Cognoscenti Travel

Sicily, Designed for You

Custom Private Travel Itineraries for Individuals and Small Groups

Luxury Itineraries & Private Tours

Every Cognoscenti Travel itinerary is custom-designed to match your style, interests, and pace

fennel and oranges served on a plate, top view, traditional Medi

Chef's Tour

A food lover’s dream. From bustling street markets and hands-on cooking classes to Michelin-starred dining and exclusive vineyard visits, this tour is a true culinary Journey.

White Lotus

The ultimate luxury tour through Sicily’s most iconic sights. Stay in opulent hotels and noble palaces, and unwind along glamorous coastlines. This is the best of the Best.

Etna Volcano & Vineyards

Experience the raw beauty of Europe’s largest active volcano. Hike or drive through its scenic foothills and enjoy tastings at some of Sicily’s most extraordinary wineries.

Turqoise Water on Lipary Island Shores , Aeolian Islands , Sicily, Italy.

Sailing the Aeolian Islands

Set off on a private island-hopping adventure through Sicily’s volcanic Aeolian Islands. Sail in style and discover hidden gems off the coast.

Syracuse & Baroqueshire

Explore the culture-rich coastal cities of Siracusa and Ortigia, then journey inland to the beautifully preserved Baroque hill towns of Noto, Modica, and Ragusa.

Antiche saline in disuso sull'Isola Lunga (Marsala).

Customize Your Travel

Let us build your perfect Sicilian getaway, tailored to your schedule, group dynamic, and interests—whether it’s a weekend escape or a month-long journey.

Let us guide you through the wonders and hidden corners of Sicily, taking care of every detail so you can travel effortlessly and meaningfully.

Group Trips

Family
Gatherings

Friendship
Groups

Seasonal
Festivities

Celebrations
& Events

Sicily Guide

Sicily is where cultures converge and nature’s energy pulses through the land. From dramatic volcanic landscapes and sparkling seas to classical ruins and Baroque architecture, every corner of the island tells a story. Add to that dazzling festivals, unforgettable cuisine, and world-class wine—and you have a destination like no Other.

Explore more of Sicily

Hotels & Villas

Customer Reviews

“Marvellous journey! We have been to Sicily many times, but all the experiences we had during the trip with Cognoscenti Travel have been absolutely unique and special. We give five stars to the organization!”

Sorelle su Marte

“Bravo Cognoscenti Travel! The trip you organized for us this summer in Sicily made for a treasured family experience. The history, the sightseeing, the beaches, sea cruises and (of course) restaurant and vineyard tours were all fabulous. Everything was professionally organized and seamless and thus made for a true vacation. Our teenage daughters were thrilled and cannot wait to return! A big thank you and compliments to Alberto Ciarallo who spent a tremendous amount of time and attention ensuring no details were overlooked.”

Phil Winiecki

“Alberto guided our family through anincredible trip around Sicily. Each day was filled with a mix of different wonderful things to do and see and delicious meals. The tour guides were impressive and drivers were great. It was a Sicilian adventure that we will never forget!”

V Euler

“I have just enjoyed a corporate retreat organised by Alberto at Cognoscenti Travel in Palermo. 5 stars is not enough! His incredible knowledge of ‘secret’ places, the best guides and the most fantastic food is exceptional. He chose a beautiful hotel for our team, with a comfortable meeting room and roof-top space. All transfers were faultless, and the attention to detail was perfect. Alberto really understood what our group needed and delivered a varied, interesting and memorable team event. Our private tour of the Palentine Chapel will stay with me forever. Thank you Alberto – always a pleasure to enjoy one of your special trips.”

Melanie Martin

“Our Summer trip with Cognoscenti Travel was beyond memorable. The insider access to Sicily that Alberto provided was unparalleled. Even our group of hard to please teenagers agreed it was “their best trip ever!!!”. We are already planning our next trip to Sicily and can’t wait to discover what Alberto and Cognoscenti Travel has in store for our family and friends. Thank you Cognoscenti Travel!!!”

Angela Butler

“Cognoscenti Travel organised a fabulous week for our family in Sicily based on Alberto taking the time to get to our know our interests and expectations. This resulted in finding two beautiful hotel locations where we were able to relax but also explore towns like Noto and Ortigia as well as wonderful beaches and restaurants. Alberto’s deep knowledge of Sicily really helped and also his access to an exceptional guide who shared our love of food, history and architecture. We would like to thank Alberto and his team who looked after us so well.”

Jason Bacon

About

Cognoscenti Travel is the brainchild of event specialist Alberto Ciarallo. He’s built a team of in-the-know local characters with rich and unusual backgrounds. Their experience and stories bring your adventure to life.

With a wealth of knowledge, honed over two decades in travel and event design, Alberto curates unique and tailored itineraries. Match your tastes with secret destinations and a myriad of local detail.

Journal

Made to measure Sicily

This is part one of a personal tale of a trip to Western Sicily was written by broadcaster, writer and blogger Laura Ciarallo. Laura is one of the two ‘Martian...

Tradition and natural quality bottled

Sicilian wine is on-trend – this year, Conde Nast Traveller listed the region as one of the best for wine-lovers and aficionados. But quality, artisan wines have been developed here...

Sleeping with the fishes: Sicily's quirkiest museum

Michelangelo explains how this silvery little fish has managed to make a massive impact, shaping Sicilian communities, coastline and nature. Travelling in huge schools, the oily and potent anchovy have...

Palermo's best bar: Caffe Spinnato

Sicilians take their coffee very seriously, and cafes are at the centre of social life. If you want to enjoy the best of both in Palermo, head to 145-year-old Caffè...