Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Catania - Salina (Aeolian Islands) - Taormina
100% customisable for you
Your Sicilian adventure begins with a three-hour flight to Catania this morning. On arrival, meet your private driver for a short transfer to your accommodation in the heart of the city. This afternoon, head out with a local guide to discover Catania’s characterful streets – a fascinating patchwork of Baroque buildings, lively markets and black lava-stone facades that reveal the city’s deep connection to Mount Etna. As evening falls, join the locals for an aperitivo before dining al fresco on fresh seafood and pasta alla Norma (the city’s signature dish).
After breakfast, travel by private transfer to Milazzo port and board a hydrofoil bound for the Aeolian Islands. Your destination is Salina – a green and peaceful island blanketed in vineyards, caper bushes and volcanic peaks.
On arrival, a private driver will transport you to your home for four nights in Malfa, perched on the island’s north coast. Unwind after your journey with a pampering treatment at the spa, or raise a glass on the large terrace as you take in the panorama of Mount Stromboli, one of Italy’s four active volcanoes.
This morning, set sail on a private gozzo boat for a four-hour cruise around Salina's rugged coastline. Stop to swim in turquoise coves, drop anchor off Pollara (made famous by Il Postino), and visit Rinella’s superb black sand beach.
When you return from your boat trip, you’ll have the rest of the day to spend enjoying Salina and its relaxed pace of life. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in a harbourside trattoria before returning to your hotel for a sunset spritz.
Today and tomorrow are all about exploring the Aeolian archipelago at your own pace. Begin with Salina’s wonderful hiking trails, which offer splendid panoramas of its two extinct volcanoes that dominate the landscape. If you’d prefer a gentler day, simply settle into island life – long lunches, swims in clear water and the Italian art of doing very little.
For something a little more adventurous, we can arrange a day trip to Vulcano, complete with a hike up to the steaming summit crater. Alternatively, opt for a guided kayaking tour along Vulcano’s east coast, gliding past black-sand beaches and dramatic cliffs.
In the afternoon of day five, travel by hydrofoil to Stromboli, where you’ll spend the night at La Sciara. Stromboli’s atmosphere is something else, especially after dark. Conditions permitting, you can witness the glowing lava flows of the Sciara del Fuoco, either from land or out on the water.
Today, wave goodbye to Stromboli and return by hydrofoil to Milazzo. On arrival, you’ll be met and privately transferred to Taormina - the jewel of the Sicilian Riviera. Here, rich historical heritage meets dramatic natural scenery: ancient remains such as the Greco-Roman theatre open straight out onto the sea, while majestic Mount Etna looms on the horizon. You’ll spend two nights in a sophisticated hotel in the heart of the Medieval old town. When you’re not outside exploring Taormina’s winding streets or admiring the views over the bay (made famous by the 1988 film The Big Blue), unwind by the pool or enjoy a treatment at the hotel’s excellent spa.
For your last full day in Sicily, enjoy a guided hike along the Saracens Trail from Taormina to Castelmola, with sweeping views of Naxos, Mount Etna and the Gulf of Catania. Walk among olive trees, prickly pears, acanthus and wild capers as your guide shares anecdotes about Sicilian history and culture. You’ll also stop at Porta Saracena, a stone passage used during the conquest of Taormina, and in the enchanting village of Castelmola where you’ll sample delicious pastries to conclude your walk. If hiking isn’t for you, we can arrange a 4x4 adventure on Mount Etna, a popular alternative that lets you experience the volcano with the uphill climb.
When you return to Taormina, you’ll have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure. There’s plenty to pack into your final afternoon here. Wander the Villa Communale gardens, sip a glass of vino di mandorla (a local almond wine) in Piazza IX Aprile, or visit Isola Bella nature reserve, depending on the tides. For a truly memorable finale, catch an open-air concert at the ancient theatre – a spectacular way to end your Sicilian adventure.
After breakfast, wave goodbye to Sicily and take a private transfer to Catania airport where you’ll board your flight back to the UK.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
