- Days 1–4Taormina
- Days 4–7Noto
- Days 7–8Agrigento
- Days 1–4Taormina
- Days 4–7Noto
- Days 7–8Agrigento
The Charms of Southern Sicily
Sicily is a beautiful island with its own special character. Its patchwork of elegant Baroque cities and ancient Greek ruins is bound by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas. This eight-day adventure takes in the best of the south and south east of the island, starting in the beautiful seaside city of Taormina.
Trip highlights
- Enjoy a private walking tour of the city of Taormina
- Discover Mount Etna summit off road on a 4WD adventure
- Visit a vineyard on the fertile slopes of an active volcano
- Explore historic Modica in a classic Italian Fiat 500
- Learn the secrets of Sicilian cooking in Syracuse
- Tour the Valley of the Temples archaeological site in Agrigento
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Please introduce with: Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–4
A Sicilian introduction in Taormina
Settled on a hill of the Monte Tauro, this pretty coastal town enjoys a prestigious position on the east of the island of Sicily. As well as streets and squares lined with churches and beautiful old buildings, it is also home to the Palazzo Corvaja, which housed the first Sicilian parliament in the 15th century, and the impressive Greek amphitheatre that looks out over Taormina’s two bays and out towards Calabria, with Mount Etna as a backdrop in the other direction.
Taormina has long been home to artists and intellectuals and is also favoured by Hollywood stars. You’ll enjoy a private guided walking tour and have plenty of time for shopping and to explore the streets at your leisure.
Where you could stay
Off-road tour of Mount Etna and winery visit
Enjoy an off-road excursion on a comfortable 4WD, and explore the area around the tallest active volcano in Europe with a vulcanologist as your guide. As you ascend to the summit at 2,000m, you’ll pass through enchanting forests and experience a walk through tubular lava caves. Once you’re at the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the Ionian Sea and the vineyards and orchards that sprawl across the lower slopes. After soaking up the incredible and striking landscapes of Mount Etna, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local winery. While here, you can sample the delicious wines that are produced on the fertile slopes of Etna.
Private transfer to Noto via Catania
Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily’s east coast between the ionic sea and mount Etna. Catania is also known as ‘the black city’ because of the colour of its buildings, blackened by the soot and ashes of the volcano, whose eruptions have often damaged or even destroyed the city.
Days 4–7
Discover beautifully Baroque Noto
The beautiful town of Noto is a UNESCO World Heritage site, considered the capital of Sicilian Baroque style. It is filled with pretty honey-coloured buildings and a main corso where you’ll find spectacular baroque palazzi and churches. You will enjoy a private walking tour, wandering the cobbled streets exploring its palazzos and magnificent cathedral, as well as excursions to Syracuse and Modica.
A cookery class on the island of Ortigia
On arrival at Syracuse, you will be welcomed by your chef and begin with a visit to the historical market in Ortigia. This is an opportunity to taste local products and see the different seasonal fruits, vegetables and seafood. Then make your way to your chef’s kitchen which overlooks the port (or another place in the heart of Ortigia), for a hands-on cooking class that will teach you the secrets of Sicilian cooking.
The island of Ortigia is the historical heart of Siracusa, separated from the modern city by a narrow channel. At its centre is the Piazza del Duomo, home to a magnificent cathedral built on the site of the ancient Temple of Athena.
A Fiat 500 tour and chocolate tasting Modica
Modica is a pretty historic town, with tiers of churches and palaces stacked up on the hill. Once you have arrived you will hop into a classic Italian Fiat 500 and spend an hour exploring the city, weaving in and out of the streets discovering its gems. Modica is famous for its chocolate, made here in the same way it was made in Mexico by the Aztecs. You’ll also visit a local historical shop to try some of its delicious creations and receive a chocolate bar to take away.
Days 7–8
A final night in Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples
Founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century BC, Agrigento became one of the leading cities in the Mediterranean. The area is home to the Valley of the Temples, one of the world’s most impressive and important archaeological sites, spread over 1,300 hectares of land with most situated on rocky crests south of modern day Agrigento. The best preserved is the Concordia temple, one of the most impressive examples of a Greek Doric temple.
Between the town centre and the temples is a peaceful green vale where agriculture is interspersed with ruins and excavations.
Everything went perfectly on our trip! Thank you for all the preparation and help you provided, which resulted in a wonderful experience. We particularly want to thank your Sicily based colleague, who was always available for a daily check-in and helpful with last minute details, and our driver, who cheerfully got us all around and provided additional insight into Sicilian…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
