Magnificent Sicily
Sicily is the largest and most diverse island in the Mediterranean and the place where many legends and myths were born.
Look at ancient Greece and mythology to see how Sicily has served as the backdrop to these classic stories. Magnificent Sicily and the Aeolian Islands being to the realms of myth. To early Greeks, it was a place where gods and heroes lived but were somehow otherworldly.
Let us reveal Magnificent Sicily’s food, wine, culture, and some of the most iconic sites during this week.
Come, join us on Magnificent Sicily, for a unique, educational, and entertaining experience that you won’t soon forget.
Dates: To be announced
Minimum Number of Guests: 6
Maximum Number of Guests: 16
Pricing per person double occupancy: *
**See Cancellation Policy below**
Single Supplement: *
Deposit of * is due upon booking
Balance due by *
* To Be announced when retreat is arranged.
Who Should Join Us?
Magnificent Sicily is designed for anyone with a passion for traditionally-made foods, local wines, and a desire for sightseeing this beautiful island’s historical sites.
Arlena and Elio, our English-speaking Italian liaison, will be hosting this retreat.
Due to Sicily’s general location, you can expect many fresh seafood dishes during this adventure. If you have any food allergies, please let us know upon registration.
We keep our retreats small and intimate so that every guest can feel connected. Smaller groups are perfect for meeting new people while allowing for an intimate exploration of some of the world’s most exciting destinations.
Guests should anticipate walking while on our excursions. Be prepared for a bit of climbing on Mt. Etna. Elio will be our guide on our daily excursions and will help with translations when necessary.
The more curious and adventurous you are, the more you’ll enjoy Magnificent Sicily with Choose Happiness Adventures!
We are certified instructors in all types of Yoga ~ Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Restorative, Chair, Yoga for Healthy Aging, as well as Primordial Sound Mantra Meditation. We are happy to set up workshops or personal instruction if requested.
We are certain you will be very happy you joined us.
What About The Food?
There’s a lot to like about Sicily but like most of Italy, a great attraction is the local food.
Sicilian cuisine is incredibly unique. Although much of it is clearly Italian because there is plenty of pasta, olive oil, wine, and seafood, there are also some local ingredients that clearly stand out.
Raisins and saffron crop up in the island’s most famous dishes and cooking techniques differ from those found on the mainland.
Although the cuisine in Sicily has a lot in common with Italian cuisine, it also has Greek, Spanish, French, North African, and Arab influences. You will be enjoying some of the best food in all of Europe – what’s not to like?
OMG, if you consider yourself a foodie, you are going to be in heaven! Sicilian food will definitely excite and delight you.
Of course, we can adjust to any dietary needs.
What Are The Planned Excursions?
Mt. Etna – full day
– We’ll visit the UNESCO site of Mount Etna’s Silvestri Craters. Optional cable car and bus to the top of the volcano if you choose. On our way back to the villa, we will visit a honey and winery shop for a tasting of locally produced products.
Catania – half day
– Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily’s east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna. The city’s wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell’Elefante statue and richly decorated Catania Cathedral. In the southwest corner of the square, La Pescheria’s weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants.
Taormina & Savoca – full day
– Perched on the side of a mountain, Taormina is one of Sicily’s most popular tourist resort towns for those wanting a taste of Sicilian dolce vita. After leaving Taormina, we visit Savoca, the town of “The Godfather” fame. Savoca is the village standing in for the village of Corleone in the film.
Agrigento Valley of the Temples & Scala dei Turchi – full day
– Agrigento is known for the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas in the Valley of the Temples, a vast archaeological site with well-preserved Greek temples. We then have a short drive to Scala dei Turchi or the stairs of the Turks, a stepped white cliff overlooking sandy beaches.
What’s Included?
- Private Facebook Group
- 6 nights’ accommodations in our private villa or in one of the on-site small cottages
- Transportation to and from the airport in our private shuttle van
- 6 Continental breakfasts
- 6 Dinners prepared by our private chef
- 4 daily excursions with entrance fees where applicable
- Wine is available all day long – please drink responsibly
- Snacks available throughout the day
- Optional morning meditation and yoga if you wish to practice
What’s Not Included?
- Airfare to and from Catania, Italy
- Hotel transport or stay before or after our retreat
- Personal, medical, or trip cancellation insurance. We suggest using Travelguard.com or Allianzetravelinsurance.com
- Gratuities to our guides
- Lunches or drinks during our daily excursions
Our Venue
This villa on the slopes of Mt. Etna is a private villa with extraordinary charm and breathtaking views.
The villa is built of wood and lava stone and is situated within a typical Sicilian garden. The villa has air-conditioned rooms, satellite television and free WiFi. The property also features three independent wood chalets each with a private bathroom. There is a swimming pool and solarium as well as a private tennis court.
The villa features a large panoramic terrace overlooking the southeastern slope with breathtaking views of the Ionian coast. The northwest offers a spectacular view of the Etna volcano.
Dates: To be determined
Minimum Number of Guests: 6
Maximum Number of Guests: 12
Pricing per person double occupancy: $*
Single Supplement: $*
Deposit of $* is due upon booking
Balance due *
* To be determined
Cancellation Policy:
A 15% USD deposit is required at the time of registration. Any cancellation will result in a total loss of your deposit. If you must cancel your reservation, your money will be refunded minus the deposit up until 90 days prior to the beginning of the retreat. After 90 days prior to the beginning of the retreat, no refunds will be made. We reserve the right to cancel the trip if it is not meeting the trip minimum, should we do so, your deposit and all monies paid will be refunded in full.
**Trip cancellation insurance is always recommended when making travel plans. We suggest Travel Guard Insurance which can be found online.**