Sicily ~ 2024

Beautiful Accommodations
Delicious Truffles
Natural Wonders of Sicily
Amazing Sunsets
Cooking Classes
Local Markets
Fine and Local Dining
Hiking on Mount Etna
Good food, wine & people
Remarkable Ruins

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May 23 - June 1 ~ sold out

October 10-19

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10 Days / 9 Nights

Our private guides will take you to explore many amazing places: the Ear of Dionysius, the Byzantine Mikveh, the remains of a Roman villa with the most remarkable mosaics in Italy,
an interactive exploration of the Allied Operation Husky in World War II, and the spectacular Greek-Roman Amphitheater in Taormina.

In addition, our guests can participate in many food-related activities: hunting for truffles, cooking with local chefs,
making homemade pasta and bread, sampling olive oils, cooking ricotta, pulling mozzarella, piping cannoli,
tasting a variety of Sicilian wines, and eating many locally sourced meats, seafood, and treats.

Our unique experiences are possible because of our partnership with Tours of Sicily. We have a close working relationship and an even closer friendship
with the founders, Seby, Sebastiano, and Raimondo, three childhood friends with close generational ties to the region.
Their personal relationships with farmers, vintners, and chefs provide special experiences for our guests.

The itinerary has been arranged to try to balance your day with planned experiences and some free time to explore this fascinating island on your own.

Itinerary

Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by a private driver who will take you to the five star Ortea Palace Hotel on the island of Ortigia.
Depending on your arrival time, you will have the option to relax and grab a nap or start exploring the island on your own. In the evening guests of Beyond the Sites will meet for dinner together at a lovely restaurant.

After an indulgent breakfast, we will meet our private guide will take us to the historical sites of the Ear of Dionysus and the Paradise Quarry in Siracusa, where she will paint a realistic picture of Greek life 2000 years ago.to explore the picturesque island of Ortigia. We will return to Ortigia to visit the Duomo (built on the site of the ancient Temple of Athena - Greek 480BCE).
Lunch will be at the outdoor market, where we will dine on a selection of local cheese, meats and famous sandwiches.

While recently known as a location for the filming of White Lotus and Cyrano, Noto has long been famous for its classical Baroque architecture. Upon arrival we will visit a well known cafe in Noto serving the traditional Sicilian breakfast of almond granita (a sort of ice cream!) and a brioche. After this delicious second breakfast, you will have some free time to explore the town.
A short drive will take us to a beautiful winery in the Noto valley where we will spend the afternoon tasting olive oil made from trees on the vineyard and eating a Sicilian lunch paired with wines.

The masterful truffle hunter and his specially trained dog will take us to explore the Iberi forest in search of black truffles.
All guests will be invited to lend a hand in creating a fantastic country lunch at a secluded, ancient watermill. A local chef will guide us to make fresh pasta for our newly found truffles. In addition, you can help cook fresh milk into cheese. Raimondo will pour Sicilian wines throughout the day!
This is a truly relaxing day in the Sicilian countryside.

In the late morning we will visit the fascinating baths of the Byzantine Mikveh, the oldest Jewish baths in Europe.
A special stop will take us to a Sicilian chocolatier, where you will learn about the 400 year old history of Sicilian chocolate making.
In the afternoon, we will board our private sailboat for a sunset tour while savoring local treats and wine.

Built around the 4th century, Villa Romana del Casale was buried under mud for approximatly 700 years. Our private guide will bring to life the splendor of this amazing villa as we view the 37,000 square feet of excavated mosaics.
A lovely lunch will be served at a rustic trattoria before we make a quick stop at the Sicilian Outlets, to shop at some of the best Italian brands.
In the evening, we will arrive at our beautiful hotel in the charming town of Taormina.

Enjoy another cappuccino while you don an apron for a morning cooking class where you will learn the secrets of making true Sicilian cannoli.
You will have tha option to spend the afternoon relaxing at the famous Isola Bella beach. Lounge chairs on the beach with lunch and drinks will be available as you desire.
In the early evening, we will join our guide for a private tour of the jewel of Taormina, the ancient Greek-Roman theater.

An early start will take us up to the craters of Mount Etna, where you will have the choice to either hike or eBike on the spectacular landscape with a private guide.
We will have lunch at a winery on the slopes of Etna.
Take in the beautiful view from the terrace before enjoying a Michelin Star dining experience. This meal is a celebration of Sicilian ingredients expertly paired with unique local fine wines, all in a magnificent setting. This is not included.

For centuries, the Catania fish market has provided fruiti de mare to locals. We take in this colorful and vibrant scene before stopping at a local pastry shop for local breakfast pastry for a traditional mid morning pick-me-up.
Our private guide will take us through the interactive WWII museum focused on Operation Husky in Sicily, which marked the beginning of the Allied Forces campaign to liberate Italy.
A rustic lunch awaits us at a charming agriturismo.
We will return to Taormina for some free time before our farewell dinner.