Uncover the Authentic Sicily: A Luxurious Journey in History, Culture, and Comfort.
This exclusive 8-day, 7-night adventure from Ormina Tours’ INSIDERS Collection invites you into an unparalleled luxury retreat at Villa Commenda di San Calogero near Syracuse. It combines intimate accommodations, curated cultural experiences, and moments of indulgence, set amidst the idyllic Sicilian countryside.
Highlights of Your Sicilian Escape with Ormina Tours
23-30 August 2025
Sicily, Italy
Exclusive Luxury, Cultural Immersion in Sicily with Ormina Tours
Experience the magic of Sicily with Ormina Tours’ INSIDERS Ultimate Luxury, Cultural Immersion trip from 23-30 August 2025. Priced at $9,490 AUD per person (twin share), this unforgettable 8-day journey is designed for those who crave elegance, cultural depth, and curated comfort. Here’s what awaits:
What’s Included in Your Sicilian Escape
Exclusive Accommodation: 8 days and 7 nights at the historic Villa Commenda di San Calogero, a 17th-century estate with Turkish baths, Italian gardens, and a saltwater pool, offering a secluded, luxurious setting nestled in the Sicilian countryside.
Gourmet, Farm-to-Table Dining: Savour authentic Sicilian flavours with all-inclusive meals crafted by a private chef, from gourmet dinners at the villa to a farmhouse lunch at an Etna vineyard. Your experience includes special opening and closing dinners celebrating local cuisine and culture.
Guided Excursions and Unique Experiences:
Mt. Etna Adventure: Embark on a 4WD journey up Sicily’s famous volcano, complete with a scenic winery lunch.
Ortigia and Syracuse: Discover historic Ortigia with a guided walking tour and market visit, immersing you in the island’s ancient and modern vibrancy.
UNESCO Site of Pantalica: Explore Sicily’s Bronze Age heritage at the remarkable necropolis of Pantalica.
Hands-On Cultural Immersion:
Sicilian Cooking Class: Join a local chef to prepare traditional Sicilian dishes in a hands-on class.
Pottery Workshop: Create your own keepsake with guidance from local artisans, crafting pottery in true Sicilian style.
Olive Oil Tasting: Visit a traditional mill for a tasting and demonstration on olive oil production, adding depth to your culinary journey.
Wellness & Relaxation: On select days, relax with spa facilities, Turkish baths, and optional massages, or simply unwind as you stroll through the villa’s 110 acres of beautiful grounds.
This extraordinary experience blends luxurious comfort with authentic cultural discovery, offering free time for both relaxation and exploration in an intimate, beautifully curated setting.
Ready for the full itinerary? Discover more about this luxurious Sicilian experience below.
Day-to-Day Itinerary: Sicily Luxury Villa Stay with Ormina Tours
Day 1: Arrival & Welcome
Afternoon Arrival: Guests are met in Catania for a private transfer to Villa Commenda di San Calogero. The journey offers scenic views of the Sicilian countryside, setting the tone for the week.
Evening Welcome Dinner: Upon arrival, guests are introduced to the villa’s rich history and given a tour of the estate. The evening culminates in a special welcome dinner prepared by the villa’s private chef, featuring Sicilian specialities and wines.
Day 2: Exploring Ancient Syracuse and Ortigia
Morning: A guided tour of ancient Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse. Wander through narrow, cobblestone streets, visit ancient temples, and discover the famed Syracuse market with fresh produce, spices, and artisan goods.
Afternoon: After a traditional Sicilian lunch in a local trattoria, guests have leisure time to explore Ortigia's piazzas, boutiques, and waterfront, capturing the essence of daily Sicilian life.
Evening at the Villa: Return to the villa for an evening of relaxation, with optional massages available. Dinner is prepared onsite by the villa chef, using ingredients from the morning’s market visit.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion at the Villa – Cooking Class & Ceramics Workshop
Morning Cooking Class: Guests join a local chef in the villa’s kitchen for a hands-on cooking class, crafting Sicilian classics such as arancini, pasta alla norma, and caponata. Learn the traditions behind each dish and enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch.
Afternoon Ceramics Workshop: After lunch, a local ceramicist leads a pottery session on the villa grounds, sharing insights into Sicilian ceramics. Guests create their own memento to take home, a perfect reminder of their Sicilian adventure.
Dinner and Social Evening: A communal dinner is served, providing a relaxed setting to share stories and experiences with fellow travellers.
Day 4: Relaxation and Wellness at the Villa
Spa Day: Enjoy a full day dedicated to unwinding. The villa’s Turkish baths, sauna, and saltwater pool are available, with the option to book private massage treatments. Stroll the villa’s expansive gardens or take a quiet walk through the surrounding 110 acres.
Chef’s Seasonal Lunch & Dinner: Indulge in gourmet meals throughout the day, prepared by the onsite chef, tailored to the freshest ingredients of the season.
Evening Leisure: The evening is free for casual conversation or independent relaxation, a chance to unwind and absorb the peaceful ambiance of the estate.
Day 5: Adventure on Mt. Etna and Winery Tour
Morning Excursion to Mt. Etna: Embark on a thrilling 4WD tour of Mt. Etna, Sicily’s active volcano, with a knowledgeable local guide who shares insights into the geology and history of the region. Enjoy panoramic views from the mountain and a brief hike along lava formations.
Farmhouse Winery Lunch: Descend to a renowned vineyard on the slopes of Etna for a private lunch. Savour Sicilian wines paired with local cheeses, cured meats, and olives in a rustic, picturesque setting.
Return to Villa: The evening is free for reflection and relaxation, with dinner served at the villa.
Day 6: UNESCO Heritage Site and Local Artisans
Morning Excursion to Pantalica: Visit the UNESCO-listed necropolis of Pantalica, dating back to the 13th century BC. Explore the ancient rock-cut tombs and learn about the early inhabitants who shaped Sicily’s prehistoric landscape.
Lunch and Olive Oil Tasting: Head to a nearby olive oil and soap mill, where guests enjoy a farm-fresh lunch and sample artisanal olive oils. Witness the soap-making process and see how olives are harvested and pressed.
Return to Villa: Dinner is served back at the villa, with a chance to relax by the fire or take a quiet evening walk through the gardens.
Day 7: Free Day for Leisure and Farewell Dinner
Morning and Afternoon at Leisure: Guests are free to unwind, perhaps revisiting favourite villa activities such as the pool, spa, or gardens. For those who prefer, an optional excursion or guided hike can be arranged.
Farewell Dinner Celebration: The final evening features a grand Sicilian banquet, showcasing regional dishes prepared by the villa’s chef and paired with local wines. Toasts are shared, and the evening becomes a celebratory farewell to newfound friends and unforgettable memories.
Day 8: Departure
Morning: After breakfast, guests gather for a farewell coffee before private transfers depart from the villa to Catania city or airport, concluding the Sicilian adventure.
Your Journey Awaits: Embrace Sicily’s Ultimate Luxury Escape
From historic landscapes and immersive cultural experiences to the tranquillity of a private villa, this journey offers an unforgettable blend of elegance and discovery. Whether you’re drawn to hands-on culinary workshops, exploring ancient sites, or simply unwinding amidst Sicilian charm, Ormina Tours’ INSIDERS Collection has created an experience that speaks to the heart of true luxury travel.
Does this space to you? Spaces are limited, so register your interest today to secure your spot on this exclusive Sicilian adventure. Simply click below to take the first step toward your unforgettable escape to Sicily.
