Perfect Pairings: Taormina & Noto

Burst into an abundance of charm and sophistication from the off at the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, a stunning neo-classical hotel situated in beautiful Taormina.  With the Greek Amphitheatre just steps away from the hotel, you are close to the action, but with the tranquil atmosphere of the hotel and gardens, it’s easy to escape. After an evening of sublime cuisine with magical panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Bay of Taormina you will be well rested to start your explorations the following day. 

The following morning you will meet your expert art historian guide and set out on a truly fascinating and exclusive walking tour through the upper town of Taormina, with gorgeous cliff views overlooking the Ionian Sea. You will be delighted to visit the celebrated Teatro Greco, the Greek theatre of Taormina, a celebration of history on a large scale in the company of a prominent expert Sicilian astronomer. A unique and rare experience where you will be introduced to the fascinating topic of archeoastronomy, the connection between Sicilian archaeology and astronomy. A truly memorable and unique experience. 

The following day you will embark on a walking tour of Catania with a highly knowledgeable historian guide, taking you through the ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. During this guided tour you will have exclusive access to the Ursino Recupero library, a site usually closed to the public. This exceptional visit will be guided by the Director and Curator of the library, full of wisdom and passion for this building, leading you through its striking beauty and amazing collection of ancient books and prints. It houses over a million books dating back to the 15th Century, this will be a massive highlight of your tour through Catania.

En-route to your next hotel in Noto you will visit the private garden of a Sicilian marquis in the countryside of Melilli, boasting plant specimens from all over the world. After strolling in the garden and learning about the family, enjoy an aperitivo at leisure. From one stunning hotel to another, you will be staying at the luxurious Il San Corrado di Noto, once a farmhouse owned by Prince Nicolaci, the idyllic property has been lovingly restored into the ultimate luxury hotel.  

After breakfast you will meet your local guide to visit the fascinating Villa del Tellaro. They will take you on an in-depth tour soaking up the history of this unique villa and its mosaic art. Return to your hotel to cool off in one of the sublime pools and enjoy another relaxed evening at your leisure making the most of the first-class facilities here. 

Feeling rested you will meet your expert historian guide for a truly unique walking tour of Ragusa where you will visit Saint George’s gate, Piazza Pola and the church of San Giuseppe and finally the church of San Giorgio. Indulge in a unique opportunity to visit an ancient watermill located in the middle of a canyon in Ragusa, followed by a delicious tasting of local specialities made with the flours produced in the watermill inside a cave.

The icing on the cake for the whole trip is the exclusive opportunity to enjoy a gourmet farewell dinner at an elegant palace in Noto. You will be taken on a tour of the palace along with a viewing of the private apartments.  After this exceptional tour you will indulge in an aperitif on one of the palace’s terraces with live Baroque music and a gourmet candlelit dinner in one of the nobile’s halls with more divine live music.  The perfect way to end your tour in this very special corner of Sicily.