The two sides of Sicily
Agrigento - Palermo
On this island of antitheses, there’s no need to choose between a blissful beach retreat or bustling city break; allow us to introduce both in a pairing of contrasting Sicilian coastlines.
Agrigento - Palermo
On this island of antitheses, there’s no need to choose between a blissful beach retreat or bustling city break; allow us to introduce both in a pairing of contrasting Sicilian coastlines.
It may be a luxury to have your cake and eat it, but that’s never been a problem for us. And yet, rarely do we find a destination that strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and cultural immersion. Ever in the shining spotlight of the Mediterranean sun, the isle of Sicily just so happens to hold the best of both worlds, and all less than two hours apart.
Beginning in a bubble of serenity on the south coast, the first of two Rocco Forte properties welcomes guests with a quietly tranquil ambience to a stretch of shoreline so sequestered it feels like theirs alone. Here, the focus rests on relaxation, wellness experiences and traditional foodie favourites – the ideal place to unwind from the everyday. After a short while, that familiar itch to explore is bound to arise, first beckoning the nearby Valley of the Temples, before moving from Verdua Resort to Villa Igiea, the place to stay in Palermo. Supremely stylish and just outside of the city’s vibrant heart, you’ll keep the calming coastal atmosphere while staying close to the action of the city’s culture tours. In essence, this is a truly Mediterranean classic, designed for both rejuvenation and education.
A taste of
what's to come
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![Europe, Italy, Sicliy, Agrigento, ancient column architecture taken from below with sunlight shining from above]()
Experience The Valley of the Temples without the crowdsAs dusk falls over Agrigento, let the hours pass enraptured by The Valley of the Temples, in awe of the structures still standing since 582BC. With the heat of the sun and hubbub of tourist crowds a midday memory, tour this site of ancient Greek settlement in near solitude, save for an expert archaeologist.
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![Street food in Palermo]()
Tour the island’s capital through tasteIf the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, you’ll simply adore Palermo after this walking tour. Lead by a local guide, saunter between eateries too often missed by tourists, blending into the local crowd shopping for Sicilian specialities of the freshest kind. Lively streets home to arancine, panelle, sfincione and cannolo aren’t easy to forget, and we can’t promise any Sicilian cuisine back home could compare.
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![Europe, Italy, Sicily, Palermo rooftops and statue on a cloudy day]()
Explore Palermo from a new perspectiveIn a city that lends itself to themed tours, dive deep into a complex thread of history with a Mafia-themed tour of Palermo. Beginning at Teatro Massimo, weave between landmarks such as the Murale della Legalita, Piazza Beati Paoli and Piazza della Memoria, before learning of the connections between the Mafia, politics and the Catholic Church at the Cathedral and Town Hall.
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Twin your stays in
Agrigento & Palermo
Verdura Resort, A Rocco Forte Hotel
Reclining on 570 acres of beachfront miles away from the overpopulated suntraps, Rocco Forte’s first venture into building its own hotels is a crowd-pleasing, private affair.
Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel
After a sympathetic refurb stamped Rocco Forte’s signature on its Art Nouveau interiors, this Belle Époque palazzo has become the Sicilian capital’s ‘it’ place to stay.
Get in touch your way…
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.
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