Personally Escorted Small Group Tours of NEW YEAR in Sicily 2026/27

On arrival, transfer from the airport to your hotel located in the centre of Taormina.

Check in for your 2-night stay in our centrally located hotel.

In the evening, we’ll come together for a celebratory glass of prosecco before heading to a local restaurant for our welcome dinner, soaking up the twinkling Christmas lights and festive spirit of Taormina.

Meals included: Dinner.

This morning, we’ll enjoy a stroll through the enchanting town of Taormina, beautifully dressed for the festive season, as we admire its elegant boutiques, the ancient Greek Theatre, and sweeping views of the sea and Mount Etna. The afternoon is free to wander Taormina’s medieval streets and lantern-lit laneways, alive with Christmas decorations, local treats, and seasonal charm.
Overnight in Taormina.

Meals included: Breakfast.

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll check out and journey to Motta Camastra, the birthplace of my parents and a memorable filming location for The Godfather. Here, we’ll have the special pleasure of meeting my cousin Maria Angela and wandering the charming laneways of this authentic Sicilian village. Following our stroll, we’ll be treated to a delicious, traditional home-cooked belated Christmas meal, brimming with local flavours and festive warmth. In the late afternoon, we bid farewell to my cousins and continue to the stunning island of Ortigia, our home for the next few nights.

*We’ll check into our 5-star hotel nestled in the heart of Ortigia, ready to explore its historic streets and vibrant squares.

Meals included: Breakfast & lunch.

Today, we’ll begin our walking tour with a local guide at the Neapolis Archaeological Park, marvelling at its ancient ruins and rich history. Afterwards, we’ll wander through the enchanting island of Ortigia, famous for its stunning Baroque architecture, seaside charm, and lively piazzas. The afternoon is free to explore Ortigia at your own pace—stroll through streets adorned with post-Christmas decorations, browse bustling markets and boutique shops, or relax in a local café and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Overnight in Ortigia.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Our tour today will take us further southwest through several charming towns and villages. We’ll be making a stop at Modica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its breathtaking Baroque architecture and renowned for its delicious Modica chocolate. Chocolate enthusiasts will have the opportunity to indulge in some of the town’s finest offerings during a special tasting experience. After that, we’ll continue to Ragusa Ibla. Ragusa Ibla, the historic heart of Ragusa, is a stunning Baroque jewel perched on a hilltop. Wander its narrow, winding streets to discover elegant churches, charming piazzas, and panoramic views, all framed by the timeless beauty of south-eastern Sicily.

Check in for our 2-night stay in a renovated 18th-century building in Ragusa Ibla.

In the evening, we’ll take a stroll through the beautiful streets, soaking up the New Year’s Eve atmosphere and festivities, followed by dinner to celebrate the New Year.

Meals included: Breakfast & dinner.

Our excursion today will take us to Castello di Donnafugata, where we will have the opportunity to see the partially restored 16th-century castle and the small museum which houses 300 years of fashion. In the afternoon, we will return to Ragusa Ibla to enjoy some free time.

Overnight in Ragusa Ibla.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Today, we depart Ragusa Ibla and travel to Piazza Amerina, a delightful locale renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and historical significance. Here, we will meet our local guide, who will lead us on an unforgettable exploration of the awe-inspiring Villa Romana del Casale – a treasured UNESCO World Heritage site. As we step into the villa, we will be transported back in time, surrounded by the exquisite beauty of its polychrome mosaics. These intricate artworks tell stories of ancient life and showcase remarkable craftsmanship, capturing the shimmering colours and delicate details that have withstood the test of time.

*Check in for our 1-night stay in a 3-star hotel the historic centre.

Meals included: Breakfast & lunch.

After having breakfast, we will travel to Caltagirone, a town in Sicily renowned for its unique ceramics culture. Famous for its stunning ceramics that boast swirling patterns, vibrant colours, and intricate designs. We continue our post-Christmas celebrations by exploring some beautiful pieces dedicated to Christmas.  In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Agrigento.

Check in for our 2-night stay at our hotel located near the town centre.

Meals included: Breakfast & dinner.

This morning, we will take a scenic drive through the picturesque countryside to a charming olive farm where we will explore the lush olive grove. The tour will culminate with an exquisite olive oil tasting, allowing us to savour the rich, golden liquid that embodies the essence of the region. Following our tasting, we’ll enjoy a mouthwatering street food lunch, featuring local delicacies that celebrate the vibrant flavours of the area.

In the late afternoon, we return to Agrigento. After a short break, we meet our local guide for an enchanting walking tour of the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we stroll through this remarkable landscape, we’ll be immersed in the grandeur of ancient ruins, surrounded by breathtaking views that evoke the rich history of the area.

Overnight in Agrigento.

Meals included: Breakfast & lunch.

After breakfast, we farewell Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples.  We make a brief stop at the stunning Scala dei Turchi, a breathtaking limestone cliff rising majestically from the Mediterranean Sea, offering dramatic views and a perfect backdrop for memorable photos. We continue and stop in the picturesque town of Marsala, where we will meet our local guide for a walking tour through its charming, narrow streets adorned with colourful buildings and vibrant local life.

Following our tour, we visit a local winery. Here, we will indulge in a delightful wine tasting, paired with carefully selected local delicacies that enhance the rich flavours of the region’s finest vintages.

Finally, we will arrive at our hotel in Trapani. Tonight, join in the festive Sicilian spirit as the 5th of January comes alive with La Befana, the beloved witch who brings gifts to children.

Check in for our 2-night stay at our hotel located near the historic centre.

Meals included: Breakfast & lunch.

This morning, we make our way to the picturesque hilltop village of Erice. As we traverse the winding roads, we’ll be captivated by breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. On arrival, we’ll stroll through the charming cobblestone streets, surrounded by historical architecture. Here, we will indulge in the renowned local pastries, such as the delicate marzipan sweets and delectable almond pastries that Erice is famous for. Our adventure continues as we descend by cable car to Trapani, where we have free time to explore at leisure.

Overnight in Trapani.

Meals included: Breakfast.

After breakfast, we embark on a journey to Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily. Renowned as the world’s most conquered city, Palermo is a captivating tapestry woven from the threads of diverse civilisations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Normans.

On arrival, we will meet our local guide for a walking tour of Palermo. As we wander through its bustling streets, we will uncover layers of history that tell stories of resilience and cultural exchange. The city is a treasure trove of art and architecture, showcasing stunning Baroque churches, majestic palaces, and intricate mosaics that reflect its rich heritage. Moreover, Palermo’s dynamic atmosphere is alive with the sounds of street musicians and the aromas of traditional Sicilian cuisine, inviting us to savour the unique blend of flavours that have been perfected over centuries. Whether exploring its vibrant markets or admiring its historical landmarks, Palermo promises an unforgettable experience steeped in culture, art, music, and culinary delights.

After our tour, we will return to the hotel and check in for our 2-night stay in our centrally located hotel in the historic centre.

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you will have a free day to soak up the lively atmosphere in the vibrant city of Palermo!

Overnight in Palermo.

Meals included: Breakfast.

We say goodbye to Palermo and continue our journey. Our first stop is a village in the Madonie Mountains where we will try our hand at cooking. Using local produce and authentic Sicilian recipes, we will cook our lunch, which we will enjoy, followed by a glass of wine.  We continue to Cefalu, a charming seaside town on Sicily’s north coast, known for its sandy beaches, medieval streets, and stunning Norman cathedral with Byzantine mosaics. Nestled between the sea and a rocky cliff, it offers a perfect mix of history and coastal beauty.

Check in for our 2-night stay in a centrally located hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

The day is free to relax and explore Cefalu at leisure.

Overnight in our centrally located hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Today we depart Cefalu and make our way to Messina, the gateway to Sicily, which offers a lively waterfront, sweeping views of the Strait, and key landmarks such as its cathedral and famous astronomical clock—an engaging introduction to the island’s history and daily life. We continue to Savoca, a serene and ancient hilltop village situated high above the sea, where you can experience the authentic atmosphere of Sicily. The main attraction of Savoca is its connection with Francis Ford Coppola’s film, The Godfather. The village’s little square is where scenes for the movie were shot at Bar Vitelli.

We then make our way to our final destination – Catania, a dynamic city on Sicily’s eastern coast, set at the base of Mount Etna. Rich in history and culture, it features striking Baroque architecture built from black lava stone, vibrant street markets, ancient Roman ruins, and a lively atmosphere that blends tradition with modern Sicilian life.

Check in for our 2-night stay in our centrally located hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast.

We begin with a guided walking tour of Catania, where you can explore the city and visit the authentic Fish and Food market. The market is a beautiful blend of diverse flavours, colours, scents, and traditions.

In the early evening, we will meet and celebrate our shared experiences and the incredible journey we’ve had through Sicily. Let’s toast our new friendships and lasting memories of beautiful Sicily!

Overnight in Catania.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Our tour ends after breakfast today.