SICILY: A CULTURAL ODYSSEY WITH PROJECT POR AMOR

ITINERARY: SEPTEMBER 19-28, 2026

DAY 1: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 | WELCOME TO SICILY

Please be advised that the hotel accommodations for this tour are subject to change. Final confirmation of lodging will be provided once full registration for the tour has been achieved.

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 Grand Hotel Wagner and check in

Experience the charm of a fully renovated 20th-century Art-Nouveau building where timeless elegance meets modern comfort. Enjoy refined details, warm hospitality, and an unforgettable stay in the heart of the city Wagner once called “the most beautiful in the world.”

Grand Hotel Wagner

4:00 pm ~ Walking tour of Palermo’s historic center

Meet in the hotel lobby for a welcome and start of the tour. The best way to get over jet lag is to be outside and walk around so we’ll explore the historic heart of Palermo on a guided walking tour. 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

7:00 pm ~ Welcome dinner at Osteria Ballaro

End the tour with our first Sicilian meal. 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 20 | PALERMO

Breakfast at our hotel

Wake up to a delightful and decadent hotel breakfast buffet. Rich Italian espresso, freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, local cheeses, prosciutto, fresh Sicilian juices, and more, are an authentic taste of Sicily to start your day. We’ll begin today late to help you recover from jet lag.

Daily Sicilian breakfast

10:30 am ~ Tour of 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.

Teatro Massimo opera house

12:00 pm ~ Maiolica Museum with brunch and private baroque concert

Visit 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. Thanks to recent restorations, the museum has reclaimed its original beauty, uncovering intricate decorations long hidden under layers of plaster, paneling, and period flooring. As you explore, you'll be captivated by the rich history of Sicily that can be traced through the lens of centuries of tile design.

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 of Sicilian and Italian composers with the viola da gamba and violin.

Private street food lunch with live baroque concert at Maiolica Museum

2:45 pm ~ Tour of Monreale

Just outside Palermo, the hilltop town of Monreale offers one of Sicily’s greatest treasures—the Monreale Cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman architecture. On this guided tour, you’ll explore the cathedral’s breathtaking 12th-century mosaics, which shimmer with gold and depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Step into the peaceful Benedictine cloister, where intricate Arab-influenced columns surround a tranquil garden. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views over the Conca d’Oro valley and learn how Monreale reflects the unique blend of Arab, Norman, and Byzantine cultures that define Sicily’s history.

The Arab-Norman Byzantine Cathedral and Cloister of Monreale

4:30 pm ~ Afternoon and evening at leisure

Feel free to explore the local dining scene, see the opera at the Teatro Massimo, or other a live jazz concert. Llet us know if you’d like recommendations for restaurants or activities to make the most of your night in this vibrant city.

Evening in Palermo

DAY 3: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 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 oppressive power of the Mafia in the years after WW2. Our guide Salvo will share his perspective on the history of the Mafia and Sicilian politics and how it has affected their lives for over a century.

Memorial of Portella della Ginestra

11:00 am ~ Lunch at a dairy 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

Lunch on a dairy and cheese farm

1:30 pm ~ Transfer to Corleone

2:15 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

6:00 pm ~ Proceed to Agrigento and check in to the Doric Boutique Eco-Resort & Farm

Perched on the edge of Agrigento's Valley of the Temples—a UNESCO World Heritage site—the Doric is surrounded by the resort's working farm: almond and pistachio trees, olive groves, a 19th-century vineyard, and prickly pear cacti. Their zero-kilometer cuisine means vegetables come from the garden you can see from your table. Every room is different—custom-designed with refined furnishings, and terrace or balcony with its own private pool, that look outs over the Temple of Juno, the Mediterranean Sea, and landscapes that haven't changed much since Goethe called Sicily "the key to everything" in 1817. Sustainably designed, it's the rare place where luxury doesn't fight with sustainability—it emerges from it. This is where we pause to slow down between the temples and the vineyards. Two nights here isn't a break from the tour. It's the place where everything we've been showing you starts to sink in.

Two nights at the Doric Boutique Eco-Resort & Farm

DAY 4: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 | AGRIGENTO

Morning at leisure at Doric

Spend the morning at your leisure—wander through the estate, enjoy a quiet moment in the gardens, watch the olive farmers at work, and indulge in a fresh, locally sourced breakfast and lunch. For ultimate relaxation, lounge by the pool, soaking in the warm Mediterranean sun and the tranquil sounds of nature. The wellness spa offers the kind of view that makes relaxation inevitable: you can see the ancient temples from the treatment rooms, the pool, even the jacuzzi. Life doesn’t get much better than this!

Luxuriate with breakfast and lunch at the boutique eco-resort, farm, and spa

2:00 pm ~ Valley of the Temples with Archeologist Marco Falzone

The Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves one of the Mediterranean's greatest Greek cities from the 6th century BCE. At 1,300 hectares, it's Europe's largest archaeological park, filled with magnificent Doric temples that demonstrate the supremacy of ancient Akragas. Marco Falzone has spent two decades excavating these sites. He's worked on Roman cemeteries, prehistoric necropolises, and major restorations across Sicily. When you walk the Valley with Marco, he shows us why temples sit where they do, how Greeks engineered optical illusions into columns, and what scorch marks reveal about ancient violence. The Temple of Concordia ranks among the most notable edifices of Greek civilization existing today. Marco points to details you'd miss a hundred times—then suddenly, you're seeing everything differently.

Valley of the Temples with archeologist Marco Falzone

Return to Doric Eco-Resort & Farm for dinner

Enjoy dinner on your own at the property’s restaurant, where seasonal Sicilian dishes are prepared with ingredients grown on-site and drizzled with Doric’s award-winning olive oil. A relaxed evening to savor local flavors and unwind in the peaceful countryside.

DAY 5: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 | PIAZZA ARMERINA

Breakfast at our hotel and check out

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 ~ Tour at the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina with Archeologist Serena Raffiotta

Serena Raffiotta studied classical archaeology at the University of Catania and has spent over a decade excavating Sicily's ancient sites. Her published research helped prove that the famous head of Hades—repatriated from the Getty Museum—belonged to the Morgantina site, where she dedicated more than 10 years of study. Built between the late 3rd and early 4th centuries AD, the Villa Romana del Casale houses the world's largest collection of Roman mosaics. These aren't just beautiful floors—they're narratives. She’ll show us how the mosaics reveal Roman social hierarchies, daily rituals, and mythological beliefs. The famous "Bikini Girls" mosaic? Learn what their athletic competitions actually meant in Roman society.

The world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics at the 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.

Lunch at a manor farm in Piazza Armerina

2:30 pm ~ Proceed to Siracusa and check into Hotel Gutkowski

Hotel Gutkowski sits on Ortygia’s waterfront in Syracuse, housed in two restored 19th-century buildings once home to fishermen and artisans. With 26 charming rooms, it offers an intimate, authentic stay—perfect for relaxing by the sea or exploring the city’s rich culture.

Hotel Gutkowski

DAY 6: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 | SIRACUSA

Breakfast at our hotel

9:30 am ~ Neapolis Archaeological Park with architect Luca Di Giacomo

We start at Neapolis with Luca Di Giacomo, an architect and licensed guide who's published research on ancient production processes. He’ll show us the Greek Theater—one of the largest ever built—the Roman amphitheater, the Altar of Hieron II, and the Ear of Dionysus, a limestone cave with acoustics so precise that tyrants allegedly eavesdropped on prisoners. Luca explains how the ancient stone quarries supplied material for Syracuse's monuments and what these extraction sites reveal about the city's economy and engineering ambition.

Neapolis Archaeological Park

11:30 am ~ Walking tour of Ortygia

Then we move to Ortygia, where history stacks like sediment: Greek foundations, Medieval walls, Baroque churches and palaces rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake. Luca will navigate these streets with an architect's eye, pointing out details that reveal how each civilization adapted what came before rather than erasing it. We’ll stop by a piazza to enjoy a bowl of the local favorite treat, granita.

Ortygia walking tour

1:30 pm ~ Lunch at the market of Ortygia

Enjoy a delightful lunch in the heart of Ortigia'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.

Lunch at the Ortigia market

3:00 pm ~ Time on your own to explore Ortigia

Enjoy leisurely free time to explore the enchanting island of Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse. Wander through its narrow, sunlit streets lined with Baroque architecture, browse local boutiques and artisan shops, or relax at a café overlooking the sea. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up unique Sicilian gifts, sample local treats, or go for a sunset sail to soak in the island’s timeless charm.

Evening in Ortigia

DAY 7: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 | CATANIA

Breakfast at our hotel and check out

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.

9:50 am ~ Transfer to Catania

11:00 am ~ Brunch at the Marquis of San Giuliano in Villasmundo

Enjoy 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 idyllic garden features a wide variety of plants from around the world. Created by the Marquis in the 1970s, it gently surrounds the old farmhouse manor and displays a range of exotic plants, citrus trees, and a colorful array of flowers. As part of your visit, enjoy a delicious Italian brunch with local specialties, giving you a chance to taste regional flavors amid the stunning natural beauty of the garden.

Garden lunch at Giardino de San Giuliano

1:30 pm ~ Proceed to Catania and check into the Palace Catania Una Esperienze

Stay at Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze, a 4-star hotel blending modern comfort with Sicilian charm. Enjoy views of Mount Etna from the rooftop, a wellness area, and a prime location on Via Etnea in the heart of Catania.

Palace Catania Una Esperienze

4:00 pm ~ Catania Cultural Walk with Oreste Lo Basso

Walk the old town center with Oreste Lo Basso—an archaeologist who grew up obsessed with ancient history, myth, and ruins, studied Late Antique Archaeology across Italy, then returned home to share what he knows. Oreste holds a BA in Medieval Archaeology plus three master's degrees in cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, and landscape planning. But what matters is this: he knows Catania from the inside. From the baroque façades rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, the fish market that's been operating for centuries, the layers of Greek, Roman, Norman, and Arab history stacked beneath your feet, to the best place to buy gelato and granita.

Catania streets

5:00 pm ~ Visit to an atelier of puppet maker family 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

6:00 pm ~ Dinner at leisure

Explore local dining options. We’ll recommend restaurant or activity suggestions to enjoy your night in this culturally rich city.

Evening in Catania

DAY 8: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 | MOUNT ETNA

Breakfast at our hotel and departure at 8:15 am

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.

Breakfast buffet

9:30 am ~ Mt. Etna 4x4 excursion with volcanologist Andrea

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 with volcanologist

1:30 pm ~ Wine experience and lunch on Mount Etna

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.

Private wine tasting tour 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.

Evening in Catania

DAY 10: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 | TAORMINA

Breakfast at our hotel

Daily Sicilian breakfast

9:15 am ~ Proceed to Motta Camastra

10:30 am ~ Cooking class: Indulge in Sicilian Flavors with Mamas and Grandmas of Motta and a private music performance

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 for us to learn about local cuisine. During this home cooking lesson, we’ll meet these talented cooks, who will teach us 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. Enhancing this experience, enjoy a private performance by traditional folk musicians—a zampognaro (bagpiper) and a flute duet. Their enchanting melodies, passed down through generations, will immerse us in the heart of Sicilian culture, creating an unforgettable atmosphere as you savor the flavors of the region.

Cooking class and folk music with Grandmas of Motta Camastra

2:00 pm ~ Proceed to Taormina

3:30 pm ~ Walking tour in Taormina

Meet up with our Catania guide, Orestes, 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

5:30 pm ~ Time at leisure

Return to the hotel. Recharge your batteries, take a siesta, enjoy the hotel spa or explore the city on your own. Be in the hotel lobby at 7:15 to walk to dinner.

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 trattoria in Catania

DAY 11: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 | CIAO SICILIA!

Breakfast at our hotel

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.

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