Sicily Art Immersive

Embark on a journey where art, architecture and archaeology reveal the many faces of Sicily, from ancient Greek temples to Caravaggio’s dramatic canvases.

Over nine unforgettable days, you will explore the island’s most exquisite treasures. Each day unfolds as a carefully curated experience, guided by expert scholars and enriched by authentic encounters, wonderful food and breathtaking landscapes. With only seven guests, you will travel in the company of kindred spirits, curious, culturally engaged travellers who value beauty, learning and authentic experiences.

Over nine days, 5th to the 14th of September 2026, you will journey across Sicily being immersed in three millennia of history.

Commencing in Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital, a cultural mosaic where Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences coexist in striking harmony.  Next you travel to a small village within the Madonie National Park for your next stay, where exploring the Valley of the Temples and discovering hidden treasures and authentic Sicilian traditions will delight.  The journey continues northeast to a beautiful historic villa by the sea to stay before for visiting Taormina, Sicily’s most glamorous hilltop town and the superb collections of the Regional Museum of Messina, home to two of Caravaggio’s final masterpieces.  You will also cross the Strait of Messina to admire the extraordinary Riace Bronzes.  Concluding this journey in Ortigia (Syracuse), a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its refined architecture, shimmering sea views and a timeless atmosphere.

Hosts

Eolo Paul Bottaro
An Australian artist of Sicilian heritage, Eolo is internationally recognised for his evocative works inspired by the classical traditions of Italian art.  Although born and raised in Australia, Sicily has always been central to his artistic identity, a place of ancestral memory and continual inspiration.  Over the past decade, he has divided his time between Australia and Sicily, where he has established both a studio and a home. Today, alongside his artistic practice, Eolo curates and leads small-group journeys devoted to art, architecture and archaeology, offering discerning travellers an insider’s perspective on the island’s most captivating treasures.

Serena Firera
Born in Sicily, Serena combines a background in psychology and publishing with a lifelong passion for art and culture. Guided by a refined sense of beauty and human connection, she founded Sicily Art Tours to offer travellers a deeper way to experience her island, through its artistic heritage, its living traditions and its people. Serena curates each journey with an eye for authenticity and a taste for elegance, collaborating with scholars, artists and local experts to create truly distinctive cultural experiences. Her vision is to reveal Sicily not only as a destination, but as an encounter with history, creativity and the warmth of its people.

Itinerary

05 SEP – Welcome to Sicily
A private transfer will greet you at Palermo Airport and accompany you to Hotel Palazzo Sovrana. At 5:00p.m., gather on the hotel’s rooftop restaurant for welcome drinks
and introductions, enjoying your first views of the city. Later, we will take a leisurely stroll through Palermo’s vibrant streets before concluding the evening with a welcome dinner in a traditional trattoria.

06 SEP – Art, Architecture and Traditions in Palermo
After breakfast you day begins with a guided visit to Palazzo Abatellis, a 15th-century palace that houses one of Sicily’s most refined art collections. From here, its a stroll to the vintage market in Piazza Marina, a lively treasure trove where you may find antique prints, ceramics, handmade jewelry, and beautifully worn Sicilian curiosities.  Then continue to the Oratorio di San Lorenzo, a jewel box adorned with Giacomo Serpotta’s stunning stuccoes.  In the afternoon, visit the Convent of Santa Caterina wandering through its peaceful cloister and tasting the convent’s famed handmade biscuits, followed by a guided visit of Palermo’s majestic Cathedral.  The evening is at leisure with an independent dinner.

07 SEP – Arab Norman Art to Medieval Villages
We check out from the hotel and head to Monreale Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dazzling Arab-Norman mosaics, one of the greatest masterpieces of medieval art and architecture. After a light lunch, journey into the Madonie Mountains and settle into your next accommodation in Polizzi Generosa. In the evening, it is a relaxed stroll through the village’s picturesque streets before enjoying dinner in a traditional trattoria.

08 SEP – Valley of the Temples
Today we explore the Valley of the Temples, one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. Led by an expert archaeologist, you explore the fascinating history of Greek Sicily.  After a light lunch,
we visit the Archaeological Museum, home to an exceptional collection of artifacts from ancient Akragas, including one of the colossal Telamons that once supported the Temple of Zeus.  On returning to Polizzi it is a relaxed dinner at home together.

09 SEP – Meeting the Community
Today you visit Giovanni d’Angelo, a seventh-generation ceramist, to learn about the art of pottery making and the traditions of Sicilian maiolica.  You will also have the opportunity to paint your own tile, creating a personalised piece of Sicilian craftsmanship to take home. In the afternoon, visit
Verbumcaudo, a cooperative of young locals who cultivate land confiscated from the Mafia. Committed to sustainable agriculture and community development, they produce high-quality local goods while promoting social justice and revitalisation in the area.  Learn about their mission, taste their products and discover how their work is transforming once-tainted land into a source of pride for the community.  The remainder of the day is at leisure, with an independent dinner.

10 SEP – Ancient Roman Mosaics Unveil Fascinating Stories
Today you journey northeast to discover more of Sicily’s rich heritage. On the way to Messina stopping at Villa Romana del Casale, a World Heritage Site renowned for its 3,500 square meters of remarkably preserved Roman mosaics. An expert archaeologist will reveal the captivating stories and symbolism woven into these extraordinary works. From here it is time to travel to your next lodgings.

11 SEP – Caravaggio’s Final Masterpieces & Riace Bronzes
Today enjoy a later start with time to relax by the villa’s garden pool and spa.  In the afternoon visit the Regional Museum of Messina, home to a remarkable collection of artworks, including two of Caravaggio’s final masterpieces.  Afterwards, you cross the Strait of Messina to Reggio Calabria to admire the magnificent Riace Bronzes, two full-size Greek warriors dating to around 460–450 BC, considered among the greatest
masterpieces of ancient sculpture.  Upon return to the villa after dinner.

12 SEP – From Taormina to Ortigia
Today travel is southeast toward Siracusa. Along the way stopping in Taormina, a picturesque town overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Etna. With an expert
guide, you will visit the Ancient Theatre, an extraordinary blend of Greek and Roman design. After a light lunch in a peaceful garden courtyard away from the busy streets, you continue to the little island of Ortigia, just off Siracusa, to immerse yourselves in the charm of Sicilian Baroque.

13 SEP – Exploring Siracusa’s Art and Architecture
This morning we visit the Gallery of Palazzo Bellomo which houses a remarkable collection of art from the 15th through the 18th century. After the visit enjoy some free time in Ortigia.  Then after lunch it is time to regroup to explore the Duomo and uncover its remarkable history then following on to the Santuario di Santa Lucia al Sepolcro, just outside Ortigia, to view Caravaggio’s masterpiece The Burial of Saint Lucy in situ.   The evening is a gathered farewell dinner.

14 SEP – Optional Extension or Departure
Today you may have an extended stay in Sicily further exploring the Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, visiting Catania or Mount Etna or perhaps and few days in Malta, which is easily accessbile from Sicily.
Alternatively a private transport is arranged for your departure from Catania Airport.

Included

• 9 Nights accommodation staying in historic Sicilian palazzi or villas
• Welcome drinks and aperitivo on arrival, tasting of local produce
• Daily breakfast, 3 Dinners
• All admissions to sites and museums mentioned in the itinerary, professionally guided visits led by expert scholars
• Private transport throughout
• Ferry service to and from Reggio Calabria
• Arrival private transfer from Palermo airport
• Departing group transfer to Catania airport arriving at approximately 11am
• Fully escorted by knowledgeable and professional Eolo and Serena
•  City taxes

Not Included

Travel insurance, Personal expenses, Additional meals or beverages not specified in the itinerary.

NOTE

Tour requires a moderate level of fitness.  Some days include approximately three – four hours of relaxed walking or standing, often during guided visits in museums, archaeological sites and historical centres. However, the pace is unhurried with frequent breaks and ample time to rest.

The day generally begins at 10am, allowing for a relaxed morning and unhurried breakfast.

You can opt in or out of certain activities.

Different dates are an option for private tours or bespoke Sicily tours can be created, simply contact TWAD.

10 Days / 9 Nights

• $8,335 per person twin/double room
• Limited to seven guests
• Single supplement applies

Start Date	End Date
05 Sep 2026	14 Sep 2026