Who hasn't fallen for the beauty of Sicily while watching Inspector Montalbano and wished you had one of Adelina's amazing arancini to watch the sunset!

If you've been inspired to travel to Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, you are not alone. Even Italians often head here for their summer break as the clear waters and perfect weather mean it's the best place for your holiday.

This island offers an unparalleled blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The food is incredible, the people welcoming and you can switch off on the beautiful beaches or see the sights depending on what you love when you're away.

Here we will be sharing just some of the delights you can find if you explore Sicily like never before with tailor-made tours designed by a team of passionate local experts. There's nothing like seeing a place with the people who know all the best spots, hidden gems and roads less travelled. Whether you're drawn to the island's timeless charm, rural landscapes, or literary connections, Sicily Tailor Made Tours offer a personalised experience that unveils the authentic soul of Sicily.

So what can you expect?

Charming Sicily: A Journey Through Picturesque Towns and Historic Landmarks

Begin your first trip to Sicily in Palermo the stunning, vibrant capital. Even if you aren't an architecture buff, it's hard to miss the majesty of the buildings, the colours of the stone, the way the light hits the Duomo. Here in the Piazza Duomo, you can explore the historic centre, Palermo Cathedral and the opulent Palazzo dei Normanni (Norman Palace), which show the Arab-Norman history of the city's rich past.

This is also a great spot for strolling through bustling markets like Mercato di Ballarò, immersing yourself in the local street food scene with delights such as arancini, panelle or if you can stomach it; stigghiola, which is sheep or goat intestine!

If you have time for a Sicily road trip, venture to Catania on the east coast. Here, the iconic Piazza del Duomo awaits with the Liotru, an elephant sculpted from basalt, greeting you when you arrive! In this square you'll find the impressive Cathedral of Saint Agatha in beautiful Baroque style. The Duomo has been rebuilt several times due to the eruptions of earthquakes from Mount Etna.

A short walk behind the Cathedral leads you to the lively fish market. Every day here there are tents and stalls offering a sensory feast of sights and sounds. It's a great place to learn more about the culture and vibrancy of the island.

Rural Sicily: Immersing in Countryside Traditions

Away from the cities, delve into the heart of Sicily's countryside by visiting traditional villages and staying in an agriturismo. These are like charming farm stays where you eat food grown on site and often take part in cooking classes or other experiences run by the owners. These are real authentic experiences and far surpass your usual hotel stay. My children always love staying in an agriturismo, if you love the slow food and travel movement as well give it a try.

In the region surrounding Piazza Armerina, you can explore the famous Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exquisite Roman mosaics. The mosaics are intricate and well preserved making it a wonderful way to see another side of ancient Sicilian life.

Engage with the locals, experience the Palio dei Normanni if you're there in August and soak up the low key farming life with homemade cheeses and age-old culinary traditions.

Sicily at Your Own Pace: A Customisable Itinerary

Whether you seek a relaxed escape or an adventure-filled trip, Sicily Tailor Made Tours are fully adaptable to your preferences. If you want to get a rental car, this provides the flexibility to explore for short trips at your leisure, maybe you need an extra gelato stop or you've got used to an evening passeggiata!

For tours transportation can be arranged by your guide, alternatively if you are having a day to yourselves Sicily's public transportation network connects major cities and towns, offering a convenient option for those who prefer not to drive.

Inspector Montalbano Tour: Exploring Iconic Filming Locations

If like us you are fans of the beloved TV series ‘Inspector Montalbano’ you can follow in the detective's footsteps by visiting real-life locations featured in the show. I'm so jealous of this option and need to go one day!

Begin in Ragusa Ibla, whose baroque architecture and narrow streets set the scene for many episodes. This is the historic centre of Ragusa, and of course like many spots in Italy, is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's well know as you may remember from the show, for its stunning Baroque architecture, from churches to palaces.

Nearby Scicli serves as the backdrop for the fictional police station, housed in the town's municipal building. Keep an eye out for Mimi and Fazio having one of their many coffees!

However, don't leave without visiting the small village Punta Secca, where Montalbano's seaside home is based. With panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and memories of his fabulous balcony. This area is part of the Val di Noto, again recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their remarkable features.

The Aeolian Islands: An Island-Hopping Adventure

To finish your trip conclude your Sicilian journey with an island-hopping experience through the Aeolian. This is a volcanic archipelago off Sicily's northern coast. Here you'll find perfect formed but tiny Lipari, known for its rich history and vibrant town centre with scents of rosemary and cobbled streets.

Explore Stromboli, home to a volcano and you can go on guided tours which lead you to view the active, mesmerizing eruptions against the night sky. Lastly relax in the thermal waters and free spa of Vulcano and head to Salina afterwards for fresh seafood. This island is renowned for its lush landscapes, vineyards and capers.

As you can see each island offers unique traditions and breathtaking views, making this a perfect finale to your Sicilian adventure.

Practical Tips for Your Sicilian Journey

The ideal time to explore Sicily is during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) months, when the weather is pleasant, and tourist crowds are thinner. The high season in summer brings warmer temperatures and more visitors, while the winter months offer a quieter experience with cooler weather.
Renting a car is a great way to explore Sicily's beauty at your own pace. Numerous rental companies operate at Palermo Airport and Catania Fontanarossa Airport. Be mindful of narrow streets in historic centres; parking outside and walking in is often advisable.
Sicily's rich history is evident in sites like the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, showcasing ancient Greek ruins from the 5th century BC, and the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greek theatre offering stunning views of the Ionian Sea.
Mangia! Indulge in Sicily's street food, fresh seafood, and traditional dishes at local restaurants and markets. Don't miss cannoli, granita, and the variety of cheeses and wines unique to the region.
From agriturismo in the countryside to small hotels in major cities, Sicily offers a range of accommodation to suit different budgets. Always book in advance.

Should you wish to book a guided tour save this for the best things to do in Sicily for an enriching holiday with culture, natural beauty and leaving you with memories to cherish.