Sicilian Secrets Unique Tour of Sicily
Overview
Sicily is not just a destination — it is a land of sunlit coastlines, ancient wonders, and timeless flavours. On this Unique tour of Sicily, a guided tour for seniors, you’ll explore the island at a relaxed, elegant pace — from majestic Mount Etna to the Baroque beauty of Noto and the coastal charm of Cefalù. Each day is an invitation to savour the moment and connect with Sicily’s rich past. This is not a race through landmarks, but a curated journey in comfort and style, perfect for those who appreciate cultural depth, fine cuisine, and warm hospitality. Crafted as the best Sicily small group tour for seniors, this 9-day itinerary offers thoughtful pacing, high-end accommodations, and exclusive experiences tailored to mature travellers — all in the intimate setting of a small group, where every detail is taken care of. Let Sicily welcome you with open arms, and let each step reveal a deeper layer of its timeless soul.Escorted Experience
- 24-Hour Local Assistance
- Guaranteed Departures
- Fixed Dates
- Professional Guide Throughout
- Modern Airconditioned Vehicle
- Small Group Tour
- First Class Hotels
Itinerary
Welcome to Sicily!
Your journey begins in Taormina, the sparkling jewel of the Ionian coast. Make your way to your hotel (private airport transfer available on request), where Mediterranean charm and timeless elegance await. Tonight, enjoy some free time to explore Taormina at your own pace and dine independently. Let the magic of Sicily begin!
Hotel/Other Details: 4* Splendid Hotel, Taormina
Meal Plan: No Meal
Morning: Etna Mountain - A Journey to the Roof of Sicily
After breakfast, set off for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your journey begins aboard a comfortable Land Rover Discovery jeep (6 seats plus driver), expertly navigated by seasoned guides. As you ascend the slopes of the volcano, the landscape shifts dramatically—lush vineyards give way to stark lava fields and
ancient, weathered stone. Experience the thrill of off-road adventures and active craters, then trek through the Sartorius Mountains and visit volcanic caves shaped by ancient lava flows. Throughout the trip, your guide’s live commentary will deepen your understanding of this extraordinary landscape.
Midday: Sweet & Savoury Discoveries
Then continue to the renowned Cottanera winery tucked into the slopes of Etna. Sip exquisite local wines and enjoy a light lunch, featuring regional specialities paired with the volcanic terroir.
Afternoon: Return to Taormina – A Hidden Gem
Late afternoon return to Taormina and spend the afternoon at your leisure —perhaps relax by the pool, wander Taormina’s elegant boutiques, or savour a gelato as the golden light paints the coast. Taormina is yours to explore, and every corner holds a piece of its timeless charm.
Day Highlight: Land Rover Discovery jeep to Mount Etna, Wine Tasting
Hotel/Other Details: 4* Splendid Hotel, Taormina
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Morning: Savoca - In the Footsteps of The Godfather
After breakfast, venture into the hills above the coast to Savoca, a place frozen in cinematic time. Walk the same cobbled alleys as Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone in The Godfather, and visit the Church of Santa Lucia, where his character’s wedding was filmed. Stop at the legendary Bar Vitelli to take a photo in front of this famous spot, and then continue your journey to enjoy a delicious Sicilian cannolo, filled with sweet ricotta and tradition.
Midday: Forza D’Agrò - A Place Beyond Time
Continue to Forza D’Agrò, a hidden medieval gem that also served as a backdrop to Coppola’s iconic film. Enjoy a delicious lunch in a family-run trattoria, where warmth and authenticity are served with every bite.
Afternoon: Taormina - Legends Etched in Stone
Return to Taormina, and we suggest you uncover one of its most breathtaking treasures: the Ancient Greek Theatre, dramatically perched above the sea. From here, take in panoramic views of Giardini Naxos Bay and Mount Etna, a sight that will stay with you forever. Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering through the lively streets, browsing artisan shops for coral jewellery, lace, ceramics, and sweet treats. Evening at leisure in Taormina.
Day Highlight: Cannolo Tasting
Hotel/Other Details: 4* Splendid Hotel, Taormina
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Morning: Cooking in the Countryside
Start your day in the heart of the Sicilian countryside at a charming private villa. Here, surrounded by olive trees and citrus groves, join a hands-on cooking class with a gracious hostess, a friendly Sicilian lady known for her warmth and exceptional home cooking. Using the freshest ingredients, you’ll craft traditional Sicilian dishes. Share unforgettable moments with fellow travellers as rich aromas fill the air. Then, sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labour, paired with regional wines and sweet liqueurs.
Afternoon: Ortigia - The Soul of Syracuse
Continue your journey with a guided visit to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, one of Sicily’s most impressive historical sites. Discover the grandeur of ancient Syracuse as you explore the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the awe-inspiring Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave shrouded in myth and history. Afterwards, continue to Ortigia, the ancient heart of Syracuse, where Greek history, Baroque beauty, and Mediterranean spirit intertwine. Walk through the Temple of Apollo and arrive at the magnificent Piazza del Duomo, where the Cathedral of Syracuse rises like a dream in limestone and light. Settle in for the night at a historic Sicilian estate nestled in the Noto countryside, where you will breathe in the fragrant scents of orange blossoms and jasmine, experiencing the authentic Sicily. The golden hour here is unforgettable! Enjoy a delicious dinner on-site, savouring traditional dishes from the local culinary heritage.
Day Highlight: Cooking Class
Hotel/Other Details: 4* Villa Giulia Hotel, Noto
Meal Plan: Breakfast lunch and Dinner
Morning: Noto - A City Bathed in Golden Light
Begin your day in Noto, where time drapes itself in golden Baroque elegance and every stone tells a story of grandeur. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Noto is a living canvas of Sicilian artistry and light. Stroll its elegant avenues where golden limestone glows and graceful balconies bloom in the sun. Gaze in wonder at the imposing Cathedral of San Nicolò. Before continuing along the route, indulge in one of Sicily’s sweetest rituals: a stop at a historic local pastry shop, where the aroma of almonds and citrus fills the air. Here, you'll savour a traditional granita served with a soft, fragrant brioche - a refreshing explosion of flavour, whether you choose lemon, almond, or coffee. It’s a taste of Sicilian summer, pure and unforgettable.
Afternoon: Marzamemi - A Village Painted by the Sea
Continue south to Marzamemi, a picturesque fishing village where time flows with the sea breeze. Enjoy a one-hour boat tour to explore the most beautiful coves of the area and marvel at the turquoise, crystal-clear waters. After the boat trip, stroll through its sunlit piazza, framed by pastel façades and blue shutters, then pause at a café for a relaxing Sicilian aperitif. As the golden light fades, wander through the cobbled alleys to the historic Tonnara, a silent echo of Sicily’s seafaring past.
Evening: Return to Noto- An Enchanting Night in a Historic Sicilian Farmhouse
As the sun dips below the horizon, you will return to Noto. Back to your hotel, under the starlit sky, you’ll settle into the embrace of a centuries-old Sicilian farmstead, where the air is filled with the rich aromas of authentic local flavours, and the night whispers stories of timeless tradition. Dinner and overnight.
Day Highlight: Granita and brioche tasting, Boat Tour, Sicilian aperitif.
Hotel/Other Details: 4* Villa Giulia Hotel, Noto
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Morning: Valley of the Temples, Agrigento - Timeless Majesty
Depart to Agrigento and immerse yourself in the ancient wonder of the Valley of the Temples. Walk among majestic Greek ruins, from the perfectly preserved Temple of Concordia to the elegant Temple of Juno, feeling the echoes of a distant past.
Lunch: Traditional Sicilian Flavours
Savour a rich Sicilian lunch in a cosy local restaurant with Temple view.
Afternoon: Heart of Agrigento – History and Sweet Delights
Stroll through Agrigento’s charming historic centre and pause in an ancient pastry shop nestled in the old town, where you’ll delight in tasting traditional almond sweets—a true Sicilian treasure that sweetens history with every bite.
Evening: Arrival in Palermo – A New Chapter Begins
Arrive in lively Palermo as the day winds down. Check into your hotel and unwind, ready for new adventures.
Day Highlight: Pastry Tasting
Hotel/Other Details: 4* Massimo Plaza Hotel, Palermo (*Kindly note that breakfast will always be served privately in your room)
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Morning: Palermo - Where History Breathes and Colours Dance
Begin your discovery of Palermo with a visit to the magnificent Palatine Chapel, where golden mosaics illuminate centuries of history, and then admire the solemn beauty of the Cathedral. Afterwards, hop aboard a charming Ape Calessino and wind through the city's narrow streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Ballarò Market, alive with colours, scents, and local life.
Lunch: The Flavours of Palermo’s Soul
Taste the essence of Sicily with crispy arancini and savoury panelle and crocchè, street food that tells stories of tradition - each bite a celebration of the island’s rich culinary heritage. Continuing the experience, visit an ancient cloister to discover the delicate flavours of delicious pastries made following age-old convent recipes once crafted by the nuns – a sweet journey into Palermo’s sacred culinary past.
Afternoon: Monreale - A Cathedral of Golden Mosaics and Sacred Serenity
The day continues to Monreale. Step inside its Cathedral, a UNESCO treasure where shimmering mosaics depict biblical tales in radiant light. Wander through the cloister’s peaceful arches, where every carved column whispers ancient artistry and devotion.
Evening: Palermo - Under the Stars
Return to Palermo as dusk falls, and let the city’s magic unfold at your own pace. Perhaps dine atop a rooftop terrace, savouring Sicilian flavours while the city lights twinkle like scattered stars beneath the Mediterranean sky.
Day Highlight: Ape Calessino, Street Food and local delicacies tasting (lunch)
Hotel/Other Details: 4* Massimo Plaza Hotel, Palermo (*Kindly note that breakfast will always be served privately in your room)
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Morning: Cefalù - Where Medieval Charm Meets the Endless Sea
Reach the enchanting coastal town of Cefalù, where the Medieval Cathedral stands proudly by the sea. Stroll along sun-kissed beaches and lose yourself in the charm of narrow streets, as the scent of salt and citrus fills the air. Let the sweeping sea views and timeless beauty of the town stir your soul.
Lunch: Duca di Salaparuta Winery- A Toast to Sicily
Journey onward to the renowned Duca di Salaparuta winery, where the art of winemaking is a cherished legacy and tradition runs deep. This historic estate, founded in 1824, celebrates 200 years of tradition—a story that began with the dream of Giuseppe Alliata, Prince of Villafranca and Duke of Salaparuta (Princes of the Holy Roman Empire), who crafted his first wine at Villa Valguarnera in Bagheria. Savour a light lunch paired with the estate’s finest wines—each sip a fragrant ode to the Sicilian soil and sun.
Afternoon: Palermo’s Embrace
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with free time to wander through the charming streets of Palermo, soaking in the city's timeless beauty and vibrant atmosphere. As twilight falls, let the city’s timeless charm cradle your final night on the island, a perfect closing chapter to your Sicilian journey.
Day Highlight: Wine Tasting
Hotel/Other Details: 4* Massimo Plaza Hotel, Palermo (*Kindly note that breakfast will always be served privately in your room)
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast, take some time to enjoy your last moments in Palermo—explore its lively streets, discover a few final hidden corners, or simply relax and take in the atmosphere. Then, get ready for your departure with everything taken care of. Your 9-day Sicilian adventure concludes here. Arrangements can be made for airport transfers.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Inclusions
Accommodation – Stay in carefully selected 4-star, chosen for their exceptional location, comfort, and design that reflect authentic Sicilian tradition:
3 nights in Taormina
2 nights in Noto
3 nights in Palermo
Travel in Comfort: 19-Seat Premium Coach
Meals Included:
8 breakfasts
6 Lunches
Day 2 – Wine tasting and light lunch – Cottanera Winery, Mount Etna
Day 3 – Lunch in Forza D’Agrò
Day 4 – Lunch in Riposto (cooking class with Sicilian recipies)
Day 6 – Lunch in Agrigento
Day 7 – Lunch in Palermo – Street Food
Day 8 – Day 8 – Wine tasting and light lunch – Duca di Salaparuta Winery, Casteldaccia
2 Dinners
Day 4 – Hotel in Noto
Day 5 – Hotel in Noto
Exclusive Experiences:
Tastings
Day 3 – Sicilian Cannolo tasting – Savoca
Day 5 – Granita and brioche tasting – Noto / Sicilian aperitivo – Marzamemi
Day 6 – Pastry tasting – Agrigento
Day 7 – Local delicacies tasting – Palermo
Activities
Day 2 – Land Rover Discovery jeep to Mount Etna
Day 5 – Boat Tour in Marzamemi
Day 7 – Ape Calessino in Palermo
Giuded Tours:
English speaking local licensed guides included as per itinerary, and English speaking tour escort who will assist and remain at guests’ disposal throughout the entire stay.
Wireless Tour Guide System:
Wireless Tour Guide System: available for the whole trip, featuring the latest generation technology, fast, lightweight and capable of transmitting the guide’s voice up to 150 meters away.
Travel support: 18h/7days assistance before and during your trip.
Exclusions
Airfare
In/out transfers
Gratuities (at your discretion)
Entrance fees to monuments (to be paid on site)
City tax payable at the hotel
Beverages with meals (except for the wine tastings)
Meals and beverages are not included in the program
Anything not specified under “Rates include”.
Notes
Hotels used or similar
Taormina – 4* Splendid Hotel Taormina
Noto – 4* Villa Giulia Hotel
Palermo – 4* Massimo Plaza Hotel
*Similar accommodations of equal quality may be confirmed depending on availability.
Tour Highlights
Luxury Mercedes minibus.
Slow itinerary to fully enjoy each moment.
Selected and authentic tastings in exclusive locations.
English-only tour for an immersive experience.
Small group travel with a maximum of 14 guests
4-star accommodation full of Sicilian charm.
Departure Dates
May: 10th and 24th
June: 7th
September: 6th – 13th – 20th – 27th
October: 4th and 11th
Small group maximum 14 pax.