discover italy

tammi & bobby
october 25 – november 1, 2025

Lake Maggiore, Modena, & Umbria

Itinerary Outline

May 2 – 5 | Taormina | Hotel Taodomus (3 nights)

May 5 – 9 | Noto | 7 Rooms Villadorata (4 nights)

May 9 – 12 | Palermo | Palazzo Valentino (3 nights)

May 12 | Departure

  • local cuisine

  • lake maggiore

  • modena

  • luxury cars

  • umbria countryside

saturday, october 25 | lake maggiore

Welcome to Italy
Nowhere in Italy mixes landscape, culture, and history quite like Sicily. In the span of a day, you can hike a spewing volcano, go for a swim in the crystalline sea, take photos of Baroque architecture, and gawk at ruins so old that they make the Colosseum look young. Even Sicilian cuisine is something unique, where couscous is as common as pasta and gelato isn’t served in a cup or a cone but rather a freshly baked brioche bun—the ultimate ice cream sandwich

Private Transfer to Taormina
Meet your driver in the arrivals hall of the Catania Airport (CTA) for a private transfer to your hotel in Taormina.
Drive Time: about 45 minutes

Explore Taormina with a Local
Taormina, often called the "Pearl of the Mediterranean," is a captivating town in Sicily known for its stunning views, rich history, and timeless charm. Perched high above the sparkling Mediterranean, the town offers breathtaking vistas of the crescent-shaped bay of Giardini Naxos, the towering Mount Etna, and the shimmering Calabrian coastline. The centerpiece of Taormina is the Ancient Greek Theater, a remarkable site that combines ancient architecture with natural beauty. As Sicily's second-largest Greek theater, it hosts world-class events and provides an unforgettable setting for visitors.

Beyond its scenic beauty, Taormina's narrow streets are filled with elegant shops, charming cafes, and vibrant flowers, while ancient palaces and hidden courtyards showcase the town’s historic allure. Once a favorite destination for aristocrats during the Grand Tour, Taormina continues to enchant modern travelers. To truly immerse yourself in its magic, exploring with a local guide offers a deeper, more authentic experience of this unforgettable town.

Hotel Taodomus | Superior Partial Sea View with Balcony

sunday, october 26 | lake maggiore

Boat Ride on Taormina Bay
Enjoy a memorable private boat ride with a skilled skipper in the stunning Taormina Bay, where crystal-clear waters meet dramatic cliffs and charming coastal views. Relax on deck as your skipper navigates hidden coves, grottos, and the iconic Isola Bella, sharing local stories and insights along the way. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a family outing, or a peaceful retreat, this personalized experience offers the perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and natural beauty.

Lunch included on board.

Hotel Taodomus | Superior Partial Sea View with Balcony (B, L)

monday, october 27 | modena

Explore Etna by Jeep
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure. A rugged Jeep will whisk you from your hotel, accompanied by a seasoned naturalist guide who is eager to unveil the raw majesty of Mount Etna the highest active volcano on the Eurasian plate and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. You'll be blown away by awe-inspiring vistas, postcard-perfect panoramas, a kaleidoscope of colors, and an untouched symphony of sounds far from the bustling crowds. With over 400 craters and trails resembling scenes from a fairy tale, this adventure promises an immersive experience where mind and body harmonize, plunging you into one of nature's most enthralling landscapes.

Your naturalist guide will give you a briefing at the beginning of the activity, so you can choose the way that best suits you. You can decide on the pace, the amount of hiking, off-road, the most appropriate scenery and the routes to be developed. The tour is private and tailor-made for you.

End your jeep excursion at a local winery on Mt. Etna, where the volcanic soil provides a unique terroir for the local vineyards that you can taste in the wine.

Lunch included.

Hotel Taodomus | Superior Partial Sea View with Balcony (B, L)

tuesday, october 28 | orvieto

Pick Up Rental Car and Drive to Noto
This morning, you’ll pick up your rental car and head off to Noto. We can help arrange the rental car if you like so it is dropped off at your hotel.
Drive Time: about 2 hours

Guided Tour of Noto
On your way to Noto, make a memorable stop in the captivating island of Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse. Accompanied by a private guide, wander through ancient Greek ruins, Baroque piazzas, and lively markets tucked between sea-splashed alleyways. Highlights include the majestic Duomo di Siracusa, built atop a 5th-century temple, and the mythical Fonte Aretusa, where legend and history converge in a serene waterfront setting.

Cooking Class in Ortigia
After soaking in the rich cultural layers of Ortigia, join a local chef for an intimate cooking class in a traditional home or courtyard kitchen. Begin with a stroll through the bustling market to source seasonal ingredients, then roll up your sleeves to prepare classic Sicilian dishes—perhaps handmade pasta, fresh seafood, or caponata. As the meal comes together, enjoy stories of Sicilian family traditions and culinary secrets passed down through generations, all culminating in a shared feast you helped create.

7 Rooms Villadorata | Deluxe with Private Terrace (B, L)

wednesday, october 29 | orvieto

Uncover Noto With a Local Guide
Welcome to Noto, the jewel of Sicilian Baroque and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is a living masterpiece, where art and architecture blend to tell a story of resilience and creativity. After a devastating earthquake in 1693, Noto was rebuilt in stunning Baroque style, with majestic staircases leading to ornate churches, wide avenues unfolding into elegant piazzas, and noble palaces glowing in the golden Sicilian sun. Its charm and elegance are unparalleled across the Mediterranean.

Noto’s beauty is not only captivating but magnetic, inspiring filmmakers and artists worldwide. Must-see landmarks include the grand Palazzo Ducezio, the impressive Palazzo Vescovile, and the stunning Cathedral of San Nicolò. Every corner of the city reveals architectural treasures, from the detailed Church of San Domenico to the elegant Palazzo Landolina. To end your visit, savor a refreshing granita with a warm brioche—perfectly capturing the harmony of Noto’s timeless allure.

7 Rooms Villadorata | Deluxe with Private Terrace (B)

thursday, october 30 | orvieto

Guided Tour of Ragusa & Modica
Discover the splendor of Sicily’s Baroque heart on a private tour through the historic towns of Ragusa and Modica, guided by a knowledgeable local. Wander the winding streets of Ragusa Ibla, where golden limestone churches and ornate palazzi rise against the backdrop of a sunlit valley. Your guide will share hidden corners, family legends, and the stories behind the city’s dramatic architecture, including the iconic Duomo di San Giorgio.

Continue to nearby Modica, where the Baroque façades give way to the sweet scent of tradition. After exploring the grand staircases and elegant churches, you’ll step into a traditional Modican chocolate shop for an intimate workshop. Learn the ancient Aztec-inspired cold-processing method unique to the region, and craft your own chocolate bar using local ingredients. It’s a deliciously immersive finale to a day steeped in history, flavor, and Sicilian soul.

7 Rooms Villadorata | Deluxe with Private Terrace (B)

friday, october 31 | rome

Olive Oil on a Family Farm
Visiting the Tenuta Cavasecca olive oil estate in Sicily is a delightful journey into the heart of authentic agritourism. Situated in the Contrada Cavasecca at around 300 m above sea level, this family-run organic estate spans centuries-old olive groves and new plantings of native cultivars like Tonda Iblea, Siracusana, Biancolilla, and Nocellara—all certified D.O.P. Monti Iblei and I.G.P. Sicilia. Your experience begins with a scenic walk among ancient and young olive trees, followed by a tour of their "temple" of oil—an atmospheric former feeding hall—where you're guided through each step, from manual hand-harvesting (“brucatura”) to cold-extraction milling and oxygen-free storage in stainless steel tanks under nitrogen to preserve freshness.

Finally, enjoy a tasting session in the rustic setting, sampling several estate oils—such as the aromatic Firrisa (100 % Tonda Iblea) and the robust Siracusana—while learning to distinguish fruity, bitter, and peppery notes on the palate. It’s not just a tasting, but an immersion into Sicilian terroir, tradition, and craftsmanship.

Lunch included.

7 Rooms Villadorata | Deluxe with Private Terrace (B, L)

saturday, novemver 1 | departure

It's time to bid farewell and head home today after your adventure in Italy. Thankfully in Italy we don't say goodbye, but rather a dopo, or until next time.

Private Transfer & Departure
After breakfast and check-out, walk from your hotel through the connected sky bridge to the airport for your flight home. We’ll add your flight details here as soon as you have them.

Pricing & inclusions

  • Accommodation

  • Transport: All private transfers with a personal guide for the entire trip.

  • Tours & Activities: All tours, activities and excursions with an expert English-speaking guide as listed in the itinerary, along with the required entrance fees associated with the tours.

  • Meals: All breakfasts, some meals listed as included in your itinerary.

  • Other: City taxes associated with your accommodations. Restaurant reservations and coordination. All insider recommendations for your trip. Local team on call 24-hours a day during your trip.

Exclusions

  • Flights

  • Travel insurance

  • Tips