Gary Portuesi is a member of GoTravelDaily’s A-List, a collection of the top travel advisors in the world, and can help plan your perfect getaway. Below is an example of the type of itineraries he creates.
Day 1: Palermo
Arrive at Palermo Airport and meet with your private driver. Transfer to your hotel in Palermo and check into Grand Hotel Villa Igiea.
In the afternoon, meet with your private driver and guide in the lobby to start your tour of Palermo. The sightseeing includes:
- The Cathedral
- Palazzo dei Normanni
- Quattro Canti
- Piazza Pretoria
- La Martorana
Day 2: Monreale & Cefalù
Meet with your private driver and guide in the hotel lobby and depart for Monreale. Upon arrival, start your tour of “The City of Mosaics,” including the iconic Cathedral and Cloisters.
In the afternoon, arrive in Cefalù and begin your walking tour of the city center with your private guide, exploring the imposing Norman Cathedral and the charming waterfront with typical Sicilian fishing boats. Return to Palermo in the late afternoon with your evening open.
Day 3: Segesta, Erice, and Trapani’s Salt Pans
After breakfast, meet your driver for the transfer to Verdura Resort in Sciacca. Stop in Segesta for a private tour of one of antiquity’s most fascinating ancient cities. Discover the history of the Elimi and the connection to Erice, which you will visit later.
Proceed to Erice, a medieval town built on ancient ruins, where you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Your guide will arrange a stop at the renowned Maria Grammatico’s pastry shop for a tasting.
After visiting Erice, stop at the Sea Salt Museum to learn how Trapani’s famous sea salt is produced, with medieval windmills serving as reminders of historical practices. Arrive at Verdura Resort in the late afternoon and check into your rooms. For dinner, you may choose between Verdura’s casual restaurants or its fine dining establishment, Zagara.
Day 4: Selinunte and Planeta
Meet your driver and depart for Planeta’s flagship winery, Ulmo in Sambuca di Sicilia. Enjoy a vineyard tour, winery visit, and wine tasting paired with a light lunch. This winery is run by the dynamic Planeta cousins, who have embraced avant-garde winemaking techniques while honoring ancient varietals.
After your winery experience, head to Selinunte, Europe’s largest archaeological park. Meet your private guide at 3:00 p.m. for an exhilarating tour of significant Greek ruins in the Mediterranean basin, including temples and the acropolis.
Return to Verdura Resort after your visit. Your evening is open.
Day 5: Agrigento
Meet your driver and depart for Agrigento. Arrive and check into Hotel Villa Athena. In the afternoon, your driver will take you to Mandranova for an olive oil tasting and lunch, learning about various olive varietals used in their production.
Post-lunch, meet with your guide to explore the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in history.
Day 6: Piazza Armerina and Noto
After checking out of your hotel, meet your driver and head to Piazza Armerina for a guided visit of Villa del Casale’s Roman mosaics. Continue on to Noto and check into CountryHouse Villadorata. Your evening is open.
Day 7: Modica and Ragusa
With your private driver, explore the stunning Baroque cities of Ragusa & Modica, both UNESCO World Heritage Cities. Begin with Ragusa, where lunch can be enjoyed at Il Duomo or Locanda Don Serafin. Afterward, visit Modica for a chocolate tasting at Bonajuto before returning to Noto in the late afternoon.
Day 8: Siracusa
Meet your private driver and depart for Siracusa. Upon arrival, join your guide at the Archaeological Park. Explore remarkable ruins, including the Temple of Athena, incorporated into the main Cathedral. Discover the narrow streets of the Giudecca in Ortigia, including the Jewish historical sites.
Stop for lunch in Ortigia before returning to Noto. Your evening is open.
Day 9: Salina
Your private driver will pick you up to transfer you to Milazzo. After arriving, board your hydrofoil to the island of Salina, likely stopping in Vulcano and Lipari before reaching Santa Marina, Salina’s main port. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 10: Salina & Lipari
Your private boat excursion around Salina and Lipari begins in the morning. Meet your captain at the marina, enjoying stunning coastlines and a lunch break in Lipari before exploring remote coves and bays. Return to Capofaro for a delightful dinner under the stars by Chef Ludovico.
Day 11: Salina
On your final day in the Aeolian Islands, explore Salina, the stunning setting for the film, Il Postino. In the morning, meet your private guide for an excursion around the island, soaking in views, history, flora, and fauna. The late afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure.
Day 12: Taormina
Arrange for your hotel to transfer you to the marina for your hydrofoil ride to Milazzo. After arriving, meet with your driver for a transfer to Taormina. Check into the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo and enjoy the rest of your day exploring the breathtaking views of Mt. Etna or the charming Corso Umberto.
Day 13: Mt. Etna
Meet your private driver and escort for an exciting day trip to Mt. Etna by jeep. Visit the volcano’s craters before heading to a winery experience at Cottanera.
Day 14: Departure
Your driver will pick you up in front of the hotel lobby for a private airport transfer to Palermo Airport.
