Lettire Family: Sicily & the Aeolian Islands

August 7th

• Fly to Palermo

August 8th - 9th

• Palermo | 1 night | Villa Igiea

August 9th - 16th

• Blue Deer Charter

August 16th - 18th

• Noto | 2 nights | Boutique Hotel Q92

August 18th - 20th

• Taormina | 2 nights | Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

August 20th

• Fly home from Catania

If you need urgent assistance while traveling, or need to make changes, reservations, or cancellations, contact the following local contacts:

Italy:
Our local partners will be your main contact for guides and drivers:

• Primary Contact: will be provided | will be provided - Available on Whatsapp
  
• 2nd Contact: will be provided | will be provided - Available on Whatsapp

Hotels:

• Hotel Villa Igiea (Palermo): +39 09 16 312 111
  
• Boutique Hotel Q92 (Noto): +39 329 145 6256
  
• Grand Hotel Timeo (Taormina): +39 0942 6270 200

Blue Deer:

• Captain: will be provided | will be provided
  
• Charter Manager: will be provided | +41916823306

Scenset

• Your Curator: will be provided
  
• Your Traveler Relations Rep: will be provided
  
• Scenset Emergency Line: +1 415 941 0027

Important: Due to the time difference, for minor day-to-day issues like touring and dining reservations, or emergencies needing immediate assistance, it's more efficient to use the local contacts as they are in the same time zone.

WhatsApp: If you don’t have WhatsApp, download it; it makes contacting our local team easier.

August in Sicily and the Aeolian Islands boasts sun-drenched days with average temperatures soaring to around 30-35°C (86-95°F).

The crystalline waters surrounding these Mediterranean gems invite travelers to indulge in refreshing swims, while warm evenings provide the perfect backdrop for strolls through charming coastal towns.

US passport holders are allowed to fly into Italy for tourism without visa requirements (2024).

• Official entry requirements can be sourced here

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!

• Scenset's Guide to Italy

We have designed some great playlists for you to enjoy during your trip through Italy full of local talent to discover!

• Italian Escape is La Dolce Vita in all its glory - sit back, relax and enjoy contemporary Italian songs!
  
• Summer Chill is perfect for enjoying the long summer days and relaxing amidst orange groves.
  
• Lazy Beach Days is your playlist for laying in the sun without a care in the world...
  
• Balearic Beats is your party soundtrack to the Mediterranean!

Enjoy your flight from New York to Palermo via Rome:

• Booking reference: will be provided
  
• Class: Business Class

Flights are booked independently.

Go through customs and change from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1.

Upon landing in Palermo, be met by your representative and fast-tracked through the airport. After collecting your luggage, your representative will bring you to meet your driver.

• Time: Late morning
  
• Meeting Location: As you exit the plane
  
• Driver: will be provided
  
• Porterage services included

📞 Contact: If you have any issues, please contact will be provided; or will be provided.

Booked by Scenset.

Once your representative brings you to meet your driver, you will transfer to your hotel and check in.

• Meeting point: Arrivals
  
• Drive time: Approx 30 mins
  
• Driver: will be provided

📞 Contact: If you have any issues, please contact your driver; or will be provided.

Booked by Scenset.

Upon arrival, check in and relax. If your rooms are not ready, you can head directly to the pool or enjoy lunch on the terrace.

• Please note: An early check-in has been requested but cannot be guaranteed. If your rooms are not ready, you will be able to store your luggage at the front desk and shower in the spa. We suggest having a change of clothes and your swimsuit easily accessible in your carry-on bag.

Enjoy a free afternoon to relax at the hotel pool, stroll around Palermo, recover from jet lag, and have a casual dinner at a local trattoria.

• You can view what's on offer at the hotel here.

Revive your mind and body in our Sicilian spa, where the regenerative powers of nature and science are fused. The floral scent of orange blossom fills the air, and nourishing Sicilian botanicals – harvested from Verdura Resort’s Organic Farm in Sicily – enrich our proprietary skincare products.

This is complemented by innovative, high technology that’s integrated into our advanced facials and body treatments which, alongside the relaxing and indulgent therapies, are all carried out by the spa's expert team of Therapists and Specialists.

Please let your Scenset Curator know if you would like to book any spa treatments in advance. See menu here.

if you'd like us to book appointments, please specify:

• Desired service
  
• Preferred approximate timeframe
  
• Male or female therapists preference
  
• Single cabin or couples cabin (if applicable)

Please note, no bookings have currently been made.

Enjoy dinner at Quattro Mani. This restaurant's menu is very much inspired by family cooking - this is the best place to feel welcome and at home.

• Time: Evening
  
• Address: Via Francesco Riso, 3, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy
  
• Google Maps link: Here
  
• Getting there: We recommend booking a taxi through the hotel concierge, or using a taxi app
  
• Number of People: 5
  
• Confirmed With: Hotel concierge

🛎️ If you need to make any changes or cancellations, please speak with the Villa Igea Concierge team or call will be provided.

Reserved by Villa Igea.

• 3 x Superior Room
  
• Breakfast Included
  
• Booking confirmation: will be provided
  
• Google Maps link: Here
  
• Contact number: will be provided

Booked by Scenset.

The following are included in your scenset booking:

• Room upgrade subject to availability at time of check-in (though preference for terrace has been noted)
  
• Priority early check in / late check out subject to availability
  
• Food & Beverage hotel credit per stay
  
• VIP arrival
  
• Free WiFi access

Confirmed.

This morning check out of your hotel and meet your driver for transfer to Milazzo Port.

• Meeting Time: In the morning
  
• Meeting Location: Hotel Lobby
  
• Drop Off Location: Marina del Nettuno, Milazzo
  
• Google Maps link: Here
  
• Drive time: Approx 2hrs 30mins
  
• Driver: will be provided

📞 Contact: If you have any issues, please contact will be provided; or will be provided.

Booked by Scenset.

Arrive at Milazzo Port and board your home for the next week.

Begin with Welcome Drinks and prepare for 7 nights aboard this incredible 74-foot vessel. Depart for Vulcano and overnight in one of Vulcano's bays.

Amidst the comfort of the Blue Deer, privacy takes center stage, offering an exclusive retreat for those seeking an intimate escape. The spacious and thoughtfully designed interiors create an atmosphere of seclusion, making it an ideal haven for family travel. Revel in the benefits of uninterrupted quality time as you sail the seas together, forging unforgettable memories against the backdrop of Italy's ever-changing maritime vistas.

• Boarding time: midday
  
• Meeting point: Marina del Nettuno, Milazzo
  
• Captain: will be provided
  
• Charter Manager: will be provided

📞 Contact: If you have any issues, please contact will be provided; or will be provided.

Booked by scenset.

A land of strong contrasts and great warmth, Sicily stands proud and bold in the sailor’s gaze. The dark silhouette of the volcanoes in the Aeolian archipelago stands sharply on the horizon, drawing the traveler arriving from the sea like a siren. Silence surrounds a certain location and accompanies it to pristine beaches, Malvasia wine, and ancient crafts. The opportunity to be amazed by the beauty is endless, with highlights including:

• The sulfur fumaroles and the whitest beaches of Lipari
  
• The craters of extinct volcanoes, coves, and underwater caves of Alicudi and Filicudi.
  
• The sunset seen through the natural volcanic rock arch in Salina.

• Full charter of Blue Deer, including 4 crew

Booked By a client.

Your itinerary will be completely customized to your interests, and the below is just a sample to inspire. Once the charter is booked, we will arrange a phone call with the yacht's owner and your family to determine the best route for you.

Day 2:

• After breakfast, depart to experience one of Lipari’s bays
  
• After lunch, depart to Panarea
  
• Overnight in Panarea

Day 3:

• Enjoy Panarea Island
  
• After lunch, depart to Stromboli
  
• Arrive in Stromboli and possibly hike to the top of the active volcano (hiking starts in the late afternoon to view the volcano crater at night)
  
• Overnight in Stromboli

Day 4:

• Depart early before breakfast to Filicudi
  
• Lunch at La Canna (natural rock)
  
• Overnight in Filicudi harbour

Day 5:

• After breakfast, depart to Salina
  
• Enjoy Pollara bay
  
• After lunch, depart to Salina
  
• Enjoy the beautiful village of Salina
  
• Overnight in Salina

Day 6:

• After breakfast, depart to Lipari
  
• Enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches
  
• Discover the beautiful village of Lipari

-Overnight in Lipari

Day 7:

• After breakfast, depart to Vulcano
  
• Enjoy the Beach of the fumaroles, where you can swim in the “warm sea”
  
• Depart in the afternoon to Milazzo
  
• Overnight in Milazzo

The yacht is equipped with the following toys for your use:

• Paddleboards
  
• Two person inflatable Kayaks
  
• Waterskis
  
• Wakeboard
  
• Kneeboard
  
• Wakeboard Skurfer
  
• Tube/ring
  
• Inflatable lounge
  
• Beach games
  
• Trawling fishing gear (rods, reels, lures etc.)
  
• Masks and fins
  
• Diving equipment for 8 people (no compressor for air tanks on board)

• Full charter of Blue Deer, including 4 crew

Booked By a client.

This morning enjoy your final breakfast aboard a ship. After breakfast, you will disembark at Milazzo Port and move on to the next portion of your adventure!

Meet your private driver for your transfer to your hotel in Noto via Mercedes V Class.

This is a drive of approx 3 hours. Stop halfway in Catania for a break to enjoy lunch and some shopping.

• Meeting Time: Morning
  
• Meeting Location: Milazzo Port at Blue Deer
  
• Arrival in Catania: Around midday for time at leisure
  
• Depart Catania for Noto: Early afternoon
  
• Arrival in Noto: Late afternoon
  
• Driver: will be provided
  
• Inclusions: Mercedes V-Class and Driver at disposal for up to 8 hours

📞 Contact: If you have any issues, please contact will be provided; or will be provided.

Booked by Scenset

Catania, a vibrant city on the eastern coast of Sicily, offers a mix of historical sites, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. You may enjoy visiting the following:

• Visit the Catania Cathedral (Cattedrale di Sant'Agata): Located in the heart of Piazza del Duomo, the Catania Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Agatha, the patron saint of the city. It boasts a stunning Baroque architecture and houses the relics of the saint. The cathedral's facade and interiors are truly impressive, reflecting the rich history of the city - Here
  
• Explore the Fish Market (La Pescheria): The bustling fish market, known as La Pescheria, offers a lively atmosphere and a taste of local culture. Here, you can find fresh seafood, local produce, and a variety of traditional Sicilian products. It's a great place to experience the authentic flavors and vibrant life of Catania - Here
  
• Stroll Through Via Etnea: Via Etnea is the main shopping street in Catania, stretching from Piazza del Duomo to the foothills of Mount Etna. This bustling avenue is lined with shops, cafes, and historical landmarks. It's perfect for a leisurely walk, offering great views of Mount Etna along the way - Here
  
• Roman Theatre of Catania: The Roman Theatre of Catania, dating back to the 2nd century AD, is a testament to the city’s rich history. Located in the heart of Catania, this ancient theater showcases impressive ruins that give insight into Roman architectural and cultural influences - Here
  
• Villa Bellini/Chiosco Bellini: A beautiful park and historic villa which is worth a stroll around - Here

These are recommendations only.

Here are a few recommendations of where to grab some lunch in Catania:

• Pasticceria Savia is a great spot to grab some pastries, coffee and desserts to eat in their outdoor terrace. This is the best place to try Arancini - Google Maps link here
  
• Pasticceria Spinella next door to Pasticceria Savia is a lovely dessert and cake shop - Google Maps link here
  
• Al Vicolo Pizza&Vino is some of the best pizza going in the city - Google Maps link here
  
• Pizzeria Cutelli is a very unassuming place but personally one of the best pizzas I have ever had, highly recommended - Google Maps link here

These are recommendations only - no bookings have been made.

Check in to your hotel in Noto.

Tonight, enjoy dinner at Osteria Giovanni Trombatore Chef for an excellent meal.

• Time: Evening
  
• Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 157, 96017 Noto SR, Italy
  
• Google Maps link: Here
  
• Getting there: We recommend booking a taxi through the hotel concierge, or using a taxi app
  
• Number of People: 5
  
• Confirmed With: Hotel concierge

🛎️ If you need to make any changes or cancellations, please speak with the Q92 Hotel Concierge team or call will be provided.

Reserved by Q92 Hotel.

• 1 x Master Suite (A couple)
  
• 1 x Mini Suite (A couple)
  
• 1 x Deluxe Double Room (A guest)
  
• Breakfast Included
  
• Booking reference: id3032
  
• Google Map link: Here
  
• Contact number: +39 093 196 7461

Booked by Scenset.

Today will be free for you to explore at your leisure, armed with our suggestions.

You may enjoy a few of our recommendations:

• A passeggiata of the city with a visit at Palazzo Castelluccio - click here for more information
  
• A granita at a cafe - Google Maps link here for a cafe and Google Maps link here for another cafe
  
• Wine Tasting and lunch in the vineyard at Feudo Maccari - Click here for more information
  
• An evening at magical Marzamemi - Click here for more information

These are recommendations only - no bookings have been made.

The beach club has been booked for 5 sunbeds and lunch; you can go whenever you wish, as there is no allocated time.

• Note: You have sunbeds reserved on the 3rd row; there is no cancellation policy.
  
• Booked under name: will be provided

Confirmed by Scenset.

A few beaches you may enjoy are:

• UNESCO Natural Reserve of Vendicari - Click here for more information
  
• Lido Noto Beach Club - Click here for more information, this is the closest to Noto
  
• Agua Beach Resort - Click here for more information

These are recommendations only - no bookings have been made.

These restaurants are all within walking distance from Q92 hotel:

• Anche Gli Angeli is a baroque jewel of south-eastern Sicily, located in the ancient basement of the church of San Carlo, of which it retains the characteristic architectural structure with large vaults and walls in living stone.
  
• Le Quattro Sorelle is known for its wine.
  
• Geranio is an indoor/outdoor genuine Sicilian cuisine restaurant serving excellent dishes of an ultimate quality ingredients.

These are recommendations only - no bookings have been made.

Tonight, enjoy dinner at Geranio.

• Time: Evening
  
• Address: Via Ducezio, 33, 96017 Noto SR, Italy
  
• Google Maps link: Here
  
• Getting there: We recommend booking a taxi through the hotel concierge, or using a taxi app
  
• Number of People: 5
  
• Confirmed With: Hotel concierge

🛎️ If you need to make any changes or cancellations, please speak with the hotel concierge team or call will be provided.

Reserved by Q92 Hotel.

• 1 x Master Suite
  
• 1 x Mini Suite
  
• 1 x Deluxe Double Room

Booked by a guest.

After breakfast, check out and meet your driver in the hotel lobby. Today you will transfer to Taormina and stop in Ortigia along the way.

• Meeting Time: Late morning
  
• Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby
  
• Drive time: Approximately 50 mins (depending on traffic)
  
• Driver: will be provided
  
• Inclusions: Mercedes V-Class and Driver at disposal for a duration of roughly 8 hours

📞 Contact: If you have any issues, please contact your driver; or contact will be provided.

Booked by Scenset

Stop in Ortigia and meet a private chef at their private bistro in the heart of Ortigia. The chef will open the doors to their beautiful bistro, where you can begin a uniquely genuine and informal cooking class, culminating in a delicious lunch!

Following your class and lunch, you will continue to Taormina.

• Time: Morning
  
• Cooking Class Duration: Approx 3.5 hours
  
• Chef: will be provided
  
• Drop Off in Taormina: Late afternoon
  
• Inclusions: Private Mercedes Vehicle and English-speaking driver at disposal (up to 8 hours); Private Home Cooking Class with lunch

📞 Contact: If you have any issues, please contact will be provided; or will be provided.

Booked by Scenset

Check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening on property!

If you have heard of Sicily, you have certainly heard of Taormina: it is one of the Mediterranean's most prominent international tourist centers, known for its natural landscape, marine beauty, and historic monuments. The "Pearl of the Mediterranean" was an important destination on the Grand Tour, a long journey to continental Europe undertaken by wealthy European aristocrats beginning in the 18th century and the forerunner of the modern tourist concept.

Its iconic Ancient Theater, in addition to being the second largest Greek Theater in Sicily (after Syracuse), annually showcases world-class concerts.

Because of its location and altitude, Taormina offers visitors breathtaking views. From the Greek theater, you can admire the bay of Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, while on the other side, you can look down the coast toward Messina and see the proximity of the Calabrian coast.

• Getting around: You may utilize the complimentary shuttle service between the hotel and the town center. Please see the Front Desk for the shuttle schedule at the hotel.

These are suggestions only - no bookings have been made.

Revitalize body and spirit in the hotel's lush garden. A host of superb spa experiences and private in-room treatments capture the healing ambiance of the island. Let our therapists guide you through a sensory journey, enlivened by fragrant orange flowers, amber, sandalwood, and jasmine––the purest scents of Sicily.

Please let your Scenset Curator know if you would like to book any spa treatments in advance. See the menu here.

• Treatments available late morning to early evening, daily
  
• Sauna and steam bath open daily on request late morning to late afternoon

if you'd like us to book appointments, please specify:

• Desired service
  
• Preferred approximate timeframe
  
• Male or female therapist preference
  
• Single cabin or couples cabin (if applicable)

Tonight, enjoy dinner on-property at Ristorante Timeo.

• Time: Evening
  
• Address: Your hotel
  
• Number of People: 5
  
• Confirmed With: Hotel concierge

🛎️ If you need to make any changes or cancellations, please speak with the Belmond Grand Hotel Concierge team or call will be provided.

Reserved by Belmond Grand Hotel Concierge - paid locally.

• 1 x Jr Suite Deluxe w/ Balcony (A couple)
  
• 2 x Deluxe Sea View Room w/ Balcony or Terrace (Two guests; One guest)
  
• Breakfast Included
  
• Booking reference: will be provided
  
• Google Maps link: Here
  
• Contact: will be provided

Booked by Scenset.

The following are included in your Scenset booking:

• Upgrade subject to availability on arrival
  
• Resort credit per stay for room bookings
  
• Resort credit per stay for suite bookings

Confirmed.

After an early breakfast, set off on a tour to Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna, which dominates Eastern Sicily.

Two rugged Jeeps will whisk you from your hotel, accompanied by a seasoned naturalist guide (your driver-guide) primed to unveil Mount Etna — the highest active volcano on the Eurasian plate and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Prepare for awe-inspiring vistas, postcard-perfect panoramas, a kaleidoscope of colors, and a symphony of sounds far from the bustling crowds. With over 400 craters and trails resembling scenes from a fairytale, this adventure promises an immersive experience plunging you into one of nature's most enthralling landscapes.

After your tour, visit one of the finest Etna DOC Wineries — Tenuta Tascante — a vineyard perched upon Europe's highest active volcano, offering a unique narrative that intertwines the history of the volcano with the artistry of winemaking.

Savor Buonora, Tefra, and Ghiaia Nera wines complemented by an aperitivo featuring local cured meats, cheeses, and a selection of Etna's finest delicacies. Stroll through the vineyards and take in one of the most breathtaking panoramas within the entire Etna Park.

After lunch, return to your hotel.

• Pickup Time: Morning
  
• Duration: Approx 6hrs
  
• Meeting Location: Hotel Lobby
  
• Number of vehicles: 2
  
• Driver-Guide: will be provided
  
• Drop Off Time: Afternoon
  
• Inclusions: Naturalist Guide with Jeep; Private Tascante Etna DOC Winery experience: wine tasting, visit and lunch
  
• Important: Exact itinerary to be defined depending on the volcano's activity at the time of the tour

📞 Contact: If you have any issues, please contact your driver; or will be provided.

Booked by scenset

Savor the warm, gentle waters of the Sicilian sea from the private beach of your hotel. Nestled into the Bay of Mazzarò, it's the perfect spot to soak up the sound of the waves. A beach bar is open during the summer months to keep you refreshed.

The beach club is open during the morning and afternoon, with a shuttle service available starting shortly after the opening.

Beach cabanas are also available for reservation, equipped with a comfortable sofa, table, minibar, and loungers.

No reservation for beach chairs has been made, the Beach Club is first-come, first-served.

We can pre-book a cabana if you are interested.

Tonight, enjoy dinner at Granduca for amazing views!

• Time: Evening
  
• Address: Corso Umberto, 172, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
  
• Google Maps link: Here
  
• Getting there: We recommend booking a taxi through the hotel concierge, or using a taxi app
  
• Number of People: 5
  
• Confirmed With: Hotel concierge

🛎️ If you need to make any changes or cancellations, please speak with the Belmond Grand Hotel Concierge team or call will be provided.

Reserved by Belmond Grand Hotel Concierge.

• 2 x Deluxe Sea View Room w/ Balcony or Terrace
  
• 1 x Jr Suite Deluxe w/ Balcony

Booked by a travel agent.

This morning after breakfast, check out and meet your private driver in the hotel lobby. Today you will transfer to Catania for your flight home.

• Pickup Time: Morning
  
• Meeting Location: Hotel Lobby
  
• Driver: will be provided
  
• Drive Duration: Approx 1 hour

📞 Contact: If you have any issues, please contact your driver or will be provided.

Booked by Scenset.

Upon arrival at Catania Airport, you will be met at the curb by a representative who will help you get your luggage checked, and expedite your through security before escorting you to your gate or lounge.

📞 Contact: If you have any issues, please contact a representative.

Booked by Scenset.

Enjoy your flight from Catania to Rome:

• Booking reference: will be provided
  
• Seats: will be provided
  
• Class: Business Class

Flights are booked independently.

Enjoy your flight from Rome to New York:

• Booking reference: will be provided
  
• Seats: will be provided
  
• Class: Business Class

Flights are booked independently.

• Deposit is fully non-refundable. (Scenset highly recommends travel insurance.)
  
• Cancellation can be made 46 days prior to receive the balance payment refunded.

Please refer to our Terms And Conditions for policies pertaining to all land services. For Blue Deer Booking Terms, see above.