WESTERN SICILY & TAORMINA
Luxury Small-Group Tour to Sicily
Western Sicily & Taormina is a 10-day small-group tour vacation across the largest island of Italy, coast to coast.
With our intimate group limited to 12 guests, we can explore Sicily without feeling rushed, with enough time to take in the uniqueness of each luxury boutique hotel where we are staying. Gain access to remote farmhouses and experience the warmth of Sicilian people who open the doors of their homes to us.
We visit Taormina, the Greek temples of Agrigento, the Baroque town of Naro, Erice, Trapani, Marsala, Monreale’s cathedral’s golden mosaics, and Palermo’s rowdy food market. We take a private boat tour through the salt pans of Western Sicily, spotting windmills and ruins of the ancient Phoenician colony of Motya.
The essence of the Mediterranean sea unravels on the island of Favignana, in a day trip focused on food traditions that draw on history, such as tuna fishing, the making of couscous, and the art of stuffing cannoli.
On the slopes of Mt. Etna, we meet the last heir of a family that for generations has been dealing with the challenging production of pistacchio . Near Castelvetrano, we smell the aroma of century-old olive trees whose roots take nutrients in the rocks carved by ancient Greeks, giving a superb olive oil listed by Slow Food.
Whether it is a wine tasting on a terrace overlooking the dramatic scenery of Sicily’s mainland or standing in awe on your room’s balcony admiring the coastline, our Western Sicily & Taormina Tour will deliver that strong and elemental character that the region retains.
Can’t say enough about Meet Piemonte and the Sicily tour. We traveled before with them to Piedmont and they accommodate our request to arrange a private departure for my family of eight. Their Sicilian itinerary was just perfect, not too rushed, but at the same time, we were able to do coast to coast which is something that we couldn’t find with other operators. We particularly loved our day on the island of Favignana, the tour of the old tuna fishing, and the views. Kudos to each local guide we met and to our tour manager Lorenzo who took care of all details. We couldn’t imagine doing this by ourselves. Highly recommended!
Bebe P. – September 2022
Read all reviews on Tripadvisor and on Google
Trip Highlights
Boat tour of the salt pans and the Phoenician colony of Motya
Day trip to Favignana island with cooking class and tour of the tonnara
Pistacchio organic farm on the slopes of Mt. Etna
Visit the golden mosaics of Monreale’s Cathedral and the cloister
Fine-dining overlooking the Greek temples of Agrigento
Sicilian breakfast with granita in Taormina + tour of the Greek Theatre
Olive oil tasting in a Slow Food farm
Wine tastings in boutique wineries
Trip BASICS
10 days | 9 nights
From Catania to Palermo (see below flight information)
Group size: 6-12 guests
Learn more about the perks of our Small Group Tours To Italy
Learn more about Meet Piemonte and the team of Tour Guides
2 nights in Taormina
Modern and sleek accommodation with a private balcony overlooking the bay and the rooftops of Taormina, in a quiet setting, steps away from the hectic shopping streets.
2 nights in Agrigento
Splurge in this sustainable luxury boutique hotel featuring a private pool for each room, facing the Valley of Temples and the turquoise Mediterranean sea in the background.
3 nights near Marsala
A 5-star hotel, once home of an aristocratic family, set among vineyards, and sun-ripened prickly pears, overlooking the western coast of Sicily and the Aegadian islands behind.
2 nights in Palermo
Old-world charm in these well-appointed and quiet rooms located in the vibrant city center of Palermo. A perfect location to relax and recharge after a day of exploration.
2024
September 29th — October 8th : SOLD OUT
October 8th — 17th : OPEN Co-hosted with ForkTown Tours
• 4530€ per person, double occupancy
• Single supplement on request
2025
Check back for details
Day 1 – Welcome to our Tour of Western Sicily & Taormina
Meals included: dinner
A private group transfer to Taormina departs at 2 pm from Catania’s airport. Our small bus can also stop at Catania’s train station, for those guests who decided to arrive a day earlier and spend the previous night in Catania’s city center.
The drive to Taormina takes approximately one hour and we will be dropped off at the Taormina Palace Hotel, located just a few steps away from Corso Umberto, the pedestrian high street.
Check in and relax in your room equipped with modern furniture and featuring a balcony overlooking the bay of Mazarò with the deep-blue sea in the background and the rooftops of Taormina.
Tonight, meet your fellow travelers and your tour manager for a brief orientation talk followed by our first group dinner in a traditional trattoria.
Day 2 – The Greek Theatre and Sicilian breakfast in Taormina
Meals included: breakfast and pastry shop tasting
This morning we follow our local guide for an insightful tour of the Ancient Theatre of Taormina where we skip the queue with our reserved entrance.
Built by the Greeks and used during Roman times, the theater lies on the slope of a hill that helped to project the actors’ voices. From the top of this important landmark, we can take the iconic picture with the stage and the view of Mt. Etna and the below bay, in the background.
Later, we reach a well-known coffee and pastry shop and indulge in a late Sicilian breakfast consisting of the creamy ice slush, called granita, and the soft, spongy brioche on the side.
Our local guide will continue to the gardens of Taormina and to some hidden gems of this iconic town, a favorite destination for generations of artists and aristocrats from all over Europe.
The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and take in at your own pace the beauty of the place. Maybe you want to ride the cable car down to sea level and plunge your toes into the Mediterranean. Maybe you simply want to enjoy people-watching in one of the restaurants along Corso Umberto, dotted with luxury shops.
Take advantage of the central location of our hotel and go back for some rest whenever you need, before going out again for dinner.
Day 3 – Pistacchio farm on Mt. Etna and Sicily’s mainland
Meals included: breakfast, light lunch and dinner
Check out from Taormina and drive to the lower flanks of Mt. Etna, near the town of Bronte. Here, a unique microclimate that benefits from the proximity to the sea, combined with the fertile volcanic soil, generates the perfect environment for the cultivation of pistacchio.
We meet Andrea, the owner of a historic farm where the art of grafting the crooked pistacchio trees and harvesting the precious nut on the rocky grounds, is passed from generation to generation.
Surrounded by a barren and fascinating landscape, we sit in the courtyard of the farm and partake in a light lunch savoring a delicious selection of savory and sweet specialties made with the best pistacchio in the world, known for its refined taste.
This afternoon, relax onboard our comfortable minibus as our tour of Western Sicily & Taormina crosses the dramatic scenery of Sicily’s mainland. Stories, fun facts, and photo opportunities will be on hand as we spot hilltop towns, wheat fields, and remote valleys, all the way to Agrigento.
Check-in at Doric Boutique Hotel, a luxury retreat focused on sustainable architecture and surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation.
Built on a hill slope overlooking the Greek Temples and the turquoise sea of Sicily’s southern coast in the background, each room features a small private pool where guests can relax in complete privacy.
The owner of the hotel is available for a leisure walk around the property, for a deeper understanding of how the hotel has been conceived and to take in the beauty of this exclusive setting.
Tonight we partake in a fine-dining experience at the hotel’s restaurant where the resident chef surprises us with traditional ingredients and recipes presented with a modern twist.
Day 4 – The Valley of Temples, Naro & Lunch in a Boutique Winery
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Wake up surrounded by the fragrance of aromatic herbs, flowers, and Mediterranean lush vegetation and enjoy breakfast in the sunny and quiet countryside of Agrigento in one of the very few hotels of the area where you will not hear any traffic.
A 5-minute bus transfer will take us to the entrance of one of the most impressive Unesco World Heritage sites of Italy, the Valley of Temples featuring the best preserved Greek temples in the world, dating back to the VI century B.C.
Our informative and friendly local expert walks us on a journey back in time and the guided tour will last approximately a couple of hours.
Then, we are off to the countryside of Agrigento, home of a local DOC wine appellation. We meet the President of such a consortium in his private home, a restored Baglio – a farmhouse located on a hillcrest overlooking the vineyards.
We enjoy lunch on the outdoor terrace (in case of bad weather, we will eat in the indoor dining room), paired with a tasting of Sicily’s indigenous grape varietals Grillo and Nero d’Avola, as well as international grapes Syrah and Chardonnay.
This afternoon we have the privilege of visiting a hidden gem, the Baroque and Gothic town of Naro. Much less popular than Noto, Naro deserves a stop to admire the elegant architecture of churches and aristocratic palaces. We take a leisure walk and get a glimpse of this typical Sicilian town, where not many tourists come, and where local people still leave in a simple and genuine way.
Back at the hotel, relax on the patio of your deluxe room with private pool or read a book in the main garden. Tonight’s dinner is on your own and we offer the choice between driving to the nearby beach town of San Leone, where to try one of the casual pizzerias and seafood restaurants. Alternatively, stay for a romantic à la carte dinner at the refined hotel’s restaurant.
Day 5 – Olive Oil Tasting in Western Sicily, in a Slow Food farm
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
After checking out from Agrigento, travel this morning to the countryside of Castelvetrano, to a farm listed by Slow Food for its high-quality and rare olive oil.
Rooted in the mineral-rich soil of a former quarry of Greek times, the century-old olive trees produce delicious olive oil that stands apart for its superb characteristics.
Walk through the olive grove and join a technical and informative tasting of the three types of olives grown here. Learn how to appreciate the good qualities that extra-virgin olive oil and sit at the table for lunch in the farm’s restaurant.
Later, drive to the West coast of Sicily and check in at Baglio Oneto, a 1700s farm owned by an aristocratic family, today turned into a five-star hotel.
We have secured deluxe rooms with a view over the coastline of Sicily with the Aegadian islands and Mt. Erice in the background.
Relax at the pool or take a walk in the vineyards that surround our new home for the next three nights, a peaceful luxury retreat in the vineyards of the province of Trapani.
Tonight we savor the local cuisine with another fine-dining experience where traditional recipes are presented in an elegant atmosphere.
Day 6 – Salt pans, Phoenician ruins and a night in Erice
Meals included: breakfast, pastry tasting
This morning a 20-minute drive takes us to the dock where we board bottom-flat boats that can sail in the Stagnone’s lagoon.
Our local guide shares stories and fun facts about the ancient tradition of producing salt in this stretch of coast exposed to the hot sun and strong winds. Take in the view of the shallow salt pans and their restored windmills as we reach the preserved small island of San Pantaleo.
We continue with an informative walk through the archeological excavation of Motya, once a powerful city built by the Phoenicians, one of the earliest civilizations of the Mediterranean.
We follow the footsteps of Joseph Whitaker, an English nobleman who traded in Marsala (the famous wine that takes its name from the city), as we explore the Foundation named after him.
This afternoon take in the relaxing vibe of our country luxury hotel with some time on your own before meeting again for the evening.
Late afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive from sea level up to 700m (2300 ft) above. From the hill town of Erice the stunning coastline of Trapani is under our feet, as we walk on the picturesque stone-paved narrow streets.
We stop at the world-famous Maria Grammatico’s pastry shop, for sampling the freshly-made almond sweets with a glass of Marsala wine.
Enjoy dinner on your own in one of the many restaurants in town before driving back to the hotel.
Day 7 – The essence of the Mediterranean: a day trip to Favignana Island
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
A short drive takes us to the port of Trapani from where a high-speed ferry transfers us in just 30 minutes to the island of Favignana.
Favignana, the largest of the Aegadian islands, embraces visitors with its chilled vibe and vivid colors.
Our local expert welcomes us at the dock and escorts us for a coffee break in the bustling main piazza. Then we reach on foot the former Florio’s tuna fishing facility, now a museum, that for over a century represented the most important economic resource of Favignana.
The tools and the industrial architecture of the so-called tonnara support the fascinating narration of old traditions, myths, and clever fishing techniques that, despite being cruel, was able to preserve the tuna species in the sea.
Next, board local taxis and transfer to a higher part of the island to take in views and the smell of aromatic herbs that naturally grow in this piece of land closer to Africa than to mainland Italy!
Meet a chef for a dive into the ancient art of making couscous and join a fun hands-on cooking class making local pasta. Lastly, learn the Sicilian way of stuffing cannoli shells.
We toast with local wines, caponata, cheese, and other delicacies surrounded by views of the Mediterranean, before sitting at the table for lunch.
This afternoon we board the high-speed boat back to Trapani where you can follow your tour manager in the elegant shopping streets of the city center.
Grab an early dinner (on your own) before returning to our hotel.
*In case of rough sea conditions, for everyone’s safety and well-being, the ride to Favignana may be arranged with a bigger ferry boat. In case of bad weather, the Favignana excursion will be replaced by another land-based activity. No refunds will be given in either case.
Day 8 – Sicilian treasures: from Marsala to Monreale’s golden mosaics
Meals included: breakfast and light lunch
After checking out, we drive to the nearby town of Marsala, where Garibaldi started the unification of Italy. The town, however, is known for giving the name to the famous wine that for a long time was loaded on ships sailing to England and northern Italy.
We visit the impressive aging cellars where once Marsala wine was stocked and now brim with new life with the modern production of indigenous grape varietals.
A light lunch paired with wine is served, before we drive to the northern outskirts of Palermo, up to the village of Monreale where in 1172, Norman king Guglielmo II started the construction of a stunning cathedral.
Our local guide will help to read the colorful mosaics boasted in the cathedral’s interior, among the most extended and precious of the Mediterranean. We take a look at the evocative cloister before transferring to central Palermo and check-in to our new home for the next two nights.
Tonight follow your tour manager for an orientation walk. Dinner on your own.
Day 9 – The Western Sicily & Taormina Tour ends in Palermo
Meals included: breakfast, food tastings and dinner
The last day of the Western Sicily & Taormina tour unravels the city center of Palermo, which represents how centuries of cultures have layered on the island.
From our centrally-located hotel, a few steps will take us to the vibrant Vucciria food market with its vivid colors and loud voices.
As we reach the bustling intersection of Quattro Canti, Palermo surprises with the mix of Arab, Norman, and Byzantine architecture, next to the imposing Neo-Classical Opera House.
This morning tour is a combination of tastings of local street food as we explore the intricate urban sprawl of old Palermo. Our expert local guide leads us through some of the must-sees, alternated to back alleys and hidden gems.
Later, experience more of the city on your own, or grab some last-minute gift to take home, before meeting again for one more group dinner and bid farewell to your fellow travelers.
Day 10 – Arrivederci
Meals included: breakfast
Enjoy one more breakfast in Palermo before checking out.
The Western Sicily & Taormina Tour comes to an end.
The airport is located within a 40-minute drive from the city center.
Private airport transfers can be arranged for an additional cost.
Arrivederci!
Flights are not included. Before booking, read the following information:
– Arrival airport: Catania (CTA)
Our group transfer to Taormina departs at 2:00 pm from Catania’s airport. We can also arrange a second stop at Catania’s train station for guests who arrived a day earlier and spent the night in the city center of Catania.
Guests who prefer to get to Taormina a day or more in advance can request a private transfer for an extra charge.
– Suggested departure airport: Palermo (PMO)
Palermo’s airport is located about a 30-minute drive from the city center. No group transfer is provided but private transfers can be arranged for an extra charge.
To save your spot, complete the form at the bottom of this page with any questions you may have. When you are ready to commit, you will receive via email the contract that you need to fill out with your information and sign electronically.
- The tour is confirmed with at least 6 participants
- A 30% down payment is required in order to confirm the reservation.
- The remaining balance is due 45 days before the tour.
Cancellation policy:
- There shall be a 250€ non-refundable processing fee (per person) on any cancellation request, regardless of the time frame within which the cancellation is submitted;
- From 90 days to 46 days before the performance of the Tourist Package, by paying a penalty equal to 30% of the price;
- From 45 days before the performance of the Tourist Package, by paying a penalty equal to 100% of the price
Read here the full terms and conditions.
The rate includes:
- 2 nights in Taormina, breakfast and porterage included
- 2 nights in deluxe rooms with private pool in Agrigento, breakfast and porterage included
- 3 nights in deluxe rooms at Baglio Oneto, breakfast and porterage included
- 2 nights in Palermo, breakfast and porterage included
- private luxury minivan throughout the tour (as per itinerary), with permits and parking included. It includes one group transfer on day 1 from Catania to Taormina
- tour manager for 10 days (fully-escorted tour and 24h assistance while on tour)
- dinner in Taormina, wine included
- Sicilian breakfast in Taormina
- Local guide (2 hours) and tickets for the Greek Theatre in Taormina
- Tour of a historic Pistacchio farm and light lunch
- Fine-dining experience in Agrigento with wine included
- Local guide (2 hours) and tickets for the Valley of Temples in Agrigento
- Lunch in a winery near Agrigento
- Tour of an olive oil farm, olive oil tasting and lunch
- Dinner at Baglio Oneto with wine included
- Local guide (3 hours) and private boat for the salt pans, and tickets to Motya
- Local guide (2 hours) in Erice and pastry tasting
- Return tickets for high-speed boat from Trapani to Favignana
- Local guide in Favignana and tickets for Florio’s tuna fishing museum
- Cooking class in Favignana, transportation on the island and lunch with wine included
- Light lunch in a winery in Marsala
- Local guide (2 hours) and tickets for Monreale’s cathedral and cloister
- Local guide (3 hours) and food tastings (light lunch) in Palermo
- Farewell Dinner with wine included
- VAT 22%
- Tour Operator limited liability insurance
- Assistance throughout the planning process and travel tips
The rate does not include:
- Hotel City Tax (between 3 to 5€ per person per night)
- Personal travel insurance
- Airfare to/from Italy
- Airport transfer in Palermo on day 10
- Any other meal, tasting, entrance fee, transfer, personal expense, tips and anything else not mentioned above in the field “The rate includes”. The wine included is the one presented during the meal or wine tasting and it is never unlimited. Any extra is at each guest’s discretion.
Meet Piemonte Tour Operator partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading travel protection services. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue to provide our clients with medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services. Without a membership, an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000. More than one million members trust Global Rescue to get them home safely when the unexpected happens. We highly recommend our clients enroll with Global Rescue.
Join Meet Piemonte as we delve into the vibrant culture, awe-inspiring landscapes, and rich history that make Sicily a must-visit destination. Here’s why you should choose Meet Piemonte to guide you to this extraordinary Mediterranean gem:
Expert Knowledge: As your expert tour operator in Italy, we have an extensive understanding of Sicily’s history, art, and cultural heritage. Our vetted local experts will provide you with in-depth insights into each location we visit, enriching your Sicily travel experience and allowing you to appreciate the region’s nuances and hidden treasures.
Safety: While certain parts of Southern Italy may be very different from the rest of the country, venturing out by yourself can be more challenging than expected and logistics can be much more complicated. Our tour guides will do everything they can to accommodate you in this new area and make you feel safe.
Seamless Logistics: We handle all the logistics of your Sicily vacation, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the experience. From arranging luxury accommodations in boutique hotels and private transportation to coordinating activities and excursions, we take care of all the minute details so you don’t have to, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable Sicily travel experience for all.
Local Connections: With a group size limited to only 12 guests, our escorted tour to Sicily will introduce you to the warmth and hospitality of Sicilian locals. Whether it’s sharing conversations with friendly pistacchio farmers on the slopes of Mt. Etna or engaging with passionate winemakers during vineyard tours, you’ll have the opportunity to forge meaningful connections where large groups cannot go and gain a deeper understanding of Sicilian life.
Unparalleled Experiences: Sicily boasts a myriad of unforgettable things to do. From exploring the ancient Greek temples of Agrigento and the theatre of Taormina to indulging in mouthwatering culinary delights like granita, and fine-dining experiences, we will guide you to the most remarkable and authentic encounters that Sicily has to offer.
Flexibility & Adaptability: Traveling is an ever-changing adventure, and unexpected situations may arise. On our luxury tour to Sicily, we will be flexible and adaptable, ready to handle alterations or adjustments for even the most discerning travelers. With our flexible cancellation policy and partnership with Global Rescue, you can book ahead of time and enjoy your time in Italy, knowing that you’re covered up. Your safety, comfort, and satisfaction are our top priorities.
So, why vacation to Sicily with Meet Piemonte? Because together, we will unlock the wonders of this incredible island, immersing ourselves in its history, culture, and natural beauty. Our escorted tour to Sicily will leave you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for this captivating Mediterranean island.
