Cognoscenti Travel

Syracuse & Baroqueshire

A six-night journey through Sicily’s cultural crown

From golden hill towns to volcanic vineyards, this curated itinerary offers a deep dive into the radiant heart of Eastern Sicily. Explore the elegance of Sicilian Baroque in Noto and Ortigia, the drama of Etna’s lava-sculpted slopes, and the timeless allure of Taormina. Along the way: noble palazzi, ancient rites, volcanic wines, and days shaped by golden light and local knowledge.

Syracuse & Baroqueshire trip Highlights

  • Wander the streets of ‘Baroqueshire’, where Noto and its neighboring towns glow in honey-hued stone
  • Discover the cinematic beauty and layered history of Ortigia, Syracuse’s ancient heart
  • Climb the slopes of Mount Etna, exploring lava flows, pine forests, and caves with expert guides
  • Sail along Sicily’s volcanic coastline, discovering sea-sculpted cliffs and turquoise coves
  • Sip rare vintages at Etna’s pioneering vineyards and enjoy rustic feasts in noble surroundings
  • Stay in exceptional hotels, from countryside eco-retreats to Taormina’s iconic cliffside palace

need to know..

All our itineraries are suggestions and will be designed around your personal needs and requirements

Guide price

From €500 per person, per day, including accommodations and curated experiences

Best time

Spring and Autumn – quieter roads, golden light, and cooler climes

Perfect for

Culture lovers and wine aficionados

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival & The Val di Noto Countryside
Fly into Catania, pick up your rental car, and begin your journey south into the serene landscapes of the Val di Noto. Settle in at a peaceful countryside estate surrounded by olive groves and almond trees.
Dinner: At leisure – we’ll suggest a local favorite for an authentic first taste of Sicily
Stay: Masseria della Volpe – an elegant eco-resort nestled in the rolling hills of South-Eastern Sicily

Day 2

Noto & The Golden Baroque
This morning, a private visit to Palazzo Castelluccio, an aristocratic residence that whispers of Sicily’s noble past. Enjoy traditional sweets served in the frescoed dining room. Continue with a guided walking tour of Noto, a baroque masterpiece in glowing limestone—its streets lined with cafés, churches, and boutiques.
Stay: Masseria della Volpe

Day 3

Ortigia & Ancient Rituals
Explore Ortigia, the ancient island heart of Syracuse. Your private guide will lead you through the bustling market and into the labyrinthine Jewish Quarter, where you'll descend into one of Europe’s oldest Mikveh baths. Enjoy lunch at leisure—perhaps a hand-crafted panino from the market, filled with local delicacies.
Stay: Masseria della Volpe

Day 4

Etna Wines & Taormina by Twilight
Drive north, following the coastline toward Taormina. En route, stop for a private tour and rustic wine lunch at Benanti Winery, a pioneer of volcanic viticulture. Arrive in Taormina by afternoon—its sea views, café culture, and lively piazzas await.
Stay: San Domenico Palace – a legendary hotel set on the cliffs above the Ionian Sea, where history meets contemporary elegance

Day 5

Mount Etna: Volcano & Vintages
An unforgettable day on Mount Etna, led by our expert naturalist and volcanologist guides. Travel by 4x4 jeep and foot to explore craters, lava fields, and pine forests. Learn about the mountain’s flora, geology, and ongoing eruptions. For lunch, pause at the Cottanera Winery for a relaxed picnic and Etna wine tasting among the vines.
Stay: San Domenico Palace

Day 6

Coastal Exploration
A day of freedom along Sicily’s dramatic Ionian coast. Sail past volcanic cliffs, explore hidden coves, or simply stroll Taormina’s bougainvillaea-lined streets. We’ll curate the perfect experience—be it a private boat, a visit to Castelmola, or a lazy seaside lunch under the pines.
Stay: San Domenico Palace

Day 7

Departure
Return to Catania Airport at your leisure. We’ll ensure your final moments are as seamless as the journey itself.

Ready to Discover the Real Sicily?

This journey is just the beginning. Let Alberto and the Cognoscenti Travel team craft a tailor-made itinerary shaped around your passions and pace. Every trip is personal—and unforgettable.

Start planning
Noto Cathedral Sicily Italy - Date: 06 - 12 - 2024
2 - Taormina theatre
Ornamental flowered pottery planter in a balcony along the streets of Taormina, Eastsicily
4 - Noto
5 - masseria della volpe
small boat for excursion in front of the island Isola Bella at Taormina, Sicily
7 - masseria-della-volpe-entrance

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.
Itinerary white lotus
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.
Itinerary Etna and wine
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.
The Cathedral of Syracuse
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.

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Cognoscenti Travel specialises in bespoke, luxury and ‘off the beaten track’ holiday experiences in Sicily. All our itineraries are carefully created to introduce a side of the Island known only to locals and experts. Please get in touch with founder and director Alberto to see how he can deliver a fully tailored, one-off adventure of a life-time.

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