Explore the Wines of Eastern Sicily on This Exclusive Luxury Tour with Grape Escapes

At a glance

Welcome to Sicily!  Arrive in the stunning coastal town of Taormina, perched high above the Ionian Sea.  Famous for its breathtaking views of Mount Etna, this beautiful town offers the perfect start to your exclusive Sicilian adventure. Upon arrival, check in to your chosen room at the luxury Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo (or similar), where you’ll enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.  Whether you prefer exploring Taormina’s ancient Greek Theatre, indulging in local cuisine,  sunning yourself at the beach or simply relaxing by the panoramic pool, this day is yours to savour the atmosphere of this charming town.

Day two is a day at leisure to allow you to truly embrace the Sicilian pace of life. You will have the entire day to experience Taormina’s charm. Wander the narrow streets, admire the baroque architecture, or take a scenic cable car down to the beach.  For those seeking a more curated experience, optional private excursions can be arranged, including a guided tour of Taormina’s historical landmarks or a private sunset cruise along the coast. If you’re a foodie, we recommend participating in a private local food tour or enjoying a meal at one of Taormina’s renowned restaurants where you’ll enjoy local Sicilian cuisine and sweeping sea views.

On day three , after a leisurely breakfast it will be time to check out.  Today you will venture north and head towards the iconic slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano.  Your private driver will collect you from your hotel and you will visit one of the region’s finest Etna DOC wineries for a private, VIP-level wine tour and tasting.  The volcanic soils of this region produce some of the most highly-regarded wines in Sicily, particularly the bold reds. Following the tasting, you will continue to the eco-luxury retreat, Monaci delle Terre Nere, where you’ll check in and have the evening free to relax in this serene setting surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.

In keeping with the relaxed pace of this tour day four is a day of leisure at Monaci delle Tere Nere.  Once you have settled in at the hotel you will understand why guests at the hotel love to stay and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.  The estate offers various activities such as vineyard tours, yoga sessions, and cooking classes, or you can simply unwind by the pool, soaking in the breathtaking views of Mount Etna.  This is a perfect way to recharge and experience the authentic Sicilian countryside in luxury surroundings.

Following breakfast on day five, it is time to check out from Monaci delle Terre Nere.  Your private driver will collect you for your transfer to the Ragusa region with your final destination being the charming Baglio Occhipinti.  Along the way, you’ll stop at a leading wine estate for a vineyard tour, followed by a sumptuous Sicilian lunch paired with the estate’s finest wines. After lunch, you’ll continue your transfer to Baglio Occhipinti, known for its warm hospitality and organic wine production. Check in and relax for the evening at this boutique estate.

Day six is a relaxing day for you to spend at Baglio Occhipinti.  Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and spend your day exploring the surrounding vineyards or maybe taking part in hands-on experiences such as wine-making, olive oil tastings or a cooking class.  In the late afternoon, we have arranged for a taxi to take you to the historic city of Ragusa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you will have free time to explore the town’s magnificent baroque architecture.  End your evening with dinner at one of Ragusa’s excellent restaurants, before your taxi arrives to return you to Baglio Occhipinti.

After breakfast on day seven your driver will arrive to transfer you to the elegant baroque town of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site,  where you will spend the next the next three nights.

On the way we have arranged a stop at a premier Nero d’Avola vineyard, where you’ll enjoy a private tour and tasting. Nero d’Avola is one of Sicily’s most famous grape varieties, known for producing robust and flavourful wines. After your wine experience, continue to the luxurious Il San Corrado di Noto hotel, a peaceful retreat that offers world-class amenities and the perfect base for relaxation for the remainder of your tour.

Days eight and nine have been set aside for pure relaxation. Spend your time enjoying the luxurious surroundings at your leisure. Whether it’s unwinding by the pool, indulging in a spa treatment, or exploring the charming town of Noto, this is your time to relax and soak in the tranquility of this exclusive hideaway. For those looking for additional experiences, we can arrange a private tour of Noto, cooking classes, or wine excursions.

Day ten is departure day. After breakfast,  it’s time to check out and begin your onward journey. Transfers to the airport or to your next destination can be arranged upon request.

Outline Itinerary

Day four of your Exclusive Eastern Sicily Wine Tour

• Spend a full day at leisure at Monaci delle Terre Nere.
• Optional activities include vineyard tours, yoga, cooking classes, or simply unwinding by the pool with views of Mount Etna.

Day five of your Exclusive Eastern Sicily Wine Tour

• After breakfast, transfer from Mount Etna to Baglio Occhipinti, stopping at a renowned wine estate for a vineyard tour and Sicilian lunch paired with the estate’s wines.
• Arrive at Baglio Occhipinti and check into this charming wine estate known for its organic wines.
• Evening at leisure to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the estate.

Day six of your Exclusive Eastern Sicily Wine Tour

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning at your own pace.
• Spend the day relaxing or participating in activities like olive oil tasting or exploring the estate’s vineyards.
• In the late afternoon, take a private transfer to the baroque city of Ragusa for a guided tour of its historical sites.
• Free time for dinner in Ragusa, with return transport provided.

Day seven of your Exclusive Eastern Sicily Wine Tour

• After breakfast, transfer to Noto, stopping en route at a prestigious Nero d’Avola vineyard for a private tour and tasting.
• Arrive at the luxurious Il San Corrado di Noto hotel and check-in.
• Afternoon at leisure to explore the estate, take advantage of the beach club or relax by the pool.

Days eight and nine of your Exclusive Eastern Sicily Wine Tour

• Spend the next two days at leisure, enjoying the serene surroundings of Il San Corrado di Noto.
• Optional: Private tours of Noto, spa treatments, cooking classes, or further wine experiences can be arranged.

Day ten of your Exclusive Eastern Sicily Wine Tour

• After a leisurely breakfast, check out from the hotel.

Package Prices

• These prices are per person and based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin or double room.
• These are realistic guide prices, based on travel in standard season (usually April to the end of October). Discounts often apply for travel out of season (usually November to the end of March) or if there are more than two of you travelling together. Please let us know your preferred travel dates for a definitive price.
• Although we propose specific hotels as part of our standard packages, we enjoy excellent relationships and preferential rates at the majority of the hotels in each of our featured destinations. Therefore if you would prefer to stay in a different hotel, this can be arranged. Please contact us for the relevant supplements/discounts.
• Other room grades are available at most of the hotels that we work with. Just let us know which hotel you prefer and we will send you the relevant supplements for the various room grades.
• Single supplements and extra night prices are available upon request.

Enhance your Experience/Tour Upgrades

Further Information