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San Domenico Palace, Taormina (Four Seasons)
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Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
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Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea
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Hotel Metropole Taormina
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Mazzarò Sea Palace – V Retreats
10 Days of Sun, Sea & Sicily
Imagine a place where Greek temples rise from golden hills, the sea glows turquoise at your feet, and the aroma of lemon groves blends with the scent of wood-fired pizza. That’s Sicily.
Sicily is more than simply a location; it's an atmosphere, an unwritten memory, and a sun-drenched fantasy that you won't want to leave. This island, which sits between Europe and Africa, is Italy's most alluring secret. Every meal is a celebration of life, and every street corner feels like a scene from a movie. Imagine colourful piazzas filled with the sounds of laughter, clinking espresso cups, and the enticing perfume of freshly baked cannoli, as well as ancient Greek temples standing proudly beside blue seas and tranquil Baroque towns painted in honey and gold.
This type of Italy is unfiltered, passionate, and astonishingly magnificent. And when you follow this 10-day luxury Sicily plan, you're entering a narrative rather than merely travelling. With carefully chosen boutique hotels, undiscovered eateries, and the must-see locations you won't find in the usual guidebooks, we've meticulously created this guide to show you Sicily's best, from the lively markets of Palermo to the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, from Taormina's expansive sea views to the quaint alleyways of Syracuse.
Sicily is calling if you've ever had dreams about golden beaches, candlelit meals beneath lemon trees, or exploring historic sites while feeling the sea breeze in your hair.
Are you prepared to pen your tale of Sicilian romance? Let's get started.
Sicily isn't a destination, it's a mood......
Day 1 - 2
Palermo – The Cultural Capital - Cultural Capital
Palermo: The Origins of Sicily's Soul
Hola from Palermo, the vibrant centre of Sicily, where each street has a story to tell. Here, Arab domes, Baroque cathedrals, and dilapidated palazzi stand side by side in a stunning, sunlit jumble, and ancient history blends with contemporary life. However, Palermo is more than just a destination; it's an emotion. It's the golden glow of late evenings, the aroma of citrus in the markets, and the allure of getting a little lost in its winding streets.
Palermo is a perfect place to begin for tourists looking for real Sicily since it is unvarnished, charming, and full of surprises. This city is ideal for leisurely walks, serendipitous possibilities, and falling in love, with its hidden courtyards and rooftop aperitivos that overlook the domes of historic churches.
Stay@Palermo – The Cultural Capital
Luxury Boutique Stays:
A Rocco Forte gem, Villa Igiea
Grand Hotel Wagner—Classic luxury with old-world charm.
Palazzo Brunaccini Boutique Hotel
FUN FACT
Villa Igiea A Rocco Forte gem, Villa Igiea is a meticulously restored 19th-century palazzo perched on the coast. This opulent retreat offers sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, lush gardens, and frescoed salons, just minutes from Palermo’s historic heart.
Do@Palermo – The Cultural Capital
Every experience feels passionate in Palermo, a city where history is spoken about around every corner. Begin your adventure in the stunning Palermo Cathedral, a masterwork of architecture that combines Baroque, Gothic, and Norman design elements. Enter the magnificent Palatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina), which is close by. There, visitors are left awestruck by the glistening Byzantine mosaics. Don't miss a walk through the gorgeous Piazza Pretoria, sometimes known as the "Square of Shame" because of its dramatic fountain and statues, and Quattro Canti, Palermo's magnificent Baroque crossroads.
Experience the lively energy of the Ballarò and Vucciria markets, where the aromas of street cuisine permeate the air, to get a flavour of local life.
Palermo's charm is irresistible, regardless of whether you're here for the food, the history, or the romance of it all.
Palermo Cathedral (Cattedrale di Palermo)
Piazza Pretoria & Fontana Pretoria
Palatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina)
Eat@Palermo – The Cultural Capital
Dining Recommendations:
FUN FACT
Did you know? Palermo is known as the European capital of street food! In the words of Forbes, it is the world's sixth-best street food destination. The city's lively marketplaces, like Ballarò and Vucciria, are replete with iconic snacks like arancine (fried rice balls), sfincione (Palermitan pizza), and pane ca' meusa (spleen sandwich), which are an authentic sign of Palermitan culinary pride. Eating in Palermo is more than solely the food; it's also a theatrical event, frequently accompanied by vibrant conversation with the vendors!
Day 3–4
Mount Etna & Catania – Volcanic Adventures - “Catania — Sicilian charm with a volcanic edge”
Catania, where Baroque magnificence meets volcanic drama.
Catania, located at the foot of the spectacular Mount Etna, is a city of stark contrasts – raw, gorgeous, and completely intriguing. Catania, known for its remarkable black lava stone architecture, vibrant energy, and deep Sicilian personality, seamlessly combines ancient history with modern beauty.
Travelling from Palermo to Catania is relatively simple and scenic, with numerous options available. The most convenient mode of conveyance is by rail, with Trenitalia operating frequent trains from Palermo Centrale to Catania Centrale in around 2 hours and 30 minutes. If you are looking for enhanced comfort, use the Intercity or Regionale Veloce trains. But if you want flexibility, then I suggest driving via the A19 freeway; it takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, with the option to stop in captivating small towns like Enna or Caltanissetta along the way.
Buses are also attainable through SAIS Autolinee, which takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. When you reach Catania, you can wander around its exquisite Baroque piazzas, get lost in vibrant marketplaces like La Pescheria, and dine al fresco under the watchful gaze of Etna. This is where Sicily's wild heart beats the loudest: bold, untamed, and irresistibly attractive.
Catania offers an incredible immersion into Sicilian culture, whether you're eating fresh seafood by the Ionian Sea or strolling down Via Etnea with the volcano rising in the background.
Stay@Mount Etna & Catania – Volcanic Adventures
Catania leans more toward boutique luxury than ultra-luxury, but here are the finest, most upscale stays in and around Catania for an ultra-luxury experience:
Romano Palace Luxury Hotel
Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze
Grand Hotel Villa Itria
FUN FACT
At Asmundo di Gisira, you may share your suite with a crocodile. This boutique art hotel, set in a restored aristocratic 18th-century palazzo, has individually themed Art Rooms, each with a legendary or mythical Sicilian story. One of them boasts a lifelike crocodile sculpture and a huge foot-shaped chair by Italian designer Gaetano Pesce—so bizarre that it's like sleeping in a modern art exhibition!
Do@Mount Etna & Catania – Volcanic Adventures
Piazza del Duomo & Fontana dell’Elefante
Catania Cathedral (Duomo di Sant’Agata)
Via Etnea (shopping & views of Etna)
Teatro Romano & Odeon
La Pescheria Fish Market
Castello Ursino
Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena (UNESCO)
Guided summit trek or cable car + 4x4 tour
Visit Crateri Silvestri (easy-access craters)
Wine tasting at Etna wineries (e.g., Benanti, Planeta)
Explore Alcantara Gorges (Gole dell’Alcantara)
Lava caves tour with guides
Catania Cathedral (Duomo di Sant’Agata)
Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena (UNESCO)
Guided summit trek or cable car
FUN FACT
One must-do in Catania: Indulge in a fresh arancino while strolling along Via Etnea with Mount Etna in view. It’s the Catanese way of life—street food meets street style, with volcano drama in the background.
Eat@Mount Etna & Catania – Volcanic Adventures
5 of the best restaurants to visit in Catania:
Day 5–6
Taormina – Coastal Elegance - “Taormina: The Jewel of Sicily’s East Coast.”
Taormina: Sicily's enduring love affair with the sea
Taormina, perched gracefully on a cliffside overlooking the picturesque Ionian Sea, is a fantasy of sun-drenched stone and sea-salt air. This is Sicily's most romantic retreat, with cobbled paths, flower-draped balconies, and historic theatres filled with stories of passion and grandeur. Wander through the enchanted alleyways, where every corner feels like a whispered secret, while Mount Etna rises in the distance like a silent protector of your adventure.
Mornings begin with cappuccinos on secret patios, afternoons with strolls through lush gardens, and evenings with soft lights and breathtaking views of the sea.
In Taormina, time slows, hearts quicken, and every moment feels like it belongs in a love letter.
It’s not just a destination — it’s a feeling. And it’s waiting for you.
Stay@Taormina – Coastal Elegance
Here are 5 luxury stays in Taormina—each offering elegance, history, and breathtaking views:
San Domenico Palace, Taormina (Four Seasons)
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
Hotel Metropole Taormina
FUN FACT
✨ San Domenico Palace (now a Four Seasons) was once a 14th-century Dominican monastery, and you can still see the original cloisters and ancient frescoes while sipping cocktails by the infinity pool. It’s luxury living with a side of medieval history—and it starred in HBO’s The White Lotus Season 2.
Pro Tip@Taormina – Coastal Elegance
✨ Choose a hotel with a terrace or rooftop overlooking the sea and Mount Etna. Taormina’s magic is best experienced at sunrise or sunset when the sky turns pink over the Ionian Sea with Etna’s silhouette in the distance. Book sea-view rooms early—they sell out fast, especially in summer.
Do@Taormina – Coastal Elegance
Taormina, perched high above the exquisite Ionian Sea, is more than just a spot; it's an experience rich in ancient history, stunning natural beauty, and intriguing romance. Lose yourself in the allure of Corso Umberto, where beautiful boutiques and sunny piazzas beg you to stay. Wander through the renowned Teatro Antico di Taormina, one of the world's most spectacular ancient theatres, which offers panoramic views of both the coastline and the majestic Mount Etna.
For a genuinely romantic vacation, take a stroll through the verdant Villa Comunale Gardens or ride the cable car to Isola Bella, a tiny island paradise surrounded by turquoise waters.
Whether you’re sharing a glass of Sicilian wine on a panoramic terrace or watching the sunset paint the sky in soft pinks and golds, Taormina is a love story waiting to be written.
Looking for the perfect blend of culture, beauty, and romance in Sicily? Taormina is calling.
Visit the Ancient Greek Theatre (Teatro Antico di Taormina)
Explore Isola Bella
Stroll Through Villa Comunale Gardens
FUN FACT
✨ The Ancient Greek Theatre of Taormina isn’t actually Greek—it’s mostly Roman! Originally built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC, it was later expanded by the Romans, who adapted it for gladiator games. Today, instead of warriors, it hosts opera, concerts, and film festivals—with one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the world: the sea and Mount Etna.
Eat@Taormina – Coastal Elegance
Dining in Taormina is not only about the cuisine; it's also about the setting. Every meal here feels like a scene from a classic Italian romance, with terraces high above the sea and Mount Etna lighting softly in the background.
Taormina's restaurants provide front-row seats to some of the Mediterranean's breathtaking sunsets, whether you're toasting with Sicilian wine under a canopy of stars or savouring handmade pasta as the sky fades into shades of pink and gold. These are the spots where flavour meets scenery, transforming every meal into an unforgettable memory.
FUN FACT
🍋 Taormina is famous for its refreshing granita al limone served with a warm brioche—yes, Sicilians love eating ice with bread! Locals enjoy this combo for breakfast, especially on hot summer mornings. It’s unexpected, delicious, and a must-try for anyone wanting to eat like a true Sicilian.
Day 7–8
Noto & the Baroque Triangle - “The Baroque Triangle — Sicily’s masterpiece in stone and sunlight.”
Begin your quest at Noto, renowned as the Garden of Stone, where stunning castles and grand churches shine in gentle golden hues, particularly at sunset. Wander Piazza del Duomo, see the Cathedral of San Nicolò, then savor a gelato on a picturesque side street.
Visit Modica, a town known not only for its spectacular Baroque cathedrals but also for its old chocolate-making tradition—the ideal blend of history and luxury. End your tour in Ragusa Ibla, where narrow alleys lead to wide piazzas and panoramic terraces provide breathtaking views of the undulating Sicilian hills.
For those seeking a blend of romance, culture, and architecture, Noto and the Baroque Triangle promise an unforgettable escape into the artistic heart of Sicily.
Stay@Noto & the Baroque Triangle
Here are 7 luxury stays in Noto and the Baroque Triangle (including Modica & Ragusa) — elegant, romantic, and boutique:
Seven Rooms Villadorata (Noto)
Q92 Noto Hotel (Noto)
Gagliardi Boutique Hotel (Noto)
Modica Boutique Hotel (Modica)
Eremo della Giubiliana (Ragusa)
Locanda Don Serafino Relais & Châteaux (Ragusa Ibla)
Relais Antica Badia (Ragusa)
Seven Rooms Villadorata (Noto)
Q92 Noto Hotel (Noto)
Eremo della Giubiliana (Ragusa)
FUN FACT
✨ Seven Rooms Villadorata in Noto is part of the historic Principe di Villadorata Palace, once home to one of Sicily’s wealthiest noble families. Many of the suites still have original frescoed ceilings and balconies that overlook Noto’s golden Baroque facades—so you’re literally sleeping inside a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece.
Pro Tip@Noto & the Baroque Triangle
✨ Book a room with a balcony at Seven Rooms Villadorata or Q92 Noto Hotel to enjoy private views of Noto Cathedral and the Baroque skyline, especially at golden hour. For the ultimate experience, time your stay during Infiorata di Noto (May) when the streets below transform into a sea of floral art—it’s like having front-row seats to Sicily’s most beautiful festival.
Do@Noto & the Baroque Triangle
Cattedrale di San Nicolò
Duomo di San Giorgio (Modica)
Giardino Ibleo
FUN FACT
✨ The balconies of Palazzo Nicolaci in Noto are famous for their wildly imaginative sculptures—grotesque faces, winged horses, mermaids, and cherubs. They were designed to impress (and sometimes scandalize) visitors during grand aristocratic parties. Walking beneath them is like stepping into a Baroque fairytale with a Sicilian twist.
Eat@Noto & the Baroque Triangle
Here are 5 best restaurants in Noto & the Baroque Triangle:
Ristorante Manna (Noto)
Ristorante Crocifisso (Noto)
Accursio Ristorante (Modica)
Locanda Don Serafino (Ragusa Ibla)
La Terrazza dell’Orologio (Ragusa Ibla)
FUN FACT
Modica is famous for its ancient Aztec-style chocolate, introduced by the Spanish in the 16th century. Unlike regular chocolate, Modican chocolate is made cold, giving it a unique, grainy texture. You can still taste it at historic shops like Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, the oldest chocolate shop in Sicily—it’s like biting into edible history.
Day 9–10
Menfi & Agrigento - “Menfi & Agrigento — Where Love Stories Unfold Between Golden Temples and Endless Vines.”
Menfi and Agrigento: A Journey Through Sicily's Vineyards and Ancient Love Stories.
Welcome to Menfi and Agrigento, a Sicilian province where rolling vines embrace the Mediterranean Sea and ancient temples serve as timeless reflections of love, art, and history. This is where romance meets ruins, as golden sunsets stream across landscapes that appear undisturbed by time.
Menfi is surrounded by elegant hills, world-class wineries, and secret beaches where you'll be the only ones leaving tracks. Sip award-winning Sicilian wines as a pleasant breeze blows in from the sea.
Just a short drive away, Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples unfolds in all its glory—a UNESCO World Heritage Site where ancient Greek temples glow amber at golden hour, creating one of the most breathtaking scenes in all of Italy.
Whether you're sipping local wine in a secluded vineyard or strolling hand in hand beneath ancient columns, Menfi and Agrigento encourage you to calm down, fall in love and discover Sicily's most soulful side.
Stay@Menfi & Agrigento
Here are some Luxury stay options:
La Foresteria Wine Resort & Beach Club
Verdura Resort (Rocco Forte Hotels)
Masseria del Carboj
FUN FACT
✨ La Foresteria Planeta Estate in Menfi is not just a luxury resort—it’s owned by one of Sicily’s most famous winemaking families, Planeta. Staying here means you’re literally sleeping in the heart of a working vineyard, with exclusive access to their wines, olive oils, and private cooking classes with authentic Sicilian recipes. It’s a luxury stay blended with the flavors of Sicily.
Do@Menfi & Agrigento
Valley of the Temples (Agrigento)
Porto Palo Beach (Menfi)
Regional Archaeological Museum (Agrigento)
FUN FACT
✨ The Temple of Concordia in Agrigento is one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world—not just in Sicily, but globally. It has stood tall for over 2,400 years because it was converted into a Christian basilica in the 6th century, which saved it from destruction during the fall of the Roman Empire. Today, it’s one of Sicily’s greatest treasures, glowing golden at sunset.
Eat@Menfi & Agrigento
Here are 5 top restaurants in Menfi & Agrigento with great food, vibes, and views:
Il Frantoio (Verdura Resort)
Ristorante La Foresteria Planeta Estate (Menfi)
Kalós (Agrigento, near Scala dei Turchi)
Terracotta Restaurant (Menfi)
Akropolis Restaurant (Agrigento)
FUN FACT
✨ Menfi is part of Sicily’s “Strada del Vino”, one of Italy’s most prestigious wine routes. While dining at places like La Foresteria, you’re likely sipping wines produced from the very vineyards surrounding your table, often by the Planeta family, pioneers of modern Sicilian winemaking.
"Sicily – Not just a Trip , A story"
The concluding Chapter: Sicily, Marked by Stone and Sun Suddenly, your ten days in Sicily are over, but if you've learned anything, it's that Sicily never truly lets you go. The taste of citrus on your lips, the reverberation of church bells along winding alleyways, and the golden light that casts everything in a languid, cinematic splendour are all reminders of this island. From elegant Baroque to ancient ruins and sun-drenched coasts Download our itinerary, glance through my carefully chosen guides, or contact me for bespoke travel assistance.
