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Your Sicilian Honeymoon

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.

Ioanna Yiasemi
Scenset travel curator
Saturday, 13 – Tuesday, 23 May, 2023 · 10 nights
Your trip to Sicily!
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Trip Overview

Palermo | 3 nights | Villa Igiea
Noto | 2 nights | Il San Corrado di Noto
Taormina | 4 nights | Monaci delle Terre Nere

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Local/Emergency contacts

If you need any urgent assistance while you are travelling, or if you would like to make any changes, reservations or cancellations during your time in X you can contact the following who will be your local contacts during your trip:

  • Rome Emergency Number: will be provided
  • Sicily Local Emergency Number: will be provided
  • Sicily Local Name: will be provided
  • Sicily Local Contact Number: will be provided
  • Your Curator: will be provided or via scenset app chat
  • scenset Emergency Line: will be provided


You can also reach out to us on the scenset app and we will be happy to help.

Important: If something needs immediate assistance, your local contact is the best person to call first as they are in the same time zone.

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Weather

Average high temperatures in southern Italy in April are in the mid-70s °F (20-24°C). Evenings are cooler, so make sure to bring a light jacket or a wrap.

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Visa & Travel Requirements

US passport holders are allowed to fly into Italy for Business or Tourism without visa requirements.

  • Official entry requirements can be sourced here
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Local Restrictions
  • 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.

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These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.

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Spotify Playlists

We have designed a great playlist 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!
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Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is always appreciated, though not obligatory. For drivers, we generally suggest a tip depending on the duration of the transfer. For guides, we recommend a tip for half day experiences or a tip for full day experiences.

Wednesday, 10 May, 2023
Arriving to Rome

With an uncanny sense of foresight, Rome was first called the Eternal City 2,000 years ago. Even by today’s standards, it’s still grand in a way that few other places can compare to. The buildings are dilapidated and the roads disheveled, but chaos has never looked so exquisite. The cobblestone streets may be nonsensical, but a wrong turn always leads to an unexpected delight: an intimate piazza, a baroque fountain, or a homey trattoria serving house-made cacio e pepe.

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International flight to Rome
  • Sourced independently
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Your trip to Rome is booked independently with the exception of the Colosseum tour.

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Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá
  • Your hotel in Rome is independently sourced.
Friday, 12 May, 2023
Exploring the Colosseum
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10:00 : Colosseum, Palantine Hill & Roman Forum Tour

The greatness, the ingenuity, the impeccable organization... the splendors of the Ancient Roman Empire pervade every corner of the Eternal City and still shine with magnificence. Re-live in first person the glory of the Ancient Rome and deeply understand what made a city-state the center of an encompassing empire.

Led by an expert local guide, you’ll visit the Colosseum, Rome’s most stunning landmark and center of social life. Here, among its bleachers, learn how the Amphitheatre was built, what it was used for and the personal story of those who fought in it. Stroll around the Palatine Hill, home of the still-standing Emperor’s Palace, and picture the life you dreamed of living.

Keep walking until you reach the Roman Forum, the beating heart of the Empire’s capital. Lose yourself among the ruins of its temples and shops and discover the very spot where Julius Caesar was cremated. Crown this adventurous day with a stop at the Pantheon, the renowned former Roman temple dedicated to all gods, now a church hosting the mortal remains of the great Raphael. Enjoy to the full every moment of this unique experience.

Date: 12 May 2023
Duration: 4 hours
Start time: Morning
Meeting location: Outside your hotel
Emergency Contact: will be provided

  • Booked by scenset
Saturday, 13 May, 2023
Day 1: Heading to Sicily

Today, catch your flight to Sicily for the second part of your honeymoon!

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11:00 : Airport Transfer

Your private driver will transport you to the airport for your afternoon flight to Sicily.

Pick up location: Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá Lobby
Flight number: will be provided
Shuttle time: Afternoon
Driver's number: will be provided

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Flight to Sicily

Catch a direct flight to Palermo to continue your trip to Sicily.

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We have arranged for:
  • Upfront Seats
  • 1 Checked Bag (20kg) per person
  • Priority Boarding
  • 2 Cabin Bags (1 carry on 55 x 40 x 20 cm and 1 personal bag 20 x 40 x 25 cm)
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Your Boarding Passes

We have already checked you in for this flight. Please find your boarding passes here:

  • will be provided
  • will be provided
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15:15 : Private Transfer

Your private english speaking driver will meet you at the arrivals hall of the airport and transport you to your hotel.

Shuttle time: Upon exit of the airport
Dirver's name: will be provided
Driver's number: will be provided

This evening enjoy the beautiful grounds of your hotel before your first dinner.

Your Stay: Villa Igiea

Why we love it for you: A turn-of-the-century palazzo at the perimeter of vivid Palermo, the foot of Mount Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo. This is the perfect sanctuary to base your excursions to Palermo’s bustling markets, Baroque palaces and ancient sites, or yacht trips along its picturesque coast.

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Villa Igiea
Superior Room

  • Breakfast included
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Thank you for being a valued customer!
Enjoy a credit towards Food and Beverage, consumed at the hotel.

  • The credit is to be used once per stay
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Dinner Recommendations

Run by two brothers, this small restaurant is located in the heart of the old city, in an 18th century palazzo. It offers grand, innovative cuisine with often daring combinations in taste. The wine list allows you to choose among several Sicilian and Italian wines.

A brand new restaurant from a local expert. Taste your way through Sicily’s best products in a warm and inviting atmosphere in Piazza Magione near the Santa Maria dello Spasimo in the Kalsa neighborhood of Palermo. From charcuterie boards piled high with cured meats and artisanal cheeses to homemade traditional Palermitan specialties, and Sicilian wines.

A quiet trattoria where you will enjoy traditional recipes with a modern presentation.

Travel through time to the peak of the Belle Époque in Palermo, where distinguished guests would have dined in this scenset Louis XVI hall. This restaurant is located in your hotel.

Sunday, 14 May, 2023
Day 2: Palermo and Monreale
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15:30 : Vintage Car Tour

In the afternoon, step back in time, to the Italy of the economic boom and the Dolce Vita ... your ride will be a vintage Fiat 500!
Your private driver will guide you on a tour of Monreale, Monte Pellegrino and Mondello.
The first stop will be the beautiful Cathedral of Monreale (declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
The cathedral and its cloister are among the greatest examples of Norman architecture, even in a region that still shows the
influence of Arab designs.
The city's imposing cathedral is one of the best examples of Norman architecture in the world, and its interior-the entire
interior surface except for some small marble areas-is decorated with mosaics. The small pieces, painted on a gold
background, come together to depict recognizable scenset from the Old Testament. One can spend hours looking at the detailed scenset, right down to the incredibly precise facial expressions (particularly striking: Adam and Eve's look of dismay when they are driven out of the Garden of Eden). Considering the size of the cathedral and the tools (and scaffolding!) at the disposal of 12th-century artisans, Monreale is simply stunning.

The tour continues in the direction of Monte Pellegrino, where you can visit the Shrine of Santa Rosalia (patron saint of
Palermo) and the Belvedere from which there are breathtaking views of the Gulf of Palermo.
Finally you will head to the seaside village of Mondello, where you can visit the town and stroll along one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy.


Start time: Afternoon
Meeting location: Hotel lobby
End Time: Evening
Duration: 3 hours
Host's name: will be provided
Host's number: will be provided

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Villa Igiea
Superior Room

  • Breakfast included
Monday, 15 May, 2023
Day 3: Wine & Italian cuisine
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10:30 : Cooking class at Donnafugata Estate

Find yourself in the historic villa and current home of a family; owners of the Donnafugata Wine Estate.

After a visit of the vineyards, enjoy a private hands-on cooking class. You will have the opportunity to cook your own feast and enjoy it over lunch in a beautiful setting; paired with the estates wines.

Start time: Morning
Meeting location: Hotel lobby
End time: Afternoon
Duration: 6 hours
Driver's name: will be provided
Driver's number: will be provided

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Villa Igiea
Superior Room

  • Breakfast included
Monday, 16 May, 2022
Day 4: Onwards to Noto

This morning you will continue your adventure in south east Sicily, at Noto.

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10:30 : Private Transfer

Your English-speaking driver will greet you at your hotel and transport you to Noto. Sicily is large and this drive is lengthy, so we are breaking it up with a stop at one of Mount Etna's most celebrated wineries.

Pick up time: Morning
Meeting location: Hotel lobby
Driver's name: will be provided
Driver's contact: will be provided

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Visit the Duca di Salapatura Winery

During your morning transfer through the enthralling slopes of Mt. Etna, make a stop at Viagrande to visit a renowned winery. The winery, is one of the first wineries in Sicily to produce high quality wines. They maximized the potential of Etnean soil by researching particular clones and by using the most modern techniques of vinification to produce ancient fragrances.

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Complementary Lunch

Lunch today is arranged at the winery and offered complementary by scenset!

During your visit, you will have the pleasure of tasting five wines: the Duca Nero, Bianca di Valguarnera, Nawari, Duca Enrico, and ALA - all of which are renowned for their exceptional quality and unique character.
Each wine will be expertly paired with a delectable food item, creating a harmonious marriage of flavors.

Your Stay: Il San Corrado di Noto

Why we love it for you: The surrounding nature captivates all the senses, creating the space between magic and real. An estate with a contemporary design, in which Mediterranean scents and perfumes blend. A collection of suites is characterized by silence, stillness, and comfort.

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Il San Corrado di Noto
Classic Suite

  • Breakfast included
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Dinner Recommendations

A restaurant featuring a cuisine rooted in Sicilian heritage, with dishes such as aubergine arancini, lasagna with bitter broccoletti and spiced local sausage, and amberjack alla matalotta served on a flavorful tomato and black-olive sauce. This is a great choice for those seeking haute cuisine with authentic roots.

This restaurant is housed in Palazzo Nicolaci's old cellars, transformed into what is now Manna. The bar features a Saiga Soda sign and leads to four vaulted rooms filled with furniture and stunning artworks. The menu features dishes from all over Italy, including Venetian-style baccalà mantecato and local lamb shanks in Nero d'Avola wine reduction, and a chocolatey version of arancino.

This vibrant café, restaurant and concept store is situated in the 18th-century San Carlo church's sprawling, brick-vaulted crypt. It's a hub for town happenings and one of the rare dining and drinking establishments that operate year-round. Stop by for coffee and a ricotta-filled cannolo at the bar, a quick lunch, or evening cocktails and dinner featuring dishes like burrata ravioli with truffle shavings and grilled red prawns.


The best tables among the many in Marzamemi's charming central square can be found in the far-right corner. La Cialoma, a cozy restaurant that was once a tuna fisherman's cottage, features embroidered tablecloths, tiled walls, and a flower-filled terrace. The menus focus on seafood and are based on the day's catch, which changes frequently. Keep an eye out for dishes such as tagliolini with artichokes and shrimp, sizzling deep-fried anchovies, and local moscardini (baby octopus) stewed with Pachino tomatoes and red wine.

Wednesday, 17 May, 2023
Day 5: Modica & Ragusa
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09:30 : Modica & Ragusa tour with La Timpa experience

This morning you will be transported to the countryside of Ragusa to learn how to make a typical dish of this area using fine flours and visiting an authentic water mill. Prepare for a culinary journey to the discovery of Sicilian enogastronomic culture, from the ancient wheat grains straight to the dish.

During the Focaccia cooking class you’re preparing three different kinds of “scacce” typical of Ragusa province, with the use of the ancient grain flours produced by La Timpa: Campagnola with Ragusano PDO cheese and tomatoes sauce, eggplant scaccia and tomasino, with ricotta cheese and sausage. The experience includes a showcooking of the three different kinds of focaccia, with tomato and Ragusano PDO cheese, with vegetables and the tomasino gourmet.
During the experience taste some typical appetizers accompanied by local wine, for a light lunch.

To tie it all together to a complete day, visit the near by town of Ragusa Ibla: here you will meet your local English-speaking guide to begin a guided tour yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site- Sicily is stepped in cherished sites. Before the day is complete, stop in Modica to stroll through another noteworthy town.

Start time: in the late morning
Meeting location: Hotel lobby
End time: in the late afternoon
Driver's name: will be provided
Driver's contact: will be provided
Local Guide: will be provided

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Il San Corrado di Noto
Classic Suite

  • Breakfast included
Thursday, 18 May, 2023
Day 6: Taormina

Today you will reach Taormina in style, on a privately chartered yacht!

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08:30 : Private Transfer

Your private english speaking driver will greet you at the lobby of your hotel and transport you to the Risposto harbor for your boat experience. After enjoying the sea, your driver will transport you to your next hotel

Pick up time: Morning
Meeting location: Hotel lobby
End time: Evening
Driver's name: will be provided
Driver's number: will be provided

Hitting the Seas

Experience the Taormina Bay boat tour aboard a private yacht, on a journey led by a personal skipper. One of the highlights of the tour is the visit of Grotta Azzurra with its colorful shades of blue in contrast to Capo Taormina and its rocky coastline - made famous by the film Le Grand Blue.
Etna and the Gulf of Giardini Naxos will provide the perfect background for your day on the water. Swimming in the waters surrounding the Grotta del Giorno is a must. The tour will continue along the coast toward the Baia di Mazzarò and the Baia delle Sirene, one of the most secluded and characteristic bays of the entire coastline and a perfect location for a swim in the clear, warm waters.

Duration: 4 hours
Boat Type: Cranchi Zaffiro 32 yacht

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Complementary Drinks

Enjoy a bottle of prosecco and fresh fruits on board, courtesy of scenset!

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Lunch Time

After the boat enjoy a lunch in Riposto!

  • This meal is not included in the itinerary but staff will be happy to recommend a restaurant.
Your Stay: Monaci delle Terre Nere

Why we love it for you: The historic estate of Monaci delle Terre Nere is located on the slopes of Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. With dramatic views over the volcano and the Mediterranean, this countryside boutique hotel is a very special place. Full of extraordinary charm and natural beauty, this spot was originally chosen by the monks of St Anne’s order in the 18th Century, and the estate was restored with great care.

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Monaci delle Terre Nere
Deluxe Double Room

  • Breakfast included
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Dinner Recommendations

Set high above Taormina, Al Saraceno has a fabulous view, with an elevated terrace overlooking the glittering city, Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. It’s built underneath the rock church of Madonna della Rocca and the medieval Saracen Castle. Pizza is the name of the game here, but the chef also serves up traditional Sicilian seafood specialities, including mussels and grilled fish of the day.

The organic restaurant of your hotel offers a candid cooking style which brings old local wisdom back into life, an informal inn, a home to old traditions and to guests.

Born in 2014 as a wine bar, Osteria Santa Domenica became a real restaurant in Taormina in 2016 with a wine list with more than 350 selected labels and a menu made with only slow food and Km0 ingredients.

Pizzeria Villa Zuccaro is located in the historic center of Taormina, just a few steps from Piazza Duomo and in the vicinity of Porta Catania, known to most as "Porta del Tocco," and is the ideal venue for those who want to spend a pleasant evening enjoying the flavors of typical Sicilian cuisine. The establishment, housed in a 17th-century stone villa, is surrounded by a lush green garden.

This is one of those bright, charming and modern restaurants that represent new-age Italy. The cuisine is strongly linked to the region with fish dishes to the fore presented in an attractive and contemporary style.

Friday, 19 May, 2023
Day 7: A deep dive in history
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09:30 : Walking tour of Taormina

Founded by the Greeks in 358 B.C., Taormina was occupied by the Romans and then fell into Byzantine hands. The little town is located on the East coast of Sicily, overlooking the Ionian Sea. Taormina is called the “Pearl of the Mediterranean” for several reasons: nestled on Mount Tauro, it offers the beauty of Mediterranean architecture all the while surrounded by endless magnificent views of both sea and mountains. From its Greek theatre, you can admire the bay of Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, while on the other side you can gaze out over the coastline toward Messina and view the proximity of the Calabrian coast.

At the end of this walking tour, a picturesque Ape Calessino will be waiting to take you to Castelmola. Leaving the main square, a narrow road climbs up to the remains of the Mola Castle, or rather what is now visible of what was once a fortress that, from its elevation, controlled a vast territory from enemy incursions.

From here, you can enjoy the view of Mount Etna, the majestic highest volcano in Europe that, in addition to its grandeur, makes its presence felt with spectacular eruptions and columns of smoke. At the end of the tour return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Start time: Morning
Meeting location: Hotel Lobby
Duration: 4 hours
Host's name: will be provided
Host's number: will be provided

  • Entrance fees and aperitivo included
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Monaci delle Terre Nere
Deluxe Double Room

  • Breakfast included
Saturday, 20 May, 2023
Day 8: Leisure Day
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R&R

On this day enjoy a stroll through the market of Taormina, lounge at the best beaches nearby and go shopping!

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Monaci delle Terre Nere
Deluxe Double Room

  • Breakfast included
Sunday, 21 May, 2023
Day 9: Discover Mt Etna
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09:30 : Exploring Etna and it's wines

This morning, join a naturalistic guide and travel by Jeep to the northern side of Mt. Etna to explore the largest active volcano in Europe. Discovering Mount Etna is one of the greatest adventure tours in Sicily, not only for the volcanic phenomena but also for the different kinds of vegetation that you will encounter during the ascent.

Etna has more than 400 craters, split all over the Catania county. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, movie-like scenset and an ever-changing horizon, colored by unforgettable backgrounds that highlight the Sicilian heritage in all its beauty.

After your drive and walk on Etna, it's time to enjoy some wine. Cottanera Winery is a pioneer in viticulture, and one of Italy's leaders in enology. Discover the vineyards that grow over lava stone, 700 meters above sea level on the northern slope of Etna and enjoy a private tour and lunch.


  • Includes lunch and wine tasting


Start time: Mid-morning
Meeting location: Hotel lobby
End time: Mid-afternoon
Duration: 7 hours
Driver's name: will be provided
Driver's contact: will be provided

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Monaci delle Terre Nere
Deluxe Double Room

  • Breakfast included
Monday, 22 May, 2023
Day 10: Departure Day

Sadly all good things must come to an end, today we bid Sicily arrivederci, taking back with you memories for a lifetime.

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10:00: Airport Transfer

Your private english speaking driver will transport you to the Catania airport for your flight to Rome.

Pickup time: Morning
Meeting location: Hotel Lobby
Driver's name: will be provided

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Regional Flight

This morning take your regional flight from Catania to Rome.

  • Booked by scenset
🎒
We have arranged for:
  • Upfront Seats
  • 1 Checked Bag (20kg) per person
  • Priority Boarding
  • 2 Cabin Bags (1 carry on 55 x 40 x 20 cm and 1 personal bag 20 x 40 x 25 cm)
🎫
Your Boarding Passes

We have already checked you in for this flight. Please find your boarding passes here:

  • will be provided
  • will be provided
Arrivederci, beautiful Italy
Arrivederci, beautiful Italy
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When in Rome

Enjoy one last evening in Rome before you board your international flight back home.

  • This part of the trip is independently sourced