WESTERN SICILY & TAORMINA TOUR
Luxury Small-Group SICILY Tour
Explore in style the largest island of Italy, from coast to coast, with our 10-day Western Sicily & Taormina Tour.
Our luxury small-group Sicily tour, limited to 12 guests, gains access to remote farmhouses and offbeat experiences where the warmth of Sicilian people is revealed as they open the doors of their homes to us.
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.
Unravel popular spots and less-visited sites with our comprehensive itinerary that covers 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. With a private boat, we sail through the salt pans of Western Sicily, spotting windmills and ruins of the ancient Phoenician colony of Motya.
The essence of the Mediterranean Sea comes alive 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.
Whether it is a wine tasting on a terrace overlooking the dramatic scenery of Sicily’s mainland or standing in awe on your hotel 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 accommodated 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 the details. We couldn’t imagine doing this by ourselves. Highly recommended!
Bebe P. – September 2022
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Trip Highlights
Taormina’s Greek Theatre Private Tour
Day trip to Favignana Island
Pistacchio Organic farm on the slopes of Mt. Etna
Visit the golden mosaics of Monreale’s Cathedral
Go to the full list of What’s Included in the tour package
Fine-dining overlooking the Greek Temples of Agrigento
Boat tour of the salt pans and the Phoenician colony of Motya
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 accommodations with a private balcony overlooking the sea and the rooftops of Taormina. A 5-minute walk from the hectic Porta Messina, its shopping and dining.
2 nights in Agrigento
A traditional Sicilian “baglio“, aka farmhouse, restored in a welcoming country-chic hotel facing the Valley of Temples and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea in the background.
3 nights near Marsala
A 5-star hotel, with a panoramic pool set among vineyards, and sun-ripened prickly pears, overlooking the western coast of Sicily and the Aegadian islands.
2 nights in Palermo
Boutique luxury hotel in the vibrant city center of Palermo. Rooms and suites decorated with high-quality finishes reflect the Sicilian allure with unique and precious details.
2025
May 16 — 25 : OPEN
- 4530€ per person in double occupancy
- Single supplement on request
October 5 — 14 : OPEN
- 4530€ per person in double occupancy
- Single supplement on request
2026
Coming in early 2025
The rate includes:
- 2 nights in Taormina, breakfast and porterage included
- 2 nights near 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, parking and group airport transfers included.
- Tour manager for 10 days (fully-escorted tour and 24h assistance while on tour)
- Dinner in Taormina, wine included
- Sicilian granita in Taormina
- Local guide (2 hours) and tickets for the Greek Theatre in Taormina
- Tour of a historic Pistacchio farm and light lunch
- Dinner 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
- Maria Grammatico’s pastry tasting in Erice
- Return tickets for high-speed boat from Trapani to Favignana
- Local guide in Favignana, tickets for Florio’s tuna fishing museum and panoramic island tour
- Culinary demonstration in Favignana, 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
- Credit card fees
- 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
- 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.
Day 1 – Welcome to our Western Sicily & Taormina Tour
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 – Sicily Tour from Taormina: The Greek Theatre
Meals included: breakfast and pastry shop tasting
The first day of our Sicily Tour sets off with an expert 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.
The Greek Theatre and Sicilian breakfast in Taormina
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 of our Western Sicily & Taormina Tour 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.
A Tour of Sicily’s Mainland
This afternoon, relax aboard our comfortable minibus as the Western Sicily & Taormina Tour 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.
Our home for the next two nights is a Baglio, a fortified farmhouse converted into a rustic but elegant retreat surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation.
With views over the Greek Temples on one side and the turquoise sea of Sicily’s southern coast on the other, guests can relax in the private courtyard or the lush garden.
Follow your tour manager on a walk to the beach, before enjoying dinner 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 with Wine Tasting
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.
Offbeat Western Sicily & Taormina Tour: Naro
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 – Western Sicily: Olive Oil Tasting 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
Salt pans, ancient Phoenician ruins and Erice are the highlights of Western Sicily that we explore today.
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.
Western Sicily & Taormina Tour: a night in Erice
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 partake in a tasting of delicious, freshly prepared food.
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 – Sicily Tour: 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 Martorana Church and to the vibrant Capo 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. Our private transfer to Palermo ‘airport is included.
Arrivederci!
Flight Information
- Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the tour cost.
- Suggested arrival airport: Catania (CTA)
- Suggested departure airport: Palermo (PMO)
- As soon as you book your flights, please share with us your air information so that we can work on airport transfers.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
- Arrival day: one group transfer from Catania Airport to Taormina is included at 2:00 pm. 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. Please contact us if you prefer to get to Taormina a day or more in advance: hotel room and private transfers can be arranged for an extra cost.
- Departure day: an airport transfer is included from the city center of Palermo. Palermo’s airport is located within a 30-minute car ride from the city center.
On-Tour Luggage Restrictions
In addition to airline luggage restrictions, please consider that:
- Due to our van/bus space limitations during the tour, we ask you to limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person, weighing around 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).
- Each guest can also bring one carry-on and a small, soft-sided bag or backpack for day-to-day travel. The space onboard our vans and minibusses, as well as the overhead rack and the space under the seat, is typically very limited, just enough for small bags and purses.
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.
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.
- To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances. This is not a physically demanding tour, however, there will be a lot of walking, often on uneven steps, cobblestones, uphill and downhill. One of the charming aspects of Italy is its historical and architectural conformation. Many towns and attractions can only be visited on foot, as vans and buses cannot access the pedestrian areas where most places of interest are located.
- Unfortunately we cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Our tour managers and tour guides are unable to provide ongoing individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other physical needs.
- While the driving time on our tours is limited, getting to remote farmhouses and villages may require driving on windy roads that may cause motion sickness.
- Due to the historic nature of many of the luxury boutique hotels where we stay, some rooms may include stairs and differ in size and layout.
A complete list of things to know about Italy, such as what to pack, money, electricity, health, tipping, VAT refund, and more, will be sent after the completion of the first down payment.
Why a Tour to Sicily with Meet Piemonte?
Join Meet Piemonte’s tour manager and expert local guides on a luxurious journey to the captivating island of Sicily, where treasures of history, culture, and natural beauty await. Our Western Sicily & Taormina Tour explores the contrasting sides of the largest island of the Mediterranean, from majestic ancient ruins to pristine beaches, gaining access to a diverse range of experiences that will leave you awe-inspired.
An Original Itinerary in Sicily
The itinerary of the Western Sicily & Taormina Tour has been specifically designed to satisfy the traveler who has been to Sicily before as well as for the first-time visitor. We mixed the right balance of popular must-sees, including a two-night stay in world-famous Taormina, with less-visited towns like Naro, that deliver the quintessential soul of the island, away from the crowds. We pride ourselves on having included a two-night stay in Agrigento rather than stopping by just for a quick look at the Valley of Temples. Guests get to enjoy the view of this majestic archeological site at night and explore the surroundings known for winemaking and unspoiled cultural encounters. Moreover, we focus on western Sicily with a day trip to the small island of Favignana, a cruise on the salt pans, and much else.
Sicilian Cuisine at its Best
Delight in the sumptuous flavors of Sicilian cuisine, known for its fusion of Arab, and Spanish influences. From the traditional couscous of Favignana island to the fresh produce coming from the slopes of Mt. Etna, menus included in our Western Sicily & Taormina Tour offer a wide variety of local specialties. Discover new nuances of flavors on a technical olive oil tasting and indulge in the refreshing coffee ice slush served for breakfast in a decade-old pastry shop in Taormina.
The Accommodation of our Sicily Tour
Stay in restored farmhouses converted to luxury hotels and in centrally-located curated accommodations in the bustling city center of Palermo. Whether you open the window of your room in the morning or sit and relax sipping coffee, let your senses be inspired by the surrounding olive orchards, and vineyards or by the blue Mediterranean in the distance. We carefully select accommodations that express the soul of Sicily and are much more than a simple place to sleep.
Safety on the Western Sicily & Taormina Tour
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, especially driving. Meet Piemonte takes care of all the details for a hassle-free tour vacation and makes you feel safe. Gain access to remote sides of the island and to the back streets of Palermo where our local expert safely shows us the local way of living.
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 in Sicily
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Taormina, Agrigento, and Palermo, where ancient Greek temples, theaters, and golden mosaics stand as a testament to the island’s past grandeur. Wander through the charming streets of Erice, perched high on a hill overlooking the stunning Tyrrhenian Sea.
Meet Piemonte Tour Operator’s Flexibility
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.
Our escorted tour to Sicily will leave you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for this captivating Mediterranean island.
