Make 2024 memorable with Viaggia Discover Sicily!

Greetings from the sunny island of Sicily! 

We wish you a peaceful and prosperous year, full of adventures and good fortunes. We are entering 2024 with many travel adventures in mind and a desire to bring you on a once-in-a-lifetime odyssey around the island of Sicily.

If you are making travel plans to Italy this year, better hurry and check with our tour calendars online; our September and October tours have proved very popular!  We are very grateful to everyone who signed up already and we look forward to having great adventures together! Use promo code EARLY2024 to save by booking before January 31, 2024!

What is Sicily like to visit? Today we’ll share with you the top 10 reasons to discover Sicily with us!

From the lively capital of Palermo to the hilltop city of Taormina to Trapani in the west, Sicily is finally being discovered for the magical destination that it is. The diverse island offers beaches, mountains, active volcanoes, and even skiing in winter. Well-preserved archeological sites, cathedrals, and buildings show evidence of its history as a home for Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, and others. The indigenous Sicanians are thought to have occupied the island as far back as 8000 BC, giving Sicily its name.

#1 Delicious Cuisine - from Street Food to Michelin Star

Sicily has its own style of Italian cuisine, and both its location and history influence its popular dishes. It's not unusual to see couscous on a menu, reflecting Arabic influences; pasta is served with a variety of local ingredients, such as eggplants, artichokes and anchovies. Fresh, delicious seafood is plentiful, with the island boasting more than 600 miles of coastline; sardines are served on their own as well as in the flavorful pasta con le sarde that also includes fennel, pine nuts, and raisins. Pasta alla Norma features tomato, eggplant, and ricotta salata (salted ricotta cheese). Fried rice balls called arancine are popular snacks, and a favorite antipasto is caponata, a luscious mixture of sweet and sour flavoured tomatoes, capers, celery and eggplants with many regional variations.

Sicilians love desserts and are known to make the best cannoli — fried pastry tubes filled with sweetened ricotta. Granita, crushed ice flavored with various fruit, almond or coffee, and cassata, sponge cake with liqueur, ricotta, and marzipan (almond paste) are also favorites. Frutta Martorana, a Sicilian specialty, are miniature fruits and vegetables embellished by hand. Sicily's almonds, pistachios, and citrus appear in desserts like gelato and biscotti. And where else would you encounter the summertime breakfast treat brioche con gelato — gelato in a brioche bun?

Chef Alessandro will be sharing his culinary knowledge along the way, creating context for an authentic experience. He will be also teaching you how to cook his favourite recipes, helping you bring Sicily back home with you. From street food to Michelin Star - Discover Sicily with Chef Alessandro!

#2 - Stunning Archaeological Sites

Sicily is home to some of the world's best preserved examples of Greek and Roman temples, structures, and art. In the southwest, Agrigento's Valley of the Temples includes the nearly intact Temple of Concordia as well as columns remaining from the largest Greek congregation of temples. On Sicily's southeast coast, Siracusa — once the leading city of Greece — a massive amphitheater built around the 5th century B.C. is still used for theatrical presentations. A 3rd-century A.D. Roman amphitheater can also be seen in the area. On the nearby island of Ortigia are the remains of the Temple of Apollo, built in the 7th century B.C.

Further north on the coast in the hilltop city of Taormina lies the spectacular Teatro Greco dating to the 3rd century B.C. Today, the theater is home to film festivals, concerts, and plays with the audience enjoying the stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mt. Etna along with the performance. In Segesta, a striking Doric temple has stood for more than 2,000 years near a massive amphitheater. Selinunte, once a major Greek city on the south coast, is another impressive archaeological site. The Regional Archeological Museum in Palermo contains sculptures and artefacts from throughout Sicily's past.

#3 Luxurious Beaches

Surrounded by the Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Mediterranean Seas, Sicily has 1484 km of varied and beautiful coastline. Near Taormina, Isola Bella is a gorgeous beach, and it's common for a lido (beach club) to offer umbrellas, chairs, beverages, and dining. Nearby Giardini Naxos offers both lidos and public areas.

Palermo's beaches on the north shore, including Mondello, Magaggiari, and Cefalu, feature sandy shores. About 40 miles east of Palermo, Cefalu, once a fishing village, offers several beaches, cafes, restaurants, hotels, and nightlife. To the west, the long San Vito Lo Capo has been voted many times as the best beach in the Mediterranean. Near Siracusa on the east coast, along the southeastern shore, popular beaches include Fontane Bianche, Vendicari, San Lorenzo and Marina di Ragusa. Visitors to Sicily will find beaches they love, whether they're looking for a secluded spot or a lively lido.

#4 Complex Wines

Sicilian wines have become better known and appreciated in recent years, although winemaking on the island dates back many millennia to the Greeks. Marsala, in the western part of Sicily, produces fortified wines by the same name, categorized by their age and residual sugar. In the Mt. Etna area of eastern Sicily, volcanic soil and favorable climate lead to excellent wines like Cattaratto (white) and Nerello Mascalese (red). The widely planted native grape, Nero d'Avola, produces dark, robust and complex flavours. Grillo is another dry white wine with medium body, a lovely accompaniment for seafood. Look for Sicilian wines at home, and when you travel to the island, be sure to sample local varieties for the perfect match to your meal.

#5 Rich Culture and Traditions

The two-wheeled, horse-drawn cart, painted with bright colors in great detail depicting religious scenes, flowers, and intricate designs, is a recognizable symbol of Sicily. Originally used as transportation, the carts were pulled by horses also decorated with ribbons, bells, or plumes. Skilled craftsmen built and painted the carts, today seen at festivals, museums, and in miniature versions for souvenirs. One can also see modern versions of a 3-wheeler taxi called Ape Cross which are painted with traditional motives.

Festive events take place throughout the year in Sicily's cities and towns, many honoring patron saints, holidays, or seasons. In Agrigento, the Almond Blossom Festival in spring lasts 10 days with traditional costumes, music, and parades. The Sagra della Ricotta is held in late April in Vizzini, one of Sicily's oldest cities, celebrating the cheese used in cannoli, cassata, and savory dishes. The Feast of Santa Rosalia in Palermo is a major event in mid-July with music, processions, and fireworks. Easter season brings carnival and Holy Week processions, with a variety of events throughout Sicily. Visitors fortunate enough to arrive during one of these events will feel the authentic nature of Sicily's traditions.

#6 Beautiful Islands

Several groups of islands off Sicily's shores offer some of the most spectacular beaches in the area. The Pelagie Islands are located southwest of Sicily in the Mediterranean. Lampedusa, the largest of these islands, features white sand beaches and clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The Egadi Islands off Sicily's west coast are accessible for day trips from Trapani. Favignana, the largest of the Egadis, is home to luxury hotels, beaches, and popular diving spots.

Off Sicily's northern coast, in the Tyrrhenian Sea, are the volcanic Aeolian Islands. Lipari is the largest and most popular with tourists who enjoy its hot springs and historic architecture. Small, but also a tourist favorite, is Panarea. Stromboli features an active volcano, and many visitors take guided hikes to its summit. The island of Salina is known for its delicious capers and mountain peak. Off Sicily's west coast, volcanic Pantelleria is a UNESCO World Heritage site with fumaroles, mud baths, and agricultural products that include olives, grapes, and their well-known capers.

#7 Impressive Cathedrals and Architecture

The Cathedral of Monreale, not far from Palermo, is a stunning example of Arab-Norman architecture, begun around 1171 by King William II of Sicily. Notable for its mosaics, many made of pure gold, its marble floor, and the inlaid detail of the columns in the cloister, it is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. On Siracusa's historic Ortigia island, the 7th-century Cathedral of Syracuse was built on the site of a Greek Doric temple whose columns are still visible on the cathedral's exterior. An expansive piazza enhances the cathedral's facade, an impressive view from one of the many cafes lining the area.

The Cathedral of Cefalu, set on a hilltop above the city, dates to 1131 when King Roger began construction. The Cathedral of Catania, dedicated to St. Agatha, was originally built in the 11th century on the site of ancient Roman baths. After damage by earthquakes and fires, it was rebuilt in 1711 with a Baroque-style facade. Sicily's cities of Palermo, Noto, Ragusa, and Modica all offer spectacular cathedrals in a variety of architectural styles.

Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dates to about the 4th century and contains the biggest collection of Roman mosaics.

#8 Well Connected Airports & Train Stations

International airports in Palermo and Catania receive direct flights from most major cities in Europe.

Eurostar trains from Rome and Naples as well as other cities in Italy arrive in Sicily via a ferry across the Strait of Messina, an enjoyable trip.

From Italian ports of Naples, Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, and Villa San Giovanni, ships sail to Palermo, Catania, and Messina. It's even possible to drive from the mainland and other European countries, taking the ferry to Messina.

#9 Stay in a Luxury Accommodation

Once you book your trip with Viaggia Discover Sicily, you will be staying in a beautiful Sicilian villa in a central location during the whole trip, undertaking daily trips from there. You will unpack only once and you will be able to enjoy the benefits of the villa and surrounding area like a local.

We work with reliable local partners, who manage a selection of high-end Sicilian villas all over the island. Each villa is located at the periphery or in the centre of a town, allowing easy access on your time off. Our villas come equipped with air conditioning, a swimming pool, garden, common area space & modern security. More information on occupancy is available for each particular itinerary once we are closer to the date.

​#10 - You will Tour with Chef Alessandro!

Our goal is to offer a luxurious experience while in the company and comfort of an Italian family friend. We will be dining altogether in a Sicilian villa a true Dolce Vita style, sharing laughter, joy and stories around the table.

We believe that food is not just about sustenance but about culture, history, and community, and we work to create an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation and understanding of Sicily’s culinary heritage.

How to Book with Viaggia

You can find all the day-by-day itinerary information about both our 2 Signature Tours on our website. 

Catania & Beyond - Under the Volcano Shadow tours the Eastern part of the island & Palermo & Beyond - Eclectic Crossroads tours the Western part of Sicily!

All Itineraries include street food & market tours, cooking with Chef Alessandro in the villa, savouring fine dining dishes in Michelin star restaurants, visiting wineries & farms and enjoying  all the bounty of what a Sicilian table can offer. There will also be time for discovering historical sights and the amazing art, architecture and museums of Sicily. We will be also visiting amazing blue beaches, mountain towns or simply relaxing by the pool.

​You will have direct access to Tour Manager Polina at any time, enjoying an excellent balance of the planned itinerary and free time. Our private driver will provide professional transportation on daily basis and you will also benefit from the knowledge of all local experts on the island, from tour guides in the big cities to farm owners in the mountains.

We have partnered with WeTravel to provide a seamless online booking experience, with the option to provide a deposit and set up a payment plan. You can complete the booking directly on our website. Don’t forget to use promo code EARLY 2024 for bookings made before Jan 31, 2024!

Custom Travel

In addition to our signature tours, we specialize in creating customized itineraries! If you prefer to travel only with your family or on your own, if you are planning a corporate retreat or a special event, we are here for you!

With our concierge service, we can take care of everything - from making transportation arrangements to recommending the best restaurants and local experiences. Trust us to make your time in Sicily unforgettable! Send us an email to [email protected] to start the conversation

Questions

Reach out to us with questions you may have and we’ll be very glad to connect with you and explain all the details. Send us an email to [email protected] or text/call/WhatsApp + 39 334 896 6476

Kind regards,

Chef Alessandro Riccobono & Tour Curator Polina Pen

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