This morning we drive up to Taormina and visit its famous Greek (really Roman) theater. We also learn about the years when the world's most artistic soft core gay images came from the Taormina studio of Baron Wilhelm von Gloeden—visited by everyone who was anyone, including Oscar Wilde. And finally we start our White Lotus theme here, because the hotel in Season 2 was here in Taormina (though the beach out the door was all the way across the island in Cefalù!) After a lovely lunch in Taormina, we go to a really special place. We drive up Mt Etna to the otherworldly basalt landscape of the Feudo di Mezzo winery—a rare winery that has pre-Phylloxera vines from around 1900--and also the setting for an excursion in The White Lotus.

Free evening in Catania.

Today we drive down the coast to visit one of the most beautiful historical cities in the world, Siracusa. First we visit the Greek (really Greek this time) theater, built in the 5th century BC, and today the home of the Festival of Ancient Theater. From there we go to the historic center of Siracusa, set on the island of Ortigia. We have a sit-down version of a street food tour and then take a walking tour of this enchanting city. Our hotel is in the historic center and a perfect location for an evening of exploration. Professor Lear will take a moment to tell you some of this area's LGBT+ history: from ancient Greek odes to Sicilian athletes and their beauty to the terrible murder of a young gay couple in a nearby village that sparked the birth of the LGBT+ rights movement in Sicily (and inspired the excellent 2023 film Stranizza d'Amuri [Fireworks]). Then let him tell you where to get the best granita--shaved ice--a great Sicilian specialty--on the whole island--with a view of the Cathedral. Or take a dip in the sea from one of Ortigia's little beaches....

hotel for 2 nights: Palazzo Cavalieri. A charming hotel right across the pedestrian bridge from the old city (and with some nice restaurants even closer).

Today we tour two stunning stunning hillside Baroque cities or the Sicilian interior and taste their culinary specialties, including Modica's special chocolate: this is where chocolate was first made after it came here from the Americas, and it is made by the original cold-pressed Aztec method and combined with essences of lemon, pepper etc.

A second free evening in Siracusa awaits us at end of day.

If you think this tour has already wowed you, get ready for today! In the morning, we visit the largest and most varied group of Roman mosaics in the world, the remains of a great ancient villa. Then after lunch we go to Agrigento to visit on the outstanding remains of ancient Greek culture, the so-called Valley of the Temples (actually a ridge!) with remains of seven Greek temples, including the temple of Concordia, pictured above.

Hotel: Hotel de la Valle. A pleasant hotel set in beautiful gardens and close to the Temples (over which some rooms have views).

This morning we visit the remains of the ancient Greek city of Selinunte, one of the most extensive ancient Greek archeological sites. After lunch, we take off for Palermo, the city that brings all of Sicily's rich cultural mix (and flavors!) together. On arrival, a walking tour, to orient you (as our actual tour will be Sunday morning). Then a free evening.

Hotel for 4 nights: Hotel Politeama. A comfortable, modern hotel right on one of Palermo's main squares, surrounded by elegant shops and cafés. Check out the roof-top bar!

This morning we visit one of the great monuments to Sicily's cultural blend--from the time in the 12th century when Palermo was one of the world's great centers of wealth and culture--the Cathedral of Monreale, an elegant Norman church with spectacular Byzantine mosaics. After visiting the church, we take off for Marsala, a charming city on the West coast of Sicily, where we visit a famous winery that makes Marsala's eponymous wine, for a light lunch and a tasting. We return to Palermo in the late afternoon. Evening free. Be sure to get advice about places to eat--and ask Professor Lear about gelati!

This morning we take a walking tour in Palermo and visit two of its greatest monuments, the Cathedral, with the magnificent tombs of the Holy Roman Emperors who ruled from Palermo, and the amazing Palatine chapel in the royal palace--the high point of the Sicilian middle ages. Your afternoon is free, but feel free to join Professor Lear for a visit to the Archaeological Museum, to see the spectacular reliefs from Selinunte!

This morning we go to the lovely seaside resort of Cefalù, to see two things: the other great Byzantine mosaics of the area, and the beach—the beach of The White Lotus Season 2, where Jennifer Coolidge's corpse floats up! We then return to Palermo for a free lunch. In the late afternoon, we take off for a last aperitivo (wine tasting with ample snacks) at the Villa Tasca, a stunning 18th century villa--and one last film location for the White Lotus Season 2.

Our tour ends with breakfast today. Let us know if we can help you with further travel arrangements. Perhaps you want to join us for our tour of England?