Explore Luxurious Historic Residences: Tour of Historic Villas in Sicily

Day 1: Arrival in Palermo and Visit to Villa Valguarnera

• Morning: Arrival at Palermo airport and transfer to a charming hotel in the historic center. Check-in and time to settle in.

• Afternoon: Excursion to Bagheria to visit Villa Valguarnera, a grand baroque residence surrounded by stunning landscapes. Wander through its gardens and admire its opulent interiors.

• Evening: Free evening in Palermo. Enjoy dinner at one of the city’s historic restaurants to savor Sicilian cuisine.

Day 2: Palermo – The Noble Villas of the City

• Morning: Guided tour of Villa Palagonia, also known as the "Villa of Monsters" for its curious grotesque statues. Discover the stories and legends of this unique residence.

• Lunch: Enjoy Sicilian delicacies at a local restaurant.

• Afternoon: Return to Palermo to explore the city’s noble villas:

  • Villa Malfitano Whitaker: A sophisticated Art Nouveau residence surrounded by a botanical garden.

  • Villa Niscemi: An elegant former aristocratic home, now the official residence of Palermo’s mayor.

• Evening: Free time to enjoy Palermo at your leisure.

Day 3: Villa Romana del Casale and Piazza Armerina

• Morning: Depart for Piazza Armerina to visit the UNESCO-listed Villa Romana del Casale. Marvel at its extraordinary mosaics, including the "bikini girls" and hunting scenes.

• Lunch: Savor a traditional Sicilian lunch at a countryside farm.

• Afternoon: Explore the charming streets of Piazza Armerina before heading to Catania.

• Evening: Arrive in Catania, check into your boutique hotel, and enjoy a free evening.

Day 4: Mount Etna and Taormina

• Morning: Embark on an unforgettable journey to Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano. Visit the Silvestri Craters and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape. For adventurous guests, an optional guided tour to the higher craters is available.

• Lunch: Indulge in a lunch of local specialties at a traditional restaurant on Etna’s slopes, paired with exquisite volcanic wines.

• Afternoon: Continue to Taormina, Sicily’s pearl. Visit the Ancient Greek Theater, offering breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Stroll through Taormina’s charming streets, lined with elegant boutiques and cafés.

• Evening: Return to Catania for an evening at leisure.

Day 5: Catania – Villas and Palazzo Biscari

• Morning: Visit Villa Cerami, now home to the University of Catania but formerly the residence of the noble Cerami family. Explore its refined interiors and Baroque gardens.

• Afternoon: Discover Palazzo Biscari, one of Catania’s most iconic residences, renowned for its intricate stuccos, frescoed ballroom, and panoramic terraces. Learn about the Biscari princes, art patrons of the 18th century.

• Evening: Free evening to enjoy Catania’s lively atmosphere.

Day 6: Departure from Catania

• Morning: Enjoy a final walk through Catania, visiting the vibrant Fish Market or Piazza del Duomo with its iconic Elephant Fountain.

• Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your return flight.