SICILY

THE LAND OF WONDERS

Discover the wonders of an incredible land, where ancient civilizations have left their heritage through architecture and arts, traditions and a delicious cuisine; get access to a unique island, by many considered a different country from Italy, immerse yourself in an overwhelming nature, from seaside to hills and volcanic ambient.
With its 7 sites listed in the UNESCO world Heritage, Sicily is without any doubts a unique masterpiece of a combined action between human kind and mother nature. Pebbles and tropical white sands, warm and bright transparent sea, rugged volcanic coastlines. The exaltation of the Mediterranean is a serene beauty to behold.
A magnificent island of a thousand souls, splendid in the Hellenic, then Roman, Byzantine, Arab and Norman grandeur. Stone gardens and magnificent cathedrals.
The Sicily scented with citrus fruits and spices, a fertile land with a sea teeming with fish, it is a large kitchen in the heart of the Mediterranean that mixes cultures as if they were ingredients, elevating the art of cooking to a true science.

EXPLORE

  • With an art historian visit of the Palermo historical center with the Oratories and their elegant white baroque by Giacomo Serpotta: the St. Citaís Oratory, the Oratory del Rosario, the San Lorenzoís Oratory. We will continue to the Palazzo dei Normanni, residence of the Bourbon Emperor and nowadays seat of the Special administration regional government.
  • Get access to Erice and with your private guide visit to this site of unforgettable beauty: Erice is an ancient Phoenician and Greek city, perched at a height of 751 m on a mountain crowned by a triangular plateau, a natural terrace overlooking the sea. Defended by ramparts and walls, the city is a labyrinth of cobbled stones streets and passages so narrow that allow the passage of one person only at the time. The houses, closed to each other, have pretty and well-kept internal courtyards, defended and protected from the sight of passers-by so that family life takes place in complete intimacy. The medieval atmosphere, the fresh air, the beautiful pine forests that surrounds it, the tranquillity that reigns there and the local craftsmanship make it one of the preferred destinations for selected travellers.
  • With your private guide visit the Valley of the temples, Sicilyís most enthralling archaeological site, sitting on 1300-hectares park, encompasses the ruined ancient city of Akragas, highlighted by the stunningly well-preserved Temple of Concordia, one of several ridge-top temples that once served as beacons for homecoming sailors. With its 10 Doric temples is one of the greatest examples of the Geek culture in Sicily.
  • Reach Catania to visit its city center and its highlights; Catania has a strong magnetic attraction. A city with abundant energy and an earthy spirit in sharp contrast to Palermoís aristocratic airs. The second largest city in Sicily, Catania has been completely built from lava stone giving to the city the fame of the black and white city.
  • Transfer to Mount Etna by minivan at 1800 meters, there we will start our climbing of the tallest and active volcano in Europe by private Unimog 4×4 up to 2800 meters. Your professional guide, once arrived there will guide you to the highest point reachable according to the safe restriction (approx. 2800 mts.) to enjoy the amazing views from this surreal point of observation. During the centuries, the volcano has created a place where nature, culture and history combine each other to create a unique experience.
  • With your private guide walking tour in Taormina city center to discover the village named by Goethe ìthe pearl of the Mediterraneanî. Walk through its romantic and charming narrow streets of the old town, visiting the main highlights as the Greek theater, the church of San Pancrazio, the Roman Odeon and the main cathedral. Discover the secrets and stories of the many illustrious people that have passed here for many centuries.
  • Discover the Aeolian islands, just off the coast of Sicily, helicopter tour and transfer from the main island Salina completed by islands boat tour: private boat tour for a day at the most hidden and extraordinary spots and beaches. The famous Aeolian Archipelago has been elected World Heritage and is one of the top destinations for the summer vacation of Nobility and VIP from all over the world. 
  • Exclusive guided tour in Ragusa Ibla through the places of leisure of the late 19th century aristocratic. The ëunlocking doorsí visit includes the ìCircolo di Conversazioneî, the ìDonnafugata Theatreî and the private garden of ìPalazzo Arezzo – Bertiniî. These monuments, considered to be among the best attractions in Ragusa Ibla beside the baroque monuments of the UNESCO World Heritage list, have been inaccessible so far, since they are private estates. Thanks to the availability of the owners and the present members of the Circolo, get the unique chance to learn more about how the members of Sicilian aristocracy lived, where they met and spent their free time together and,  especially, about how they have contributed to the untouched beauty and astonishing scenario of Piazza Duomo and Corso XXV Aprile in Ragusa Ibla.

ART & ARCHITECTURE

  • At closed doors visit the Massimo Vittorio Emanuele Theatre in Palermo, one of the largest opera houses in Italy and Europe, the third, in order of architectural grandeur, after the OpÈra National de Paris and the OpÈra d State of Vienna. Monumental halls, galleries and staircases surround the stage, forming an architectural complex of grand proportions. Enjoy an exclusive aperitif in the royal box of the theatre.
  • Visit at closed doors to the Palatine Chapel; designed by Roger II in 1130, this extraordinary chapel is Palermoís top highlight. Located on the mid-level of Palazzo dei Normanniís three-tiered loggia, its glittering gold mosaics are complemented by inlaid marble floors and a wooden muqarnas ceiling, the latter a masterpiece of Arabic-style honeycomb carving, reflecting Norman Sicilyís cultural complexity. Attend exclusively to a Gregorian performance. Our visit will end with an exclusive aperitif in the botanical garden located along the ancient wall of Palazzo dei Normanni.
  • Reach Monreale, just outside Palermo, to visit the historical city center with its incredible and astonishing cathedral, a masterpiece of Byzantine – Norman Arabic Art. The golden mosaics of the cathedral covers completely the church on 6340 sqm, the third largest in the world only after Santa Sophia in Istanbul and San Marco in Venice. We will continue with the visit of the Benedictine Cloister located just next to the Cathedral. 
  • Get Access to the Villa Romana del Casale and its astonishing mosaics, an antique building, popularly called a villa despite not having the characteristics of an out-of-town Roman villa, but rather of an imperial urban palace, whose remains are considered one of the best conserved examples of a roman residence, since 1997 it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Private and exclusive invitation by Prince Ruggero Moncada in his residence, Palazzo Biscari, the cityís most beautiful civic building, is the work of Ignazio PaternÚ Castello: this art, literature and archaeology enthusiast financed numerous excavations and set up an archaeological museum right inside his palace; the south side is richly decorated with an incredible reception room and a ballroom decorated with stuccowork, gilt and mirrors. 
  • VIP invitation to the only existing Greek Tragedy in the World held at the original Greek Theatre in Siracusa (500 B.C.). You will be invited to participate at tragedy representation with access to the backstage followed by a dinner with the actors.
  • Reach Noto for a private guided tour, visit of the city and the surroundings, discover the Baroque Architecture; the region has the best expression of baroque in Italy and is famous for its unique and one of kind towns. 
  • Enter the Castello di Donnafugata with its 120 richly adorned rooms, about 8 hectares of monumental park and a truly fascinating location, the Castello di Donnafugata is one of the most beautiful and interesting noble residences in all of Sicily. It is an ancient medieval castle, probably belonging to Chiaramonte, which in 1648 was bought by Vincenzo Arezzo-La Rocca and then adorned by the baron Corrado Arezzo, who turned it into a rich country house.

EPICUREAN

  • A unique culinary and cultural experience, a fascinating journey through the ingredients of the Sicilian cuisine, between the central Capo market and a splendid eighteenth-century palace by the sea, the last home of Prince Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, author of the famous novel The Leopard. The Duchess Nicoletta Polo Lanza Tomasi will lead you personally in the picturesque Capo Market where you will choose the freshest seasonal ingredients, and you will discover some of the hidden beauties of Palermo. The market reflects the influences of the different cultures of the Mediterranean Sea, a mix of sounds, scents and colors: stands full of fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, the famous Sicilian citrus fruits, spices, bread covered with sesame seeds, freshly baked from wood fired ovens. At the palaceís lush terrace, an authentic hanging garden rich in Mediterranean and subtropical essences, you will gather the most suitable ingredients, the herbs, flowers and citruses to enhance the flavours of the Sicilian dishes that you will prepare, under the expert guidance of the Duchess.
  • In Erice privately get access to Maria Grammatico Pastry Shop and its laboratory to learn the recipes and ingredients of typical Sicilian pastries. The patisserie is a cheerful place: stacks of pastries, just came out from the laboratory, marble tables, biscuits and pies.
  • In Agrigento, with a jaw dropping background, attend an exclusive show cooking and dinner with Chef Nino Ferreri on different traditional fresh pasta with the preparation of typical Sicilian recipes and dinner.
  • Reaching the foot of Mount Etna to have lunch in a beautiful winery, Barone di Villagrande. Enjoy a specially designed wine tasting, cellar visit and time to relax with a reserved area by the lush gardens for an epicurean afternoon. Barone di Villagrande extends on the slopes of Mount Etna at an altitude of 700 meters. The vineyards descend to the sea creating a natural amphitheater. A small and elegant winery nestled in the midst of historic forests, it welcomes international wine lovers to discover the hospitality and cuisine of Sicily. 

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