Reach your boutique hotel in lively Syracuse, a coastal city ideal for day trips along the Eastern side of Sicily (from Taormina to Marzamemi and inland to Modica and Ragusa). There are lively fresh markets, buzzy trattorias, and many experiences to try. Spend 6 memorable days (5 nights) among pretty seaside towns, un-touristic villages and nature. The trip can be tailor made towards relaxation or active exploration. Experiences/Extras can be added to enrich the holidays with special memories. Here is a first proposal to start!
Travel to your hotel in the heart of Syracuse. Once you're settled, embark on a captivating tour through this vibrant city, once the most powerful in the entire Greek world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the enchanting labyrinth of narrow streets, uncovering the rich history shaped by Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Spanish, and French over the past 3,000 years.
10:00 - 18:00
Reach Neapolis Archaeological site, once a walled city founded by the Greeks, renowned for its wealth, art, architecture, and culture. Marvel at its magnificent Greek theater, the Temple of Apollo, and the Roman amphitheater, a testament to the city’s rich history. In the afternoon, enjoy shopping, a cooking class, or a boat tour to admire the coast at sunset.
9:00 - 18:00
Reach the Vendicari Natural Park and explore the protected wetlands, discover an abundance of birdlife, and (if lucky) observe the endangered loggerhead turtles and flamingos. Then, move on to visit the picturesque fishing village of Marzamemi and Noto, a baroque gem with cobbled streets, ornate churches, and palazzos, in the UNESCO World Heritage Site List.
9:00 - 18:00
Arrive in the charming Ragusa Ibla, where you can stroll through narrow, winding streets, taking in the breathtaking architecture. Continue to Modica, a city steeped in history and surrounded by impeccably preserved monuments. Don’t miss the chance to visit a renowned patisserie, where you can witness the art of chocolate making and indulge in a delicious ‘cannolo’.
9:00 - 18:00
Reach Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, to explore with a guide or by 4x4, experiencing a terrain unlike anywhere else. Then, make a refreshing stop at the Alcantara Gorge before heading to the hilltop town of Taormina, taking in the stunning architecture and the breathtaking views.
9:00 - 18:00
Pick up at the hotel and transfer to the airport, stopping on your way for a last delicious cannolo!
9:00 - 20:00
Hi Barbara - On behalf of my wife and I, I want to thank you for planning an incredible honeymoon for us. We had the absolute time of our lives and could not have done it without you. Here are just a few pictures that we took to commemorate the trip but every part of the trip from start to finish was an absolute dream. We are already thinking about planning our next trip so we will certainly stay in touch! If you are ever in New York please feel free to reach out for recommendations we would be happy to help.
Hi Barbara! We are sitting down having lunch before our tour of Pompei and wanted to tell you how much we are enjoying our trip so far.The hotel in Rome was perfectly located and such a lovely spot! Our first dinner in Rome was at Restaurant MonteCarlo was really good and we loved our tour with Edwardo. Julia and Clara’s fav spot was the trevi fountain. We lucked out at the Pantheon and got a really good tour guide (and skipped the lines). We managed to get to the basillica without much of a wait (about 30 min - maybe less).I am so happy that you recommended Herculeum. So impressive! We are having pizza every meal and loving it!
Hello Barbara! Now that we have settled in at home, I wanted to once again thank you for your help in planning an amazing trip to Italy. We had the absolute best time and only wish we could have stayed longer. Everyone we met along the way could not have been nicer. We felt like we were among lifelong friends! We did get to travel to to meet my ancestors’ family and visit the home where my great-grandfather lived-it was amazing! We actually met a woman from our hometown who moved back to Italy 25 years ago! She graduated from high school with my husband’s brother!! What a coincidence! Anyhow, thank you again for all of your help in planning an amazing trip! It could not have been more perfect. Here are a few pictures from our reunion with my Italian family