Sicily Like You’ve Never Seen It
Our expertly curated itineraries go further than any travel list can take you, unlocking insider knowledge alongside our signature care. Guided by a resident art expert, a celebrated Sicilian sculptor, a cultural luminary who calls Noto home, and winemaking families whose roots run as deep as Etna’s volcanic soil, this intimate three-night experience is designed to access the untold story of one of the Mediterranean’s most storied destinations.
DISCOVER YOUR JOURNEY
Day 1 – Explore the Storied Past at San Domenico Palace
Morning
Arrival at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel
A private transfer from Catania Fontanarossa Airport carries you through the Sicilian landscape at a pace that allows the city to slowly fall away and Taormina to come into focus. Perched atop of the cliffside town, San Domenico Palace has been drawing writers, royalty and other notable celebrities – Truman Capote, Oscar Wilde and Tennessee Williams, to name a few – to Taormina since 1896. Our team is on hand to help you settle into your room effortlessly. Daily breakfast is included in your stay.
Morning
Arrival at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel
A private transfer from Catania Fontanarossa Airport carries you through the Sicilian landscape at a pace that allows the city to slowly fall away and Taormina to come into focus. Perched atop of the cliffside town, San Domenico Palace has been drawing writers, royalty and other notable celebrities – Truman Capote, Oscar Wilde and Tennessee Williams, to name a few – to Taormina since 1896. Our team is on hand to help you settle into your room effortlessly. Daily breakfast is included in your stay.
Afternoon
A Tour Through History
Once you’re settled in, the Hotel’s resident art expert takes you on a private tour through the parts of the former monastery that are not on any public route. Begin in the art-filled Sala della Grande Madia and make your way to the Ancient Cloister, designed as a Garden of Eden looking out over Mount Etna, the town’s Ancient Theatre and the bay. From the Hotel’s terraced gardens, the light on the Ionian Sea shifts in a way that is particular to this building, this hour and the season – and sets the tone for everything that follows.
Afternoon
A Tour Through History
Once you’re settled in, the Hotel’s resident art expert takes you on a private tour through the parts of the former monastery that are not on any public route. Begin in the art-filled Sala della Grande Madia and make your way to the Ancient Cloister, designed as a Garden of Eden looking out over Mount Etna, the town’s Ancient Theatre and the bay. From the Hotel’s terraced gardens, the light on the Ionian Sea shifts in a way that is particular to this building, this hour and the season – and sets the tone for everything that follows.
Late Afternoon
Castelmola by Vintage Fiat 500
An open vintage Fiat 500 takes you up through the narrow roads and into the village of Castelmola – a place with panoramic views over Etna and the Ionian coast, tiny streets that wind between centuries-old stone, and a bar where the house specialty is almond wine, made here in the traditional way and tasted nowhere quite like this. The afternoon ends with an aperitivo looking out over the coast.
Late Afternoon
Castelmola by Vintage Fiat 500
An open vintage Fiat 500 takes you up through the narrow roads and into the village of Castelmola – a place with panoramic views over Etna and the Ionian coast, tiny streets that wind between centuries-old stone, and a bar where the house specialty is almond wine, made here in the traditional way and tasted nowhere quite like this. The afternoon ends with an aperitivo looking out over the coast.
Evening
Dinner at Panoramic Terrace
As evening falls, your table awaits at Panoramic Terrace for an exclusive dinner available only for guests of this itinerary. This is the most scenic setting at our Hotel – a private table positioned at the very edge of our grounds with views that take in the sea, the theatre and the sky above. The menu for the evening belongs to Executive Chef Massimo Mantarro, who has led the kitchen at San Domenico Palace for over 20 years. His cooking is rooted in the authentic flavours of Sicily and shaped by a precise, contemporary eye: the island’s ingredients, treated with the care they deserve.
Evening
Dinner at Panoramic Terrace
As evening falls, your table awaits at Panoramic Terrace for an exclusive dinner available only for guests of this itinerary. This is the most scenic setting at our Hotel – a private table positioned at the very edge of our grounds with views that take in the sea, the theatre and the sky above. The menu for the evening belongs to Executive Chef Massimo Mantarro, who has led the kitchen at San Domenico Palace for over 20 years. His cooking is rooted in the authentic flavours of Sicily and shaped by a precise, contemporary eye: the island’s ingredients, treated with the care they deserve.
Day 2 – Behind the Scenes of Noto
Morning
Noto Like a Local
The city of Noto sits nestled among fragrant orange groves, almond orchards and ancient olive trees – a hidden gem known for its natural beauty and Baroque architecture. The centuries-old grand facades of local golden limestone catch the softer light of spring and autumn with a warmth that the high summer hours cannot replicate. It is arguably Sicily’s finest Baroque town, and today, you’ll experience its rich cultural heritage through a guided walking tour with a local. Afterwards, sit down for lunch at a nearby restaurant and savour specialties of the Syracuse area, giving you an opportunity to compare the cuisine of southeastern Sicily with Taormina’s northeastern approach.
Morning
Noto Like a Local
The city of Noto sits nestled among fragrant orange groves, almond orchards and ancient olive trees – a hidden gem known for its natural beauty and Baroque architecture. The centuries-old grand facades of local golden limestone catch the softer light of spring and autumn with a warmth that the high summer hours cannot replicate. It is arguably Sicily’s finest Baroque town, and today, you’ll experience its rich cultural heritage through a guided walking tour with a local. Afterwards, sit down for lunch at a nearby restaurant and savour specialties of the Syracuse area, giving you an opportunity to compare the cuisine of southeastern Sicily with Taormina’s northeastern approach.
Afternoon
Inside the Atelier of Sergio Fiorentino
Following lunch, you’re welcomed into the private studio of local artist Sergio Fiorentino, an invitation only available to our guests. The Sicilian sculptor’s work moves between water, stone and human form – figures that seem to emerge from their material and dissolve back into it. Today, as he opens his atelier doors to you, you’ll have the opportunity to witness his creative process and discuss his art as you take in the inspiring space.
Afternoon
Inside the Atelier of Sergio Fiorentino
Following lunch, you’re welcomed into the private studio of local artist Sergio Fiorentino, an invitation only available to our guests. The Sicilian sculptor’s work moves between water, stone and human form – figures that seem to emerge from their material and dissolve back into it. Today, as he opens his atelier doors to you, you’ll have the opportunity to witness his creative process and discuss his art as you take in the inspiring space.
Day 3 – Meet Etna
Morning
Signature Experience
The Etna Wine Trail
Mount Etna produces wine unlike any in Italy. Its volcanic soils, altitude and sea breezes combine to create conditions that winemakers elsewhere cannot replicate. This morning, we take you to two of the estates whose work best represents what Etna can do: Cottanera, on the mountain’s northern slopes, and Pietradolce, whose vineyards sit among century-old vine stock at altitude. The foliage on Etna’s northern face turns gold and deep red against the black volcanic rock in autumn; in spring, the same slopes are alive with a different kind of energy entirely. Led by locals, you’ll be guided through the vineyards, walk the cellars and taste the wines in context. Lunch is prepared for you at the final estate: three courses of Sicilian tradition, made from the best the kitchen has to offer.
Signature Experience
The Etna Wine Trail
Mount Etna produces wine unlike any in Italy. Its volcanic soils, altitude and sea breezes combine to create conditions that winemakers elsewhere cannot replicate. This morning, we take you to two of the estates whose work best represents what Etna can do: Cottanera, on the mountain’s northern slopes, and Pietradolce, whose vineyards sit among century-old vine stock at altitude. The foliage on Etna’s northern face turns gold and deep red against the black volcanic rock in autumn; in spring, the same slopes are alive with a different kind of energy entirely. Led by locals, you’ll be guided through the vineyards, walk the cellars and taste the wines in context. Lunch is prepared for you at the final estate: three courses of Sicilian tradition, made from the best the kitchen has to offer.
Included Experiences
Tours at two wineries, each with tastings
Three-course lunch
Included Experiences
Tours at two wineries, each with tastings
Three-course lunch
Evening – Premium Upgrade Option
An Evening on the Mountain: Stargazing Safari
Should you wish to extend your time on Etna, your evening continues as the light fades, taking you from the vineyards into the volcanic landscape as the sky above opens fully. At the altitude we reach, there is almost no light pollution. The sky above Etna is among the clearest in Italy, and in the cooler air of spring or autumn, the atmosphere has a quality of transparency that the summer months cannot match. Your guide for the evening is an astrophysicist who shows you the constellations above and explains their ancient mythology. A dinner of local wines and mountain specialties is laid out for you on the slopes, with warm blankets arranged for the temperature of the night.
Evening – Premium Upgrade Option
An Evening on the Mountain: Stargazing Safari
Should you wish to extend your time on Etna, your evening continues as the light fades, taking you from the vineyards into the volcanic landscape as the sky above opens fully. At the altitude we reach, there is almost no light pollution. The sky above Etna is among the clearest in Italy, and in the cooler air of spring or autumn, the atmosphere has a quality of transparency that the summer months cannot match. Your guide for the evening is an astrophysicist who shows you the constellations above and explains their ancient mythology. A dinner of local wines and mountain specialties is laid out for you on the slopes, with warm blankets arranged for the temperature of the night.
Day 4 – Departure from San Domenico Palace
Morning
VIP Transfer to Airport
After a leisurely breakfast in your room or on the sea-view terrace of Rosso, travel to the airport in a private hotel car, where one of our team members will escort you for a final farewell.
Morning
VIP Transfer to Airport
After a leisurely breakfast in your room or on the sea-view terrace of Rosso, travel to the airport in a private hotel car, where one of our team members will escort you for a final farewell.
Terms and Conditions: All journeys are subject to availability at the time of reservation and are not valid in conjunction with any other offer or contract. Included experiences are subject to availability and may need to be rescheduled or substituted due to operational constraints or inclement weather. Rates include applicable mandatory property fees (for example, resort fees or service charges) and gratuities but do not include government-imposed taxes. Offer is not valid in the EU, the UK, Switzerland or Turkey.
*Pricing is per room and based on double occupancy
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