The Grand Tour of Sicily
10–12 days | Private journey | Sicily
A privately designed luxury journey across Sicily’s most remarkable landscapes, cultures and traditions.
For centuries, travellers have been drawn to Sicily in search of its extraordinary cultural heritage, dramatic landscapes and timeless Mediterranean spirit.
Inspired by this tradition, our Grand Tour of Sicily reveals the island in its most authentic and fascinating form — from ancient Greek temples and elegant baroque towns to volcanic vineyards and historic coastal villages.
Designed as a private and fully tailored experience, this journey invites travellers to discover Sicily through its art, culture, gastronomy and remarkable natural beauty.
Signature Highlights
Private exploration of Palermo’s historic palaces and markets
Walking among the extraordinary Greek temples of Agrigento
Discovering the refined baroque architecture of the Val di Noto
Wine tastings on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna
The extraordinary mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale
Chocolate tastings and culinary experiences
A Journey Across Sicily
Palermo and Western Sicily
Your journey begins in Palermo, Sicily’s captivating capital, where centuries of Arab, Norman and Spanish influences have shaped one of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating cultural landscapes. Elegant palaces, vibrant markets and magnificent historic churches reveal the island’s rich and layered past, offering an unforgettable introduction to Sicily’s history, art and distinctive way of life.
Beyond Palermo, the journey continues through the remarkable landscapes of Western Sicily — from the seaside charm of Cefalù to the ancient Greek temple of Segesta, the medieval hilltop town of Erice, and the historic wine traditions of Marsala. Each place reveals a different chapter of Sicily’s history and culture, offering a rich introduction to the island.
Selinunte and the Valley of the Temples
Travelling south, the landscape opens onto two of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the Mediterranean: Selinunte and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Here, majestic Greek temples rise above the countryside, offering a powerful glimpse into Sicily’s ancient history.
The Baroque Towns of the South-east
Continue towards the elegant towns of Noto, Modica and Ragusa, masterpieces of Sicilian baroque architecture rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693. Their golden stone streets, grand palaces and sunlit piazzas reveal the refined character of southern Sicily.
In Modica, discover the town’s centuries-old chocolate tradition, where artisan workshops still produce the renowned cioccolato di Modica using an ancient method introduced during the Spanish era. The journey also leads to a surprising encounter with Sicily’s natural landscape: a visit to an extraordinary Mediterranean herb nursery, where aromatic plants, citrus blossoms and wild herbs reflect the scents and flavours of the island.
Here, surrounded by the fragrances of rosemary, thyme and citrus, a relaxed lunch inspired by local ingredients offers a memorable glimpse into Sicily’s authentic lifestyle.
Roman Heritage and Sicilian Craftsmanship
Travelling through the heart of Sicily, the journey leads to the extraordinary Villa Romana del Casale, one of the most remarkable Roman villas in the Mediterranean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its magnificent mosaics — among the best preserved of the ancient world — depict scenes of daily life, mythology and hunting, including the famous “bikini girls”, considered one of the earliest representations of athletic women in ancient history.
Nearby, the town of Caltagirone reveals another important dimension of Sicilian culture: its centuries-old tradition of ceramic craftsmanship. Walking through its historic streets and workshops offers a glimpse into the island’s artistic heritage, where colourful majolica tiles and handmade ceramics continue to reflect the creativity and identity of Sicily.
Taormina and the Eastern Coast
Your journey concludes in Taormina, one of Sicily’s most enchanting destinations. Overlooking the Ionian Sea and framed by the silhouette of Mount Etna, the town combines breathtaking scenery with timeless Mediterranean elegance.
Nearby, the vibrant city of Catania — often called the city of lava — reveals another fascinating side of eastern Sicily. Built from dark volcanic stone and animated by lively markets, baroque architecture and a dynamic cultural scene, it offers a striking contrast to Taormina’s refined atmosphere.
Syracuse and Noto
Along the eastern coast, the journey also reveals the extraordinary heritage of Siracusa, once one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Greek world, where the historic island of Ortigia offers elegant piazzas, baroque architecture and a vibrant seaside atmosphere. Nearby, the golden town of Noto, a masterpiece of Sicilian baroque, enchants visitors with its harmonious streets and magnificent palaces.
Mt Etna and its Wine Region
In eastern Sicily, the dramatic landscapes of Mount Etna offer a completely different perspective of the island. Here, fertile volcanic soils give life to some of Italy’s most exciting wines. Private tastings and visits to boutique wineries reveal the unique character of Etna’s wine culture.
Designed Around You
Every Isolabella journey is privately designed and fully tailored to reflect each traveller’s interests, pace and personal definition of luxury.
Whether your passions include history, food and wine, nature or culture, this journey can be shaped to create a truly personal exploration of Sicily.
Plan Your Grand Tour of Sicily
Begin designing your Grand Tour of Sicily with our team and discover the island through curated experiences, remarkable places and authentic encounters.
Browse all our luxury tours in Sicily as well as Amalfi Coast, Apulia and Malta