Wonderful Trip to Sicily
Italy | Apr 10 - Apr 21, 2026

Esther
Esther H.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Apr 23, 2026

Andrea did an outstanding job crafting a personalized tour of Sicily for us. He met with us via Zoom before the trip and answered all our questions in detail. He assisted us in getting our seat selections for our connecting ITA flights between Roma and Palermo. He was readily available and responsive during the trip when we had questions. We would definitely work with Andrea on any future trips to Italy.

All hotels were unique and wonderful - Palazzo Balsamo (Palermo), Villa Fiorita (Taormina), Asmundo di Gisira (Catania), Palazzo Artemide (Syracusa - Ortigia), Villa Athena Resort (Agrigento) and Palazzo Natoli (Palermo). The staff at all the hotels were very friendly and helpful.

All the guides - Chiara (Palermo), Giuseppe "Pepe" (Taormina), Aureliano (Catania, Syracusa - Ortigia), Francesco (Mt. Etna), Ivana (Ragusa) and Marco (Valle dei Templi Agrigento) were professional, deeply knowledgeable, passionate, and fluent in English. We highly recommend all of them to anyone seeking a personalized tour with a subject matter expert.

The owner of the chocolate laboratory in Modica (I believe her name is Sara) was also very knowledgeable and patient with us!

Our two dedicated drivers, Giovanni and Salvatore were critical to the success of our visit. Both these young men are excellent, safe drivers. They were always punctual and professional in their dealings with us. They coordinated all our trips with our guides and hotels. They represented their companies and their country flawlessly. We highly recommend them and would gladly ride with them again!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Villa Athena
Agrigento

The hotel is located inside the archaeological park and has stunning views of the Greek temples. It has an elegant 1950 vibe. I expected to see Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren in the lobby! Restaurant staff wear white tuxedos and bow ties for breakfast and lunch. They change into dark suits for dinner. Grounds are immaculate. Ready access to the park.

Authenticity & Character
It has an elegant 1950 vibe. I expected to see Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren in the lobby! Restaurant staff wear white tuxedos and bow ties for breakfast and lunch. They change into dark suits for dinner. Grounds are immaculate.
Location
The hotel is located inside the archaeological park and has stunning views of the Greek temples.
Staff
The staff all were very friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean with well-maintained grounds. The bed was very comfortable. The bathroom was modern, and the room had air-conditioning.
Palazzo Balsamo
Palermo

All the front desk, restaurant, and housekeeping staff were very helpful. The hotel is well-positioned in the historic center of Palermo. The hotel is elegant and clean. We would definitely stay there again.

Authenticity & Character
Retained its neoclassic style with modern ammenities
Location
Right off Via Maqueda in the historic center of Palermo
Staff
Fluent in English, friendly, and very accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pristine, with a modern bathroom and air conditioning. The mattress was excellent, too!
Palazzo Artemide

Pristine hotel located right next to piazza and the Duomo San Lucia. Excellent restaurant.

Authenticity & Character
Neoclassical building surrounded by other neoclassical and baroque buildings
Location
Located right next to piazza and the Duomo San Lucia
Staff
The front desk staff was very helpful. Restaurant staff Stefano, Chiara, and Lorenzo were excellent.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Air-conditioned, clean, modern bathroom
Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel
Palermo

Neoclassical palazzo located right off Via Vittorio Emmanuelle, near the Duomo di Palermo, Palazzo Reale and Quattro Canti.

Authenticity & Character
Renovated neoclassic palazzo.
Location
Neoclassical palazzo located right off Via Vittorio Emmanuelle, near the Duomo di Palermo, Palazzo Reale and Quattro Canti.
Staff
Very friendly and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Large clean room. Large, clean, modern bathroom
Boutique Hotel Villa Fiorita
Taormina

Pristine, chic, with stunning views of the sea and cliffs. Breakfast/lunch room staff Marija and Ettore were excellent. Front desk staff Annalisa and Francesco were very helpful in setting up dinner reservations.

Authenticity & Character
This place was pristine and offered excellent views.
Location
Stunning views of the sea and cliffs. Easy access to Taormina center
Staff
Marija and Ettore
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bed mattress was excellent. The room, bathroom, and terrace were immaculate
Asmundo di Gisira
Catania

This was the most unique hotel we stayed in. The hotel is also an art gallery!

Authenticity & Character
Neoclassic palazzo with artwork in rooms and all common areas! Weirdly wonderful, over-the-top Italian!
Location
Centrally located with easy access to the piazza and Duomo di San Agarta.
Staff
The breakfast room staff are very professional and accommodating. The manager was actively engaged andcharming.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and well maintained
Activity Reviews
Palermo guided walk insight on the anti-mafia movement and street food tour (private guide)
Palermo guided walk insight on the anti-mafia movement and street food tour (private guide)
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Temple valley guided visit
Temple valley guided visit
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mount Etna expedition - Private
Mount Etna expedition - Private
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Syracuse Guided Walk - Private Guide
Syracuse Guided Walk - Private Guide
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Entrance ticket to Temple Valley
Entrance ticket to Temple Valley
Italy
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ragusa guided visit
Ragusa guided visit
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Monreale Cathedral Guided visit
Monreale Cathedral Guided visit
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Monreale Cathedral tickets
Monreale Cathedral tickets
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided visit to the Ancient Theatre  of Taormina (private guide)
Guided visit to the Ancient Theatre of Taormina (private guide)
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ancient Theater of Taormina entrance ticket
Ancient Theater of Taormina entrance ticket
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Food walk  in Catania (private guide)
Food walk in Catania (private guide)
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Syracuse Neapolis Archaeological Park - private guide
Syracuse Neapolis Archaeological Park - private guide
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Modica chocolate laboratory
Modica chocolate laboratory
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Palermo time at your leisure
Palermo time at your leisure
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Andrea Gambino
Andrea
Andrea Gambino
Local specialist in Turin, Italy | Replied on Apr 23, 2026

Hi Esther, thank you so much for your wonderful words and the time you took for writing this review. It was a pleasure working with you and I’ll be happy to assist you for any future trip!