Spectacular Sicily

A 12-day Immersion Excursion

4 and 5-Star Hotels

5 dinners, 3 wine-paired lunches, 3 wineries

Viisit Taormina, Catania, Mt. Etna region, Noto, Ragusa, Syracusa

Two tours: September 17-29, 2027

&

September 28-October 10, 2027

Experience authentic Sicily 

from $3,996 double occupancy  / single occupancy add  from+$1,350  See logistics page for single options 

What is included in your 12-day tour

  • Four nights at the 4-star Hotel Palace in the historic center of Catania (3 nights start of trip, 1 end of trip)

  • Walking tour of luxurious Taormina on the Ionian Sea, with stunning views of Mt. Etna and the coast

  • Wine tasting and lunch at Planeta Winery located on the foothills of Mt. Etna

  • Visit Romano Villa of Casale, a Unesco World Heritage site featuring a villa from the Roman Empire with the largest collection of floor mosaics in the world. 

  • Five nights at the 4-star Relais Parco Cavalonga in the countryside near Ragusa. Five gourmet multi-course dinners are included on-site at the hotel, one dinner wine-paired

  • Wine tasting and lunch at Gulfi Winery

  • Visit Donnafugata Castle and Botanical Gardens

  • Ragusa Beach: Free time with a choice of a promenade bike ride to a nearby town, beach/swim time, optional gourmet wine-paired lunch

  • Walking tour in Ragusa Ibla, the historic, Baroque old town of Ragusa, a Unesco World Heritage site

  • Walking Tour of Historic Syracusa — Explore the city’s fascinating Greek origins and ancient sites.

  • Two nights at the breathtaking five-star cliffside Hotel Minareto overlooking the bay, with panoramic views of Syracusa

  • Explore the postcard-perfect village of Noto on a guided walking tour

This is not an interactive form that can be filled out on line. You must print out and fill out by hand and return to us.

To reserve space an initial deposit of $700 per person is required.

Complete and return the Initial Deposit Form with your deposit upon signup. Link is above.

Itinerary Highlights 

Catania 

Nights 1,2,3

Historic downtown Catania is a stunning blend of Baroque architecture, lively piazzas, and timeless Sicilian charm set against the backdrop of Mount Etna. By day, its stone streets and grand churches radiate old-world beauty, but at night the city truly comes alive. Outdoor cafés, wine bars, and bustling trattorias fill the squares with energy as locals and visitors dine, stroll, and socialize well into the early morning hours. The warm glow of lantern-lit streets, live music drifting through the air, and the vibrant nightlife make Catania an unforgettable place to wander long after midnight. Deb and I have never seen a place that goes so late into the night. Catanians love to socialize! The restaurants lining the streets offer great food and great people watching.

Activities:

– Day visit with walking tour of Taormina which offers lovely views of Mt. Etna and the coast.

  -Wine tasting and lunch at Planeta Winery on the slopes of Etna.

– Free day to shop, wander, or sign up for many adventures on Mt. Etna (hikes, quad tours, and more)

Mt. Etna viewed from the rooftop bar of our 4-star hotel.

Villa Casale: Best collection of Roman Empire Mosaics in the world

Day 4 Morning

Nestled in the heart of Sicily, Villa Romana del Casale is a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its remarkably preserved Roman mosaics. This ancient villa offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the luxury and artistry of Roman life. This 1800 year old villa was owned by a guy who got rich importing African animals for the Roman games. The scenes depicted on the original floors of his estate are stunning. One hall is 60 years long and 20 yards wide, covered with breathtaking mosaics. The number one Roman mosaic collection in the world, not to be missed. Our visit here will be followed by a wine tasting and lunch at a nearby winery. Then it is on to our lodging in the countryside near Ragusa.

Yep: they wore bikinis during the Roman Empire era!

A breath of fresh air.... a respite.... our stay in the Ragusa cuntryside

Ragusa   

Nights 4,5,6,7,8 

 From the vibrant Catania, we move to the quiet countryside charm of our 4-star Relais Parco Cavalonga.  Dan’s daughter Shannon spent part of her honeymoon here and ever since has been pushing us to do a trip that included this hotel. She loves good food and says that the dinners here were spectacular. Our dinners and breakfasts will be on their lovely patio. This will be our base for our Ragusa adventures. Click links below for details of events and upgrades.

Ragusa Ibla (Old Ragusa)

A day trip during our stay at Parco Cavalonga

Ragusa is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto,” recognized for its extraordinary reconstruction after the 1693 earthquake.

The historic district of Ragusa Ibla is especially notable for its dense concentration of Baroque churches, palaces, and elegant urban design, making it one of the finest examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture in Europe

 

Syracusa

Day 9 en route to our 2-night stay at the 5-star Minareto Hotel

Syracusa is a historic coastal city on the island of Sicily famous for its remarkable ancient Greek heritage. Once one of the most powerful cities of the Greek world, it is home to impressive ruins including the Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysius, and the Temple of Apollo. We will do a walking tour followed by free time for exploration, shopping, and lunch. 

5-star Minareto Resort

Nights 9,10

Minareto Resort is an exclusive 5-star seaside retreat set within the Plemmirio Marine Reserve, overlooking the historic island of Ortigia.

Surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and dramatic coastal cliffs, the resort offers elegant rooms and villas, a private beach, and panoramic sea views. This peaceful setting blends natural beauty with refined luxury.

 A visit to Noto on our return to Catania 

Night 11

 The magic is not over yet! We will do a visit and walking tour of Noto. Noto is a jewel of southeastern Sicily celebrated for its stunning Baroque architecture, golden stone buildings, and elegant piazzas. We will have a morning tour followed by free time for lunch and exploration. We will arrive in Catania late afternoon for one more lovely night at our 4-star Palace Hotel. 

Our mission is to blend adventure and culture, creating authentic experiences that connect you to the people, food, wine, history, and beauty of this extraordinary island.

Dan's favorite photo taken on Sicily scout trip..... speaks volumns.

Planning Ahead for Sicily 2027

Because Sicily is in high demand and this journey is opening nearly a year in advance, a deposit is required at booking to reserve your spot and secure the exceptional accommodations and experiences curated for this tour.

On a personal note…

Dan and Deb wrapped up our two group ski weeks and two unforgettable 11-day journeys through Puglia, then continued to Sicily with one question: could this be the next Morningstar adventure?

One night in Catania answered it. The city’s energy, unforgettable food, vibrant nightlife, and warm spirit immediately captivated us. Over the next week, Sicily only deepened that feeling—every road, village, vineyard, and shared meal confirmed it.

From lively Catania to the countryside near Ragusa and the stunning coast at Hotel Minareto, we experienced Sicily’s full magic: ancient history, bold cuisine, volcanic wines, and people who make you feel like family.

By the end, it was clear: Sicily isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience that stays with you.

We’re thrilled to announce two immersive 12-day Morningstar adventures in September 2027. These journeys will explore Sicily’s food, wine, culture, beauty, and soul through unforgettable meals, landscapes, and connections.

You will fall in love with Sicily