Private drivers, private yacht charters and helicopter tours to the Aeolian Islands and surrounding areas in Sicily. Picnic’s amongst the vines, exclusive private cooking classes, Etna wine trail experiences, private walking tours of the most beautiful cities in Sicily, private helicopter charters, artisan experiences, food and wine tours, deep sea fishing, VIP opera tickets and so much more.
Following is a small example of the possibilities.
Quite a number of Palaces and Villas are still today owned by the aristocracy. Their private homes will be opened just for you to enjoy an aperitif, a concert and go back to the Leopard’s atmosphere.
Visit churches and oratories after hours. Received by the landlady or by the “Mae- stro di casa” we walk through the family history and its private collections; accom- panied by the sound of a violin you can discover the secrets of a hidden baroque convent; involved into the moving atmo- sphere of the glittering medieval cathe- drals enjoy the vibrations of one of the biggest pipe organs in Europe.
Duration: 4 Hours
Visit Catania situated between the Ionian Sea and the majestic Mount Etna. Catania is one of the greatest baroque
cities of the Mediterranean and the city radiates a strange romantic beauty with its broad boulevards, spacious squares and great cathedrals, still striking in their black and white colours, lava and limestone, crumbling plaster, and cracked marble columns.
Stop at the “Pescheria”, a daily fish and vegetable market before admiring the famous Cyclops Coast visiting Acitrezza, Acicastello and its Medieval Norman Castle built in 1076 on a prehistoric basalt lava terrace. As you gaze out over the Ionian Sea, you will admire the Rocks of the Cyclops: imposing, spiky shards of black lava that rise up from the water.
Includes Private English Speaking Driver and Private Guide.
Visit the bays of Taormina by boat at Sunset. Relax, swim and enjoy an aperitivo on board whilst admiring the natural reserve of Isola Bella.
Enjoy a private tour on board a well equipped yacht along Taormina's enchanting coastline with romantic bays in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Relax and swim in clear blue waters and discover Naxos, Mazzaro, Isola Bella and Mermaids Bay. An oasis of hidden beauties and peace.
Admire the Bay of Isola Bella, the Grotta Azzura, the Grotta Verde - named as the 'Love Cave' because of a little shore inside that can host two people only - the bay's of Mazzaro and Spisone, Capotaormina and be fascinated by its rugged and unusual coastline, and the bay of Naxos with its breathtaking view of Mount Etna.
Comfortable sailing whilst admiring the natural reserve of Isola Bella.
Costs will be provided at the time of your enquiry.
Enjoy a day at sea visiting the bays of Taormina and the coast of the pearl of the Ionian with our most authentic and relaxing tour on board your private luxury yacht.
Visit not only the fascinating Grotta Azzurra with its colorful shades of blue, also Capo Taormina and its rocky coastline - made famous by the film Le Grand Blue. Etna and the Gulf of Giardini Naxos provides the perfect backdrop for a photo and is the perfect place for a refreshing dip in the waters of the Grotta del Giorno. The tour continues along the coast towards the Bay of Mazzarò, the beach of the locals or 'taorminesi', and past the luxury hotels and fashionable lidos where everyday the slow dolce vita of Sicily is celebrated.
Stop for an aperitivo on board before continuing onto to the Bay of Mermaids, one of the most secluded and characteristic bays of the entire coastline and also the perfect location for a swim in the clear, cool waters.
Finish at Isola Bella where you will have the opportunity to visit one of the jewels of the Mediterranean. Thanks to its unique nature and its geographical form, the island has been declared a monument of historical and artistic interest and value.
At the end of the visit enjoy a wonderful fish based meal on board or in a typical Sicilian 'trattoria' just a few meters from the crystal waters of the reserve.
Discover the ancient history of one of the most beautiful cities of Sicily - Syracuse, than relax wandering the narrow streets of Baroque Noto.
The entire city of Syracuse is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded on the west coast of Sicily in 734 BC by Greek colonizers, Syracuse was one of the most powerful cities of the Mediterranean sea. Rich in Ancient Greek history, the city features stunning architecture, and was the birthplace of mathematician Archimedes.
Visit the archeological sites of ancient Syracuse with its Greek Theatre, Necropolis and the Amphitheatre of the Roman Imperial age. The majestic Greek Theatre of Syracuse, carved into the heart of the mountains, is the place where Plato once performed.
Travel to the charming Ortigia Island - the center and the heart of Syracuse. Start the sightseeing of Ortigia with a walk around to soak up the sights.
Visit Piazza Duomo, marvel the magnificent Cathedral built in the 7th century over the great Temple of Athena and the beautiful promenade along the sea where you can find the Fountain of Arethusa, famous from Greek mythology.
Noto is a small Sicilian baroque jewel surrounded by the orange, almond and olive trees. The buildings are majestic, all built in local limestone, soft and compact. The time has changed its candid pure color creating the magnificent golden tint that shines in the sunset light.
Included:
- Private Mercedes Car service
- Full day private local guide service
- 3 course tasting menù at a gourmet restaurant in Siracusa
- Entrance fee to the Archeological area of Siracusa and the Cathedral
- Coffee break at Noto.
Costs provided at the time of individual enquiries.
Enjoy a cooking class in a private villa in Taormina guided by a professional chef. Afterwards you will savour your dishes on the terrace with a selection of superb Mount Etna wines whilst soaking up the atmosphere of the villa and beautiful surrounds.
Enjoy a 5-hour experience led by a professional local chef who will teach you about Sicily’s cuisine heritage.
Sicily since ancient times has been a place of great domination which in turn created a complex gastronomical culture. Favoured ingredients are mainly locally produced vegetables, meat, and local seafood from the dazzling sea that surrounds the island.
Get ready to cook three courses featuring meat, fish, and pasta according to local culinary traditions and techniques that you can use to impress family and friends back home!
Enjoy a Sicilian aperitivo accompanied by local seasonal products, take a seat and dine on your dishes in the relaxing atmosphere of the villa. A selection of Etna’s prestigious wines will enrich your experience.
Includes:
2,5-hour cooking lesson with local professional chef and lunch
4 course lunch
Etna wine and mineral water
Home made Sicilian liqueur
Roundtrip transportation from your Hotel in Taormina to the Villa
Cost supplied per individual request.
Benanti is a prestigious winery and its wines are some of the most awarded in Sicily. By visiting the winery you can admire the huge Palmento – the typical Etnean millstone – from the 19th century and walk among the ancient vines that are grown on an extinct vulcano, Monte Serra.
Arrive at the winery for a tour with the Benanti’s family, then enjoy a hands-on pasta cooking class guided by our chefs, guests learn how to make pasta from scratch and the most traditional shapes used in Sicily: maccheroni, busiate, cavatelli, but also the ravioli and tortelli. The flour used in our class is organic and made with local wheat.
After the pasta, guests learn how to prepare a typical Etnean sauce or pesto, such as mushrooms and sausages ragout with wild fennel seeds, a pesto with roasted chestnuts or a deli- cious tomato sauce with basil and ricotta salata cheese. Finally our chef demonstrates how to make the famous cannolo Siciliano: a cruncy pastry filled with mouth-watering ricotta cheese, cream, chocolate and garnish with pistachio and candied fruits.
Lunch will be served with wine tasting. (Minimum 6 Pax.)
Duration: 4/5 Hours
Come and meet a great chef at his 1 Michelin star restaurant in Taormina. Pietro opens the doors of his star awarded kitchen to enthusiastic cooks and reveals the secrets of traditional, Sicilian dishes revisited with his art and professionalism.
The Program:
Meet the great Chef at his 1 Michelin starred restaurant. The Chef will guide and oversee the cooking lesson, illustrating the best techniques to handle and cook the dishes freely adapted and designed by the new “chefs for one day”.
Through the interplay of flavors and senses, the kitchen will become a stage where team dynamics, leadership skills and the ability to find solutions quickly will be exercised. Lunch or dinner with beverages is included.
Duration: 3/4 Hours
Learn the secrets of making our homemade pasta and gnocchi, prepared with old Sicilian wheat and filled with wild herbs collected in the farm.
Duration: 4 Hours
The lesson takes place in a bakery.
It includes the preparation of two courses that guests will taste at lunch, water, coffee and two glasses of local wine chosen by our sommelier and an apron for each guest.
Experience the excellence of Etna Doc wines by visiting three wineries with our professional sommelier. Enjoy a home made lunch in a family owned boutique winery.
Sicily has always had an extraordinary food and wine culture, and our Wine Trail aims to give you a full understanding of all that this fertile land has to offer. Visiting three different wineries on the slopes of the volcano, we will tell the stories of the men who have worked passionately to make Sicily an internationally renowned wine region.
During the tour our professional sommelier will explain to you the specific characteristics of the terroir and the effect that the Mediterranean climate and the vicinity to the sea have on the cultivation of the vines. You will learn all about the wine making process - from the harvesting of the grapes to the bottling and aging of the wine – which are all carried out with typical Sicilian devotion and love.
Our tour will conclude with a visit to a small family owned antique winery, located at a private Villa, where you can enjoy a walk around some rare examples of vines that are over 80 years old. The charming cellar represents an intimate timeless environment where a selection of great and authentic Etna Doc wines rest.
Included:
- Round trip transportation service with Mercedes Car available from Taormina area
- English speaking professional sommelier
- Guided tour of 3 wineries and their cellars
- Visit to vineyards
- 6 Wine Tastings (2 wines per winery)
- Olive oil and local product tasting
- Typical Sicilian rustic lunch
The most authentic of all private cooking classes with a real Sicilian “mamma”.
Tie your apron and get to cooking under the watchful eye of a Sicilian “mamma” who will guide you along the way to successfully create a typical Sicilian menu. Get your hands dirty using your fresh ingredients to prepare some delicious recipes. Then get ready to cook special dishes according to local culinary traditions and techniques that you can use to impress family and friends back home!
Meet ‘mamma’ — for the evening — in her apartment, and let her show you all the fresh ingredients you’ll be cooking with. Learn the basics of how to make your own fresh pasta combining the ingredients, kneading and stirring.
The cooking class is combined with the culture, traditions, habits and customs from which the Sicilian cuisine has evolved. You’ll be enchanted by the passion of the “mamma” for this cooking art which is the result of the
Sicilian love for food and fresh ingredients. With your meal ready, take a seat and savor your dishes surrounded by the authentic atmosphere typical of a Sicilian dinner.
Includes:
- 2 hours cooking lesson with a Sicilian “mamma”
- All necessary ingredients and use of the cooking utensils
- Sicilian wine and mineral water
- Homemade Sicilian lunch
Experience an authentic culinary lesson surrounded by the elegance of a Historical House in Taormina. An experience that will take you back in time, discovering ancient flavours and traditions.
The Program is:
Visit a Private and historical Villa whose well known dining room is the only interior in the world entirely designed by Sir Frank Brangwyn, a member of the prestigious Royal Accademy of British Artists, and one of the first decorators of Louis Confort Tiffany, inventor, together with Gaudì, of Art Nouveau.
The small dining room hosted heads of state, politicians, artists and intellectuals, from the first Ninetheen hundred up to now. Today Casa Cuseni is a part of the Historic Homes Association “Case della Memoria”, a European network connecting the homes of the greatest artists, writers, and academics. The refined esoteric garden, with its botanical rarities, has also joined the “Great Italian Gardens” network.
The Villa has a long tradition of Sicilian cuisine, with the first owner, the British artist Robert Kitson, who had the last Monsù of Taormina, then with Daphne and Concetta, who have experienced a wonderful Sicilian cuisine with some English flavours. Now for you, in the best historical tradition of Sicily - Nino, Concetta’s son, well-renowned Chef, together with his brigade will introduce you to the history of Sicily through its incredible cuisine.
A. “THE HISTORIC CENTER OF PALERMO” (3H)
Discover the historical and artistic beauties of Palermo (the UNESCO Arab-Norman itinerary, the Historical Markets with their smells and typical Mediterranean flavors) and its alleys at the slow pace of a bike ride: the best way to get into the heart of the city. The tour allows you to discover the main monuments, passing also through roads which are usually closed to traffic; some stops in the strategic points of cultural relevance are planned. During our bike ride, we will admire the most famous theatres, the historic streets with Baroque churches, and important testimonies of Arab, Byzantine, Norman and Spanish art. A stop will be dedicated to the tasting of a product of the local gastronomy.
Itinerary difficulty: Easy
Flat course, 13 Km, 1 intermediate stop during the trip + short stops at the most interesting monuments.
B. PALERMO AND THE ROYAL PARK OF FAVORITA (4 H)
An unusual and adventurous bicycle ride along the coast of Palermo, to discover the fascinating and evocative landscapes and colours that only the sky of Palermo can offer. Discover the historic and artistic beauties of Palermo, crossing its enchanting coastline on a tour which has as its protagonists the History and the Sea. Along the coastal route, pass through the Village of Arenella, originally born as a shing village and developed in the nineteenth century around the Tonnara Florio. Appreciate the Grand Hotel Villa Igea, built by the Florios, a renowned Italian family of industrial tradition, which was protagonist in Palermo during the Belle Epoque period.
The tour will proceed in the direction of Mondello, important for its shing village and for the astonishing beach. The Real Park of Favorita, a park of about 400 hectares created in 1799 by Ferdinand III Borbone; we will regain the route to reach the Palazzina Cinese, the ancient royal residence of the Borbone family. Finally, we will reach the two most popular local piazzas (Piazza Castelnuovo e Piazza Verdi) with the two most renowned theatres of the city.
Itinerary Features: Medium|Easy
Flat route with some gentle uphill; duration 4 hours; approx. 30 km, 2 planned intermediate stops. (short stops on participants’ request).
Enjoy a bird's-eye view of Etna and Taormina as you soar above the volcano’s active craters and Taormina’s ancient theatre.
Fly over the the highest active volcano in Europe and admire from above its amazing natural beauty.
You will have the unique opportunity to discover the eastern shore of Sicily and the crystal clear turquoise Ionian sea.
The spectacular site of Taormina perched on the mountainside will take your breath away; its Greek Theatre seen from above will send you back in time and make you truly appreciate the ancient history of this extraordinary place.
Included:
- Round trip transportation service with Mercedes Car available from Taormina area to helipad (2 hours disposal)
- 35 minutes helicopter tour
Costs provided at the time of individual enquiries.
From the Ancient Greek Theatre to a granita tasting, a private walking tour is the ideal way to discover Taormina and be property introduced to this unforgettable town and its unique historical heritage.
Taormina lies on the slopes of Monte Tauro and was dubbed the "Pearl of the Mediterranean" by the famous German baron Wilhelm von Gloeden.
The Churches, street's, and buildings are full colour, local's, and the magic that make Sicily famous. The most remarkable monument of all is the Ancient Greek Theatre, set in a breathtaking location with an unbeatable view of Mount Etna and the incredible coastline of the Ionian Sea.
Jump the queues and visit this wonderful historical site with our professional licensed guide.
Many interesting artists, philosophers and scientists such as: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Nietzsche, Gustav Klimt, Sigmund Freud, Albert Einstein, Truman Capote and Greta Garbo adored spending time in Taormina. You will follow in their footsteps with our guide who will show you the most beautiful corners and streets in town, and help you uncover all of their most evocative secrets.
During the walk you will visit the famous Ancient Theatre, the beautiful Palazzo Corvaja, the Odeon - a small Roman theatre, the church of Saint Catherine, Vicolo Stretto - the narrowest street in Taormina, Corso Umberto - the fashionable and charming main street, and Piazza IX Aprile - the main square with a magnificent view of the majestic profile of Etna and the coast of the Bay of Giardini Naxos stretching up the hill to the Greek Theatre.
At the end of the tour you will stop for a granita tasting in a historical Sicilian granita bar. Granita is a semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water and various flavourings. Granita in combination with a yeast pastry called brioche is a common snack during the summer months in Sicily.
Included:
- Walking-tour of Taormina with English speaking licensed professional guide
- Entrance Ticket to The Ancient Theatre with no waiting in line
- Tasting of Sicilian granita
Costs will be provided at the time of your enquiry. All tours can be customised, please talk to us about special requests.
Pick up by your private driver and leave to Segesta where you will meet your private guide, for a tour of the temple and the theatre. Next stop Erice, a wonderfully preserved medieval hill town at the extreme north-west corner of Sicily, on the top of Monte San Giuliano. The town overlooks the city of Trapani and the lower western coast towards the Egadi Islands, where sea salt is made, offering a breathtaking view. On a clear day, you can see the African coast.
You will visit the Norman Castle and the Duomo as you walk through the cobble-stoned streets of town, taking in the fresh air and aromas emanating from the numerous pastry shops for which Erice is known.
To your delight, we will stop to visit Maria Grammatico’s famous pastry shop to see the variety of sweets she lovingly creates.
Visit with your driver to the salt pans along the salt road between Trapani and Marsala before to return in Palermo.
Discover the Thyrrenian sea and the northern coast of Sicily.
This group of islands is named for Aeolus, the ancient Greek and Roman god of the winds. Feel this ancient wind in your hair and enjoy the beautiful volcanic archipelago in the Thyrrenian Sea with its active volcanos and magnificent views.
Panarea is a small but enchanting island, the ideal place for a great photo shoot. The landscape of Panarea is unforgettable, with colours changing from turquoise to deep blue.
The island of Stromboli is the latest to have emerged from the sea. Stromboli erupts lava, clouds of gas, and ashes, which usually ooze down along “La Sciara”.
You can relax and appreciate the eruptions, wonderful views, and rich flora and fauna of the islands from the comfort of your yacht. Due to their natural beauty and continuing volcanic activity the Aeolian Islands are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage
Sites. You can choose to have a lunch on the board or to stop in one of the islands to eat in a typical local restaurant.
Inclusions:
Half-day or full-day boating experience.
- Round trip transportation with Mercedes Car available from Taormina area.
- Skipper and hostess service. Fuel costs and taxes.
- Towels, solar cream and snorkelling kit.
- Fresh fruit, bread, olives, and parmiggiano cheese.
- Open bar with quantities and choices provided at the time of enquiry.
Costs provided at the time of individual enquiries and are based on the type of boat and the duration of the private tour.
Italian Allure Travel provides access to the most exclusive events, concerts and festivals taking place at the
Greek Theatre in Taormina.
Would you like to enjoy your favourite opera or ballet with an erupting volcano in the background? Would you like to meet your favourite singer during an exclusive aperitivo just before the concert?
We will provide the tickets ensuring a real VIP experience with a treatment that includes a limo round trip transfer from your hotel or villa to this prestigious theatre where the best artists come to
perform. You can have exclusive access to international events such as Taormina Film Festival, a historical film festival that began in 1955 and has hosted over the years stars of the international cinema such as: Elizabeth Taylor, Marlene Dietrich, Sophia Loren, Cary Grant, Robert De Niro, Colin Firth, Marlon Brando, Charlton Heston, Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Tom Cruise, among others.
We can guarantee you the best tickets on the market, don’t hesitate to contact us for further information or requests.
Learn and prepare your favourite cocktails in the glamorous atmosphere of Morgana Lounge Bar. Create and enjoy a Sicilian aperitivo.
Have fun learning to prepare some of the best known cocktails, and get ready to invent your very own cocktail - Sicilian Style! Become this mixologist for a night at the most exclusive club in Taormina.
At the end of the class you can enjoy a typical Sicilan aperitivo paired with local gourmet products set amongst the relaxing grounds and chic atmosphere.
After this unique masterclass you will be able to entertain your friends when you get home by reproducing your favourite cocktails with a Sicilian twist!
Included:
- Tour leader service for an accompanied walking tour from the centre of Taormina to Morgana Lounge Bar
- Cocktail Master Class
- All necessary ingredients and use of the bartenders instruments
- Explanation, tasting, and production of 2 international cocktails
- All necessary products to create an original Sicilian cocktail
- Aperitivo and local gourmet products
Enjoy a spectacular bird's-eye view of the three Sicilian volcano's and experience the dramatic aerial view of the Aeolian Islands.
Take flight with our private charters and discover Sicily's volcanoes: Etna, Stromboli and Vulcano. You will be picked up from Taormina and your first flight will be over the top of Italy's highest volcano, ETNA.
You will then continue on to admire the Aeolian Islands from the air, see the results of volcanic activity as seen in Stromboli which is an almost continuous state of eruption.
Due to their natural beauty and continued volcanic activity the Aeolian Islands are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
Included:
- Round trip transportation service in a new Mercedes available from Taormina area to the helipad.
- 1 hour 45 minutes private helicopter tour (approx.)