FS: With Destination Guide
Nowhere in Italy mixes landscape, culture, and history quite like Sicily. In the span of a day, you can hike a spewing volcano, go for a swim in the crystalline sea, take photos of Baroque architecture, and gawk at ruins so old that they make the Colosseum look young. Even Sicilian cuisine is something unique, where couscous is as common as pasta and gelato isn’t served in a cup or a cone, but rather in a freshly baked brioche bun — the ultimate ice cream sandwich.
- Ischia | 3 nights | Mezzatorre
- Sicily | 5 nights | Villa Sant'Andrea
- Lake Lugano | 3 nights | Villa Principe Leopoldo
- Lake Como | 2 nights | Grand Hotel Tremezzo
It’s pretty mild at this time of year, but it’s a good idea to bring along a jumper or light jacket for the evenings. The average daily maximum is 77F and the average daily minimum is 68F.
It’s a great time of year to swim in the sea, with the water at an average temperature of 77F.
US passport holders are allowed to fly into Italy for Business or Tourism without visa requirements.
- Official entry requirements can be sourced here
- Currently no proof of vaccination or recovery is required to enter Italy.
Check here for the latest Covid restrictions locally, such as the use of face masks in public and dining.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
We have put together this Destination Guide for you, full of unique insights and ways to get excited before you travel, such as:
- Spotify playlists
- Dishes to try
- Helpful phrases
- Packing guide
- Tipping guides
Plus more!
Today board your international flight to get to Naples, Italy
Booked independently
Welcome to Italy! Your trip of a lifetime begins!
A chauffeur will meet you as you exit the airport for a private transfer between Naples Airport and Naples Seaport. At the seaport, your driver will assist you in purchasing hydrofoil tickets to Ischia for the next departure.
Pickup time: Upon exit of the terminal
Meeting location: Airport, arrival's section outide the terminal
Contact Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Board the ferry for your transfer to the island of Ischia.
You will enter the ferry in your private car and continue on to the hotel in the same vehicle.
Booked by a travel agency.
Upon arrival at Ischia Port, your driver will disembark the ferry and take you to your hotel.
Booked by a travel agency.
An 8th century BC colony of Magna Graecia sitting in the Bay of Naples, Ischia today is famed for its thermal spas, manicured gardens, striking Aragonese castle and humbled, straightforward Italian airs – a feature also reflected in its culinary offerings
Check-in at your hotel opens in the afternoon. We have put in a request for an early check-in but this is dependent on availability and can only be confirmed on the day of arrival. The hotel will be happy to keep your bags until the room is ready!
La Torre, the restaurant of your hotel offers a great dining option with a chef who loves to pay homage to his native Ischia through his cooking.
A table for two has been reserved for the evening.
Reservation details. Payment will be made on site
Why we love it for you: Mezzatorre's 16th-century watchtower sits above a private bay in the glittering Gulf of Naples, thermal waters spring up into our own spa pools. A film director was utterly seduced by the place and made his home here, the paths and pine woods echo with the laughter of his cultured coterie, who shared Ischia's best-kept secret. The hidden bays and coves, the rustic charm of the natural world, the thrill of witnessing the day dawn over Vesuvius, the mellow sound of the piano, all the while sipping on a cool “Lemontano”, as you wait for the sun to set in a red blaze that lights the Pontine Islands in the distance. All this makes for a uniquely Ischia getaway.
Hotel Mezzatorre
Double Standard Room
- Breakfast included
Booking reference: will be provided
Booked by: will be provided
By booking with us you are entitled to some perks!
- VIP welcome
- Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay. Not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full. Retail products and cosmetic treatments excluded.
- Upgrade upon availability at time of check-in
- Early check-in/late check-out priority subject to availability
- Snacks and Soft drinks from the minibar.
Today enjoy a culinary activity on the island of Ischia!
Join a local family to learn about some of the recipes of Ischia that call the island home.
Each participant will join the preparation of the meal starting from the first course to the dessert. Some of the ingredients will be picked directly from the family’s garden.
You will learn how to prepare homemade pasta, such as tagliatelle, "Parmigiana" (a delicious dish with eggplants); the ragu sauce and a typical dessert of the Neapolitan tradition.
During the cooking class, you will experience the aperitif, sourcing the wine directly from the barrel of the family cellar. Once ready, gather around the table to have lunch all together; just like a typical Italian Sunday.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Late morning
Cooking time: Late morning
Duration: 4 hours
Contact Number: will be provided
- Included: Aperitif & lunch
Booked by scenset
Da Peppina di Renato, is a great off the beaten path option, located on a hill on the mountain.
- On this night dinner was originally at Il Folcolare, however that is the location of your cooking class and for this reason we've taken the initiative to make this reservation for you!
A table for two has been reserved for the early evening.
Location: Via Montecorvo, 42, 80075 Forio NA, Italy
- This restaurant is 20 minutes away from your hotel. The concierge will be happy to call for a taxi for you. Please request this at least 1 hour in advance from the hotel concierge.
Reserved by scenset. To be paid on site
Hotel Mezzatorre
Double Standard Room
- Breakfast included
Booking reference: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Today enjoy a day of leisure in the island of Ischia! Whether you choose to hit the beach or to enjoy the facilities of your hotel, we are sure you will have the perfect relaxation!
O' Pignatello, run by a young couple, this elegant restaurant on Piazza Santa Restituita serves traditional dishes made from excellent local ingredients. A table on the panoramic terrace can be requested to enjoy the sound of the fountains.
A table for two was reserved for the early evening.
Location: Corso Angelo Rizzoli, 154, 80076 Lacco Ameno NA, Italy
- This restaurant is a 5 minute drive from your hotel. The concierge will be happy to call a taxi. Please request this at least an hour in advance.
To be paid on site
Hotel Mezzatorre
Double Standard Room
- Breakfast included
Booking reference: will be provided
Booked by scenset
This morning, a person heads back to the Naples Airport to catch a flight to Sicily. A driver will help the person catch the ferry back to the mainland.
Your English-speaking driver will greet you at the lobby of your hotel to transport you to the ferry port.
Pickup time: Morning
Meeting Location: Hotel Lobby
Contact Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Board the ferry for your transfer to Naples. Your driver will enter the ferry in your luxury vehicle and exit the ferry with you to continue the journey to Naples airport.
Booked by a travel agency
Disembark the ferry and continue onwards to Naples airport for your flight to Sicily.
Booked by a travel agent
Board the afternoon flight to Catania, Sicily to continue your adventure.
Booked by a travel agent
We have checked you into your flight. You can find your boarding passes at the gate.
Two passengers
- Seat: 1A
- Seat: 1B
Priority boarding has been included in your reservation.
On board you may bring:
- 1 x under seat cabin bag (max. 45 x 36 x 20cm) per person
- 1 x large cabin bag (max. 56 x 45 x 25 cm) per person
- 1 x check-in bag (23Kg) per person
A chauffeur will meet you as you exit the airport for a private transfer between Catania Airport and your hotel in Taormina.
Pickup time: Upon exit of the terminal
Meeting location: At the arrivals area of the airport
Driver: A driver will be provided
Booked by scenset
Taormina lies on the slopes of Monte Tauro and has been dubbed the "Pearl of the Mediterranean". The most remarkable monument of all is the Ancient Greek Theater, situated with an unbeatable view of Mount Etna and the beautiful coastline of the Ionian Sea.
Check into your room and enjoy an afternoon of leisure in Taormina.
Tonight, dine at Brizza; situated at the edge of the water this restaurant accommodates just 12 guests at a time.
A table for two has been reserved for the evening.
Reservation details. Payment will be made on site
Why we love it for you: Built by a family in 1919 among lush, subtropical gardens, this secluded retreat retains all the charm of a private residence. Villa Sant’Andrea enjoys a reputation as one of the most romantic hotels in Taormina. Here you will settle into a sun-dappled seat and relax. Then, when action calls, a cable car whisks you in just three minutes to the town centre, with its many cultural attractions and sophisticated shopping scene.
By booking with us you are entitled to some perks!
- Upgrade upon availability at time of check-in
- Deluxe afternoon tea for two, once during the stay
- Early check-in/late check-out priority subject to availability
Nowhere in Italy mixes landscape, culture, and history quite like Sicily. In the span of a day, you can hike a spewing volcano, go for a swim in the crystalline sea, take photos of Baroque architecture, and gawk at ruins so old that they make the Colosseum look young. Even Sicilian cuisine is something unique, where couscous is as common as pasta and gelato isn’t served in a cup or a cone, but rather in a freshly baked brioche bun — the ultimate ice cream sandwich.
Dinner reservation at Tischi Toshi, per your request and endorsed by us! A small family run restaurant, serving authentic Sicilian dishes.
We reserved a table for two in the evening.
Location: Vico Cuscona-Paladini, 98039, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
- This restaurant is a short drive from your hotel. The concierge will be happy to call a taxi for you! Please request this at least an hour in advance of the reservation.
Reserved by scenset. To be paid on site
Today get ready to explore nature. You will discover one of Sicily's most iconic sites, the grand Mt. Etna.
This will be by many accounts, one of the most unique and adventurous experiences you can have in Sicily!
A Jeep will pick you up at your hotel, and on board with a naturalist guide get ready to explore Mount Etna, the highest active volcano on the Eurasian plate.
Breathtaking scenery, postcard views, a mix of colors, unspoiled sounds and far from the madding crowds, more than 400 craters and fairy tale trails: an adventure to be experienced in a blend of mind-body harmony, immersing you in one of the most intense environments nature has to offer. Etna is 3,357m tall (11,013ft)
and it is protected as a UNESCO World heritage site.
After the Jeep tour, your driver will escort you for a private tour and lunch at Cottanera Winery. With its pioneer viticulture, it is today one of the most extraordinary companies in Italian and international enology. The vineyards grow over lava stone, 700 meters above sea level on the northern slope of the volcano. You will be guided through a story telling of Cottanera history with a description of the local territory, followed by a tour of the wine cellar, and walk through the vineyards. The wine tasting will be accompanied by a lunch with recipes selected from the Cottanera's family cookbook.
Date: September 16th
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Start time : Morning
End time: Afternoon
Natural Guide/Driver: will be provided
- Inclusions: Transport, lunch and wine tasting
Booked by scenset
Malvasia, named after one of the local grape varieties, this family run trattoria is often chosen by locals.
A table for two was reserved for the evening.
Location: via, Viale Apollo Arcageta, 8, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
- This restaurant is a short drive from your hotel. The concierge will be happy to call a taxi. Please request this at least an hour before the reservation.
Reservation details will be provided. Payment will be made on site.
This evening head to Motta Camastra for a unique experience far away from the touristic places. Meet your guide in Motta Camastra and walk to the house of the Mamme del Borgo, to knead the ancient flours and work them to create the maccarruni, a typical Sicilian pasta. The fruit of your work will then be shared for dinner, with the added value of eating pampered by the Mamme del Borgo! You will enjoy the characteristic atmosphere of the Sicilian families, in one of the most out-of-the-box experiences, where what counts is genuineness, the culture of flavor and taste, the storytelling and warmth of the most traditional Sicily!
Date: September 17th
Start Time: Evening
Duration: 4 hours
- Includes: Dinner
Driver: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Tonight we have reserved a table for you at Giardni di Babilonia in the evening.
Location: Via Timoleone, 10, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
- This restaurant is a 10 minute drive from your hotel. The concierge will be happy to call a taxi for you! Please request this at least 1 hour in advance of the reservation.
Reserved. To be paid on site
Is it the most beautiful city in Sicily? Hard to say. What is certain is that it is impossible remaining indifferent to the expressive, historical, human and cultural power of Siracusa.
Siracusa has a millennial history: counted among the largest metropolises of the classical age, it excelled in power and wealth with Athens, which tried in vain to subjugate it. It was the home of the mathematician Archimedes, who placed himself at the head of its defense during the siege of the Romans in 212 BC.
UNESCO lists Syracuse as a World Heritage Site using four criteria, including the outstanding universal importance of the
events that occurred here (Criterion VI) and the extraordinary cultural diversity concentrated in a unicum space (Criterion II).
Date: September 18th
Start time: Morning
End time: Afternoon
- Includes: Entrance fees & lunch in a typical salumeria
Driver: will be provided
Guide: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Trattoria Da Nino, a multi-generational family run traditional restaurant operating since 1965.
A table for two was reserved for the evening.
Location: Via Luigi Pirandello, 37A, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
- This restaurant is a 10 minute drive from the hotel. The concierge will be happy to call a taxi. Please request this at least an hour before the reservation.
Payment will be made on site
Italy’s famous lake region is best known for its celebrity residents, but these shores have been home to the glitterati since Ancient Roman times. Just a short train ride away from Milan, Como mixes the scenery of an alpine lake with the climate of a Mediterranean beach, perfect for boating on summer afternoons. Meanwhile, the waterfront villas peppered around the lake are some of the most sought-after accommodations in all of Italy.
For your early departure this morning, we have arranged for breakfast boxes to be ready at the reception for you. You can pick them up right before departure.
- Please choose the contents of your breakfast box, at the concierge desk of the hotel the day before
Reserved by scenset
This morning a private English-speaking driver will greet you at the lobby of your hotel and transport you to the Catania airport.
Pick-up time: Early morning
Meeting location: Hotel Lobby
Contact Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Board your direct flight to Milano.
Booked by a travel agency
We have checked you into your flight. You can find your boarding passes at the check-in counter.
Two passengers
- Seat: 1A
- Seat: 1B
Priority boarding has been included in your reservation.
On board you may bring:
- 1 x under seat cabin bag (max. 45 x 36 x 20cm) per person
- 1 x large cabin bag (max. 56 x 45 x 25 cm) per person
- 1 x check-in bag (23Kg) per person
Your private English speaking driver will greet you at the arrivals hall of the airport and transport you to Lake Lugano!
Pick- up time: Upon exit of the terminal
Meeting location: Airport arrivals area
Contact Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Welcome to the Lake District, a gem in northern Italy! Coming from the south, you will notice a significant cultural difference, as this area has a strong Austro-Swiss influence while remaining quintessentially Italian at its heart.
Check-in at your hotel opens in the afternoon. A request for early check-in has been submitted, but this depends on availability and can only be confirmed upon arrival. The hotel will gladly store your luggage until your room is ready!
The afternoon is yours to unwind and enjoy the splendid views and sublime grounds of your hotel.
For dinner tonight, a table for two was reserved at Grotto San Rocco in the evening.
Location: Via S. Rocco 3, 6823 Caprino, Switzerland
- This restaurant is accessible by boat and taxi. The concierge will be happy to arrange this for you! Please request this a few hours in advance of the reservation.
Payment will be made on site
Why we love it for you: Overlooking Lake Lugano on the Collina d'oro (golden hill), Villa Principe Leopoldo is one of the few places that combine Art and Nature in the most sublime way. At sunrise, when everything is still quiet and the sunlight rises from beyond Mount San Salvatore, you will perfectly understand this unique and intimate connection.
Enjoy ample time for rest, relaxation and independent exploration in Lake Lugano!
One of the activities we would recommend is a Vintage Car tour!
Also known as “auto d’epoca”, vintage cars are such a fun way of exploring the countryside around the lakes, both in Switzerland and Italy, including lake Orta and Lake Maggiore.
We are able to offer different vintage cars such as: Alfa Romeo, Triumph , Fiat, MG, Beetle , Fiat 500 and Porsche.
Car delivery time: Morning
Meeting Location: Hotel Lobby
At delivery your host will hand over the car, explaining the main functions and perform a short introductory drive. They will also discuss/suggest potential driving routes to take. The car will be delivered fueled.
- They will need to see a valid driving license and a passport
Your host will also be at hand all day for any circumstances at will be provided.
Booked by scenset
For dinner tonight, a table for two was reserved at Grotto del Cavicc in the evening.
Location: Via ai Canvetti 19a, 6926 Montagnola, Switzerland
- This restaurant is a short taxi ride away. The concierge will be happy to arrange transportation. Please make the request at least an hour beforehand.
Payment will be made on site.
Here are some Grotti, typical Ticinese restaurants (Ticino is the region in southern Switzerland where you will be based):
All of these are a 5-10 minute taxi from the hotel.
Accross the lake and accessible by boat, we recommend:
This morning, enjoy a day at leisure at your hotel or the lake. Resting is an essential part of a true vacation, and the Italians even have a phrase for this. "Dolce far niente!"; How sweet to do nothing!
For dinner tonight, a table for two was reserved at Grotto dei pescatori in the evening.
Location: 6823 Lugano, Switzerland
- This restaurant is best accessible by boat. The concierge will be happy to arrange this for you! Please request this a day in advance of the reservation.
Payment will be made on site
Italy’s most famous lake is best known for its celebrity residents, but these shores have been home to the glitterati since Ancient Roman times. Just a short train ride away from Milan, Como mixes the scenery of an alpine lake with the climate of a Mediterranean beach, perfect for boating on summer afternoons. Meanwhile, the waterfront villas peppered around the lake are some of the most sought-after accommodations in all of Italy.
This morning a private english speaking driver will greet you at your hotel in Lake Lugano and transfer you to Lake Como, your next and final destination on this trip!
Pickup time: Morning
Meeting location: Hotel Lobby
Contact Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Upon arrival at Lake Como, you will have plenty of time to unwind and enjoy the hotel grounds and the lake.
La Darsena, a beautiful terrace overlooking the waters and the mountains beyond, it is the perfect place to enjoy a seasonal menu that is constantly changing, and features creatively reinterpreted local dishes.
A table for two has been reserved for the early evening.
Location: Via Regina, 3, 22016 Tremezzo CO, Italy
- *This restaurant is a short walk or drive from your hotel. If you require a taxi the concierge of your hotel will be happy to assist.
Reserved. Payment will be made on site
Why we love it for you: The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is an iconic art nouveau masterpiece sitting on the western shores of Lake Como. With views spanning the crystalline waters towards Bellagio and the Grigne mountains, here you will be treated to sumptuous accommodation, three pools, a lakeside private beach and lavish private park, all with the warmest hospitality all’italiana.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Park View Prestige Room
- Breakfast Included
Booking reservation: will be provided
Booked by scenset
By booking with us you are entitled to some perks!
- VIP welcome amenities with Italian bubbles
- Resort Credit per room per stay
- Upgrade upon availability at time of check-in
- Early check-in/late check-out priority subject to availability
Today grab your sunnies, a hat and your favorite playlist and get ready for lake cruising.
While in Lake Como we recommend you venture out on a boat to enjoy the lake in the most quintessential way! All our boats are serviced by a captain and the route and stops can be customized to your needs! Choose your favorite stops on the way, enjoy a picnic aboard and explore remote shores and hidden villages or castles on the way.
Start time: Mid-morning
Meeting point: Hotel Marina besides the floating pool
Duration: 4 hours
Contact Number: will be provided
- Included: Picnic basket & champagne, courtesy of scenset
Booked by scenset
Tonight dine at Al Veluu, a local chic restaurant with a family touch, in a quiet mountain setting up on the hill above the hotel.
- A transfer has been arranged; please coordinate the pickup time with the hotel concierge.
Reserved. Payment will be made on site.
At Tremezzo:
- Al Veluu, a local chic restaurant with a family touch, in a quiet mountain setting up on the hill above the hotel.
- La Fagurida, housed in a typical stone farmhouse you will feel that the time has come to a standstill.
- Aqua Dulza, located a few steps from the hotel, this informal restaurant featuring retro furniture offers a lovely selection of their very own artisan beers. These craft beers are available to enjoy while you’re there or to take away with you.
- La Darsena, a beautiful terrace overlooking the waters and the mountains beyond, it is the perfect place to enjoy a seasonal menu that is constantly changing, and features creatively reinterpreted local dishes.
- Cantina Follie, situated in the cellar of an old house in the historic center of Tremezzo, Cantina Follie wine bar is perfect for enjoying delicious wine and sampling local cold cuts and cheeses. Choose to sit either in the cellar or on the alfresco terrace under a picturesque grapevine.
- Rusall, this is one of our favorite refuges, because of the family welcome and the typical cuisine. It is located up on the hill above the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, it boasts an astonishing view over Bellagio and the lake.
At your hotel:
- La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi, the gourmet restaurant of your hotel
- L’Escale Trattoria & Wine Bar for equally nice views and a more relaxed setting.
- Giaccomo al lago if you are looking for a legendary seafood experience.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Park View Prestige Room
- Breakfast Included
Booking reservation: will be provided
Booked by scenset
All good things come to an end and today you will bid farewell to Lake Como and head to the Milano Malpensa Airport to catch your flight back home.
A private English-speaking driver will greet you at your hotel lobby to transport you to the airport in time for your flight.
Pick-up time: Morning
Meeting Location: Hotel Lobby
Contact Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Board your international flight to head back home.
- International long haul flights are independently sourced.
For all bookings made before December 15th, the trip planning fee will be waived as part of our Black Friday promotion.
While on the trip, you can access your support team if any need arises to make your trip as smooth as possible. We are here to support you.
You can secure your trip with a deposit payment. You can do that electronically or by credit card.
We are currently not holding any reservations at the hotels listed above. Availability can only be confirmed upon receipt of a deposit.
By wire transfer:
Account holder: will be provided
Routing number: 084009519
Account number: 9600000853785101
Account type: Checking
Wise's address: 30 W. 26th Street, Sixth Floor New York NY 10010 United States
By credit Card:
If you like what you read and are ready to pull the trigger on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, please send us a chat in the app to let us know. We would be thrilled to secure all the reservations for you and make sure everything is taken care of, including special surprises along the way.
Please refer to our terms & conditions here.