Sicily Luxury Tours, Italy

The following day, you will visit the UNESCO awarded Valley of the Temples, which is conveniently located in front of your hotel. This splendid archaeological park consists of eight Greek temples built between 510 BC and 430 BC. In the afternoon, visit the Scala dei Turchi, a dazzling white rocky cliff that meets the sea, rising 50 meters above sea level. Its gleaming color is eye-catching enough, but what makes it all the more remarkable is that it looks like a staircase carved by man, even though its shape is entirely natural. It was formed by marl, a sedimentary rock with a characteristic white color. It lies between two sandy beaches where you can swim, and is accessed through a limestone rock formation in the shape of a staircase, hence the name.

Your luxury tour of Sicily continues the following day with a private biking tour to the fishing village of Marzamemi accompanied by your personal guide. As you bike through the Sicilian countryside, take in the beautiful seaside views and agricultural farms situated around Marzamemi, a town established by the Moors in the 10th century and once known as “Marsà al-hamam” or Turtle Dove Bay. The town is famed for its artisanal fishing, and it produces a variety of seafood delicacies. Meander through the streets that wind in-and-out of the main plaza offering glimpses of the turquoise sea to the east and north.

Following lunch in Marzamemi’s main square, return to Noto for a sightseeing tour of the old city in the afternoon. In 1693, Noto was completely destroyed by an earthquake and was later rebuilt from scratch on a new site, about 10km from the old center. Intent on creating a new town based firmly on Baroque ideals, three architects, Labisi, Sinatra and Gagliardi contrived a city with a perfectly proportioned urban center whose parallel lines provide myriad panoramas. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner in Noto before continuing to a private dessert tasting with a world-famous granita chef in the heart of the city.

The next day, enjoy a highlight of any Sicily tour: a beautiful 3-hour hike to the Silvestri craters on the north side of the Mount Etna volcano. Mount Etna is one of the world’s most active and highest volcanoes in Europe. The cone of the crater rises to 11,000 ft above sea level and has been designated a “Decade Volcano” by the United Nations and added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your hike will begin near the Rifugio Sapienza on the north side of the mountain where the two extinguished Silvestri craters that appeared after an eruption in 1892 are located. Ascend to the observatory with a view of 9,000 ft high.

Later, enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby vineyard, which includes a wine tasting tour. The mineral rich soil surrounding the Etna volcano produces some of Italy’s most interesting varieties. Etna’s wine producers are experimenting with vineyard sites further and further up the volcano’s slopes, to gauge the effects of the richer, blacker soils and increased altitude. Some might say this is tempting fate, but the cachet of owning high-altitude vineyards is growing, and early results from these vines show promise. Return to your hotel to relax and later explore the city’s highlights with your expert guide, including the Villa Comunale Gardens.

During your stay in Salina, you will have the opportunity to explore its natural scenery and hike to the midpoint or the top of the extinct volcano, Monte Fossa delle Felci, the highest point on Salina Island. Starting in Pizzo Capo, you will witness varying types of vegetation that develop into evergreen forests reminiscent of the Alps with ferns, poplars, chestnut trees and other typical Mediterranean flora. Witness sky-high views of the entire region and notice the color of the water change from a lighter to darker blue as it meets the sky.

During your trip, go boating to the nearby island of Panarea where you will have access to secret swimming spots on the way, and visit the volcano of Stromboli Island, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. There you will hike the rugged landscape, ascend the volcano and watch it erupt with all its elemental power at sunset. The volcano is covered in lush, green vegetation and provides some of the best views in the world as the sky blends in with the water at the horizon.

End your private Sicily tour with a private helicopter to Catania Airport in time for your flight back home.