The Essence of Sicily
A luxury week on Sicily's Ionian coast, daily practice, Taormina and Mount Etna views, Cyclops rocks by canoe, and Baroque towns of the southeast.
A retreat of contrasts
Sicily is an island where volcanic peaks meet turquoise water, lemon groves scent the air, and every meal is a slow celebration of the land. This retreat is designed to capture its essence, deep daily practice, curated cultural excursions, and long unhurried Sicilian evenings.
Base yourself at the Grand Hotel Baia Verde in Acicastello, moving between snorkeling among volcanic basalt columns, hilltop Taormina and its Ancient Greek Theatre, a sunset canoe among the Cyclops rocks of Aci Trezza, and boat days around Ortigia in Syracuse.
End the week in the honey-stone Baroque towns of Modica and Ragusa Ibla, dramatic staircases, ancient chocolate, and a farewell dinner shaped by gratitude and reflection.
What makes it unforgettable
Grand Hotel Baia Verde
Six nights of luxury on the Ionian coast at Acicastello, near Catania.
Aci Castello Volcanic Coast
Snorkel among columns of solidified lava, colorful fish and marine plants.
Taormina & Teatro Greco
Hilltop town, 3rd-century BC amphitheatre and views to Etna and Isola Bella.
Sunset Canoe at Aci Trezza
Paddle among the Faraglioni of the Cyclops, a protected marine area.
Syracuse & Ortigia Island
Guided walking tour and a 2-hour boat tour of sea caves with fruit and prosecco.
Modica & Ragusa Ibla
Late Sicilian Baroque, Cathedral of San Giorgio and Modica's ancient chocolate.
Deep Daily Practice
A curated flow each day, plus opening and closing ceremonies with the group.
Guide, Driver & Transfers
Group transfers to/from CTA airport and a private driver for every excursion.
Volcanic peaks, turquoise water and honey-stone Baroque, Sicily is a slow celebration of the land.
Your 7 Days in Italy
Day 1Arrival & Welcome Dinner
Arrive at Catania airport (CTA) and meet your private group transfer to the Grand Hotel Baia Verde in Acicastello. Check in, relax and explore, then gather for the Opening Ceremony and a Welcome Dinner of Sicilian delicacies.
StayGrand Hotel Baia Verde, Acicastello
- Day 2
Yoga & Taormina Discovery
Breakfast at the hotel and a delicious daily flow. Later meet your guide to snorkel along the Aci Castello coast among curious underwater volcanic formations, hundreds of multi-coloured fish and columns of solidified lava. In the afternoon, transfer to Taormina and meet a local guide to visit the Ancient Greek Theatre with panoramic views of Mount Etna and the sea, then wander boutiques, Baroque churches and Piazza IX Aprile, with a panoramic view of Isola Bella on the way back.
StayGrand Hotel Baia Verde, Acicastello
Day 3Rest, Practice & the Aci Castello Coast
A slower morning practice and breakfast, then a quiet day on the Ionian coast. Time to swim, journal by the sea, walk the lava-stone waterfront of Aci Castello, or simply rest at the hotel between the two more active excursions.
StayGrand Hotel Baia Verde, Acicastello
- Day 4
Free Day & Sunset Canoe at the Cyclops Rocks
Morning practice and breakfast, then a free day until an optional 5 PM canoe workshop. A one-hour tour among the Faraglioni of Aci Trezza, volcanic rocks rising majestically from the sea, the scene of Ulysses's legendary clash with Polyphemus. Paddle in a protected marine area, admire the columnar basalts (found only here and in Iceland), and take a refreshing swim if you wish.
StayGrand Hotel Baia Verde, Acicastello
Day 5Syracuse & Ortigia Island
Breakfast and a morning yoga + journaling session, then a private transfer to Syracuse, the largest city of antiquity, founded in 734–733 BC. Meet a local guide in Ortigia for a walking tour through charming alleys of the historic centre, followed by a 2-hour boat tour around the peninsula and its sea caves, with the chance to swim or snorkel, and fruit and prosecco on board. Return for a rooftop sunset flow.
StayGrand Hotel Baia Verde, Acicastello
- Day 6
Modica & Ragusa Ibla, Farewell
Breakfast and departure to Modica, a baroque postcard nestled among hills, with the stunning Cathedral of San Giorgio perched above a scenic staircase. Wander narrow winding streets, artisan shops and hidden courtyards, and taste Modica's grainy, intensely flavorful chocolate made with an ancient Aztec method. Continue to Ragusa Ibla, a real baroque jewel carved into the rock. Return to the hotel for a Farewell Dinner and closing ceremony.
StayGrand Hotel Baia Verde, Acicastello
Day 7Departure, Gratitude & Farewell
Breakfast, gratitude and farewell. Depart beautiful Sicily with forever memories and a powerful sense of connection. Group transfer to CTA airport for departure.
Design this journey around you
Tell us who's coming, the season you're dreaming of, and any moments that matter most. We'll shape the pace, rooms and rhythm of The Essence of Sicily around you, a private version, just for your circle.