Castelmola and Taormina with Lunch at the Grand Hotel Timeo

Drive up from the coast to Castelmora, one of the most scenic villages in Sicily, perched high on a mountainside and crowned by the ruins of a castle. With your guide, stroll down the narrow medieval alleys that are rarely visited by non-Sicilians, soaking up the ambience and admiring its well-preserved churches and buildings. You’ll then drive to nearby Taormina, the resort town that has been a destination for well-heeled travelers since the 19th century. Enjoy a leisurely guided stroll through the medieval Old Town, stopping at key landmarks such as the 15th-century Corvaja Palace. Your guide will take you in the town’s beautiful public garden. The cottage-style English garden, complete with lush plantings, abundant flowers and Victorian follies, was originally part of the villa of an expat British aristocrat who married Taormina’s mayor in the 1880s. Relax and recharge from your explorations with an elegant lunch at the venerable Grand Hotel Timeo, which serves classic glamour and sensational views along with superb regional cuisine. Completing your exploration is a visit to the Greco-Roman theater, Taormina’s ancient landmark that dates to the 3rd century BC, with free time to wander on your own before returning to the yacht.