After arriving in Catania, a private transfer brings you to Hotel Villa Taormina, your four-star boutique hotel nestled along a quiet street in Taormina. After settling in, enjoy a relaxed dinner at Ristorante Rosmarino, where your meal revolves around local specialties, paired with wines that reflect the coastal warmth and volcanic soils of the region. As Goethe said, “to have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is to not have seen Italy at all.” Take the evening to wander and allow the vibrant spirit of Sicily to take hold.

Begin your exploration with a morning vineyard stroll at Firriato's Cavanera, a family-run estate on the slopes of Mount Etna. Set at the base of the active volcano, the wines here reflect the striking minerality of the region’s sandy volcanic soils, and the estate itself stands among Sicily’s most breathtaking. We’ve arranged a private room exclusively for Savor Sicily guests, where you’ll enjoy an intimate tasting paired with a leisurely lunch. After departing Firriato, your driver will bring you to the perched village of Castelmola so you can take in the views before returning to Taormina.

This evening, your group will dive deeper into Sicilian cuisine with a private cooking class at the historic Villa Lawrence, culminating in a beautiful meal on their terrace overlooking the sea. As evening falls, enjoy the meal you’ve created, with shared laughter and wine carrying the moment.

Today you’ll be whisked away to one of the most special vineyards on the island, if not in all of Italy: Planeta's Capo Milazzo. Marked by breathtaking coastline on three sides, this unique property is not otherwise open to the public, but the family generously invites Savor Sicily guests to come and wander through the vines. While enjoying the dramatic locale, you’ll embark on a Journey Through Sicily, a curated tasting with wines from five of the producer’s unique estate properties. 

Before leaving the peninsula, you’ll stop for a leisurely lunch at Bellavista Ristorante, where the menu changes with the rhythms of the sea and the season, shaped by local ingredients and daily catches. Yet, the one constant is the unforgettable view from your table of the rugged cliffs embracing the Tyrrhenian Sea. 

After freshening up at your hotel, the evening brings an elegant finale to your time in Taormina. Dress to impress for a refined dinner at Vineria Modi that celebrates the best of contemporary Sicilian cuisine. Expect this renowned Michelin-star experience to provide warm hospitality, a carefully curated tasting menu, and wines that beautifully showcase the island’s terroir.

After breakfast, pack your bags for the next leg of your journey and set out to explore Mount Etna’s dramatic landscape from the comfort of a luxury 4x4 vehicle. Your private guide from Etna Mareneve Escursioni will lead you along scenic off-road routes through Etna Park, where ancient lava flows, lush vineyards, and volcanic craters tell the story of Sicily’s fiery soul. Linger for a few photos and let your eyes trace the landscape, stretching from steep volcanic slopes to the wide expanse of sea beyond.

Following your excursion, you’ll travel south to the island of Ortigia—a UNESCO World Heritage gem known for its golden-hued architecture and seaside charm. Check into Maeco Ortigia, a boutique, Gothic-Catalan accommodation in the historic center and settle in for three nights of relaxation and discovery. This location has been a favorite of previous groups, saying they "arrived as guests, but left as true friends of Martina and her staff."

This morning begins with a guided walking tour through the heart of Ortigia. Stroll the bustling open-air market, where local vendors call out beneath colorful umbrellas and the scent of citrus and sea salt fills the air. Sample traditional bites as you learn about the region’s culinary heritage, then linger over a relaxed lunch at Fratelli Burgio, a favorite neighborhood spot since 1978 for locals and tourists alike.

The afternoon is yours. Swim in the turquoise waters, explore ancient Greek and Roman ruins, or simply sit along the seafront promenade with a gelato in hand. As evening falls, we suggest a sunset cocktail along the seaside promenade, Lungomare Alfeo, before arriving for dinner at OZ. We’ve set a table aside for you at this intimate restaurant whose menu seamlessly blends tradition and hospitality with bold and expressive flavors.

On your last full day in Sicily, journey into the rolling countryside of the Noto DOC region to experience one of the island’s most elegant expressions of winemaking. Your visit includes a private vineyard tour at Zisola, followed by a guided tasting and a long, sunlit lunch at the family’s dining table. It’s a fitting conclusion to a week rich with discovery and remarkable connection.

Upon returning to Ortigia, gather for an evening aperitivo at Kaleido Terrace, a locally beloved scenic terrace bar overlooking the setting sun. Over cocktails, we’ll help arrange your wine shipments from the week so you can relive these flavors back home. End the trip with a celebratory farewell dinner, sharing stories and laughter with your group as the city glows around you.

As your journey through Sicily comes to a close, we hope you carry home not only memories of extraordinary meals and wines but also the warmth and generosity of this island’s people. Whether you continue traveling through Italy or return home inspired, our team is here to assist with recommendations for future adventures. Buon viaggio—and may your next glass of wine bring you back to the sounds, sights and flavors of Sicily.