Dear Rafael, Piaspia & Family
Lets try to make this happen, and I am so excited to see you again.So March: In Saturday 17th out 25th for 8 nights. That one extra night really helps balance things.
Here is a brief idea of how we think you should spend your time.
I am not sure how far you want to drive on some days but have given you time and distance estimates to give you a feel. It is important to remember you are not going to be on dull highways seeing nothing, Sicily is beautiful and the journeys will be part of the experience.
City tours will be no longer that 3 hours at anytime and with guides we really know trust and have worked with over the years.
We totally understand this is a family holiday. You do not want too many activities pre set but there are a lot of food and wine things included.
Flights in at least from MIA will have one stop, in fact you will not find a transatlantic flight direct to Sicily at this time of year.Catania is a much bigger and well served airport than Palermo.
Personally with 8 nights and not wanting to rush around (this is the biggest island in the Med, 15976.SqMiles) we suggest concentrating on the East and South of the Island. That means in and out of Catania Airport.
Some good and inexpensive flights we found were:
Air Italy 9:00pm - 2:30pm +1 . MIA - 1h 30m in MXP Layover 1h 30m - CTA 12h 30m (1 stop)Delta 9:00pm - 2:35pm +1 MIA - 1h 30m in FCO Layover 1h 30m in FCO Arrival airport: - CTA 12h 35m (1 stop)
Transport: A SUV for 5 Plus Luggage is very expensive, A van is too wide and big IOHO. A Ford Galaxy (7 seater) would be the way to go from Hertz who we work with, if you have a loyalty card with another company let us know.
Accommodation: Assuming you are not looking at seriously expensive accommodations we suggest a mix of Villa Nautica for 6 nights, We truely love this Villa, its clean, fresh modern and we know owners very well so any little niggles can be sorted out in an instant, Prices are also super for what you are getting. The Villa will be packed with goodies, Sicilian local products, enough food Fresh and non Perishable for at least the first 3 days without having to go shopping and 24 Bottles (1 bottle of wine per day per Adult) of Premium Wines selected by Tim.
2 Nights in Taormina. Simply beautiful, and close to Etna for a day in wine with Tim. Please note the rate for the two structures we are offering in Taormina are the same as I have pushed them both. Naturally they are two totally different experiences; One totally intimate Maison Blanche, owned by Francesco (ex industrialist now chilling and a good friend of Tims) it is important to note this is not in the centre of Taormina and better for it, but it means either a 15 minute walk (very steep up, easier down) or they will happily drop you off with your transport when needed. NH collection is a 5 star hotel with minimalist design a really great spa and great prices extremely central but away from the main drag. Let me know what you think. We have included a lot of premium lunches and exceptional wines here, if you do not like the pricing there are many ways we can reduce the costs.
NOTE: We have optioned all the accommodation, as March is not far out, with all of Frances current issues Italy is the major beneficiary. We can hold for a week as we are to give you time to think about flights and the prices and then we need to take down the options or commit.
Saluti da Sicilia
Tim
Table of contents
- Three Accommodation Selections
- Hotel: Villa Nautica, Ragusa Sicily
- Hotel: Maison Blanche, Taormina
- Hotels: Nh Collection. Taormina. Sicily
- Suggested Itinerary
- Tour Outline
- Tour Day by Day
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Hotel: Villa Nautica, Ragusa Sicily
Villa Nautica. You will not find such open and uninterrupted views over the south east coast of Sicily anywhere.
Without doubt our Favorite Villa in the south east of Sicily with prices that are totally accessible as long as you are outside August.
No neighbours to speak of. Totally modern clean and minimalistic design, Fully equipped kitchen.
Sleeps 10 but really, 8 is comfortable.
As they say in Real estate Location Location Location and Villa Nautica has this in spades
All the fantastic late baroque towns are all just 20 minutes drive away through Sicilys Countryside with the suggestive dry stone walls
Modica, Scicli, Ragusa Ibla.
This is the most sort after of the Villas in the region so please book in advance.
Hotel: Maison Blanche, Taormina
Having had the pleasure in staying in the best lodges in the world, it is easy to get jaded. Maison Blanche is right off the charts for even the most travelled amongst us. It is simply an incredible stay. Why? Is it the positon perched precariously on a cliff in the beautiful village of Taormina or the James Bond like structure with all rooms experiencing once in a lifetime views or the owner, Francesco, who opens his home and delights in ensuring everything is just perfect for your stay? Naturally, it is a combination of everything. The house is an architects dream, the interior is a feast of heirlooms from a distinguished industrialist family. With only four rooms, advance booking is essential. The property is not located in the centre of Taormina (15-minute walk). The path up or down is a real delight, but naturally stairs and inclines do predominate due to the elevation of Taormina. Breakfast like everywhere else here is served with a stunning view over Isola Bella and they will make whatever you want. We cannot recommend this extraordinary structure more highly.
Hotels: Nh Collection. Taormina. Sicily
NH Collection Taormina with just 63 rooms. feels like a space of airs and views and vistas. A massive renovation recently, style is Modern, high technology evident, A swimming pool over the lobby..The glass ever present its just really there to show of the Gem, The view! Its the best and highest view of Taormina in a hotel of this level. Location means you feel that you are somewhat out of the fray. Rooms at entry level are too small so think Premium sea view room and up, thats about 27 metres. Very pleased to be working with them.
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Daily outline Sicily – March for Rafael, Piaspia & Family
DAY 01: Arrival IN / Transfer to Ragusa Province / Sleep Villa Nautica
DAY 02: AM Acclimatise /Lunch by yourselves / Ragusa Ibla Guided Tour / Sleep Villa Nautica
DAY 03: Modica Guided tour /Lunch at Accursio / PM Free / Sleep Villa Nautica
DAY 04: Free day / Relax explore Scicli / Dinner at Il Sakkello / Sleep Villa Nautica
DAY 05: Sightseeing Piazza Armerina and Caltagirone/ Sleep Villa Nautica
OR
DAY 05: Transfer to Agrigento / Valley of Temples/ Scala Dei Turchi/ La Madia / Sleep Villa Nautica
DAY 06: Cooking Experience with Market / Wines of Sicily and Dinner in Chiaramonte with Tim / Sleep Villa Nautica
DAY 07: Check Out / Ispica wine tasting with Guided tour of Noto and Siracusa / Check in Taormina /Sleep Taormina
DAY 08: Etna Wine Tour with Tim /Sightseeing Taormina / Sleep Taormina
DAY 09: Check out of Taormina / Departure OUT of CTA Airport
End of Services
Itinerary Day by Day Sicily / March for Rafael, Piaspia & Family
DAY 01: Saturday 17th March 2019
Arrival IN / Transfer to Ragusa Province / Sleep Villa Nautica
Flights in: TBD Normally after Lunch
Arrival into the Airport. Pick up Rental Car and Drive to Ragusa province. 100 kms. Think 1 hour and 15 minutes
Villa will be packed with Foods and Wines
Chef can be arranged (Not included at this stage) for the first night or we can make dinner arrangements for you close by
Sleep Villa Nautica
DAY 02: Sunday 18th March 2019
AM Acclimatise /Lunch by yourselves / Ragusa Ibla Guided Tour / Sleep Villa Nautica
First Morning we will let you acclimatise and enjoy the Villa and surroundings
Lunch at the Villa or there is il Duomo restaurant in Ragusa Ibla; Sicilys most premiered and famous Chef, Chicco Sultano. The Lunch menu is particularly good value and highly recommended
Let us know if you would like a reservation (need to book in advance for a Sunday) Also Sunday is the best day to Enjoy Ibla as you have all the families out making a walk and has a great vibe
Transfer with Car to Ragusa Ibla (20 minutes) where you will meet our Guide Nicoletta at an easy and predefined meeting spot. Nicolleta lives in Ragusa, and for two and half hour walking tour of this stunning town
Return to Villa
Dinner at the Villa or Reservations for a restaurant close by
Sleep Villa Nautica
DAY 03: Monday 19th March 2019
Modica Guided tour /Lunch at Accursio / PM Free / Sleep Villa Nautica
Transfer 20 minutes from the Villa to Modica Alta at Predefined meeting spot with Nicoleta
2 and half hour walking tour in Modica including a Chocolate experience at Barroco the oldest Chocolate shop in Sicily
Gourmet Lunch with wines included at Accursio restaurant, one of our favorites in the region
Return to the Villa
Dinner at the Villa or Reservations (Pizza?)
Sleep Villa Nautica
Note: Lunch with wines included
DAY 04: Tuesday 20th March 2019
Free day / Relax explore Scicli / Dinner at Il Sakkello / Sleep Villa Nautica
Free Day
We think a Day by yourselves is called for
Enjoy the Villa, Explore Nearby Scicli a gem of town. 20 minutes from the Villa
Smaller than Modica and Ragusa that is much less commercial and touched by tourism
We suggest you eat Dinner at Il Sakalleo
Totally discreet, hard to find, but simply the best seafood restaurant in Sicily and only 10 minutes away from your Villa
Il_Sakalleo. No Website but Tripadvisor Comments
Sleep Villa Nautica
DAY 05: Wednesday 21st March 2019
Two alternative suggestions for today/ Longer distances to travel but gorgeous journeys in themselves
OPTION 1. Sightseeing Piazza Armerina and Caltagirone/ Sleep Villa Nautica
Two distinct Routes to take to enjoy different Perspectives
Transfer from Villa to Piazza Armerina 100 kms each way (1 and half hours) across Central Sicily
Lunch with Wines Included At Al Fogher
Transfer 10 minutes to Villa Roman Casale
Meet Patricia our go to Guide at the Site
Enjoy the best example of a rich Roman villa with the best preserved Mosaics in existence
Return home to Ragusa Via a stop in Caltagirone (45 minutes)for the famous ceramics, there is also a super museum focusing on these ceramics
Dinner at the Villa or Reservations at a nearby restaurant
Sleep Villa Nautica
Note: Lunch with wines included
OR
OPTION 2.DAY 05: Wednesday 21st March 2019
Transfer to Agrigento / Valley of Temples/ Scala Dei Turchi/ La Madia / Sleep Villa Nautica
This is a longer day but you have alot going on and certainly worth seeing
Transfer from the Villa to Agrigento 130 kms (2 hours Approx) across the south Coast of Sicily
Lunch with Wines Included il re di Girgenti Ristorante
il re di Girgenti Ristorante
Nicoletta our specialist guide will meet you at the restaurant and escort you to the Temple complex below
This is the best preserved Greek temple complex outside of Greece in the most splendid of surroundings
Depending on your level of interest this can be 1 to 3 hours of touring
Dependant on how you are feeling we would recommend you driving to the Scala dei Turchi (15kms) 20 minutes to enjoy this wonderful site and an aperitif
Returning home (40 minutes from Scala dei Turchi) we suggest an earlier dinner at a restaurant that few get to visit due to its location. La Madia, The most innovative and interesting fish restaurant we know
Sleep Villa Nautica
Note: Lunch with wines included
DAY 06: Thursday 22nd March 2019
Cooking Experience / Wines of Sicily and Dinner in Chiaramonte with Tim / Sleep Villa Nautica
Today we will offer you a cooking experience for the whole family
Depending on your what you prefer we can make this at the Villa with the chef coming to you or you going to the the Chefs house
Market and purchase of goods together
Cooking experience. Knowing how keen and accomplished a chef Piaspia is, we can adapt what we make dishes specifically at your request
Lunch with wines will be based on your creations
Afternoon Free
Transfer 30 minutes (25kms) to Chiaramonte Gulfi to Tims House
Wine tasting with Tim of the wines of Western Sicily, Grillo, Perricone and Cattarato
Dinner at the Famous Majore Restaurant (Pork specialists) with wines. Note the menu has not changed in 30 years, It certainly works
Transfer 30 minutes to the Villa
Sleep Villa Nautica
Note: Lunch and Dinner with wines included
DAY 07: Friday 23rd March 2019
Check Out / Ispica wine tasting with Guided tour of Noto and Siracusa / Check in Taormina /Sleep Taormina
Check out of Villa
Transfer to Ispica (30 minutes / 35 kilometers)
Wine tasting with Massimo the owner of Rio Favara Winery
Transfer to Noto 30 minutes 20kms
Meet with Nicoletta our specialist guide (from Ragusa Ibla Tour) and enjoy a short walking tour of this gorgous town
Transfer to Syracuse 40 minutes 35 kilometers
Lunch (not included) at La Terrazza sul Mare with amazing views over Ortiga and the Port
Nicoletta our specialist guide will meet you at the restaurant and enjoy a 2 hour walking tour of Ortiga and its most important sites
Please note that there is the Archaeological park and greek theatre of Syracuse to visit. We think its too much to do all three, Noto Ortiga and the Archaeological Park. We will have to decide what is of more interest prior
Transfer to Taormina (1 and half hours 120 kms)
Check in to Maison Blanche or NH Collection
Dinner at Tischi Toschi with wines (Tim can join if you want) Luca a good friend serves up the best in traditional Sicilian fare
Sleep Maison Blanche or NH Collection
Note: Dinner with wines Included
DAY 08: Saturday 24th March 2019
Etna Wine Tour with Tim /Sightseeing Taormina / Sleep Taormina
Transfer from Taormina 40 kms 50 minutes (with your transport, and Tim included) if you prefer a different transport (not included)
Today we will visit 1 winery on Etna Destro Winery. A beautiful Palmento and small non industrial winery making Red white and incredible Sparlking wine in the Classic method
Next just down the Road we will taste, not visit the wines of Girolomo Russo with the owner Guiseppe
Lunch with premium wines at Cave Ox with Sandro a friend Tims
Website Cave Ox
Transfer from Solicchiata to Taormina 37 kms 45 minutes
Sleep Maison Blanche or NH Collection
Dinner at Tiramisu. A favourite for Locals, great outside space, food and pizzas are all excellent, totally casual
Sleep Maison Blanche or NH Collection
Lunch with Wines included
DAY 09: Sunday 25th March 2019
Check out of Taormina / Departure OUT of CTA Airport
Check out of Maison Blanche or NH Collection
Transfer to Catania Fontanarossa Airport (70 kms 1 hour)
Return hire car
Flight out TBD
End of Services