Hosted by
SANTI & DARA
Dates
May 4-13, 2027
Maximum Group Size
14 guests
The journey at the heart of Gems of Sicily, shaped by the places, people, and traditions that tell Santi and Dara’s story. It follows Sicily from energetic Palermo to the open landscapes of Marsala, then finishes beside the sea in Cefalù.
Because Santi and Dara host the journey throughout, Sicily is shared personally: through conversation, introductions, meals, and the everyday moments that rarely appear in an itinerary.
The moments that stay with you...
Discover Palermo through its markets, street food, history, and the perspective of someone who knows how the city is lived.
Visit Segesta before meeting local cheesemakers and settling into Marsala’s wine country.
Travel through the salt pans and across the lagoon to the island of Mozia, then share dinner with winemakers.
Sit down to a farm-to-table lunch, where the land and the meal tell the same story.
Relax in Cefalù with a free day by the sea.
Your hosts
Santi and Dara travel with the group from beginning to end. Their presence brings the journey to life through lived knowledge, warm introductions, shared meals, conversation, and the everyday moments that make Sicily feel personal.
Select Your Room Type
Please select Single or Double Occupancy
Reserve your spot now by paying a deposit - the balance is due 60 days before your journey starts
What Happens Next
Once your reservation is confirmed, a member of our team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps and answer any questions you may have.
Journey Overview
PALERMO
Markets, street food, history, free time, and a hands-on cooking experience.
MARSALA
Segesta, cheesemaking, salt landscapes, Mozia, winemakers, and a farm-to-table lunch.
CEFALÙ & THE MADONIE
A coastal town, mountain traditions, time by the sea, and a closing celebration.
What's Included
✔ Carefully selected hotels and countryside properties chosen for comfort, location, atmosphere, and warm Sicilian hospitality.
✔ Private transportation and airport transfers for effortless movement between destinations
✔ Thoughtfully planned meals, allowing you to simply relax and savor each bite (Select meals are intentionally left open for your own discovery and personal dining experiences)
✔ A collection of elevated and immersive, hand-selected experiences curated exclusively for your journey
✔ All site entries and activity fees
✔ Private local guides who bring depth and meaning to every place you visit
✔ Visits to vibrant local markets and immersive culinary moments
✔ Marsala salt pans, windmills, and private boat experience
✔ Guided visit to an archaeological park
✔ Private boat activity
✔ Artisan cheese-making experience with tasting
✔ Winery visits with cellar tastings and intimate dinners with local winemakers
✔ Farm-to-table countryside lunch experiences
What's Not
Airfare to and from Sicily
Gratuities, offered at your discretion
Personal expenses and individual purchases
Four meals left open for your own discovery, giving you the freedom to explore and dine as you choose
Hotels
Vineyard Estate Stay
A charming historic wine resort set among vineyards overlooking the sea and the Egadi Islands, where classic Sicilian character meets warm hospitality and sweeping sunset views.
Countryside Resort Retreat
A tranquil countryside retreat surrounded by olive groves and Mediterranean landscapes, featuring stylish rooms, spa facilities, and a peaceful atmosphere designed for true relaxation.
Chic Boutique Palermo City Hotel
A refined, centrally located hotel overlooking one of Palermo’s most elegant squares, offering comfortable modern rooms and easy access to the city’s historic streets, markets, and vibrant local life.
Sample Itinerary
Over ten days, the journey unfolds from the energy and markets of Palermo to Marsala’s wine country and salt landscapes, ending beside the sea in Cefalù and the mountain villages of the Madonie.
Day 1
Arrival in Palermo
Arrive in Palermo, settle into your hotel, and meet your fellow travelers over a warm welcome dinner together.
Day 2
Palermo’s Markets & Flavours
Experience Palermo through its culture, lively markets, and celebrated street food, with Priscilla bringing the city’s stories and flavours into focus.
Day 3
Palermo at Your Pace
Enjoy time to explore Palermo independently before gathering for a hands-on cooking class and dinner together.
Day 4
Ancient Sicily & Cheesemaking
Visit the remarkable temple at Segesta and meet local cheesemakers before continuing to Marsala and settling into wine country.
Day 5
Salt, Mozia & Winemakers
Discover Marsala’s salt pans and cross the lagoon to Mozia, then share an intimate dinner with local winemakers.
Day 6
From Farm to Table
Spend time at Nanna Vita and enjoy a generous farm-to-table lunch, followed by a leisurely afternoon at the hotel.
Day 7
Toward Cefalù
Travel to Cefalù and begin discovering its historic streets, coastal beauty, and easy seaside rhythm.
Day 8
The Villages of the Madonie
Journey into the Madonie for village life, mountain traditions, and a relaxed agriturismo lunch, ending with an informal apericena.
Day 9
Cefalù at Leisure
Enjoy a full day at your own pace, by the sea, over a long lunch, or wandering through town, before gathering for the final dinner.
Day 10
Departure
Share breakfast and farewells before your departure transfer.
Is this journey right for you?
Travelers who want Sicily shared personally by Santi and Dara, with an equal love of food, wine, culture, conversation, and time to enjoy the places in between.
Good To Know
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
Expect regular walking through historic towns and cultural sites, often on uneven stone streets, with stairs and periods of standing. Some days include boats, rural properties, or archaeological areas.
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
Sicily’s cuisine is diverse and naturally accommodates various dietary requirements. Should you have specific needs, we are happy to accommodate you. Upon booking you will be prompted to inform us in advance regarding any dietary restrictions and food allergies.
WHAT TO PACK
When packing for your trip to Sicily, consider the time of year and expected weather, which can be temperate and unpredictable. Dress for comfort with versatile layers and lightweight cotton for daytime and a sweater or jacket for cooler evenings or higher elevations. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.
The Benefits of Small Group Travel
Traveling in a small group allows for a more relaxed pace, easier access to local places, and genuine connection — both with the destination and with fellow travelers.
It means quieter moments, shared tables, and the flexibility to adapt when something unexpected appears. For Sicily, this way of traveling makes all the difference.
What Guests Say...
Ready to experience Santi & Dara’s Sicily?
Booking & Payment
Secure your place on this journey with a deposit. It is fully refundable within the first 14 days. The remaining balance is due in two parts,120 and 60 days prior to departure.
Select Your Room Type
Please select Single or Double Occupancy
What Happens Next
Once your reservation is confirmed, a member of our team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps and answer any questions you may have.
Booking & Payment
Secure your place on the journey with a deposit.
The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to departure.
What Happens Next
Once your reservation is confirmed, a member of our team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps and answer any questions you may have.
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