Under the spell of Sicily
Under the spell of
Sicily
The Mediterranean was made for island-hopping, though the allure of Italy's southern isle alone holds the key to two weeks of traversing through spirited cities, mesmeric shorelines and towns frozen in time…
Characterised by the shades of the sun, Sicily’s citrus yellows and fine wines enchant even the most frequent of visitors. A destination that refuses to be eclipsed by its boot-shaped neighbour; layers of cultural influence mirror the museum-like quality of the mainland, though an unmistakeable aura of authenticity remains, bewitching visitors with a rustic charm imbued across the island.
The true sorcery of Sicily, however, lies in the diversity of its regions. Best in the months either side of summer, an itinerary may be an irresistible elixir of adventure, hiking and the great outdoors; mix history, art and cuisine, or cast its spell by sandy beaches and quaint coves. The choice is yours.
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Where you’ll be going
Get to know where you'll be exploring in Sicily, from the southeastern Baroque towns to the capital Palermo.
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![Europe, Italy, Sicily, Taormina, Greco-Roman theatre from above]()
DAY 1 - 3
Taormina
Stay at: Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, TaorminaIts own slice of history stretching toward the skies, Taormina’s old town towers over the Ionian Sea, beaten only by the majesty of Mount Etna. If ambling inland is on the agenda, let history come to life at the Greco-Roman theatre before quaint charm brings forth the boutiques of Corso Umberto to suggest a souvenir.
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DAY 4 - 7
Noto
Stay at: Il San Corrado di NotoDecorated annually by flowers in bloom for the festival Infiorata, Noto is one of the towns rebuilt in the Sicilian Baroque style in the 17th century. Perhaps the most dramatic representation of Rosario Gagliardi’s architectural style, this remote enclave is an elaborate display of Catholic grandeur, with its church-lined streets appearing frozen in time.
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![Europe, Italy, Sicily, Villa Athena resort, exterior view from above of villa and pool with the Temple of Concordia in the distance]()
DAY 8
Sciacca
Stay at: Villa AthenaSciacca is best known for its thermal springs and timeless ceramics. Perched above the Mediterranean, this fishing town marries ancient myth with daily life. Roman and Arab influences ripple through its steamy caves and pastel-tiled piazzas, where artisans still spin clay into folklore. Wander the old quarter, where sulfurous steam and sea air seem to whisper history.
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![Europe, Italy, Sicily, Agrigento, stairs to temple ruins]()
DAY 9 - 11
Agrigento
Stay at: Verdura Resort, A Rocco Forte HotelAgrigento is perhaps best known for the Valley of the Temples. An oxymoron harking back to ancient times, the Valley sits on a hilltop, its UNESCO World Heritage status rightfully commanding the skyline. Be sure to tour the Doric architecture of temples, statues and tombs to learn of their Greek and Arab influences.
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![Europe, Italy, Sicily, Palermo old town]()
DAY 12 - 15
Palermo
Stay at: Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte HotelSicily’s capital hints at a history of change. The Cathedral stands as an architectural amalgamation of Gothic, Baroque and Norman, in homage to each era of Palermo’s past. A city that feels more lived-in than the likes of Florence or Rome, landmarks like the Palatina Chapel, Piazza Pretoria and Teatro Massimo are not to be missed.
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A taste of what's to come Under the spell of Sicily journal
Day 1
Day 3
Day 7
Day 9
Day 14
Day 1
Day 3
Day 7
Day 9
Day 14
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![Europe & North Africa, Italy, Grand Hotel Timeo A Belmond Hotel Taormina, Bedroom Suite view]()
5:43pm
Ciao from touchdown in Taormina! We’re enjoying an hour of relaxation before our first dinner here in Sicily. It’s so exciting to be exploring a new part of Italy; I’ve a funny feeling already that these two weeks will fly by. Sat out on the balcony with a gorgeous view, I feel as glamourous as can be, which will no doubt continue on our The White Lotus themed tour tomorrow.
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![Two plates of pasta with a small bowl of cheese and a jug of olive pil on a white table]()
4:07pm
I’m still full from the delicious meal we cooked for lunch as I write this. I’m no Nigella Lawson just yet, but with a chef guiding us through traditional recipes, I’m quite proud of what we made. That kitchen felt so homely too, I could have stayed forever. Sicily is certainly working its magic so far.
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![Europe, Italy, Sicily, Ortigia, building facade looking upwards to blue sky]()
9:21am
We’ve seen so much since the last time I wrote! Scaling to the top of Mount Etna was a feeling I’ll never forget – not least because of how chilly it was up there, even in sunny Sicily. All worth it for the views though – just wow! We’ve moved to the southeast of the island now to tour the baroque towns; Noto and Syracuse felt like a trip back in time with so much history on show. I’ve no doubt Ragusa will be a work of art today. Note to self: find granita back at home. It’s simply delicious!
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![Couple walking hand in hand up a soft sand beach with a kite surfer on the sea in the background]()
13:30pm
And… relax. We’re at the beach today; it’s the perfect day to sunbathe and swim, at just the right point in our trip. We’ve done so much in just 10 days, I don’t want this holiday to end! And after a one-night stop to see The Valley of the Temples, I’m ready for the next three days to be nothing more than sun, sea, sand (and a few cocktails of course). Anyways, I’m going to get back to my book. Ciao!
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![Europe, Italy, Sicily, Palermo rooftops under a blue sky]()
6:58pm
Capping off our trip on the island’s capital was such a good idea. There’s so much to see here, we’ve even been able to tour the city by theme. As interesting as the Mafia tour was, I think the food tour takes top spot for me – no surprises there. And, just like that, it’s home time tomorrow. Everyone we’ve met has been so warm and welcoming, I can’t wait to tell everyone about our trip! It won’t be too long until we return to this lovely little island I’m sure.
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Where to stay
Where to stay
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Extraordinary
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![Europe, Italy, chefs hands making pasta]()
Cook up a Sicilian stormNamed after the English novelist, make yourself at home in Villa Lawrence. Tearing your gaze away from hilltop terrace views, head for the kitchen to create culinary art under the guidance of a private chef. Naturally paired with the finest local wines, craft a four-course lunch while learning the importance of cuisine to the Sicilian culture of connection.
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Climb to the craters of Sicily's 'wicked witch'The highest Mediterranean island mountain – and Europe’s largest active volcano – Mount Etna presides over Eastern Sicily with a large influence on literature and local life. Escorted by a mountain guide, scale her height by foot and 4x4, stopping to see the effects of eruption, and admire the dramatic panoramas.
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![Europe, Italy, bunch of red grapes hanging froma leafy green tree]()
Weave through the wineries of Val di NotoJourney through the hills of Sicily’s eastern countryside, stopping at sprawling vineyards in Noto and Syracuse to sample renowned Sicilian wines. Considered the hold the oldest wines across Italy, enjoy a glass or two before sitting down to enjoy a wine tasting lunch.
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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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![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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![Europe, Italy, Sicily, Ragusa view over rooftops]()
Saunter through the streets of old town RagusaA town built in the late-Baroque style, weave through the sand-coloured streets of Ragusa Iba. Cannolini in hand, tour where town meets countryside in the Giardino Ibleo. Stop to see the intricate detail within the atelier of a Sicilian cart master, and see the celebrated Duomo San Giorgio in all its glory.
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