The famous town of Taormina is perched on a mountaintop that overlooks the glistening waters of the Ionian Sea. The breathtaking setting will combine captivating views to Mount Etna, with a glamourous touch of Baroque architecture, and beautiful ruins from ancient civilizations that will emerge from the landscape. The sea breeze will carry semi-sweet aromas that blend with an herbaceous scent of wisteria, which dangles along the houses that line the old, cobbled lanes. Your flight will land at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport where your private transfer will meet you upon arrival.

You will have a chance to settle into the comforts of your luxurious hotel in the heart of Taormina, indulging in the fragrant scent of freshly baked cookies and pistachio torrone that will drift through the doors of the nearby pasticcerie. Your guide will greet you in the hotel lobby eager to introduce you to the vibrant ambiance of Taormina, immersing you in the ancient history that dates back to the fourth century BC.

You will see the silhouette of the ruins of Castello di Taormina that are perched on the peak of Monte Tauro at 1,305 above sea level. A belvedere that can be seen from Via Pirandello will offer a sensational view of rocky promontories, Byzantine rock-graves, and the funicular that leads to the small beach of Mazzarò. The wealth of history will come to life when you reach the Greek Theater, which is a famous landmark of the city that dates back to the third century BC and contains characteristics of both Greek and Roman architectural design. The impressive feat of ancient engineering used the natural grade of the hillside to shape the stadium seating, which offers a spectacular view of Mount Etna as it towers above the countryside in the distance.

In the morning, the scent of freshly baked espresso will fade beneath the sweet scent of candied orange peel and drift through the doors of the bakeries that line the main avenue, Corso Umberto I. Your guide will meet you at the hotel after breakfast and escort you to the slopes of Mount Etna where a celebrated estate has produced wine since the early nineteenth century. The stunning rows of vineyards will be spread across the mineral-rich soil that derives from the volcanic motion of Europe’s most active volcano.

A representative of the estate will meet you upon arrival and guide you through the rows of vines while providing a sensational history of the winemaking experience for their family in Sicily. You can touch your fingers to the waxy skin of the grapes and feel the difference between the plump fruit for the table versus the smaller ones that grow on the vines. The altitude of the winery at 2,296 feet above sea level adds to the complexities of the wines that are produced on the property. When walking through the rows of vines, you will feel the difference in microclimates that are shaped by the sloping landscape’s distinct terraces that are exposed to the sun or cast in the shade.

In the tasting room, you will have a tremendous view of the landscape while your guide pours samples of the flavors that have been cultivated on the property, beginning with a white wine that is made from Carricante grapes in addition to other grapes indigenous to Etna. You will find the aromas of flora and fruits drifting upwards from the glass and leading to a pronounced, elegant acidity with persistent minerality.

After breakfast, your guide will escort you back to the slopes of Mount Etna for a combination of scenic and cultural discoveries. The morning will provide the perfect opportunity to reach the vantage point of Torre del Filosofo at 9,514 feet above sea level. A scenic cable car will lift you along the ascending slopes before you take a 4WD vehicle along a gravel path. The landscape will transition between pine trees, vineyards, and olive orchards around the lower foothills to a rugged, lunar landscape as you reach higher altitudes. Fumaroles will puff with smoke, filling the air with a sulfuric scent. You will have the opportunity to continue to the higher craters along a trekking path that winds through the black basalt, which remains from the lava flow, reaching over 10,826 above sea level.

Your exploration of Mount Etna will continue with a remarkable in-depth wine tour of the celebrated vineyards that reflects the beauty, complexity, and history of the region in each wine they make. Your first stop will take you to an exclusive cellar that produces wines that are treasured throughout the world. Your guide will escort you through the winery that is operated by a group of 25 women who combine the traditions of Sicily in the provinces around Mount Etna with international flavors by growing grapes like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, and Mondeuse. In the tasting room, your guide will pour a sample of a special wine that has been grown using native vines with grapes like Catarratto and Inzolia, which possess aromas of wisteria that result in a spirited freshness with a bright full body.

You will travel to the sensational, Baroque city of Noto in the morning with your guide for a private tour of the architectural grandeur that will immerse you in what feels like a preserved film set. The dazzling city center will glisten along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which is an elegant walkway that is adorned with grand palaces and opulent churches that were constructed in the eighteenth century. The bright limestone will reflect the Mediterranean sunlight, casting the city in a shade of gold. Your guide will lead you to the highlights of architectural marvels such as the Cattedrale di San Nicolò and the Palazzo Ducezio. The iconic palace from the mid-eighteenth century contains graceful arches and 20 sophisticated Ionic columns that support the building.

The rectangular windows along the upper-floor accentuate the airy and opulent design that is furnished by the Louis XV style furniture that decorates the main hall. At lunch, you will meet a local pastry chef who is celebrated for his ability to blend traditional flavors with forward-thinking culinary creations. You will enjoy your time in the mouthwatering aromas of the bakery where you can find familiar scents like ricotta cheese with orange zest and decadent dark chocolate. You can sample the delicacies and richness of the divine pastries, as well as an incredible wild strawberry sorbet that is paired with a selection of wines to emphasize the subtle characteristics of the wine and dessert.

The Baroque style of Ragusa will bring a delicate charm to the foundations that were laid by Arab raiders and Norman conquerors. Old Town will climb along the upper reaches of the hill with a warren of narrow, crooked lanes. It will also be complete with exemplary palaces and gilded churches that lead to the elegant Palazzo Cosentini and Palazzo Bertini. You will follow your guide through the majestic treasures of the city, unveiling the neoclassical opulence of the Cattedrale di San Giorgio, which is known for its collection of Corinthian pillars and sophisticated arches.

You will take a break from exploring the streets and bask in the rich flavors of local wines on that will be on display at a vineyard that is perched on a hilltop. The herbaceous aroma of olive trees will stem from the luscious groves that thrive on the property. You will indulge in a sumptuous lunch that will be paired with wines that have been produced on the estate for an inspiring balance of savory flavors and sophisticated tastes. While sampling a Nerojbleo, you will find aromas of cherry and blackcurrant, as well as rich spices that will leave a lasting, chocolatey finish.

You will continue to the enchanting town of Modica, following in the Baroque tradition of the province to view and indulge in the fascinating atmosphere. The central piazza will become a glitzy mixture of vibrant cafes, ornate facades, and steep staircases. Your guide will lead you along Corso Umberto I for fantastic views of the surrounding churches, restaurants, boutique shops, and palaces that will spring to life in the evening during the nightly passeggiata. The Chiesa di San Giorgio crowns the upper-level of town and stands in secluded splendor atop 250 steps. The three-tiered façade watches over the remains of the medieval lanes and alleys that wind through the historic city center.

In the morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel and lead you into the heart of historical Sicily at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. The mesmerizing archeological complex spans more than five square miles of preserved ancient Greek architecture that dates back to the seventh century BC. You will wander the trails that are surrounded by the Mediterranean brush that is filled with the aromas of citrus, pomegranate trees, and blossoming flowers. The Temple of Concordia will take your breath away with foundations that date back to the sixth century BC and preserved columns from the fifth century BC that represent the classical styles of mainland Greece that were brought to Sicily during the age of Magna Graecia.

Along the western edges of the park, you will find the remains of the temple that was dedicated to Zeus and where a mass of shattered stones and columns represent the remains of the former structure now that is now scattered across 64,583 square feet. In the afternoon, you will venture to a farmhouse to enjoy a traditional lunch that will be complete with an olive oil tasting. Once on the farm, the aromas of the olive trees will drift through the air, carrying a touch of spice from the nettles. Your guide will teach you about the different classes of oil and the flavors to look for when sampling a proper olive oil.

Siracusa is the oldest, largest, and best-preserved city in Sicily, glowing in the morning with a touch of gold from the way the sunlight hits the limestone structures. Outside of the historic city center, the archeological park hosts one of the largest excavated Greek theaters, which dates back to the fifth century BC and was able to support 15,000 spectators. You will have explored the fascinating history and remarkable flavors of Sicily over the past week and may continue discovering the splendors of the island at Palermo or taste the cherished wines of mainland Italy by extending your tour. Your private transfer will meet you at the hotel, when you are ready, and escort you to Catania-Fontanarossa Airport for your flight home.