Simply Sicily

Overview

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Seductively beautiful, Sicily has been luring visitors for centuries. Experience the unique legacy of the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, Normans, crusading Knights of St. John, the Bourbons and Ottoman Turks, all on this stunning island of Sicily. Staying at a luxury sea front villa in Marina di Modica, discover ancient towns, churches, Roman ruins, a rumbling stratovolcano and the delectable layer-cake of Sicilian culinary influences over 11 unforgettable days.

The Setting: An exclusive seafront villa with private swimming pool situated in the beautiful and small seaside resort of Marina di Modica on the southern coast of Sicily. Surrounded by a luxuriant garden, the prestigious property boasts large, well-equipped terraces with panoramic sea views. Furnished in contemporary style, the comfortable interior is divided into two separate buildings overlooking the large swimming pool and includes 9 air-conditioned bedrooms, eight luxurious bathroom, two kitchens, two living rooms and a lounge. The villa is situated not far from the UNESCO-listed centres of Modica, Noto, Ragusa Ibla and near the ancient city of Syracuse.

Tour Departs 

24 May 2025

Tour costs 2025:

Twin share       $8,995pp*
Single               $10,985pp*

*Advertised price is for land only, it does not include flights.

Inclusions

• 7 nights villa stay in Marina di Modica
• 3 nights stay in Taormina
• Travel by mini coach as per itinerary
• Sightseeing per itinerary with entry fees
• Culinary art sessions with Renato
• 24 meals including help-yourself breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 8 dinners (with limited wine*)
• Services of professional guides at selected locations
• Pre-departure lunch and meet and greet

Itinerary

Day 1 - Saturday 24 May - Catania To Marina Di Modica

Meet at Catania Airport or your Hotel, for the transfer at 10.00am to Piazza Armerina and visit Villa del Casale. This ancient Roman Villa is grandiose and famous for its spectacular mosaic floors. After lunch, travel to Villa Maya in Marina di Modica. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the Villa. (L, D)

Stay Villa Maya - 7 nights

Day 2 - Sunday 25 May - Noto And Marzamemi

Visit Baroque Noto and discover the beautiful churches and splendid palaces of the aristocracy. Enjoy some free time before journeying to Marzamemi, an enchanting 17^th century fishing village on the southernmost point of Sicily. Dinner at a typical seaside restaurant. (B, D)

Day 3 - Monday 26 May - Villa Maya

Morning at leisure. Later, partake in a culinary art session with Renato and indulge in the fruits of your labour at lunch. The afternoon is relaxed with aperitivo at sunset. Dinner at the La Moresca gourmet restaurant in Torre Marabino, a beautifully restored, medieval fortress surrounded by beautiful gardens. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Tuesday 27 May - Siracusa

Travel to Siracusa, the most important city of Magna Grecia. Visit the archaeological park with its ancient Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre then to Ortigia, the old city, to see the famous Piazza Duomo. Free time to meander through the narrow streets of the old city. Dinner this evening is at the villa. (B, D)

Day 5 - Wednesday 28 May - Torre Marabino - Ispica

Travel to Ispica for a hands on Sicilian cooking class with a professional chef at Torre Morabino. Make traditional Sicilian dishes for lunch all perfecty matched with some organic local wine. Dinner this evening is at the villa. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Thursday 29 May - Ragusa And Modica

Set amid rocky peaks, visit beautiful Ragusa Ibla with its tangle of narrow streets and Baroque palazzi. Enjoy some free time before journeying to the atmospheric Modica with its steeply stacked medieval centre and spectacular baroque cathedral. Visit the oldest chocolate factory in Sicily. See traditional chocolate being made and savour the many different and unique flavours. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the villa. (B, D)

Day 7 - Friday 30 May - Marina Di Modica

Enjoy a relaxing day at the villa. Join Renato in the kitchen as he prepares a delicious lunch and in the afternoon, relax and make preparations for next morning departure. Later, enjoy an aperitivo followed by dinner on the verandah. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Saturday 31 May - Mt Etna And Taormina

Bidding Marina di Modica farewell, travel to Mt Etna (3300m), the highest and most active volcano in Europe. Visit the Gambino winery on Mt Etna for a degustation lunch with some excellent organic wines. Proceed to the magical city of Taormina, renowned for the elegant buildings and gardens and most importantly for the magnificent Greek theatre. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. (B, L)

Stay Taormina – 3 nights

Day 9 - Sunday 01 June -Taormina

A morning tour of Taormina concludes with a visit of the magnificent Greek theatre where views of the coast and Mt. Etna are simply breathtaking. After lunch, the rest of the day is at leisure. (B, L)

Day 10 - Monday 02 June - Taormina

Free day to explore the unspoilt commune of Taormina and its surrounding area and to enjoy the elegant and charming Capo Taormina hotel facilities. Later that evening, join Renato for our farewell dinner. (B, D)

Day 11 - Tuesday 03 June - Taormina To Catania

Farewell Taormina today with a 10:00am group transfer to Catania airport. (B)

Buon viaggio!