelvetrano.

Today we will visit Marsal and its charming centre, before heading to one of the best producers of the local sweet and smooth Marsala wine. After a tasting of this incredible dessert wine, you will take in the local museum, which displays the remains of an awesome Phoenician ship. In the afternoon, you will have time visit the famous salt pans outside of town before returning to our countryside resort. Sleep near Castelvetrano

We will start the day with a visit to Selinunte, one of Europe's largest archaeological parks, where you will be blown away by the ancient Greek ruins over the blue Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon, you will visit Erice, a delightful medieval village nestled on a 2,200-foot cliff. Walking through Erice’s narrow streets you can make your way to a traditional pastry shop where you can sample some of the world’s most amazing almond pastries. These delicious treats will augment the breath-taking views over the Egadi Islands below. After visiting the town, you will have the delightful experience of learning to make some of these wonderful desserts. Sleep near Castelvetrano.

On our way to Palermo today, we will stop in the small hill town of Piana degli Albanesi, famous for its cannoli. In Monreale, you will see the mosaics of the Norman Cathedral which are among the most extraordinary in Italy. This amazing monument is a dazzling mixture of Arab, Byzantine and Norman artistic styles all framed by traditional Romanesque architecture. Nowhere else on the planet can you find such a perfect blend of the Christian and Muslim artistic worlds of the 12th century. You will then drive to Palermo, where you will check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Sleep in Palermo

You will spend the morning visiting beautiful Palermo, the many narrow streets and alleys, and the market stalls packed with all sorts of merchandise. You will have the afternoon on your own to discover more of this very special city or you have the option of adding on an extra cooking class if you prefer (please ask for quote and availability at time of booking). Tonight, you will enjoy a special dinner and an exclusive tour of an incredible palace of a local nobleperson Sleep in Palermo.

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.