Sicily may be just smaller than the state of Massachusetts, but it is packed, coast to coast, with agricultural, historical, natural and cultural significance.

Plan at least one week on the island.

Here I present a sample 10-day itinerary. To trim it down to one week, eliminate Agrigento and either the day in Catania or the final day at leisure.

Day 1: Arrival in Palermo

Your driver awaits you at the airport for your private transfer to your hotel in Palermo. Choose from many beautiful hotels such as the artsy 4* Palazzo Brunaccini or the new member of Rocco Forte, the historic 5* Villa Igiea.

Day 2: Explore Palermo

Discover Palermo’s culinary scene, especially its renowned street food! On this private walking tour your guide brings you to the city’s lively food markets and through the winding streets, tasting local specialties along the way: arancini, sfincione (soft bread soaked in tomato sauce and herbs), cassata (small cakes), and of course famous Sicilian cannoli.

Learn about the history, art, and nature of Palermo on an adventurous private bike tour. Your guide will take you along a coastal route, passing through the Village of Arenalla, and on toward Mondello, an important fishing village with beautiful beaches. Then explore the Parco della Favorita, a 400-hectares park created in 1799. And finally, reach the Palazzina Cinese and two squares that are popular with locals, the Piazza Castelnuovo and Piazza Verdi.

Day 3: Arrival in Agrigento

After check-out, your driver brings you to the beautiful Mandranova estate, known for a long tradition of farming and award-winning olive oil production. Upon arrival, meet the owners, Silvia and Giuseppe for a tour of the estate and its oil mill. Giuseppe will treat you to a special Extra Virgin Olive Oil tasting. Then take a cooking class with Silvia to learn about the typical ingredients and traditional recipes of Sicilian cuisine. Enjoy the meal you’ve prepared which may consist of anelletti al forno (baked pasta rings), pasta con le sarde(with sardines) or polpettone (Italian meatloaf), plus delicious desserts.

You will spend this night and the next on the estate in one of its villas or unique rooms. The ancient farmhouse, former train station and former winery have been converted into beautiful rustic rooms for guests.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

This morning you head to the enchanting village of Sant’Angelo Muxaro where you meet your guide. You’ll walk though the countryside to see the largest Tholos Tomb in Sicily called Tomb of the Prince. Then make your way to a small, local bakery where you will learn the art of Sicilian pizza making! After enjoying the lunch you’ve made, you will visit the home of a shepherd and taste the pecorino and ricotta cheeses made on premises. This walking tour takes you far from the classic touristic route.

Day 5: Journey to Taormina

Experience the “real Sicily” with a drive to some charming towns before reaching Taormina. First, enjoy a walking tour of Savoca, one of the most beautiful villages in Sicily. If you’re a fan of The Godfather, you can walk to the church of Sant Nicolò where Michael Corleone and Apollonia Vitelli were married. And you can visit the famous Bar Vitelli, where Michael Corleone asks the bar owner about his daughter. Be sure to sample the lemon granita!

Then head to the medieval village of Forza D’Argò, a typical village of the Messina Provence. Stroll through the streets taking in the incredible views. Finish your journey at the medieval village of Castelmola. Castelmola is just inland from Taormina, but perched high above on a mountaintop. Observe the remains of the Castello di Mola, the castle the village was built around. Take in the incredible views of Mt. Etna, the Ionian Sea, and Taormina. Walk through the winding streets, discovering the many shops and cafés.

Finally, you will make your way to Taormina to check into your hotel. Choose from wonderful properties such as the boutique hotel, 4* Villa Carlotta, which also has one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments available, or The Ashbee, a 5* seafront hotel, originally a villa designed by architect Charles Ashbee in 1907.

Day 6: Mount Etna & Wine Tasting

After breakfast meet your naturalist guide to explore Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. You’ll take a Jeep up to the Valle del Bove, a wide valley part of the protected area of the park. Go through old lava flows, see some of the 400+ craters, and stop at various viewpoints to take in the incredible views. After walking through the pine forest of Ragabo and to the Corruccio cave, you’ll have a delicious local lunch.

After lunch, you’ll reach the famous Frank Cornelissen winery, known for its organic farming and wine-making. Visit an ancient vineyard, tour the wine cellar, and taste several wines.

Day 7: Siracusa & Noto

After check-out, you’ll visit two of southeastern Sicily’s most fascinating cities. Your first stop is the seaside metropolis of Siracusa. Here you’ll visit the ruins of Chiesa di San Giovanni, a 6th century church built where St. Paul is said to have preached. You’ll venture into its catacombs and visit the tombs of St. John and St. Marcian. On the island of Ortigia, you’ll stroll through the ancient streets of the Jewish quarter. Here, you’ll visit the site of the 7th century synagogue where you’ll see the ritual baths called Mikveh 35 feet below ground.

After lunch you’ll travel to Noto to explore the city’s stately sandstone palaces and churches. Most of Noto was rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake. You can see the unmistakable Sicilian Baroque style here, which led to the region’s listing as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You will then travel just outside the town of Catania to the beautiful Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges. Surrounded by nearly 2.5 acres of gardens, with a pool and spa, this is perfect relaxing location to end the trip.

Day 8: Catania

Head into Catania, Sicily’s second largest city. Just a 35-minute drive from the resort, you’ll find this energetic, youthful, gritty, ancient port city. Another southeastern city leveled by the 1693 earthquake, you will find it was rebuilt in the Baroque style, with wide avenues and large, open squares. Visit the famous fish market and the Teatro Romano. For a panoramic view, climb to the top of the dome of the Benedictine Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, founded in 1558.

Day 9: Day at Leisure

Today is your last full day. You may decide to take advantage of the spa at your resort, lounge by the pool and stroll through the gardens. You may choose to visit one of the many wineries nearby, or enjoy a sailing experience out of Riposto for amazing views of Mount Etna and the east coast. There is no wrong decision; how you spend your final day is up to you!

Day 10: Depart Sicily

After a leisurely breakfast, your driver arrives to bring you to the Catania airport for your flight home.

Undoubtedly you will be leaving with wonderful memories and beautiful photos. And you will already be planning your trip back!