







Trip summary statistics
10days
Sicily and Sardinia: From Etna to Costa Smeralda
Catania, Taormina, Palermo, Olbia, Porto Cervo
Explore Taormina's Greek Theatre with a private guide, then passeggiata at dusk.
Taste rare Etna reds in a volcanic hillside cellar and Sardinian Vermentino by the coast.
Dine at a Corleone farmhouse, where reclaimed land now tells a story of Sicilian resilience.
Wander San Pantaleo's artisan lanes, then trade granite for beach time on Costa Smeralda.
Your Destination Expert arranges beach club access, Porto Cervo dining, or onward travel.
* Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
A travel experience like no other
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
We personalize
There's no formula, we simply listen to you and make it happen.
We expertly plan
From your itinerary to the small details, we prepare it all on your behalf.
We don't settle
Refining your itinerary until you're happy, even while you're traveling.
When would you like to travel?
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If anything changes, we can always adjust.
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Catania to Taormina
- Airport Meet & Greet Assistant
- Catania Airport to Taormina, 1.5 hrs - Private Transfer
- Italy Welcome Package
- Taormina Dining Recommendations
TaorminaTaormina Through the Ages
- Symbols of Taormina (3 hrs) - Private
- Corso Umberto Passeggiata
TaorminaAncient Vines & Volcanic Terroir
- Wine Tasting at Etna Wine Estates (7 hrs) - Private
Taormina to PalermoCefalù Along the Way
- Taormina to Palermo via Cefalu at Leisure (7 hrs) - Private Transfer
PalermoWhere Cultures Converge
- Exploring Palermo & Monreale Through the Ages (4 hrs) - Private Tour
- Self-Guided: A Taste of Palermo
PalermoCorleone, Rewritten
- Private Corleone Tour with Libera Terra Farmhouse Lunch | 6 hrs
Palermo to Olbia to Porto CervoCosta Smeralda Awaits
- Airport Transfer
- Palermo to Olbia, Flight (75 mins) - Separate Purchase
- Olbia Airport to Porto Cervo by Private Car | 45 mins
- Hotel Balocco at Leisure
- Porto Cervo Dining Reccomendations
Porto CervoArtisan Villages & Coastal Wines
- Private San Pantaleo Village & Vermentino Estate with Wine Tasting | 4 hrs
Porto CervoSardinia at Your Own Pace
- Coastal Leisure & Beach Clubs of Costa Smeralda - Self-Guided
- Passeggiata in Porto Cervo
Porto Cervo to OlbiaCiao for Now
- Porto Cervo to Olbia Airport by Private Car | 40 mins
CATANIA TO TAORMINA


For your comfort and peace of mind, an English-speaking assistant will greet you upon arrival at Catania Airport and escort you to your waiting private driver, ensuring a smooth and seamless start to your Sicilian journey.
Meet your private driver upon arrival at Catania Airport and settle in for a seamless transfer along Sicily’s scenic eastern coastline to Taormina. As the landscape shifts from volcanic plains to dramatic seaside vistas, enjoy a comfortable journey toward one of Sicily’s most elegant resort towns, perched high above the Ionian Sea.
A Welcome Package will be provided upon arrival and will include any relevant documents or tickets required for your trip.
Taormina’s dining scene pairs refined Sicilian flavors with some of the island’s most spectacular settings. From iconic terraces at Timeo Restaurant at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo to Michelin-starred experiences like Principe Cerami, the town delivers unforgettable evenings framed by sea views and Mount Etna. For something more local, discover beloved spots such as Osteria da Rita or Trattoria da Nino, known for traditional seafood and classic Sicilian dishes, or seek out hidden gems like Osteria Santa Domenica. Your Destination Expert can recommend and arrange reservations at the best tables in town, tailored to your tastes and preferred ambiance.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior Room
TAORMINA



Taormina Through the Ages
Perched high above the Ionian Sea, Taormina blends ancient history, elegant streets, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Join your private guide on a walking tour through the hilltop town’s picturesque center, visiting Taormina’s magnificent Greek Theatre along the way. Overlooking Mount Etna and the sea beyond, this extraordinary setting once hosted dramatic performances and still serves as a venue for cultural events today. Afterward, enjoy time at leisure along lively Corso Umberto, where cafÉs, artisan shops, gelato stops, and almond wine invite you to embrace the relaxed rhythm of Sicilian life before continuing your independent exploration or returning to your hotel.
As golden light fades over the Ionian Sea, Taormina’s elegant Corso Umberto comes to life. Set out at your own pace along this pedestrian promenade, where historic facades, chic boutiques, and lively piazzas create the perfect backdrop for an evening stroll. Pause in Piazza IX Aprile for sweeping views toward Mount Etna, linger over a gelato or aperitivo, and soak in the effortless rhythm of Sicilian nightlife as locals and visitors alike gather for the nightly passeggiata.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior Room
TAORMINA


Ancient Vines & Volcanic Terroir
Volcanic soils and centuries-old vines define the singular wines of Mount Etna. Set out with your private driver-escort for a full-day journey through Etna’s vineyard-lined hillsides and historic wine estates. Begin near Randazzo at a beloved countryside estate where folklore and literature inspire both the wines and their hand-illustrated labels. Tour the vineyards and cellar before tasting an elegant rosÉ and two expressive reds paired with local street food specialties. Continue to a second historic estate, home to rare pre-phylloxera vines that survived the devastation of the 19th century. Explore the atmospheric 18th-century cellar, then enjoy a guided tasting of five wines thoughtfully paired with seasonal dishes.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior Room
TAORMINA TO PALERMO


Cefalù Along the Way
Leave Taormina behind and journey west across Sicily’s striking northern coastline, pausing along the way to discover the enchanting seaside town of CefalÙ. Nestled beneath the dramatic limestone outcrop known as La Rocca, CefalÙ is one of Sicily’s most picturesque coastal villages, where medieval lanes, golden stone buildings, and sweeping sea views create an atmosphere rich in character and charm. Stroll at your own pace through the historic center, admire the town’s distinctive Norman heritage, browse local boutiques, or settle into a cafÉ or seaside restaurant for lunch at leisure overlooking the coast. Following your visit, continue by private transfer to Palermo.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior View Room
PALERMO



Where Cultures Converge
Vibrant and unapologetically bold, Palermo is a living mosaic of civilizations. Set out with your private driver and knowledgeable guide to explore a city shaped by Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Arab, French, and Spanish influence, where centuries of conquest and culture reveal themselves in every square and faÇade. The highlight is the extraordinary Cappella Palatina, built in the 12th century by Roger II, where Norman architecture, Byzantine mosaics, and Arab artistry merge in dazzling harmony within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue through Palermo’s atmospheric historic center before arriving in Monreale, home to one of Sicily’s most breathtaking cathedrals, its vast interior shimmering with magnificent golden mosaics crafted by Byzantine, Arab, and Norman masters.
With a number of options across the city, deciding on a which Palermo restaurants to try during your stay can prove to be a challenge. To assist, you’ll receive a supplemental composition within your final trip documents, showcasing our top restaurant suggestions for Palermo, as selected by Kensington Tours Destination Experts.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior View Room
PALERMO



Corleone, Rewritten
Where you’ll be staying
Superior View Room
PALERMO TO OLBIA TO PORTO CERVO



Costa Smeralda Awaits
Meet your private driver for a transfer between the airport and your hotel.
Continue your island-hopping journey with a short flight from Sicily to Sardinia, connecting Palermo with Olbia in approximately seventy-five minutes. This convenient routing allows for a seamless transition from Sicily’s rich cultural landscapes to the coastal elegance of Costa Smeralda. Please note: This is a separate purchase and airfare will be arranged at an additional cost. Should you wish, your Destination Expert can assist with flight recommendations and booking arrangements.
Enjoy a private transfer from Olbia Airport to Porto Cervo. Approximate travel time is forty-five minutes.
Sun-drenched terraces, sweeping views over the Costa Smeralda, and an easy rhythm of seaside living set the tone for your time at leisure at Hotel Balocco. Spend the day unwinding by the panoramic pool, where turquoise waters seem to melt into the horizon, or settle into a quiet corner with a drink in hand as the gentle coastal breeze drifts through.
Set the tone for a stylish evening along the Costa Smeralda with a curated selection of Porto Cervo’s most sought-after dining experiences. Indulge in elegant dining at renowned venues such as Ristorante Lu Pisantinu, enjoy a lively marina-side atmosphere at Ristorante Clipper, or settle into the refined waterfront setting of Ristorante Fior D’Acqua, celebrated for its polished seafood cuisine. For something chic and contemporary, Elit Promenade CafÉ offers a fashionable setting along the promenade. Should you wish to secure reservations or arrange transportation, your Destination Expert will be happy to assist.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior Sea View Room
PORTO CERVO


Artisan Villages & Coastal Wines
From Porto Cervo, set out with your private driver-escort into the hills above the Emerald Coast to explore San Pantaleo, a granite-built village known for its easygoing charm and artistic flair. Inspired by traditional Sardinian stazzi, its stone houses gather around a lively piazza dotted with artisan studios and small boutiques, perfect for a relaxed wander. Continue through rolling, vineyard-lined countryside to a local estate in the heart of Vermentino country. Walk among the vines, learn about the region’s long winemaking heritage, and settle in for a tasting of five wines paired with regional appetizers. Fresh Vermentino, local specialties, and sweeping coastal views come together for a flavorful and unpretentious taste of northern Sardinia. Dietary restrictions must be advised at time of booking.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior Sea View Room
PORTO CERVO



Sardinia at Your Own Pace
Spend the day embracing the laid-back rhythm of Sardinia’s Emerald Coast. Discover hidden coves, crystalline waters and stylish beach clubs scattered along the coastline surrounding Porto Cervo. Whether relaxing seaside with a spritz in hand, enjoying a leisurely seafood lunch overlooking the Mediterranean or simply taking in the dramatic scenery of granite cliffs and turquoise bays, today is yours to experience Sardinia at your own pace. Reservations for beach clubs and recommended dining venues can be arranged upon request through your Destination Expert.
As the golden light settles over the harbour, step into Porto Cervo’s timeless passeggiata with a relaxed stroll through Promenade du Port, where galleries, boutiques, and cafÉs create an elegant yet easygoing atmosphere. Continue toward the marina to admire the yachts and shimmering sea, then pause for a spritz or glass of wine before wandering through the iconic Piazzetta di Porto Cervo. As the village comes to life, this unhurried ritual offers the perfect way to soak in the rhythm, beauty, and understated glamour of the Costa Smeralda.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior Sea View Room
PORTO CERVO TO OLBIA
Ciao for Now
Depart Porto Cervo with your private driver and transfer to Olbia Airport.
TAORMINA






Hotel Villa Taormina
Hotel Villa Taormina is an intimate boutique retreat blending aristocratic Sicilian elegance with lush Mediterranean charm. Housed within a beautifully restored historic villa dating back to the early 1900s, the hotel enjoys sweeping views toward Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. With just 14 individually designed rooms and suites, the hotel offers an exclusive and romantic atmosphere ideal for couples and discerning travelers. At the heart of the property lies a tranquil Mediterranean garden oasis complete with a heated infinity pool and jacuzzi area, creating a peaceful contrast to bustling Taormina. Additional amenities include a panoramic rooftop terrace and bar overlooking Mount Etna and the coastline, and wellness-focused experiences such as yoga in the garden.
PALERMO




Palazzo Natoli
Located in the heart of Palermo’s historic center, Palazzo Natoli is a refined boutique hotel and a relaxing haven within the heart of the bustling city. Featuring 12 guestrooms uniquely styled with classic and contemporary decor, the building presents an intimate and elegant environment, maintaining the noble residence’s original identity. Steps away from the Palermo Cathedral and the famous Quattro Canti, Palazzo Natoli is well situated for taking in the treasures of Palermo. Please note: while breakfast and lunch can be had in its adjoined cafe, Palazzo Natoli does not feature on-site dining options for dinner. A number of restaurants are within close proximity of the hotel.
PORTO CERVO






Hotel Balocco
Bougainvillea spills over whitewashed terraces as the scent of salt air drifts up from the marina below at Hotel Balocco. Overlooking Porto Cervo, this charming hillside hideaway pairs traditional Sardinian architecture with intimate, attentive service and sweeping views of the Costa Smeralda. Its peaceful setting feels worlds away, yet you’re just minutes from yacht-lined promenades, designer boutiques, and crystalline beaches. Hotel Balocco acts as the ideal retreat for travelers seeking both glamour and serenity on Sardinia’s northeast coast.
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see's to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you're celebrating one of life's big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we're creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What's included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- Regional flights between stops in your itinerary (unless otherwise indicated)
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What's not included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you'd like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you've booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel. Still unsure? Consider these frequently asked questions.









