Art & Architecture in Sicily

Embark on a journey with artist Eolo Paul  Bottaro to explore the art, architecture and archaeology that 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.

The journey begins in Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital and one of the great cultural crossroads of the Mediterranean, where we spend three nights. Here Arab, Norman, Byzantine and Baroque influences come together in churches, palaces, mosaics and museum collections of extraordinary richness.

Continuing to Agrigento, where a nights stay in an elegant hotel overlooks ancient temples; an evocative setting for your visit to the Valley of the Temples, one of the most impressive archaeological sites of the ancient Greek world.

Travelling inland to Villa Romana del Casale, renowned for its exceptional Roman mosaics, among the most extensive and best preserved to survive from antiquity.

We then continue to Ortigia, for two nights in the historic heart of Siracusa where Greek, Roman, Catalan-Gothic, and Baroque architecture blend to create a richly layered urban landscape. Final two nights are spent in Taormina, the iconic hilltop town set above the Ionian Sea, with sweeping views towards Mount Etna and the coastline. From here, it is a visit to Museo Regionale di Messina; home to one of southern Italy’s most important art collections including two powerful late works by Caravaggio.
Then cross the Strait of Messina to admire the marvellous Riace Bronzes among the finest surviving
masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture….

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

15 APR – Welcome to Sicily
A private transfer will meet you at Palermo Airport and accompany you to Hotel Palazzo Sovrana.  At 6:30pm, it is time to gather on the hotel’s rooftop restaurant for welcome drinks, introductions and a gentle overview of Sicily’s rich history and the journey ahead.

Then enjoy your first dinner together, with beaufiful views over Palermo as the city settles into evening.

16 APR – Art, Devotion & Traditions in Palermo
Your day begins with a guided visit to Palazzo Abatellis, a 15th-century palace that now houses one of Sicily’s finest art collections.  We will focus on a number of exception works including the haunting Triumph of Death and Antonello da Messina’s celebreated Annuciation, exploring how Palermon’s art reflects teh city’s layered history and Mediterranean identity.   From here continue on to the Oratorio di San Lorenzo, a jewel like chapel adorned with the extraordinary stuccoes of Giacomo Serpotta; where sculptures, theatre and devotion come together in one of Palermo’s most refined Baroque interiors.   After lunch its a visit to the Convent of Santa Caterina to wander through its peaceful cloister and tasting the convent’s famed handmade sweets, a gentle introduction to Palermo’s living traditions.
The rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure, with dinner independently.

17 APR – Market Life & Arab-Norman Spendour
Day begins in Ballarò, Palermo’s historic food market, where the city’s Mediterranean soul is felt in its colours, voices, aromas and traditional street foods.  From here it is a visit to Palermo’s Cathedral, a remarkable monument shaped over many centuries.  After a light break, it is time to travel to Monreale to visit it’s magnificent cathedral, one of the great masterpieces of medieval art and architecture.  Here dazzling Arab-Norman mosaics cover the interior in gold and light, telling biblical stories with extraordinary beauty and refinement.

18 APR – Valley of the Temples
Today depart Palermo and travel towards Agrigento to explore the Valley of the Temples, one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.  Led by an expert archaeologist, you will discover the fascinating history of Greek Sicily before visiting the Archaeological Museum, home to an exceptional collection of artefacts including one of the colossal Telamons that once supported the Temple of Zeus.  Today concludes with a group dinner in Agrigento at a
traditional trattoria.

19 APR – Ancient Roman Mosaics Unveil Fascinating Stories 
Today you journey southeast to discover more of Sicily’s rich heritage.  En route to Siracusa there is an amazing stop at Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its 3,500 square metres of remarkably preserved Roman mosaics.  An expert archaeologist will reveal the captivating stories and symbolism woven into these extraordinary works.  Then it is on to Ortigia, the charming island that forms the historic heart of Siracusa, where your next accommodation awaits.

20 APR – Exploring Siracusa’s Art & Architecture
The morning in Ortigia is yours to enjoy at leisure before meeting up at 2:00pm to begin a guided tour of Ortigia, including the Temple of Apollo, the oldest Doric temple in Sicily; the Cathedral, a magnificent Baroque masterpiece built over an ancient Greek temple; and the island’s most iconic monuments.
Afterwards, a short trip just beyond Ortigia to see Caravaggio’s Burial of Saint Lucy, housed in the Basilica of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro.

21 APR  – Taormina
Today, check out from your accommodation in Ortigia and travel towards Taormina, Sicily’s iconic hilltop town.  After settling into your hotel, you will gather to enjoy a group lunch in a beautiful Sicilian garden restaurant.   The afternoon enjoy a guided visit to the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, a spectacular
Greco-Roman site renowned for its dramatic setting, with sweeping views of
Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.  The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

22 APR – Across the Strait: Caravaggio and the Riace Bronzes
It is the final day and today you travel to the Museo Regionale di Messina, home to one of southern Italy’s most important art collections.  Highlights include masterpieces by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina.  Crossing the Strait of Messina to Reggio Calabria
to admire the magnificent Riace Bronzes, among the finest surviving examples of ancient Greek sculpture.  The day concludes with a farewell dinner in Taormina.

23 APR – Depart or extend
Today you may choose extend your day in Sicily further with visits to Catania and Mount Etna or the island’s souteast including the Baroque towns of Modica, Ragusa Ibla and Scicli or perhaps and few days in Malta, which is easily accessbile from Sicily.
Alternatively a private transfer can be arranged for your departure from Catania Airport.

Includes

•  8 Nights accommodation in carefully selected 4 & 5 star historic residences and hotels, in deluxe and superior rooms
• Welcome drinks and aperitivo on arrival
• Daily Breakfast, 3 x Lunhces, 2 x Dinners
• All admissions to sites and museums mentioned in the itinerary, plus professionally guided visits led by expert scholars
• Private transport throughout the itinerary
• Ferry service to and from Reggio Calabria
• Arrival private transfer from Palermo airport
• Departing group transfer to Catania airport on 23APR
• Fully escorted by knowledgeable and professional Eolo and Serena
•  City taxes

+ TWAD Advantage

• International Airfare booking service
• Booking compiling
• TWAD travel app
• Discussions & Support

Not Included

International or domestic flights, 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.

9 Days / 8 Nights

• Cost from per person
• $8,856 twin/double room
• Limited to seven guests
• Single supplement applies

Start Date	End Date
15 Apr 2027	23 Apr 2027