Sicily · VIP
The good vip experiences go early in a Sicilian summer and the great ones go earlier. Below: the 10 to book first, what each includes and how they differ.
Spend about four hours aboard a clean, comfortable boat with captain Gaspare and, on some trips, Valeria. Swim at Addaura, Mondello, Capo Gallo, and sea caves, with snorkel gear, music, drinks, snacks, and an English-speaking host.
“10/10 experience! Amazing host and company. Favorite part of our Italy trip so far :) unlimited drinks and free snorkels!”
Spend about four hours aboard Blue Diamond with married hosts Graziella and Saro, cruising from Giardini Naxos past Isola Bella, Mazzarò, Mermaid’s Cave, and more. You’ll get a welcome drink, coastal stories, a swim stop, snorkeling gear, and a generous Sicilian lunch.
“So much to say and all positive. From the communication and meet up point to their beautiful boat and warm greeting, this was a highlight of our trip. My husband and I rented the boat just for ourselves and it was very special. The owners and host Graziella & Saro (husband & wife team) treated us like friends, yet so professional. Saro was a great and safe captain while Graziella shared her knowledge and history of all the sights as we toured the coastline. When we jumped off for some swim time, they prepared an amazing homemade lunch for us. The Prosecco was constantly refilled too during the entire excursion.…”
Spend about eight hours on a private boat from Trapani, stopping at Favignana’s coves, sea caves, and tuna plant before reaching Levanzo. Swim, snorkel, enjoy fruit, prosecco, and Sicilian street food, then have free time for lunch in Favignana. Captains may include Sandro, Patrizio, Toti, or Valentina.
“The most beautiful day we could have spent in Sicily. The company offers even more than expected. Stunning swimming spots, beautiful islands, and great restaurant recommendations. The boat was fantastic and in excellent condition. A special shoutout to our skipper Patrizio, who made our day even more fun and enjoyable. Thank you for the unforgettable experience. Greetings from the crew from Serbia!”
Set out from Trapani at 10am for a private eight-hour cruise to Favignana and Levanzo. Swim at Cala Azzurra, enter sea caves, snorkel with provided gear, stroll Favignana, and enjoy Sicilian snacks, drinks, paddleboarding, and Champagne with a skipper such as Vito, Michele, or Marco.
“The one of the best thing to do in Trapani. Our trip was spectacular in all terms, the owner was our captain. He took us to the gemstones of the islands.”
Travel from Messina by private, air-conditioned van to Bar Vitelli, the church in Forza d’Agro, and Taormina. You’ll have time for granita, film locations, shopping, lunch, and the Greek-Roman Theater. Erika and Filippo may assist your group, with pickup at the cruise terminal.
“We had a great day. We enjoyed going to the town and visiting where the film was made. Beautiful shops as well. Erika was fantastic and a pleasure to work with as well as Filippo. Would highly recommend with them.”
You’ll spend 4 to 7 hours on a private yacht from Porto Arenella, stopping at Vergine Maria, Mondello, and Isola delle Femmine. Swim in clear water, use SUP or seabob equipment, and add a fish BBQ for €50 per person or an onboard massage for €100.
“While the Captain and crew were nice, the yacht was not as expected or represented. It had been poorly maintained and was very very dirty. We only stopped for swimming one time. We were not taken to snorkel among the stacks of the Cyclops in Acitrezza. The crew shared no stories and did not describe the sites. We looked forward to this excursion our entire trip and could not have been more disappointed.”
Travel by air-conditioned luxury van from Messina to Mount Etna, Taormina, Savoca, and the city cathedral. You’ll walk the Silvestri craters, taste Sicilian products, explore Corso Umberto, and visit Godfather film locations. Expect 6 to 8 hours, free time, and a minimum of four people.
“What a wonderful day! Very informative with plenty of free time to explore on our own. The small towns were delightful.”
Join Graziella and Saro of Blue Diamond Escursioni for a three-hour private boat outing from Giardini-Naxos. You’ll view Isola Bella, Mazzarò, Capo Taormina, and Naxos Bay, swim in clear coves, watch for marine life, and enjoy a savory aperitif aboard a small-group boat.
“It’s so wonderful when people serve from the heart — and that’s exactly what this lovely couple does. If you’re looking for real connection, a safe and welcoming vibe, and a beautiful boat, this is the one. Absolutely recommend!”
Set out from Giardini Naxos with Saro and Graziella aboard the Blue Diamond for a private coastal cruise. Swim and snorkel by Isola Bella, the Blue Cave, and Mazzarò Bay, then enjoy a generous lunch, drinks, music, and dolphin watching if conditions allow.
“The Blue Diamond is a beautiful yacht and Saro and Graziella the perfect hosts. After slowly cruising down the coastline we played in the crystal blue waters. While we swam, Graziella prepared a fantastic lunch which included a delicious homemade caponata and oysters freshly shucked by Saro. Graziella kept the champagne flowing and Saro’s playlist provided the perfect background. I cannot recommend this tour highly enough!”
Spend about seven hours exploring Taormina with a private guide, luxury van, Greek Theatre visit, White Lotus filming sites, old-town walk, and a boat ride with a tasting. Mariarita and Giuseppe have helped make the day flexible, including port pickup and time for swimming, shopping, and lunch.
“The boat ride was a MUST do and absolutely incredible! Maybe the highlight of our 2 week Mediterranean trip. The guide/driver was great. Understood everything we wanted to do in Terromina and gave us time to shop on our own!”
Pick a coast, a volcano or a kitchen.
