Design & Gardens Tour of Sicily

(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Palermo & Monreale, Taormina with Noto, Syracuse & Villa Romana del Casale

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 visit Villa Tasca, an opulent 16th-century mansion surrounded by Romantic gardens, mature trees and citrus groves. One afternoon, enjoy a private tour of the stunning, UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Monreale, which is filled with glittering mosaic masterpieces. Also see the cathedral's ornate cloister and small garden.

Continue to Taormina, a historic clifftop town overlooking the sea. 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 boutiques or relax at your hotel, which has spectacular views of the Bay of Naxos and Mount Etna from its terraces and lush private gardens.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to the UNESCO-listed Baroque town of Noto. Enjoy private touring of the atmospheric backstreets, important architectural highlights, and the town's renowned gelato and pastry shops. Also visit Palazzo Castelluccio, a grand 18th-century palace with restored interiors.

Another day, enjoy a private excursion to Mount Etna, an active volcano synonymous with Sicily 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. Also enjoy a lunch that incorporates the best of Sicily's fresh, regional ingredients accompanied by wines made from unique grapes grown on Mount Etna. Alternatively, take a private excursion to see the exquisite Roman mosaic floors adorning the fourth-century Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also visit Caltagirone, a town renowned for ceramics, to browse boutiques and perhaps climb the monumental staircase decorated with hand-painted tiles.

Also enjoy a private excursion to Syracuse, a powerful city in antiquity. Tour the city with an expert private guide and explore highlights such as the Greek theater, Roman amphitheater, the ancient cathedral, the cave known as the Ear of Dionysius, the historic center of the island of Ortygia, charming seaside neighborhoods and elegant architecture. Also tour the renowned Giardino del Biviere 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 trees and palms.

This tour can easily be customized with private garden touring elsewhere in Italy or Europe.