A Women-Only Journey · September 22 – October 3, 2027
The Art of Sicily: A Creative Journey for Women
Don't Just Visit Sicily. Create It.
Create Sicilian artisan treasures through culture, connection, slow luxury, and discovery
There are countless ways to experience Sicily. You can admire its breathtaking landscapes, wander its ancient streets, savor its extraordinary cuisine, and marvel at its rich history.
Or…you can create something that becomes part of your own story.
Designed for just ten women, this extraordinary journey invites you beyond the role of traveler and into the world of Sicily’s master artisans. Rather than simply watching demonstrations, you’ll work side by side with accomplished craftspeople whose skills have been passed down through generations, learning the techniques, traditions, and stories behind some of the island’s most treasured artistic legacies.
Craft jewelry from the volcanic lava of Mount Etna. Blend a signature perfume inspired by the scents of a Sicilian garden. Shape and fire your own ceramic masterpiece using the ancient Raku technique. Learn the timeless art of hand embroidery from women dedicated to preserving one of Sicily’s most cherished traditions. Along the way, you’ll enjoy exceptional cuisine, boutique accommodations, celebrated wines, breathtaking landscapes, and the warm hospitality that makes Sicily unlike anywhere else in the world.
This is slow luxury at its finest. A thoughtfully curated journey where creativity replaces crowds, meaningful connections take the place of hurried sightseeing, and every experience invites you to immerse yourself more deeply in the heart and soul of Sicily.
You’ll return home with beautiful, handcrafted treasures.
More importantly, you’ll return with the memories of creating them.
Where You're Going
Your journey, mapped
Picture Yourself Here
See where you're going
Trip Highlights
Moments you'll talk about for years
- Exclusive Small GroupLimited to just 10 women, creating an intimate, highly personalized experience with unparalleled access to Sicily's master artisans.
- Create Four Handcrafted TreasuresDesign Mount Etna lava jewelry, blend your own signature perfume, create a Raku-fired ceramic masterpiece, and hand embroider a beautiful keepsake to take home.
- Learn from Sicily's Master ArtisansWork side by side with accomplished jewelry makers, perfumers, ceramic artists, and embroidery experts as they share traditions passed down through generations.
- Stay in Exceptional Boutique HotelsRelax in three distinctive properties, including a charming Taormina boutique hotel, a beachfront retreat in Milazzo, and a beautifully restored 16th-century aristocratic palazzo in Palermo.
- Experience Sicily Beyond the GuidebooksExplore Mount Etna by 4x4, discover Palermo through the stories of its influential women, wander historic artisan districts, and visit places few travelers ever experience.
- A Celebration of Sicilian FlavorsEnjoy regional wines, olive oils, picnics with artisans, and authentic Sicilian cuisine in carefully selected restaurants that celebrate the island's rich culinary heritage.
Our Itinerary
12 days, day by day
Tap any day to see what's planned — and where you'll rest your head each night.
⬇ Download the Itinerary (PDF)
1 Benvenuti in Sicilia2027-09-22
Welcome to Sicily! Upon arrival at Catania International Airport, you’ll be met by your private driver and transferred to the charming Pensione Svizzera in the heart of beautiful Taormina, our home for the next four nights. Take time to settle in, unwind after your journey, and soak in your first glimpses of this enchanting island, where ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and artistic traditions have flourished for centuries.
This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner as we celebrate the beginning of an unforgettable creative adventure. Over delicious Sicilian cuisine and local hospitality, you’ll meet the remarkable women who will share this journey with you and get a glimpse of the inspiring experiences that await in the days ahead.
2 Creating with Fire and Stone2027-09-23
Today, your creative journey truly begins. We’ll travel to nearby Catania, where you’ll spend the day with the talented artisans of Gival, a renowned jewelry atelier celebrated for transforming Mount Etna’s volcanic lava into stunning wearable works of art. After a warm Sicilian welcome and a lunch featuring fresh local specialties, you’ll roll up your sleeves for an immersive, hands-on workshop.
Working side by side with skilled artisans, you’ll discover the techniques behind this uniquely Sicilian craft as you design and create your own beautiful piece of lava stone jewelry. It’s a rare opportunity to learn directly from masters of their craft while creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake that will forever remind you of your time in Sicily. This evening, we’ll gather at a local restaurant to share stories from the day and enjoy another wonderful taste of Sicilian cuisine.
3 The Power and Beauty of Mount Etna2027-09-24
Today, discover the extraordinary landscape that has shaped Sicily’s culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship for thousands of years. Climb aboard a 4×4 Jeep for an unforgettable excursion across the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. As you explore this dramatic volcanic landscape, your local guide will share the fascinating story of the mountain that has both challenged and sustained the people who call it home. From ancient lava flows to breathtaking panoramic vistas, every turn reveals another remarkable perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Later, we’ll slow the pace with a wine tasting and leisurely picnic lunch at a nearby vineyard, where fertile volcanic soil produces some of Sicily’s most distinctive wines. Surrounded by vineyards with Mount Etna as your backdrop, you’ll savor regional flavors while enjoying one of the island’s most spectacular settings. This evening, we’ll gather for dinner at a local restaurant and toast another unforgettable day in Sicily.
4 Where Art Lives On2027-09-25
This morning, discover Taormina through the stories of the artists, craftsmen, and visionaries who helped shape its remarkable cultural heritage. Accompanied by our local guide, you’ll wander the charming streets and hidden corners of this hilltop jewel, where centuries of creativity can still be found in its architecture, workshops, and timeless atmosphere. Along the way, we’ll visit the extraordinary Casa Cuseni, a historic villa that has welcomed generations of renowned artists, writers, and intellectuals. More than a museum, it is a living testament to Sicily’s enduring artistic legacy.
Our journey continues with a special visit to the home museum of celebrated Sicilian artist Tino Giammona, whose work reflects the island’s rich traditions and creative spirit. Together, these unique experiences offer a rare glimpse into the lives, inspirations, and craftsmanship that continue to define Taormina today. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy some free time to browse Taormina’s inviting boutiques, artisan shops, and picturesque piazzas at your own pace with your Sisters before we gather once again for dinner at a favorite local restaurant.
5 The Art of Fragrance Begins2027-09-26
This morning, we’ll bid farewell to Taormina and journey along Sicily’s stunning northern coastline to the charming seaside town of Milazzo, our home for the next three nights. After checking into our beautiful beachfront hotel, take time to unwind and enjoy the tranquil setting. Relax by the sea, stroll along the shoreline, or simply soak in the Mediterranean views before gathering for lunch overlooking the water.
This afternoon, our next creative adventure begins at Feudo San Pietro, where you’ll embark on an extraordinary three-day journey into the art of fine perfumery. Inspired by the landscapes, flowers, and traditions of Sicily, you’ll work alongside fragrance experts to create a signature scent that is uniquely your own. Today’s experience introduces you to the soul of every great perfume: its heart. Centered around the intoxicating fragrance of Sicilian jasmine, you’ll awaken your senses through guided smelling exercises and discover how scent evokes memories, emotions, and place.
This evening, we’ll enjoy dinner together at Feudo San Pietro, surrounded by the beauty and aromas that have inspired perfumers for generations.
6 Capturing the Essence of Sicily2027-09-27
After breakfast, we’ll return to Feudo San Pietro, where our journey into the world of fine perfumery continues under the guidance of expert perfumer, Vera. Today’s workshop explores the vibrant first impressions and lasting character of a fragrance. Inspired by Sicily’s fragrant citrus groves and sun-drenched landscapes, you’ll discover the bright notes of lemon, bergamot, and orange blossom, balanced by the warm depth of native woods and aromatic resins. Through hands-on blending exercises, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how these elements work together to create a fragrance that is both beautifully balanced and uniquely personal.
Following a leisurely lunch at the estate, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Relax by the sea, explore Milazzo at your own pace, or simply savor a quiet moment as your senses continue to absorb the inspiration of this remarkable island. This evening, we’ll gather for dinner at a local restaurant to enjoy another taste of Sicily’s celebrated cuisine.
7 Your Signature Scent2027-09-28
This morning, we’ll venture into the beautiful Capo Milazzo Nature Reserve, where the fragrances of Sicily come to life in their natural surroundings. Accompanied by expert perfumer Vera, you’ll enjoy a guided walk through this unspoiled coastal landscape, discovering the wildflowers, aromatic herbs, and native plants that have inspired generations of perfumers. Along the way, you’ll gain a fascinating introduction to the principles of natural perfumery and the remarkable relationship between nature and scent. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll return to Feudo San Pietro for the final chapter of our immersive fragrance journey.
Now comes the true alchemy. Guided by Vera, you’ll carefully blend the jasmine heart notes you created on the first day with the bright citrus and neroli top notes and the warm woody base notes you’ve explored throughout the experience. Through thoughtful refinement and expert guidance, your fragrance will take on its own unique identity, becoming a beautiful expression of your memories, creativity, and time in Sicily. At the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with your own handcrafted signature perfume, a one-of-a-kind creation inspired by the scents of a Sicilian garden and a lasting reminder of this extraordinary journey.
This evening, we’ll celebrate your creative accomplishments over a dinner featuring the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Sicily.
8 Palermo's Timeless Elegance2027-09-29
This morning, we’ll leave the tranquil shores of Milazzo behind and journey west to Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital and a city where centuries of history, culture, and artistry converge. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy lunch before checking into the magnificent Palazzo Planeta, a beautifully restored 16th-century aristocratic residence that will be our home for the next four nights. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to settle in, relax, or begin exploring the lively streets and hidden treasures of Palermo at your own pace. This evening, we’ll venture to a local restaurant for dinner, where another memorable meal celebrates the authentic cuisine and warm hospitality of Sicily.
9 The Women Who Shaped Palermo2027-09-30
After breakfast, discover Palermo through a fascinating lens rarely explored by traditional visitors: the remarkable women whose influence helped shape the city’s culture, society, and artistic legacy.
Accompanied by our local guide, we’ll follow the inspiring story of Palermo’s influential women on a themed walking tour, Invisible Muse, Visible Power. Beginning with the magnificent Teatro Massimo, you’ll learn how women such as the legendary Donna Franca Florio transformed the opera house into far more than a venue for performances. Here, fashion, culture, and social influence intertwined, and women quietly helped shape the city’s identity from the elegant theater boxes that became stages of their own.
Our journey continues to the beautiful Villino Florio, one of Sicily’s finest examples of Italian Art Nouveau. As you admire its graceful architecture and exquisite decorative details, you’ll discover how Donna Franca Florio’s refined taste and patronage influenced not only Palermo’s artistic landscape but also its cultural identity during the Belle Époque.
The story continues with the extraordinary Tina Scalia Whitaker. While others occupied the public spotlight, Tina’s influence was felt through her intellect, international connections, and unwavering commitment to education, culture, and philanthropy. If Donna Franca embodied Palermo’s visible elegance, Tina Whitaker represented its quiet strength, proving that some of history’s greatest influence is exercised behind the scenes.
The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure before we gather this evening for dinner at a local restaurant.
10 Fire, Clay & Creativity2027-10-01
Today, we’ll journey to the picturesque seaside town of Santo Stefano di Camastra, Sicily’s celebrated capital of artistic ceramics, where generations of master craftspeople have transformed simple clay into extraordinary works of art. Here, you’ll spend the day immersed in an exclusive hands-on workshop, learning traditional ceramic techniques from accomplished local artisans. As your creativity takes shape, you’ll discover the artistry, patience, and craftsmanship that have made Sicilian ceramics treasured around the world.
The experience continues with an introduction to the fascinating Raku firing technique, an ancient process that embraces the unexpected. Fired at high temperatures and rapidly cooled, each piece develops its own distinctive colors, textures, and patterns, ensuring that no two creations are ever alike. We’ll then head to a beautiful outdoor setting where you’ll watch the dramatic Raku firing process unfold before enjoying a relaxed picnic lunch surrounded by the Sicilian countryside. The afternoon continues with time to complete your ceramic masterpiece, creating another one-of-a-kind keepsake that reflects both your imagination and the traditions of Sicily’s artisan heritage. After a fulfilling day of creativity, we’ll return to Palermo for a relaxing evening.
11 A Stitch in Time2027-10-02
This morning, experience one of Sicily’s most treasured artistic traditions as you enjoy a traditional Sicilian breakfast at a local café before making your way to an acclaimed embroidery school in the heart of the historic center. Here, you’ll be welcomed by skilled artisans who have dedicated their lives to preserving the intricate craft of Sicilian embroidery. During this hands-on workshop, you’ll create your own beautifully hand-embroidered fabric pendant while learning techniques that have been carefully passed from one generation to the next. More than simply needle and thread, embroidery tells stories of family, heritage, and the enduring artistry of Sicilian women.
A leisurely picnic lunch shared with the artisans offers a wonderful opportunity to hear their stories and gain a deeper appreciation for the traditions they continue to preserve. Afterwards, you’ll complete your embroidery before enjoying a guided walk through the historic center, including a visit to an embroidery design studio and one of the last remaining workshops dedicated to the centuries-old art of hand-drawn embroidery design.
This evening, we’ll gather for a memorable Farewell Dinner as we celebrate the friendships we’ve formed, the skills we’ve discovered, and the extraordinary creations we’ve made together. You’ll return home with far more than beautiful souvenirs. You’ll carry home handcrafted pieces that tell the story of your own creative journey through Sicily.
12 Arrivederci, Sicilia2027-10-03
After one final breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the enchanting island of Sicily. As you transfer to Palermo Airport for your journey home, you’ll take with you far more than beautiful souvenirs. You’ll carry home handcrafted creations, unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the artistry, traditions, and timeless beauty that make Sicily so extraordinary.
Where You'll Stay
Where Luxury Meets Authentic Sicily
Hotel Pensione Svizzera • Taormina
Perched on the hillside overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea, Pensione Svizzera has been welcoming guests for more than a century. This intimate, family-owned boutique hotel combines timeless Sicilian charm with spectacular views and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Just steps from Taormina’s picturesque streets, cafés, artisan boutiques, and historic landmarks, it’s the perfect place to begin your Sicilian adventure.
Hotel Hotel Riviera Lido • Milazzo
Wake each morning to the gentle sound of the Mediterranean at this peaceful waterfront retreat. With its beachfront location, spacious accommodations, and relaxed coastal atmosphere, Hotel Riviera Lido offers the perfect place to recharge between unforgettable days spent creating alongside Sicily’s master artisans.
Hotel Palazzo Planeta • Palermo
Your journey concludes in one of Palermo’s most extraordinary residences. Housed within a beautifully restored 16th-century aristocratic palace, Palazzo Planeta blends historic grandeur with contemporary elegance. Begin each morning with breakfast in the inviting shared kitchen before stepping outside to explore Palermo’s vibrant markets, magnificent architecture, and rich artistic heritage, all just moments from your front door.
Trip Inclusions
Everything that's already taken care of
- ✓11 nights/12 days exceptional accommodations
- ✓32 meals (11 breakfasts, 10 Lunches, and 11 Dinners)
- ✓Roundtrip transfers between airport and hotels
- ✓Hotel porterage
- ✓All art supplies needed to participate in the creative workshops
- ✓All finished products made during the creative workshops
- ✓All sightseeing tours, exclusive experiences and excursions as listed within this itinerary
- ✓Deluxe, private transportation throughout the itinerary.
- ✓Private Tour Director
- ✓Sisterhood Travels Group Leader
- ✓Sisterhood Travels Swag
- ✓An Amazing Sisterhood Experience
The Art of Staying Flexible
Pricing & Payments
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Deposits & Payment Schedule
Deposits and interim payments are non-refundable. Rates are guaranteed once your deposit is received and your reservation is confirmed.
Double Occupancy
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When you just want a little extra space, all to yourself.
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Book This TripKnow Before You Go
Activity Level: 3-Moderate
This experiential tour combines immersive cultural experiences, hands-on creative workshops, and leisurely exploration of Sicily's most beautiful towns and landscapes. Travelers should be comfortable walking through historic city centers, standing during guided tours and artisan demonstrations, and spending full days participating in creative experiences. While this tour is not physically strenuous, many of Sicily's most rewarding places are best explored on foot.
Walking & Standing
Most days include moderate walking spread throughout the day while exploring historic neighborhoods, museums, artisan workshops, vineyards, nature reserves, and cultural sites. Guided walking tours are conducted at a relaxed pace with regular opportunities to stop for commentary, demonstrations, photographs, and rest. Historic towns such as Taormina, Palermo, and Santo Stefano di Camastra feature narrow streets, uneven paving stones, cobblestones, and occasional inclines. Several museums, historic villas, and artisan workshops may also include stairs and uneven flooring. Many of the creative workshops involve standing while learning techniques from local artisans, although seating is available during portions of the activities.
Terrain & Transportation
Walking surfaces throughout Sicily include paved sidewalks, cobblestone streets, stone walkways, garden paths, and occasional uneven terrain in historic areas. The guided nature walk at the Capo Milazzo Nature Reserve follows established walking paths through a beautiful coastal landscape and is designed to complement the perfumery experience rather than serve as a strenuous hike.
Pacing
This itinerary is thoughtfully designed to balance engaging sightseeing with immersive creative experiences. Several afternoons offer free time to relax, browse local boutiques, enjoy a café, or explore independently, allowing travelers to experience Sicily at a comfortable and enjoyable pace.
Important Information
The details — please read carefully
⬇ Download Important Information (PDF)
Please Read This Information Carefully▾
There will be up to 10 Sisters on this tour, including your Sisterhood Travels Group Leader. Roommate matching is available.
Arrivals & Departures▾
International airfare is not included in your pricing. You will fly into Catania (CTA) and depart from Palermo (PMO).
We recommend that you arrive no later than 3:00 pm on September 22, 2027, and you can depart at any time on October 3, 2027.
Check-in time at your arrival hotel is at 3:00 pm.
All international flight arrangements must be submitted to Sisterhood Travels on or before July 22, 2027. If you need help making flight arrangements, or to submit your independent flight arrangements, please click here for Airfare Information.
Arrival transfers are provided only on September 22, 2027, from the Catania airport to our hotel. Departure transfers are only provided on October 3, 2027, from our hotel to the Palermo airport. If you arrive or depart outside these days and times, or you’re needing transfers or hotels elsewhere, you are responsible for making your own arrangements at your own expense.
Entry Requirements▾
Complete valid passport information is required on or before June 15, 2027. You are required to travel with a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the date of your return. If you fail to submit your complete and accurate information on time, we cannot guarantee your travel arrangements, and you will be responsible for any additional costs incurred.
If you are traveling through the United Kingdom, an ETA will be required for entry, even as a transit passenger. Applications are accepted online, at the approximate cost of £10, subject to change based on governing authority. For more information please click here.
You will be required to obtain an ETIAS tourist visa for travel within the European Union. This will become effective for all travel sometime in 2027. Applications are not yet available, but we will notify you when it is time to apply electronically. For more information please click here.
Gratuities, Travel Insurance & Optional Expenses▾
Gratuities for your local guides, and drivers are not included in your pricing. We will provide you with tipping guidelines for your trip.
Travel Insurance with Cancel for Any Reason coverage is strongly recommended and is not included in your pricing. We will send you a quote via email.
Any optional expenses or expenses related to anything not specifically listed in this itinerary are not included.
Please don’t schedule any optional excursions on your own for this trip as we cannot promise that you will arrive in time at any location to make your independent excursion. Sisterhood Travels won’t be liable for any expense you incur because of this.
There are no refunds for unused portions of this tour.
General▾
Dates and times of itinerary as well as hotels listed are subject to change without notice due to operational or logistical reasons.
Rates are guaranteed once your deposit has been received and your reservation has been confirmed by Sisterhood Travels. Until trip departure, pricing may change, and any increases in government taxes or fees, mandatory fuel surcharges, or currency exchange rates may still apply.
We cannot accommodate wheelchairs, assistive devices, scooters, walkers or rollators, or Zimmer-frames. You must be able to ambulate independently with no assistance from devices or others on the trip. It is imperative that you read the activity level description below.
You will receive an invitation soon after you book your trip for our travel app, “Trip Plans”. You will need to download this app to your smart phone as this is where you will find the most up-to-date, accurate information regarding your itinerary in addition to all of the critical information you need to know.
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Reserve Your SpotThe Art of Sicily: A Creative Journey for Women
September 22 – October 3, 2027
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