SICILY WITH PRC: AN ARCHITECTURAL & CULTURAL ODYSSEY
ITINERARY
SEPTEMBER 27- OCTOBER 7, 2025
DAY 1: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 | WELCOME TO SICILY
Arrive at Palermo International Airport
We will arrive at Palermo Airport (PMO), also known as Falcone Borsellino Airport, or Punta Raisi Airport, located 22 kilometers northeast of our hotel. You will be greeted by our Sicilian and US tour leaders who will be holding a sign that says "PRC". We will gather in the airport in groups according to arrival times and transfer to our Palermo hotel.
Transfer to Hotel Politeama and check in
Our historic 4-star hotel with modern renovation located in the heart of the city is ideal for breathing in the liveliness of the Sicilian capital on Piazza Politeama. For breakfast, enjoy fine pastries from local bakeries, coffee, fruit, and more from their rooftop restaurant with a stunning view of the city. Relax and readjust to the new time zone before our welcome dinner.
Hotel Politeama
7:30 pm ~ Welcome dinner at Osteria Ballaro
Inspired by Italy's Slow Food movement, Osteria Ballarò's menu is crowded with signature Sicilian ingredients—tuna, pistachio, lemon, panelle, arancini, and eggplant, among others—and paired with a list of great Sicilian wines. Their specialty is their cannolo artigianale con ricotta e canditi (homemade cannoli with sweet ricotta and candied fruit). Bare brick walls, stone columns, and vaulted ceilings give the place a kind of antique intimacy. Welcome to Sicily!
Welcome dinner at a local osteria
DAY 2: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 | PALERMO
Breakfast at our hotel
Wake up to a delightful hotel breakfast with rich Italian espresso, freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, local cheeses, prosciutto, and fresh Sicilian orange juice—an authentic taste of Sicily to start your day.
Daily Sicilian breakfast
9:30 am ~ Walking tour of Palermo’s historic center
Explore the historic heart of Palermo on a guided walking tour with your guide, taking in its most iconic landmarks. Begin with the magnificent Cathedral, then continue to the Four Corners and along Via Maqueda to Piazza Pretoria, home to the intriguingly named 'Fountain of Shame.' From here, visit Piazza Bellini to admire the stunning San Cataldo and La Martorana churches, showcasing the city’s unique blend of Arab-Norman and Baroque architecture
Highlights of Historic Palermo
1:30 pm ~ Maiolica Museum with brunch and private baroque concert
Begin your visit at the House Museum "Stanze al Genio," inspired by the nearby Fountain of Genius in Piazza Rivoluzione. Nestled in a private apartment on the main floor of the elegant Palazzo Torre Pirajno, this hidden treasure in the Kalsa district offers a journey through history and art. The palace itself is an architectural gem from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, situated on what was once Via Porta Termini, now Via Giuseppe Garibaldi. Thanks to recent restorations, the museum has reclaimed its original beauty, uncovering intricate decorations long hidden under layers of plaster, paneling, and period flooring.
After the museum, enjoy a delicious brunch featuring Palermo’s finest street food, including arancini, sfincione, panelle, and crocchè—each bite capturing the essence of this vibrant city. To complete the experience, immerse yourself in a private Baroque music concert with the viola da gamba and violin
Private street food lunch with live baroque concert at Maiolica Museum
3:30 pm ~ Palermo Historical Botanical Garden with a landscape architect
Embark on a guided visit to the Botanical Garden of the University of Palermo, led by an expert landscape architect. This remarkable garden, one of Italy’s foremost academic institutions, is often described as a vast open-air museum. With over two centuries of history, it has been a center for studying and sharing diverse plant species across Sicily, Europe, and the Mediterranean.
Today, the garden is celebrated for its rich array of plant species, including many from tropical and subtropical climates, offering a stunning variety of floral beauty. Established in the late 18th century during a period of reform and European Enlightenment influence in the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily, the Palermo Botanical Garden stands as a testament to the region’s dedication to scientific and cultural advancement.
Palermo botanical garden tour with landscape architect
5:00 pm ~ Dinner and afternoon at leisure
Feel free to explore the local dining scene, and let us know if you’d like recommendations for restaurants or activities to make the most of your night in this vibrant city.
Palermo street food
8:00 pm ~ Italian opera performance at the Teatro Massimo
Step into the grandeur of the Teatro Massimo, a monument to Italian opera and Palermo's rich history. Inaugurated in 1897 after 22 years of construction, it stands as the largest opera house in Italy, a symbol of the city's cultural resurgence in the late 19th century. Its imposing Neoclassical facade and lavishly decorated interiors, featuring stunning frescoes and sculptures, offer a glimpse into the opulence of a bygone era. Settle into your seat and prepare to be transported by the power of live opera, surrounded by the beauty and history that permeate every corner of this magnificent city.
Teatro Massimo
DAY 3: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 I CORLEONE
Early breakfast at our hotel
Wake up to a delightful hotel breakfast with rich Italian espresso, freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, local cheeses, prosciutto, and fresh Sicilian orange juice—an authentic taste of Sicily to start your day.
Daily Sicilian breakfast
8:30 am ~ Drive to Agrigento with a stop in Piana degli Albanesi
While in Piana degli Albanesi, a stop is due at the memorial of Portella della Ginestra massacre. For Sicilians, this is the symbol of the fight for social and civil rights against the arrogant power of the Mafia in the years after WW2
Memorial of Portella della Ginestra
11:00 am ~ Lunch at a farm with hands-on experience
Visit to a historic farm in Piana degli Albanesi, which has become a film set for many films, to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the owners. Here you will have the opportunity to taste the local caciocavallo cheese, seasonal vegetables from the family garden, the traditional bread "furr me dru", and to learn some words of the Arbëreshë language. You will knead the dough of the so-called "muffulette", that you would then bake in the stone oven with Giovanni
Piano degli Albanesi farm lunch
1:15 pm ~ Transfer to Corleone
2:00 pm ~ Visit to Mafia and Anti-Mafia Center
Sicily is often identified with the word "Mafia" so we will visit the home of the famous Corleone family to challenge the stereotypes that have released a wrong idea of Sicily. We will visit the the CIDMA (Mafia and Anti-Mafia Center) to discuss the history and current state of the Mafia today. We’ll hear about the No Mafia movement, the voice of legality in Sicily, and show that the Godfather was just a movie.
Mafia Center in Corleone
3:00 pm ~ Proceed to Agrigento and check in to the Mandranova Farm Resort
We will be spending two nights at the Resort Mandranova where you can relax and recharge for the adventures that lie ahead. Mandranova is a “dispersed” hotel, where rooms are located in multiple buildings on a working farm and look out onto the garden. Heirloom furniture finds its place alongside modern design pieces, resulting in a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere complete with a pool and farm-to-table breakfast. Enjoy a leisurely dinner on your own at their restaurant, savoring the local flavors and culinary delights.
Mandranova Farm Resort
DAY 4: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 | AGRIGENTO
Breakfast at our accomodations
Wake up to a delightful hotel breakfast with rich Italian espresso, freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, local cheeses, prosciutto, and fresh Sicilian orange juice—an authentic taste of Sicily to start your day.
Daily Sicilian breakfast
9:00 am ~ Valley of the Temples Tour
Your archaeological guided tour will take place along the rocky crest of Temple Hill. A series of sanctuaries consecrated to the most important tutelary deities have decorated this crest since the late 6th century BC. Starting from the Temple of Juno to the Olympieion, you will be the protagonists of an imaginary trip among the templar Greek architecture that here, as in few other places, has kept its formal perfection intact.
Valley of the Temples
11:00 am ~ Archaeological Museum Pietro Griffo
Embark on a journey through time at the Archaeological Museum Pietro Griffo in Agrigento. Led by an expert guide, you'll explore a fascinating collection of artifacts, including the Telamon and Agrigento Kouros, while tracing the history of this ancient city from its prehistoric roots to its Greco-Roman period. Housed in a modern structure integrated with the ancient agora, the museum provides a captivating glimpse into the rich past of Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples
Archaeological Museum Pietro Griffo
1:30 pm ~ Lunch on an olive oil mill
We will visit an olive oil farm near Agrigento to learn about all the steps of the olive oil processing and taste their “monocultivar” olive oils produced with native varieties of Sicilian olives. The visit and tasting will be followed by a lunch with local products and wines inside the farmhouse.
Lunch on an olive oil farm
4:00 pm ~ Dinner and evening at leisure
Explore the local dining scene of Agrigento on your own, and let us know if you’d like recommendations for restaurants or activities to make the most of your night in this vibrant city. Alternatively, have dinner and relax at our farm resort.
Streets of Agrigento
DAY 5: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1 | PIAZZA ARMERINA
Breakfast at our hotel
Enjoy a wonderful hotel breakfast featuring Italian espresso, fresh pastries, seasonal fruits, local cheeses, prosciutto, and fresh Sicilian orange juice—an authentic taste of Sicily to begin your day.
9:00 am ~ Scenic drive to Siracusa
Embark on unforgettable scenic drives through the heart of Sicily! Our routes wind through rolling hills dotted with vineyards and charming villages, leading to breathtaking coastal roads with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and fertile landscapes of the interior. These picturesque journeys offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural splendor and authentic charm of Sicily.
Scenic countryside drives
10:30 am ~ Guided tour at the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina
Meet your guide at the ticket office for a captivating guided tour of the Villa Romana del Casale. Built between the late 3rd and early 4th centuries AD, this remarkable villa is home to the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics. Wander through its impressive structures and marvel at the intricate artwork that offers a vivid glimpse into ancient Roman life.
Villa Romana del Casale
1:00 pm ~ Lunch on a manor farm
Lunch at the beautiful XIX century manor farm located near Piazza Armerina. You will enjoy the authentic flavors and aromas of traditional Sicilian cuisine in the picturesque surroundings of this charming country estate and savor an abundance of local produce and seasonal ingredients.
Manor farm in Piazza Armerina
2:30 pm ~ Proceed to Siracusa and check into Caportigia Boutique Hotel
In the center of Syracuse, located in an ancient residence in front of the Syracusan forum, Caportigia looks like a little gem, the only true boutique hotel in the city. Elegant and functional, this 5-star hotel will be all ours as a comfortable and luxurious headquarters. Explore the local dining options, and tell us if you need restaurant or activity suggestions to enjoy your night in this lively city.
Caportigia Boutique Hotel
DAY 6: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 | SIRACUSA
Breakfast at our hotel
Wake up to a delightful hotel breakfast with rich Italian espresso, freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, local cheeses, prosciutto, and fresh Sicilian orange juice—an authentic taste of Sicily to start your day.
9:30 am ~ Neapolis
Begin our day with a guided tour of the Neapolis Archaeological Park, where we’ll explore the Greek Theater, the Roman amphitheater, the Altar of Hieron II, and the fascinating Ear of Dionysus. We’ll also see ancient stone quarries that once supplied stone for the city’s historic structures.
Neapolis Archaeological Park
11:00 am ~ Walking tour of Ortygia
Make our way to Ortygia for a walking tour of Siracusa's ancient town center. Wander through its streets, where layers of history are evident—from Greek foundations to Medieval walls and the stunning façades of Baroque churches and palaces, each narrating the city’s rich past.
Ortygia walking tour
1:30 pm ~ Lunch at the market of Ortigia
Enjoy a delightful lunch in the heart of Ortygia's bustling market. Savor the authentic flavors of Sicily with a menu that showcases the freshest local ingredients, from artisanal cheeses and cured meats to vibrant seasonal produce.
Ortigia market
3:30 pm ~ Boat tour with aperitivo at sunset
The boat tour starts from Ortygia harbour, you will reach the south of Siracusa, visit the Caves of Siracusa, see the Maniace Castle from the sea and enjoy an aperitif on board.
Ortigia sunset boat tour
Dinner at leisure and overnight in Syracuse
Feel free to explore the local dining scene, and let us know if you’d like recommendations for restaurants or activities to make the most of your night in this vibrant city (on your own).
Siracusa streets
DAY 7: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3 | RAGUSA IBLA
Breakfast at our hotel
Wake up to a delightful hotel breakfast with rich Italian espresso, freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, local cheeses, prosciutto, and fresh Sicilian orange juice—an authentic taste of Sicily to start your day.
10:00 am ~ Walking Tour of Ragusa Ibla
Our private guided tour of Ragusa Ibla will reveal the stunning architecture of the historic center, sharing stories of the people who once inhabited these remarkable buildings. Anyone visiting Ibla will be captivated by the unique artistry of its limestone carvings. Shaped by 18th and 19th-century stonecutters, this limestone adorns aristocratic residences and churches, many now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Walking tour of Ragusa Ibla
11:00 am ~ Visit to the Sicilian carts artisan workshop
The tour also includes a visit to a local workshop, where artisans Damiano, Biagio, and Raffaele keep alive the nearly forgotten tradition of Sicilian cart painting, the vibrant art of the "Carretto Siciliano."
The art of the Sicilian cart
12:30 pm ~ Lunch at a local dairy farm with cheese tasting
This is an authentic and off-the-beaten-path adventure, featuring a small cheese producer in the lush countryside outside Ragusa, distinguished for its fertile land and superb local cuisine. Here, Modica cows graze freely in the Hyblaean mountain countryside every morning and produce abundant high-quality milk that the farm uses to produce fresh and wholesome local cheeses: provola, caciocavallo, tuma and ricotta. The farmers' methods are ancient and traditional, and their rhythms are slow. Here, you will have lunch with their fresh, excellent products
Cheese production at a Modica dairy farm
3:30 pm ~ Modica walking tour
Walking tour of Modica, that will take you up and down the maze of narrow alleys and stairways that characterize this attractive town. We will admire the distinctive beauty of Modica, delve into its fascinating past, and witness the remarkable reconstruction after the earthquake of 1693.
Modica walking tour
Dinner at leisure
Feel free to explore the diverse and exciting local dining scene on your own, and we encourage you to let us know if you would like personalized recommendations for restaurants or engaging activities to make the most of your night in this vibrant city filled with culture and life.
Siracusa
DAY 8: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4 | CATANIA
Breakfast at our hotel
Enjoy a delightful hotel breakfast featuring rich Italian espresso, fresh pastries, seasonal fruits, local cheeses, prosciutto, and Sicilian orange juice for an authentic Sicilian start to your day.
Transfer to Catania with a stop at Giardino Marchesi di San Giuliano
10:00 am ~ Brunch at the Marquis of San Giuliano in Villasmundo
Experience a visit to the private garden of the Marquis of San Giuliano in Villasmundo, a recipient of the Great Italian Gardens prize in 2013. This stunning garden features an array of specimen plants from around the globe. Created by the Marquis in the 1970s, it beautifully surrounds the old farmhouse and showcases a variety of exotic plants, citrus trees, and a vibrant palette of flowers.
As part of your visit, enjoy a delightful brunch featuring local delicacies, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the garden.
Garden of San Guiliano
2:00 pm ~ Proceed to Catania and check into the Katane Palace Hotel
In the heart of the historic center of Catania, halfway between the sea and Etna. A stone's throw from the eighteenth-century and baroque Via Umberto and Via Etnea is the Katane Palace Hotel. Wood, marble, fine fabrics, and antique furniture enrich the rooms.
Katane Palace Hotel
4:00 pm ~ Visit to an atelier of puppet maker with a private show
Enjoy a private visit to a puppet lab nestled in the historic center of Catania, an important cultural and historical heritage site. This workshop preserves the craftsmanship skills and trade secrets that have been passed down through generations since the time of Gaetano Napoli, enabling the creation of the artisanal objects integral to the tradition of the Catanese Opera dei Pupi.
After exploring the workshop where these exquisite marionettes are crafted, you will have the opportunity to attend a private performance in the family theater, immersing yourself in the enchanting world of Sicilian puppetry.
Sicilian puppet show
Dinner at leisure
Explore local dining options. We’ll recommend restaurant or activity suggestions to enjoy your night in this culturally rich city.
Catania street market
DAY 9: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5 | MOUNT ETNA
Breakfast at our hotel
Savor a delightful hotel breakfast with strong Italian coffee, fresh pastries, seasonal fruits, local cheeses, prosciutto, and Sicilian orange juice—an authentic Sicilian start to your day.
10:00 am ~ Mt. Etna 4x4 excursion
Meet your volcanologist guide at Piano Provenzana for an exhilarating adventure in specially equipped 4x4 off-road vehicles. Travel along the scenic road, surrounded by ancient craters and recent lava flows, as you make your way to the Volcanological Observatory, perched at an altitude of 2,850 meters.
Your first stop will be the ruins of the Hotel delle Betulle, the only structure still visible from those destroyed by the devastating lava flow of October 2002. Continue towards the Umberto and Margherita craters, where, at approximately 2,380 meters, you'll have the opportunity to embark on a short trek along the edges of these massive extinct craters. Here, you can truly appreciate the powerful forces of nature that both create and destroy.
The circular route will guide you around the craters, showcasing the unique "bottoniera" morphology typical of the volcano's lateral eruptions. Upon reaching the summit at around 2,050 meters above sea level, revel in the breathtaking views of the eruptive theater and the remnants of the lava flow that once engulfed the Piano Provenzana tourist resort. After taking in the stunning scenery, enjoy a short descent along a sandy slope back to the waiting off-road vehicles for your return to Piano Provenzana.
4x4 Mount Etna excursion
1:00 pm ~ Wine experience on Mount Etna with a music performance
We will embark on a visit to a picturesque winery nestled on the slopes of the volcano, where exquisite wines are crafted from native grape varieties, including Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, and Carricante. The vines thrive in the mineral-rich volcanic soils, contributing to the unique character of the wines.
After exploring the vineyards and wine cellar, we’ll gather around a table to indulge in a delightful tasting of their wines, expertly paired with local delicacies from Etna.
Enhancing this experience, enjoy a private performance by traditional musicians—a zampognaro (bagpiper) and a flute duet. Their enchanting melodies, passed down through generations, will immerse you in the heart of Sicilian culture, creating an unforgettable atmosphere as you savor the flavors of the region.
Private wine tasting tour with live music on Mt. Etna
Dinner at leisure
Feel free to explore the local dining scene, and let us know if you’d like recommendations for restaurants or activities to make the most of your night in this vibrant city.
Catania
DAY 10: MONDAY, OCTOBER 6 | TAORMINA
Breakfast at our hotel
Wake up to a delightful hotel breakfast with rich Italian espresso, freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, local cheeses, prosciutto, and fresh Sicilian orange juice—an authentic taste of Sicily to start your day.
Daily Sicilian breakfast
9:30 am ~ Proceed to Motta Camastra
10:30 am ~ Cooking class: Indulge in Sicilian Flavors with Mamas and Grandmas of Motta
Nestled between Mount Etna and the Alcantara River Park, you’ll visit an authentic village where a group of Sicilian women have opened their homes to guests eager to learn about local cuisine. During this home cooking lesson, you’ll meet these talented cooks, who will teach you to make the region’s signature pasta shape. Using simple ingredients—flour, water, and salt—you’ll create “maccheroni” with a traditional tomato sauce, enhanced by local delights like baked ricotta cheese, pecorino, and high-quality olive oil. This immersive experience will connect you with the heart of Sicilian culinary traditions, leaving you with delicious memories and newfound skills.
Cooking class with Grandmas of Motta Camastra
2:00 pm ~ Proceed to Taormina
3:00 pm ~ Walking tour in Taormina
Meet your guide at Porta Messina for a walking tour of Taormina, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Ionian Sea." Explore the city's rich history with visits to the iconic Greek-Roman theater, the Roman Odeion, and the prominent Medieval buildings that define this enchanting destination. As you wander through the charming streets, immerse yourself in the captivating blend of ancient and medieval architecture that makes Taormina a true gem of Sicily.
Taormina walking tour
7:30 pm ~ Final dinner at Cordai Orazio trattoria in Catania
Conclude your Sicilian adventure with a farewell dinner at Trattoria Cordai Orazio in Catania! This Michelin star traditional trattoria, tucked away in a charming corner of the city, offers delicious local specialties like pasta alla Norma, fresh seafood dishes, and delectable desserts, all made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Raise a glass with your fellow travelers as you reminisce about the unforgettable experiences and memories created on your journey through this captivating island.
Final dinner at Michelin star trattoria in Catania
DAY 11: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7 | CIAO SICILIA!
Breakfast at our hotel
Wake up to a delightful hotel breakfast with rich Italian espresso, freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, local cheeses, prosciutto, and fresh Sicilian orange juice—an authentic taste of Sicily to start your day.
Flights depart Catania for home cities
We’ll drop you off at the Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport (CTA) two to three hours before your departure.
