NOTE THIS TOUR IS SOLD OUT. YOU MAY JOIN THE WAITLIST IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF A GUEST CANCELATION.

“All of Sicily is a dimension of the imagination.” ― Leonardo Sciascia

Sicily has become one of my favorite travel destinations in Europe  It's Italy, but also not Italy. It feels like the distilled essence of Italy with a Greek heart. And  for me, the best way to see Sicily is through slow travel. I believe in the power of slow travel:  as a means of rejuvenation and as a means of truly experiencing and connecting to a place. This women's retreat will take a deep dive into one of the most iconic regions of the island:  the stunning Noto Valley. 

I am so excited to offer this itinerary again, as my group in the fall of '24 so enjoyed our adventure together. 

Our gorgeous hotel, Baglio Siciliamo, is located near the Baroque city of Noto and a short walk to a lovely beach on the Ionian sea. This location is a wonderful home base for exploring this storied region.

We’ll share slow mornings over espresso and laughter, wander through ancient towns, try our hands at Sicilian chocolate-making, and eat delicious meals together. There will be wine, warm breezes, and space — space to walk, to talk, to nap, to rediscover ease. Together.

I am so excited to share this experience with you!

Please find all the terms of the booking agreement here:
Terms & Conditions Sicily Women's Retreat 2026

Meals included: Dinner

Overnight:  Baglio Siciliamo

Arrival on your own.  Please note that I plan on offering a pre-stay in Catania from May 21st - May 23rd for those that are interested in exploring Catania before the retreat starts. 

Guests must plan flights from the U.S to arrive no later than the day the retreat starts.

Late afternoon:  Group Transfer

Group pick-up in Catania city center; timing TBD but probably between 2:00 – 3:00pm.

*A private transfer can be arranged for guests that cannot make the scheduled shuttle to the hotel. Pricing is ~€190 for a 2-3 guests. We can help facilitate shared rides with guests on tour from the airport or city center if you aren’t able to make the scheduled transfer.

~1 hour drive to our Baglio (Sicilian for villa) south of Catania, our home for the next 6 nights.

Welcome drink/snacks on arrival at Baglio Siciliamo.

You’ll have some time to unpack, check out the grounds, sit by the pool or go for a

swim, and relax before dinner.

Dinner: Manna Restaurant

Tonight we celebrate the start of our time together with diner at our hotel. The

restaurant is a sister restaurant to one of the best restaurants, Manna, in nearby Noto.

We will get to know each other while feasting on local Sicilian dishes, and of course, lots of delicious Sicilian wine.

Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner

Overnight:  Baglio Siciliamo

We start off our day right, with an optional yoga/movement session at the hotel before breakfast.  This a class meant for everybody and every body - no pretzel shapes required.

Early Afternoon through Evening and Dinner: Noto 

After a short drive, we will arrive in Noto and have a bit of free time for lunch. (recommendations will be offered).  Afterwards, we meet our guide Mila for a walking tour of this charming Baroque city.

You’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own, shopping, perhaps climb the bell tower, enjoy some of the museums, or have a drink in a piazza before we meet up later for dinner

. 

We will have dinner at an outstanding restaurant, Anche Gli Angeli right in the heart of Noto.

Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel:  Baglio Siciliamo

We start later this morning, so you can enjoy a leisurely morning and late (or early) breakfast! Today we take a beautiful drive in to the countryside of the Val di Noto. We will visit a working farm, have a light lunch, and cap off our day with a winery visit and dinner. 

Early Afternoon/Lunch: Albacara Bio Farm

This farm is managed by Flavia and Emanuele, brothers and young entrepreneurs who come from a long peasant tradition, with a passion for “total well-being food”: good food, good water and energy for a more sustainable future.

The farm produces a variety of foods, especially goat milk products such as cheese, ricotta, cream cheese, caciotta, plain and fruit yogurt, and wonderful olive oil as well as pasta made with ancient Sicilian grains. 

We have a guided tour to see the sweet goats, including a cheese-making demonstration, and lunch featuring dishes made from the products of the farm.

Late Afternoon

You’ll have a bit more free time in the hotel later this afternoon, for a swim, a massage, a nap, or a read a book.

Dinner: Local Winery Planeta Buonivini

Dinner this evening is at a beautiful winery situated very close to our hotel. The wine tastings are scattered throughout this incredible property and we will have dinner outside under the stars. This was a favorite experience of my 2024 group!

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel:  Baglio Siciliamo

We will spend the majority of our time on the charming island of Ortigia today, the

historical center of Siracusa. Ortigia has a two and a half thousand years of history and building styles vary from Roman and Greek ruins, to medieval and Sicilian Baroque masterpieces all with a view of the gorgeous sea. The historic center is easily walkable, with tons of shopping opportunities, especially artisan handicrafts.

Early Afternoon: Lunch by the seaside

We have a stop for lunch by the sea before heading in to Siracusa and Ortigia.

Afternoon: Neapolis Archeological Park & Ortigia Walking Tour

We will meet a local guide who will take us through this UNESCO Heritage Site with

both ancient Greek and Roman ruins, including a Greek theater and Roman

amphitheater. Afterwards, we will continue into the historic center or Ortigia with our

guide for an orientation and culture walk.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Free time in Ortigia

You’ll have ample free time to explore, shop, have a drink in the sunshine, take a stroll with a granita and just enjoy the dolce vita of this sweet little town.

Dinner: OYO

Enjoy dinner on your own this evening in Ortigia before we head back to our hotel. We will provide recommendations and ideas for your free time.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel:  Baglio Siciliamo

The Vendicari Nature Reserve is a coastal oasis in southeastern Sicily, Italy, known for its diverse ecosystems, abundant birdlife, and historical sites. It encompasses wetlands, sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, and ancient salt pans, providing habitats for various flora and fauna, especially migratory birds. The reserve also features archaeological remains like the Tonnara (tuna fishery), the Swabian Tower, and the Byzantine catacombs, offering a blend of natural and cultural attractions. 

Late Morning:  Vendicari Nature Preserve & Marzamemi

We will meet our lovely guide, Mila again who will take us on a walk through the Vendicari Nature Reserve and the Tuna Museum.  Keep any eye out for flamingos!  Afterwards we go to the town of Marzamemi for a quick orientation.

Lunch and Afternoon:  Taverna la Cialoma

We will have a delicious 3 course menu (drinks are on your own if you'd like one) at one of the most iconic restaurants in the area, right by the sea. Then you'll have time for some shopping and exploring in this adorable little town before we head back to the hotel. 

Dinner:  OYO

You can choose to have dinner this evening at the hotel and we are also offering a shuttle to Noto for a chance to dine out again in town. 

Meals:  Breakfast, dinner

Hotel:  Baglio Siciliamo

Our destination today is Modica, famous for chocolate! We will have time to explore

the city, full of great shops, beautiful churches, and the Baroque style this region is

known for. Afterwards, we have a chocolate making class before heading back to the hotel for our final evening together.

Late morning and Lunch: Modica OYO

You’ll have free time in this sweet little city and lunch on your own. Be sure to check out the Cathedral of San Giorgio and Chiesa San Paolo, the main shopping street of Corso Umberto, and maybe a visit to the quirky little Museum of Chocolate.

Late Afternoon: Chocolate-making class

Learn about the history of Modican chocolate from chocolate masters. You’ll watch,

taste, and then make your own in the ‘laboratory’. The chocolate is organic, high quality and is made plain or with your choice of additions. A creative and unique souvenir to take home!  This is a super fun experience!!

Farewell Dinner: Manna Restaurant

We will share a final multi-course meal this evening at our hotel’s restaurant, celebrating our time together.  

Meals included: Breakfast

Thank you so much for a beautiful trip. It has been a pleasure to travel with you. Buon Viaggio!

We will have one transfer this morning from the Baglio – one stop in the city center of Catania, and one to the Catania airport. We will let you know the best time to make your flight plans.

Note:  I might offer a post-stay for anyone interested in a few more days together. Taormnia perhaps? If you're interested make sure to sign up for the waitlist!