Our
Sicily excursion
Old Messina
One of the first Greek colonies
- Duration: 5 hours
This excursion traces the history of the city through legends, historical and atmospheric events, art and tradition. Walking through enchanting landscapes, such as the Strait of Messina, whose legend tells that Scylla and Charybdis, the two monsters that inhabited this strait, drowned every ship that crossed it. Despite numerous natural disasters the city has managed to preserve the many historical monuments: the church of the Catalans of the twelfth century, fountains of Neptune and Orion of the sixteenth century and the magnificent bell tower of the cathedral, in which at noon the world’s largest and most complex mechanical and astronomical clock is activated. The Regional Museum of the City hosts paintings by Caravaggio, who spent the last years of his life in Sicily, and paintings by Antonello da Messina.
Felucca fishing
A unique fishing trip in the Strait
- Duration: 5 hours
In Messina, from May to August, you can participate in swordfish hunting. It’s a unique experience that brings you in close contact with local fishermen, allowing you to live their daily routine and feel the adrenaline they experience every day. The setup and design of the feluca allow the fishermen to carry out a strategic action based on a careful and cunning procedure. From the top of the feluca’s mast, a person monitors the waters and, in case of a sighting, alerts the crew with a shout, indicating the direction of the swordfish. A fisherman positions himself on the prow of the feluca, and once the fish is reached, he grips the harpoon.. After that, the rest of the fishermen use a rope to bring the swordfish onto the felucca.
Catania
Whose fate is inextricably linked to Mount Etna.
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
This is not only reminded by the towering silhouette of the giant, but also by the dark color of many monuments, houses, and walls that have been built with volcanic tuff: black and white are the dominant colors of the city. In 1669, the city was nearly completely covered by lava and later, in 1693, destroyed by an earthquake. Despite the contentious nature of its troubled neighbor, Catania quickly bounced back. The buildings constructed in the early 19th century in Sicilian Baroque style still strike today with their beauty and elegance. During this excursion, you can visit the central square, the cathedral, the Greek theater and odeon, the opera house, the Bellini museum, and the Biscari Palace (18th-20th century). I would like to mention that Catania brought into the world the great composer Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835) and the writer Giovanni Verga (1840-1922).
Taormina
“The Pearl of Sicily”
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
A seductive diva capable of leaving everyone speechless with its breathtaking views and ancient ruins. The city of Taormina, known as the Pearl of Sicily, was founded by the Greeks and celebrated by Goethe in the late 18th century. One of the most well-known attractions is certainly the Greek-Roman theater, which offers a stunning panorama that also includes a glimpse of the majestic Mount Etna. This excursion includes a visit to the Greek-Roman theater, Palazzo Corvaja, the Odeon, the Naumachie, the municipal park, and a tasting of Sicilian sweets and wines.
Let yourself be captivated by this wonderful corner of paradise that has inspired numerous artists, musicians, and writers over the centuries.
Taormina Caves
Boat tour in the waters of the Pearl of Sicily
- Duration: 2 hours
An individual excursion on a comfortable boat with a skipper, during which you can admire the stunning coast of Taormina and Giardini Naxos with its caves such as the Blue Cave, the Mermaid’s Cave, the Love Cave, … and the beautiful Isola Bella, diving into the crystal-clear waters of magnificent Sicily.
Aeolian Islands
Kingdom of Aeolus, master of the winds
- Duration: 10/12 hours
The archipelago includes 7 volcanic islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Panarea, Alicudi, Filicudi and Salina and the active volcano Stromboli. Vulcano is rich in breathtaking views framed by lush nature. It’s an island where you can relax on the black sand beach, swim in crystal-clear waters, indulge in therapeutic mud and water baths (not recommended for those with heart conditions), or take a dip in the Pool of Venus. A boat ride to immerse yourself in the relaxation and natural landscapes that govern the two islands Alicudi and Filicudi, characterized by steep cliffs of exceptional beauty. Panarea, an island known for its glamorous lifestyle, boasts a marvelous sea and breathtaking cliffs. It offer the enchanting landscape of the two islets, Lisca Bianca and Lisca Nera. Lipari, in addition to its beautiful beaches, features mountainous terrain and hosts a significant archaeological museum. Salina, is famous for housing two inactive volcanoes within which human settlements have been built during the years. It is also where Pablo Neruda’s house is located, and where he lived during the filming of the famous movie “Il Postino”. And finally, Stromboli, which during its eruptions offers a breathtaking view to the numerous spectators observing it from boats.
Unknown Sicily
Castiglione di Sicilia, “the city of wine“, and the Alcantara Gorges, a must-see phenomenon.
- Duration: 5 hours
Castiglione di Sicilia is part of the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy and is entirely surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and chestnut forests. Castiglione means “Great Castle,” like the one that was built in the valley to protect against enemies, whose ruins still survive today. This town features medieval characteristics, narrow streets that converge towards the town center, and ascend further towards the castle. In the historic part, you can admire churches that date back to different centuries, such as the Church of Sant’Antonio Abbate. The deep Alcantara Gorges and the river of the same name that flows through it are one of the most interesting natural landmarks in Sicily. The gorges were formed due to the activity of a lateral crater of Mount Etna, whose lava split the rock and poured into the gorges, where now flows perennially fresh water. Ideal for the heat of Sicily
The locations of "The Godfather."
“The Godfather,” directed by Francis Ford Coppola
- Duration: 4/5 hours
Visiting Savoca… A town nestled in a mountainous area, notable not only for the medieval appearance of its buildings but also for the daily life of its citizens that will make you feel like taking a step back in time. The streets of the village transport anyone who walks through them to the early last century, conveying the measured and unhurried lifestyle of the Sicilians. The “Bar Vitelli,” in the central square, is the place where the scenes of the meeting between Michael Corleone and Apollonia’s father, his future wife, were filmed – essentially, where any fan of The Godfather would want to go. Another must-see location is the Capuchin Monastery, which houses the mummified remains of local nobles from the 18th century. Subsequently, a visit to Forza d’Agrò or the Castello degli Schiavi can be arranged upon request.
Syracuse
The homeland of Archimedes and Epicarmus
- Duration: 6/7 hours
One of the greatest cities of the ancient world, capital of Magna Graecia, the homeland of Archimedes and Epicarmus (father of comedy). Today, it is a unique place, the result of a succession of dominations and the fusion of the city’s diverse identities. In every corner, traces of ancient civilizations emerge in a blend of styles, flavors, and fragrances.
During the tour, you will visit: the Archaeological Park of Neapolis (Greek Theater, Roman Amphitheater, Tomb of Archimedes, quarries), the Crypt of San Marziano (where Apostle Paul preached in 63 AD), the Catacombs of San Giovanni (necropolis from the 6th century), and the oldest part of the city, Ortigia Island (Temple of Apollo, the Cathedral, the Fountain of Arethusa), with its buildings constructed in Sicilian Baroque style (18th century).
Piazza Amerina e Caltagirone
Between history and tradition
- Duration: 6 hours
Two unique places in the heart of Sicily. Piazza Amerina and Caltagirone are two medieval villages with a splendid historical center in Baroque style that will transport you back in time with its medieval alleys and Renaissance and Baroque palaces. Caltagirone, a UNESCO site, is famous for its distinctive production of colorful ceramics. Here you can unleash your artistic creativity with the artisans of this magnificent place. Piazza Armerina is particularly known and renowned for the mosaics inside the Villa Romana del Casale. This villa is one of the most precious archaeological testimonies of Sicilian culture during the Roman Empire (3rd-4th century AD) and is also one of the most luxurious. It is a unique monument, in terms of number, richness, and beauty of its mosaics.
Agrigento
The Valley of the Temples and the Scala dei Turchi
- Duration: 10 hours
Agrigento was called “the most beautiful city of mortals.” Today, this magnificent city carefully preserves an extraordinary cultural and landscape heritage from classical times: the majestic Valley of the Temples, with its seven Greek temples, among which the Temple of Concordia is considered the best-preserved temple from the ancient world. An enchanting testimony of antiquity to admire. This excursion will let you experience the “ancient grandeur of Sicily.” After a break, the journey continues to the nearby Scala dei Turchi, an extraordinary staircase of white marl shaped by the wind and the waves of the Mediterranean Sea.
Palermo, Monreale
Strolling among different cultures
- Duration: 10/12 hours
Palermo, the island’s capital, is an exotic city
where Romanesque, Byzantine, Arab, and Gothic architectural elements
blend harmoniously.
City tour of Palermo – 3 hours: Cathedral, Norman Palace, Piazza Pretoria, Martorana, Teatro Massimo, San Cataldo, Piazza Marina. After the tour of Palermo, enjoy some free time before visiting the city of Monreale, famous for its Cathedral, which houses the largest gold mosaics and the Chiostro dei Bnedettini, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.
Val di Noto
A journey through “Sicilian Baroque”
- Duration: 5 hours
A devastating earthquake struck this valley in 1693, destroying many towns and villages. The reconstruction of the cities began immediately. It was decided to rebuild them in the Baroque style, which was fashionable at the time. Today, the Val di Noto, with its splendid jewel-like cities, is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In Val di Noto, the epicenter of Sicilian Baroque, you’ll experience a unique atmosphere that feels straight out of a movie set, yet utterly real.
The warm amber color of Noto’s buildings envelops and captivates everyone! This village is one of the most attractive in Sicily thanks to the color and Baroque forms of its buildings and its inviting “inforata“. The valley is also famous for its Michelin-starred restaurants.
During an excursion in the Val di Noto, it’s always recommended to stop for a tasting.
Etna volcano
The largest active volcano in the world
Before introducing our excursions on Mount Etna, it is important to make a preliminary statement. This volcano has two sides: the southern slope and the northern slope. It can be said that from a naturalistic perspective, solidified lava can be seen on both slopes. However, despite this, there is a significant difference between them both in terms of landscape and nature, as well as in the tourist flow that visits them.
North Etna
Known for its unspoiled nature
- Duration: 6 hours
Fully immerse yourself in nature on Europe’s tallest volcano! You’ll start with an exhilarating off-road ascent over a lava flow, with stunning views overlooking the Valle del Bove. Continuing on, you’ll explore a lava tube cave that will leave you speechless. After a technical stop at the Alpine Refuge, the journey continues with a trek among the dormant craters of Monti Sartorius. Finally, you’ll visit a winery for a tasting experience (lunch or dinner at the winery). The tasting includes sampling 4 wines paired with various Sicilian delicacies such as sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes from Pachino, mushrooms and olives, aged pepato cheese, provola cheese, baked ricotta cheese, fresh canestrato cheese, S. Angelo di Brola salami, sausage simmered in red wine, side dish, homemade bread, still water, hazelnut paste, and coffee.
Etna sud
The most touristic part
- Duration: 4/8 hours
During this excursion, you will admire the villages at the foot of the volcano to see how the local population is adapting to its troubled neighbor, and then enjoy the marvelous gardens, forests, and the Etna desert. Finally, going up to the observation platform (1890 m), it is possible to admire the Silvestri craters, inactive since the end of the 19th century. In addition, for lovers of thrill you can climb by cable car up to 2500 m and then by jeep up to 3000 m, then walk to the four main craters at 3300 m , the sites of the eruption of 2006-2007. A point from which you will seem to be on another planet. The ascent will take 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Finally, on the slopes of the volcano is offered a lunch with wine tasting of Etna (to be booked separately).
