Tracing Your Roots: A Sicilian Homecoming – 8 Days / 7 Nights
Palermo (2 nights) – Ancestral Region (2 nights) – Eastern Sicily (3 nights)
This is not a typical Sicily itinerary—it’s a journey into your own story.
With the support of local historians and genealogists, your ancestry is carefully researched before you arrive. Once in Sicily, that research comes to life as you walk through your ancestral town, explore archives and churches, and connect with the people and places tied to your family history.
Moments of personal discovery are balanced with Sicily’s most iconic landscapes and cultural highlights—from Palermo’s layered history to the elegance of Ortigia and the dramatic presence of Mount Etna.
Every element is private, flexible, and shaped entirely around you, ask us how.
- Pre-trip ancestry research using civil and parish records
- Visits to your ancestral town, including key family locations
- Local genealogist or historian guiding your experience
- Meet local families or community members(where possible)
- Home-hosted lunch or dinner in your ancestral region
- Private tours of Palermo, Monreale, Syracuse & Taormina
- Mount Etna experience with expert guidance
- Private driver and transfers throughout
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Palermo – Welcome to Your Story
Arrive in Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital, where your journey begins. Meet your private driver and transfer to your luxury hotel in the historic center.
Depending on arrival time, enjoy a gentle orientation walk through Palermo’s streets—where layers of Arab, Norman, and Baroque history set the tone for your week ahead.
In the evening, meet your local specialist for a private introduction to your ancestry findings and what awaits in the coming days.
Overnight: Palermo
Day 2: Palermo & Monreale – Context and Culture
Today provides the historical foundation of your journey. With your private guide, explore Palermo’s rich cultural tapestry—cathedrals, markets, and hidden corners that reflect centuries of influence.
Continue to Monreale, home to one of Sicily’s most important cathedrals, where golden mosaics depict biblical stories that shaped Sicilian identity.
This day is about understanding the Sicily your ancestors knew before connecting it to your own story.
Overnight: Palermo
Day 3: Into Your Ancestral Region – First Encounters
Depart Palermo and journey into the heart of your ancestral region—whether in western Sicily, the interior villages, or the southeast.
Upon arrival, meet your local genealogist or historian who will guide you through the town’s archives, churches, and municipal buildings.
You may visit birth records, family homes, or even streets still bearing your family name.
This is often the most emotional moment of the journey—where research becomes real.
Overnight: Ancestral Town / Countryside
Day 4: Family Connections & Local Life
Today is dedicated to deeper connection.
Where possible, we arrange meetings with local families, distant relatives, or long-standing community members who can share stories and insights about your lineage.
Enjoy a private home-hosted lunch or dinner—simple, authentic, and deeply meaningful. Recipes passed through generations mirror your own heritage in ways that words cannot.
In the afternoon, explore the surrounding countryside—olive groves, hilltop villages, and landscapes that have remained unchanged for centuries.
Overnight: Ancestral Town / Countryside
Day 5: Agrigento or Southeastern Sicily – Roots & History
Continue your journey through Sicily with a visit to one of the island’s most iconic sites, such as the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento or the Baroque towns of the southeast.
With your private guide, explore ancient ruins or UNESCO-listed towns, connecting your personal story to Sicily’s broader history.
This balance between heritage and discovery reflects the essence of Sicily itself—a place shaped by many civilizations over time.
Overnight: Agrigento / Noto / Syracuse (depending on routing)
Day 6: Syracuse & Ortigia – Layers of Time
Discover Syracuse, one of Sicily’s most fascinating historic cities.
Walk through the ancient Greek Theatre, explore archaeological sites, and wander the island of Ortigia—where narrow streets, Baroque facades, and sea views create an unforgettable atmosphere.
This is Sicily at its most elegant and timeless.
Overnight: Syracuse
Day 7: Mount Etna & Taormina – Nature and Celebration
Travel towards Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, for a private experience exploring its dramatic landscapes.
Continue to Taormina, Sicily’s most scenic coastal town, where your journey concludes in style.
Celebrate your Sicilian homecoming with a farewell dinner overlooking the sea—reflecting on the stories, connections, and memories created throughout the week.
Overnight: Taormina
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Catania Airport for your onward journey.
You leave Sicily not as a visitor—but with a deeper understanding of where you come from.
Why Travel with Bellarome
Personalized Travel Services
Bespoke tailor-made itineraries put together by a local expert. You will be assign a dedicated consultant devoted to making your trip extra special.
Heritage Locator
Help with tracking ancestral roots and arranging to meet relatives with the help of a translator and local anagrapher.
Highly Rated & Trusted
Thousands of positive online reviews and happy repeat customers. ASTA members (US) and AFTA members (Australia) means peace of mind.
Local Presence & Knowledge
Local help desk available when you travel with 24/7 support included in the service.
Let us design you
THE PERFECT
ITINERARY
Start planning your tailor-made trip
FAQ
How does the ancestry research work?
Before travel, our Sicily-based team researches civil, church, and parish records to trace your family origins and identify key locations.
What can I expect from a Sicilian food tour?
Our Sicilian Food Tour is a culinary journey through the heart of the island’s culinary traditions. You’ll have the chance to savour a wide array of authentic dishes, from mouthwatering like cannoli, arancini, cassata, and so much more, all while immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture. Expect to visit top-notch wineries to sample Nero D’Avola, taste the original Massala chocolate and see how it’s made, and visit pistachio farms in Bronte. Your tour, your choice, we’re here to make it happen – your way.
Will I meet relatives?
Where possible, we arrange introductions with local families or distant relatives, though this depends on available records and connections.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. All Classic Sicily journeys are fully private and tailored to your preferences, with no group departures.
Will The Tour Include Visits to Local Markets And Food Producers?
Yes, our immersive food tour includes visits to local markets and interactions with passionate food producers. Gain insights into the freshest ingredients and the artisanal techniques that contribute to Sicily’s exceptional culinary offerings.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Absolutely. Every element—from destinations to experiences—can be adapted to your ancestry findings and travel style.
Does the Tour Include a Wine Tasting?
Absolutely! Sicily is famous for its outstanding wines. Our food tour includes wine tastings, allowing you to savor the flavors of local vineyards and learn about Sicily’s wine-making traditions.
How Can I Book a Sicilian Food Tour?
It’s simple to book your Sicilian food tour! Simply Look through our predesigned tour, and if you want to customize your tour, fill out the classic-sicily-quote form, and our travel expert will contact you. Feel free to contact our friendly team if you have any questions or need assistance.
Can the 10-day Itinerary be Customized Based on Personal Preferences?
Yes, flexibility is key. While our itinerary is meticulously planned, we understand that personal tastes vary. Whether you have a specific interest in historical sites, an interest in different flavours, culinary delights, or leisurely exploration, our team is happy to tailor the itinerary to match your unique desires.
