GROUP ACTIVITIES
As Friday September 19th is a day of leisure..
We invite you to spend the day as you wish in the beautiful area of Noto and beyond!
We have provided local ideas that we love, fun & unique activities and suggestions which you can discover on your own or please see below for a special selected list of activities.
Buona Fortuna!
Alexandra & David xo
Please note!
All activities are based on availability and can first be reconfirmed at the time of the request being received. A minimum number of participants may be required for some of the activities and may be booked by latest August 1st.
Please contact us here for further details and inquiries.
1.
Learn the ancient art form of Sicilian cart painting & enjoy Ragusa and the Sicilian Baroque-shire
You will be picked up with a private driver to explore the incredible Sicilian "Baroque-shire" up to beautiful Ragusa (1 hr drive time) for a guided walking tour of this Baroque town. We will have the keys to open noble palazzi, take you through beautiful Sicilian gardens & introduce you to a traditional Sicilian cart artisan who still specializes in painting Sicilian carts - a unique tradition that has almost disappeared completely! We will also pass by the Circolo di Conversazione, a local aristocratic club in Ragusa with beautifully-decorated interiors. Finally, you will be welcomed into a noble Palazzo, where you will uncover an incredible cultural heritage and step back in time, embraced by the aura of a bygone era.
.2.
THE CHOCOLATE OF MODICA
Discover this charming baroque town of Modica, world famous for their chocolate and being a "chocolate town" - and stop at the original chocolate museum and continue your walk to the amazing staircase leading to the Duomo. In a panoramic private garden, we will set up an evocative chocolate tasting experience. You will learn in company of an expert local chocolatier the secret chocolate recipe produced in Modica followed by a private tasting and finally you will visit their unique place where the chocolate is refined and aged. Pickup included by a private transfer to/from Modica.
.3.
Discovery of Noto
Meet your private guide in your hotel and with your dedicated driver start the discovery of Noto by reaching Ancient Noto town. Exploring Noto Antica is a journey through time. Wander its ancient ruins, where whispers of history linger amidst fragrant Sicilian flora. While walking the old streets of Noto, admire the crumbled walls and Baroque remains, basking in the serenity of this hilltop gem. Each step unveils a tale, blending nature and heritage into a captivating experience. Continue your journey to the spectacular, Baroque Noto with its beautiful Cathedral and noble palaces. Stop for a granita at famous Caffe Sicilia. After a delightful walk around Noto to explore more of the town, you are welcomed to stop at a contemporary art atelier and meet the artist Sergio Fiorentino.
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.4.
SICILIAN EMBROIDERY
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel, and depart to Chiaramonte Gulfi, a medieval and baroque town on the Iblei hills (about 1h drive) where you will meet your private English speaking guide. Stop on the main piazza, where you can admire the beautiful main Church, and reach Palazzo Montesano, a local museum that still keeps a unique collection of musical instruments from around the world. Then, you reach a private place that keeps intact a treasure of Sicilian handcraft: the embroidery! Here, you will be surprised by the important heritage of Sicilian embroidery: One in the style of Caterina de Medici or one called “Cantù” that is really unique and precious. Or the so-called ”sfilato Siciliano”, to name a few. Many works have a precise dating that goes back from the late 18th to the 20th Century. In the company of three expert embroiderers, you will be welcomed in their home and you will be guided through an incredible lesson of embroidery.
.5.
E-bike day tour from Palazzolo Acreide to Pantalica and the Giarranauti woods.
You will be picked up with a private transfer to Palazzolo Acreide (45 minutes drive), a beautiful Baroque town near Noto. The day starts with a ride towards Ferla, through the Giarranauti Forest which is on the upper part of the Pantalica plateau. The area, besides having a beautiful pine forest, is also rich in evidence of the past, from the Byzantine era. We will cycle along gentle slopes on gravel roads bordered by the characteristic old, dry-stone walls of the Iblei mountains. Upon leaving the Giarranauti Forest, we will arrive in Ferla, a spectacular, small town in the Iblei mountains. Although less well-known than the more famous town of Noto, you will see beautiful examples of Baroque architecture here too. A light lunch will be provided overlooking the main church. After lunch, we return to Palazzolo Acreide and stop in the historical bakery Corsino for an excellent cannolo, a just reward for the day’s hard work!
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.6.
Nature in Noto: Vendicari Nature reserve
Private transfer to the unique and beautiful Vendicari area and then a walking tour of the reserve. Embark on a captivating journey through the Vendicari Nature Reserve, where golden dunes, shimmering lagoons, and ancient ruins create a breathtaking landscape. Wander scenic trails, spotting flamingos and rare migratory birds resting in tranquil wetlands, before cooling off in the crystal-clear waters of secluded beaches. Then we step into history with a visit to the Tonnara di Vendicari, an ancient tuna fishing facility with origins tracing back to Arab traditions. Its towering chimney and restored structures stand as a testament to Sicily’s maritime heritage. Finally, explore the archaeological Roman site within the reserve and finally cool off in the crystal-clear waters of secluded beaches, immersed in nature’s serenity.
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.7.
COASTAL ORTIGIA
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Travel to the beautiful town of Ortigia (1h ) and embark in your private 16mt yacht dock in Ortigia harbor and navigate along the coastline with time for swimming in the beautiful sea. Spend a few hours in places where battles once happened between the Romans and the Greek. Enjoy the time away and sip sundowners on deck.
Please note that the tour will be adjusted according to the sea condition. This experience could be half day or full day
.8.
ORTIGIA FOOD-MARKET EXPERIENCE
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An early start in Syracuse gives a glimpse of locals stocking up on locally grown tomatoes and seafood at the morning markets of Ortigia: the city-within-a-city inside Syracuse. Visit this small island connected to the mainland with our unique chef guide participating in an evocative food and history tour, taking in the Giudecca and Europe's oldest mikvah bath. For lunch, we will reach a private venue in town and under the guidance of our chef you will prepare your own Sicilian meal! Buon Appetito! After lunch, a private transfer back to your hotel.
.9.
Discover Mount Etna by Jeep and Helicopter
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Pick up early in the morning at your hotel setting off for a day on Mount Etna! Arrival at a helipad for a helicopter tour reaching the top of the volcano with an unparalleled view. After landing, driving to Piano Provenzana by Jeep 4x4 to visit a lava cave and admire the remarkable views. We will organize a private live Granita making demonstration followed by a tasting of this Sicilian specialty. Then we will reach the side crater of Monti Sartorius with the possibility of a short walk. On the way back, we will stop for lunch at an acclaimed boutique winery. Taste local, seasonal Sicilian dishes paired with exceptional award-winning Etna wines.
.10.
Deep-Sea Fishing Day
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We will depart early morning with a private transfer from your hotel and reach the harbor close to Marzamemi (25 minutes’ drive). Spend the day or less on a speedy 7 mt. rubber boat in search of big fish such as the red tuna or the swordfish. Eastern Sicily is a hot spot for the best tuna fishing in the Mediterranean sea. Your captain will tailor your experience for the day including lunch on board.
Please note!
All activities are based on availability and can first be reconfirmed at the time of the request being received. A minimum number of participants may be required for some of the activities and may be booked by latest August 1st.
Please contact us here for further details and inquiries.