Slow Sicily: Ancient Monuments and Agrotourism

After an authentic Italian breakfast in the shade of Sicilian fruit trees this morning, you’ll spend a few hours in the company of a private guide. They’ll show you around some of the city’s best attractions including the Palazzo Abatellis, which is home to the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia (Sicilian regional art gallery). You’ll also head to Norman monuments such as the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Norman Palace, along with the Sicilian Baroque Santa Caterina church and the Capuchin catacombs. After your tour, you’ll have the rest of the day to spend soaking up the city at your leisure. Wander along the city’s narrow streets, sip a cold Messina (local beer) in a vibrant square, or get lost in the bustling market stalls as you sample arancina and panelle (chickpea fritters). Finally, the archaeological museum houses a splendid collection of Greek and Phoenician art that’s not to be missed. End your day with a drink in one of the old town’s lively bars.

Today, you’ll pick up your rental car and drive west to Trapani, about one-and-a-half hours away. You’ll spend two nights here in the countryside between sea and mountains, in an intimate hotel surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the swimming pool or enjoying a sunset aperitif before a dinner full of Sicilian flavours at the restaurant.

This coastal region is yours to enjoy today, whether you want to explore the city or head further afield. Discover the beauty of the coast and the Zingaro Nature Reserve, wander ancient ruins like the Greek city of Selinunte, the Doric Temple of Segesta or Motya’s many monuments, or walk to the beautiful and historic Mount Erice. If you want to experience the beautiful Sicilian seas, spend the day in the Aegadian Islands swimming in Favignana’s turquoise waters and rocky coves, or diving in Marettimo’s magnificent spots. We can also arrange for you to visit a Marsala vineyard and enjoy dinner along with a wine tasting.

Today, you’ll hop back in your car and head southeast towards Realmonte di Agrigento. Along the way, you’ll visit the Valley of the Temples armed with queue-jumping tickets. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this area is home to monuments that bear witness to the glory of Magna Graecia. If you like, we can also arrange for a visit to the Roman Villa Casale with a private guide. When you reach Realmonte, you’ll spend the night in an elegant 19th-century masseria (large farm). Relax beside the swimming pool or take in views of the sea and surrounding rocky landscape before a delicious meal made with regional produce.

You’ll drive along the southern coastal road today towards Ragusa, which takes around two-and-a-half hours. To break up the journey, stop at the charming city of Caltagirone, famous for its ceramics and impressive staircase decorated with colourful tiles. When you reach Ragusa, you’ll set down your suitcases for two nights in a contemporary hotel in the heart of the old town, where you’ll be perfectly placed for exploring the city on foot.

Perched on an 1,800ft cliff, Ragusa is one of the country’s finest examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In 1693, a great earthquake destroyed the city, leaving the Ragusans with a choice: to rebuild in the same place, or to set up elsewhere. As a result, there are now two sides of Ragusa for you to explore. In Ragusa Ibla, where the ancient city stood, you’ll find the 18th-century church of San Giorgio, along with the simple elegance of the Chiesa delle Santissime Anime del Purgatorio. Higher up in Ragusa Superiore is the San Giovanni Battista cathedral. These great religious structures are all framed by beautiful palaces and buildings. Ragusa is also home to some fabulous restaurants that showcase the region’s best produce. If you’d like some recommendations while you’re here, just ask our Concierge.

You’ll drive on to the north of the island today, passing Catania to reach Etna’s eastern flank and the small town of Milo. You’ll spend three nights in a tranquil country residence in the heart of a wine estate. Spend some time in the swimming pool before sitting down to a Sicilian dinner accompanied by some of the region’s best vintage wines.

You’ll have two days to take full advantage of your peaceful accommodation, discover the Mount Nebrodi nature reserve and take in the scenic Alcantara Gorges. You can also explore the charming city of Taormina, with its Roman Theatre and stage that looks out across the sea. We’ll also arrange for you to visit Etna on a private tour while you’re here. This is the highest volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world, though this won’t prevent you from enjoying its lunar landscapes where lemon and orange orchards rub shoulders with vineyards, forests and solidified lava flows. You’ll head to the volcano via the eastern slope, which served as the setting for several scenes in The Godfather. Along the way, you’ll pass through small villages that help inform your understanding of the region’s history and cuisine, before reaching Etna Park and continuing to explore.