Shore Excursions

Discover the heart of Sicilian Late Baroque on a classic walking tour through Noto, from Porta Reale to Piazza della Fontana d’Ercole.

Along the way, we will uncover the stories of the city, its convents and some of the remarkable women who shaped its history. We will climb to a panoramic terrace to admire Noto’s famous “stone garden” from above, step inside the Cathedral to discover its fascinating dialogue between ancient heritage and contemporary restoration, and stroll along Via Nicolaci, home to some of the most spectacular Baroque balconies in Sicily and famous for the Infiorata, the flower festival that transforms the street into a spectacular carpet of blooms.

For those who wish to add a taste of local life, the tour can also include a granita tasting at the renowned Caffè Sicilia.

Discover the extraordinary heritage of Syracuse, one of the great cities of the ancient Mediterranean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tour begins at the Neapolis Archaeological Park, where we will explore some of the city’s most important Greek and Roman monuments, including the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the legendary Ear of Dionysius.

We will then continue to Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse, where ancient Greek remains, Baroque architecture and centuries of history come together within a compact island surrounded by the sea. We will stroll through its elegant streets and piazzas, discovering the Cathedral area, the Fonte Aretusa and some of the stories and legends that make Syracuse unique.

Step into the world of Sicily’s aristocratic past with a visit to Donnafugata Castle, one of the most fascinating historic residences in southeastern Sicily.

We will explore its elegant rooms, eclectic interiors and beautiful gardens, discovering the stories, legends and personalities connected to the noble families who once lived here. The castle offers a vivid glimpse into the lifestyle, tastes and social rituals of the Sicilian aristocracy.

The experience then continues through the Hyblaean countryside, among dry-stone walls, carob trees and wide rural landscapes, with a visit to a local dairy farm. Here, we will enjoy a tasting of fresh mozzarella, traditional scacce and other typical local products, discovering some of the flavours that are deeply rooted in the rural traditions of southeastern Sicily.

Discover Modica, one of the most fascinating Baroque towns of southeastern Sicily, dramatically set across a deep canyon and surrounded by caves, rocky landscapes and panoramic viewpoints.

During our walking tour, we will explore its historic centre, elegant churches and noble palaces, while discovering how the city’s unusual geography has shaped its history and architecture.

The experience continues with a visit to a local chocolate workshop, where we will learn how Modica chocolate is made according to its traditional method and enjoy a guided tasting of different flavours.

On request and subject to availability, the tour can also include a hands-on chocolate-making experience, where you can create your own chocolate bars to take home.

Discover Catania through its flavours, stories and lively street life on a walking tour through the historic centre.

We will begin in Piazza Duomo, the monumental heart of the city, home to the Cathedral, the iconic Liotru and the story of Sant’Agata. From here, we will continue through Piazza Università, Via Crociferi, the Roman Amphitheatre and some of Catania’s most atmospheric streets and squares.

Along the way, we will explore the traditional market and the fascinating underground Ostello cave, where lava, water and history meet beneath the city.

The tour includes tastings of some of Catania’s most iconic specialties, such as arancino, cipollina, cannolo, sarde a beccafico, as well as a refreshing seltz from one of the city’s traditional kiosks.

On request, the experience can also include a visit to the panoramic terrace of the Church of the Badia di Sant’Agata, offering one of the best views over Catania and Mount Etna.

A lively experience full of stories, flavours, local traditions and plenty of fun.

Discover Taormina beyond its postcard beauty, through a walking tour that combines archaeology, history, panoramic views and the stories that have made the town famous around the world.

We will visit the Ancient Theatre, one of Sicily’s most spectacular archaeological sites, and explore the lesser-known traces of Greek and Roman Taormina, including hidden ruins often overlooked by visitors.

From there, we will continue through the historic centre, walking towards the panoramic viewpoints and discovering the Norman heart of the town all the way to the Cathedral.

Along the way, we will also uncover the more colourful side of Taormina: its famous visitors, international personalities, old scandals, gossip and secrets that have shaped its glamorous reputation over the years.

Discover Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, through an experience that combines volcanic landscapes, easy hiking and the extraordinary wines produced on its slopes.

We will begin with an easy walk around the Silvestri Craters, exploring Etna’s dramatic lunar landscape while learning about the volcano’s history, eruptions and the forces that have shaped this unique environment.

The standard route is easy and suitable for most visitors. For those who wish to walk a little more, it is possible to extend the experience with a longer route towards the upper crater area, depending on weather, volcanic conditions and accessibility.

For those who wish to go higher, it is also possible to add the Etna 3000 experience, which must be booked in advance. The excursion includes a cable car ride up to 2,500 metres, followed by a 4×4 vehicle ride to around 2,800 metres and a short guided trek with an Alpine or volcanological guide up to approximately 3,000 metres, depending on weather conditions and the limits established by the authorities.

We will then continue to a local winery, where we will discover the unique characteristics of viticulture on volcanic soil. Surrounded by spectacular views of vineyards trained in the traditional alberello system, we will learn how altitude, lava soils and climate influence the wines of Etna.

The visit concludes with a guided tasting of some of the volcano’s most representative wines, including Etna Spumante, Etna Bianco and Etna Rosso, accompanied by a light lunch or local food pairing.