(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis) Palermo & Monreale, Segesta, Agrigento, Taormina, Syracuse, Mount Etna
This private tour of Sicily features the most interesting gardens and cultural highlights of this fascinating Mediterranean island. Learn how Sicily’s unique climate, soil and history have shaped its beautiful landscapes while touring top private and public gardens, as well as olive orchards, citrus groves, farms, vineyards and the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna.
Begin in Palermo. One of Italy’s great art and culinary cities, Palermo also has abundant gardens and green spaces. During private touring in the historic center of the city, see the Palermo Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico Palermo), one of the oldest and most important plant research gardens and facilities in the Mediterranean region. Also venture outside the city to visit a villa garden that showcases Mediterranean plants, fruit trees and succulents. One afternoon, enjoy a private tour of the stunning Cathedral of Monreale, which is filled with glittering mosaic masterpieces. Also see the cathedral’s ornate cloister and small garden. Another day, enjoy a private excursion into the surrounding countryside. Tour the ruins of Segesta, which include a well-preserved Doric temple and an ancient hillside amphitheater with panoramic views over the rolling hills of the bucolic countryside. Also visit an olive oil estate to walk through the olive orchards, learn about olive oil production, sample different styles of olive oil, and dine in the estate garden.
Next, take a private excursion to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. The outstanding remains of this once powerful Greek city make it one of the most significant archaeological sites in Sicily. Also walk through Kolymbetra Garden, an enchanting valley amid the temples that’s filled with aromatic Mediterranean shrubs, almond trees, olive orchards and citrus groves.
Continue to Taormina, a historic seaside town. En route, tour a renowned private garden with the owner, a botany specialist who transformed the grounds of an ancient feudal estate into a fragrant Mediterranean eden of succulents, roses, jasmine, citrus and palms. Also tour Syracuse, one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world, to see cultural highlights such as the Greek theater, Roman amphitheater, Ear of Dionysius, and the historic center of Ortygia. One day, explore Taormina’s Greek theater and beautiful Public Garden, a hillside paradise of exotic plants, lava-rock follies and promenades with views. During leisure time, perhaps browse local shops or relax at your hotel, which has spectacular views of the Bay of Naxos and Mount Etna from its terraces and lush private gardens. Another day, enjoy a private excursion to Mount Etna, an active volcano and Sicily landmark whose slopes thrive with gardens, vineyards and farms. Tour a private garden where the rich volcanic soil and traditional irrigation system support a vibrant mix of native and exotic plants, local flowers, Mediterranean shrubs, and fruit and nut trees. Sample wines made from unique grapes grown on Mount Etna, and enjoy a lunch that incorporates the best of Sicily’s fresh food products.
This tour can easily be customized with additional destinations in Sicily or mainland Italy.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrive Palermo
Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights
Day 2
Palermo & Monreale
Morning private garden and cultural tour. Afternoon private tour of Monreale
Day 3
Palermo & Segesta
Private excursion to Segesta and private estate for olive oil tasting and garden lunch
Day 4
Palermo – Agrigento
Private transfer to hotel for 1 night. Private touring of the Valley of the Temples and Kolymbetra Garden
Day 5
Agrigento – Syracuse – Taormina
Private transfer to hotel for 3 nights. Private tour of private garden and Syracuse en route
Day 6
Taormina
Half-day private city and garden tour
Day 7
Taormina & Mount Etna
Private excursion to Mount Etna for wine tasting, lunch and tour of garden on volcanic slopes
