Sicily – Leisurely & Enriching Journey

Embark on a journey where art, architecture, and archaeology reveal the many faces of Sicily, from ancient Greek temples to 18-century charming Baroque Architecture. 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.

Led by Sicilian-Australian artist Eolo Paul Bottaro with a maximum of seven guests.  This tour promises an intimate and authentic exploration of the Island, beautifully complemented by charming accommodations, fresh Sicilian cuisine and enriching encounters with local people and much more.

Over nine days you will journey across Sicily being immersed in three millennia of history.

Begin in Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital, a cultural mosaic where Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences coexist in striking harmony.  From here travel to Polizzi Generosa, a small village within the Madonie National Park, which will your base for exploring the Valley of the Temples and uncovering hidden treasures and authentic Sicilian traditions. The journey then continues southeast to Ragusa Ibla, a tranquil and picturesque Baroque town to stay and visit Modica, renowned for its culinary heritage, majestic churches, and romantic views.  Concluding your wonderful journey in Ortigia (Syracuse), a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its refined architecture, shimmering sea views, and 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

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

04 OCT – Art, Architecture and Traditions in Palermo
After breakfast the 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 it is 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.  Continuing then 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.  The rest of the day is at leisure with an independant dinner.

05 OCT – Arab Norman Art and Architecture
This morning explore the historic Ballarò market in Palermo, followed by a visit to Palermo’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, you 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. The remainder of the day is at leisure in Palermo, with an independent dinner.

06 OCT – Exploring Small Villages and Communities
Today after checking out from the accommodation in Palermo, it is time to travel towards the Madonie Mountains
to settle into the historic Palazzo Notar Nicchi in Polizzi Generosa.  After a home-style lunch featuring traditional products from the mountain region, it is time to explore the
village, discovering its hidden treasures, welcoming community and and its world-famous citizens.

07 OCT – The Valley of the Temples
Today 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, 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, we will gather for a group dinner.

08 OCT – Meet the Community
Today meet the locals, firstly visit Giovanni d’Angelo, a seventh-generation ceramist, to learn about the art of pottery making and the traditions of Sicilian maiolica.  There is the opportunity to paint your own tile, creating a personalised piece of Sicilian craftsmanship to take home.
The afternoon visit is to 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 produce 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.

09 OCT – Ancient Roman Mosaics Unveil Fascinating Stories
Today it is a journey northeast to discover more of Sicily’s rich heritage.  On the way to Ragusa 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 there travel on continue to Ragusa Ibla where your next accommodation awaits.

10 OCT – Local Flavours and Architecture in Modica
The morning is at leisure in Ragusa Ibla. Later, setting off for Modica, where a traditional lunch awaits, featuring freshly made ricotta ravioli.  Afterward, explore the fascinating Byzantine grotto church of San Nicolò Inferiore and the majestic Baroque churches of San Pietro and San Giorgio. You will also taste Modica’s famous chocolate at one of Sicily’s oldest chocolate factories.  Upon concluding your day in Modica with a visit to Eolo’s studio, where we will explore pigments and traditional painting techniques.

11 OCT – Exploring Siracusa’s Art and Architecture
Today travel towards Ortigia, the beautiful island just off the coast of Siracusa. We will visit Caravaggio’s painting Burial of Saint Lucy, the Temple of Apollo, the oldest Doric
temple in Sicily and the Cathedral, a magnificent Baroque masterpiece built over an ancient Greek temple.  After some free time to wander through the winding streets and
lively piazzas of Ortigia, you will all gather in the evening for a farewell dinner.

12 OCT – Optional Extension or Departure
Today you may have an extended stay in Sicily further exploring Ortigia or visiting Catania, Mount Etna or Taormina or perhaps and few days in Malta, which is easily accessbile from Sicily.
If ready to depart a private transport is arranged for your departure from Catania or Comiso Airport.

Included

• 9 Nights in stylish accommodation staying at Palermo, Polizzi Generosa, Ragusa Ibla and Siracusa
• Welcome drinks and apertivito on arrival
• Daily breakfast
• 2 x Lunches and 2 x Dinners
• All admissions to sites and museums mentioned itinerary, professionally guided visits led by expert scholars
• Private transportation throughout
• Arrival private transfer from Palermo airport
• Departinig group transfer to Catania Airport arriving approx. 11am
• City Taxes
• Fully escorted by pofessional and knowledgeable hosts – Eolo & Serena!

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

• $7,999 per person twin/double
• Limited to seven guest
• Single suppliment applies

Start Date	End Date
03 Oct 2026	12 Oct 2026