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One Euro Houses in Sicily Retire to Italy Incredible 1 Euro Houses of Sicily 1 Euro Houses Sicily

Small Group · Palermo

Exploring the 1 Euro Houses and Surrounding Areas in Sicily September 10-18, 2022

8 Days Sicily

The Overview

Overview

This unique adventure through Sicily put on in conjunction with Retire to Italy will showcase some of the highlights of this unique island, that most visitors never experience and will allow you to experience Sicily in a unique way - through the eyes of a potential 'local in Sicily'.  As seen on CNN the BBC in the Guardian, Forbes and other major news channels, it is true, some municipalities in Sicily are quite literally giving homes away. Check out the recent video on CBS here: 





At the end our journey you will have the opportunity, without any obligation to leave Sicily with your own 1 Euro home, though even if you decide the island is not for you, you will gain important knowledge and understanding about new initiatives to create economic stability in the region which are taking place and gain a far more in depth understanding of the unique position in the Mediterranean which Sicily offers visitors from all over the world.  

For complete details of the itinerary, see the detailed itinerary below that together with our group of like-minded people you will have the opportunity to experience and meet many community members who are coming together so that they can create a new reality on the island with innovation, creativity and international input.  From a networking standpoint alone, it will be an experience to be cherished for years to come as new friendships, business opportunities and long-lasting memories will without a shadow of a doubt be formed. 

We will meet with local officials and experience towns which are welcoming visitors to restore houses that can be purchased for 1 Euro.  We will show you the best of Sicily and give you all the information you need to make owning a home in central Sicily a possibility that will be life changing for you and the community in which you purchase. 

Highlights include:
  • An experience to view and visit many of the 1 Euro houses and visit some of the properties that have been beautifully renovated and restored to glory 
  • Meet with local community members and understand the long-term vision for Sicily's growing economy 
  • Talk with seasoned and professional 'commercialista' and law makers while enjoying some of the best local cuisine, various wines that are now becoming famous all over the world in unique settings 
  • Get to know the real 'Sicily' and a young, growing and dynamic community which is changing things for the better and creating one of the more harmonious places on the planet to call home  
Experience Authentic Sicily, with Locals who Love Sicily and an Inspiring International Community!
Get in touch today!
Email: team@italyvacationspecialists.com 
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Duration

8 days

7 nights

Starting From

EUR 2,450

Per person for two travelers

Tailored to your departure and group.

This unique adventure through Sicily will showcase some of the highlights of this unique island as we meet with local officials and experience towns which are welcoming visitors to restore houses that can be purchased for 1 Euro. We will show you the best of Sicily and give you all the information you need to make owning a home in central Sicily a possibility that will be life changing for you and the community in which you purchase.

Regions
Sicily
Tour Style
Small Group
Departs From
Palermo
Meeting Point
Airport
Included Meals
Daily breakfast · 5 dinners · 4 lunches · 3 wine tastings · 1 cooking class
Day by day

Itinerary

Follow the route as you read. The map traces each day of the journey, moving with you from place to place.

Sicily

Chapter 1 · Days 1–8

Welcome to Sicily

Italy’s historic and cultural diversity is perfectly expressed in Sicily, an island rich in history and overflowing with scenic beauty. A visit to Taormina, 200 meters above sea level and looking down onto the Ionian Sea like a terrace, will deliver a calm to the soul, a must see while visiting this island.   From the breathtaking beauty and vantage point…

Explore Sicily
Day 1

Sicily, Mondello

Private Transfer from Palermo Airport to the Picturesque Beach Town of Mondello just outside of Palermo

  • Dinner
Private Transfer from Palermo Airport to the Picturesque Beach Town of Mondello just outside of Palermo — photo 1 Private Transfer from Palermo Airport to the Picturesque Beach Town of Mondello just outside of Palermo — photo 2 Private Transfer from Palermo Airport to the Picturesque Beach Town of Mondello just outside of Palermo — photo 3 Private Transfer from Palermo Airport to the Picturesque Beach Town of Mondello just outside of Palermo — photo 4 Private Transfer from Palermo Airport to the Picturesque Beach Town of Mondello just outside of Palermo — photo 5

Upon arriving at the Palermo airport, once you pass through customs (depending on where you are coming from) we will be there at the airport to meet you and privately transfer you to the town Mondello , only 15 minutes outside of the bustling city of Palermo, this town is home to fine white and beaches that like a diamond necklace are kept in pristine condition surrounding the the picturesque turquoise bay. 

We will stay at the Mondello Design Resort , a unique property that has been restored and is a fine example of Sicilian craftsmanship and here you will have a chance to settle in, take a walk into town and enjoy the spectacular scenery before dinner. 

This evening our tour directors will lead an orientation talk over a nice Sicilian style 'apperativo' followed by a welcome dinner in wonderful historic Palermo restaurant famous the world over for the exciting flavors unique to this area of the world. 

Overnight in Mondello.

 

Where we meet Airport
Day 2

Sicily, Palermo Sicily, Monreale

A Different Look at Palermo and Monreale: Understanding Changing Times in Palermo

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
A Different Look at Palermo and Monreale: Understanding Changing Times in Palermo — photo 1 A Different Look at Palermo and Monreale: Understanding Changing Times in Palermo — photo 2 A Different Look at Palermo and Monreale: Understanding Changing Times in Palermo — photo 3 A Different Look at Palermo and Monreale: Understanding Changing Times in Palermo — photo 4

Palermo is one of Sicily's most vibrant cities and the capital of the region.  It has become a destination in high demand over the years and draws millions of international visitors each year.  Monreale, is one of Italy's most impressive cathedrals and home to some of the most stunning mosaic works in Europe.  We will explore both historic Palermo and the vibrant market culture as well as Monreale this morning, followed by a visit to spectacular Mondello in the afternoon where you will have an opportunity (weather permitting) to take a swim. 

In the evening we return to Palermo for some time at leisure followed by a visit to the Teatro Massimo Opera house (with optional opera tickets you may purchase) for an evening classical music concert in this impressive European opera house, unique in all of Europe. 

Overnight in Mondello. 

Day 3

Sicily, Marsala Sicily, Trapani Sicily, Erice

Experience Erice, Trapani and the Marsala Salt Road

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Wine Tasting
Experience Erice, Trapani and the Marsala Salt Road — photo 1 Experience Erice, Trapani and the Marsala Salt Road — photo 2 Experience Erice, Trapani and the Marsala Salt Road — photo 3 Experience Erice, Trapani and the Marsala Salt Road — photo 4

This morning after breakfast at the hotel we depart for beautiful Marsala home to some of Sicily's finest and largest wineries like the Donna Fugata winery and fine olive oil.  This city is located in a beautiful position along Sicily's salt roads which is a landscape unique in all of the world and one which makes for beautiful photo opportunities.  

Following our wine tasting at the Donna Fugata and stops for photos, we head to Trapani which is a glorious town and gateway to many picturesque islands like Favignana and many others further south of Siciy, home to some of the bluest waters in the Mediterranean. 

In Trapani, we will enjoy lunch at I Lumi, which is a historic restaurant that serves up some of the finest and unique cooking Sicily.

After lunch, we head up to the glorious town of Erice which offers spectacular 365 degree views of the valley below.

Time permitting we stop in Segesta on our way back to Palermo to explore some of the most well-preserved Greek Temples in Europe. 

Return to Mondello for free time and dinner at leisure following our very wonderful day together. 

Overnight in Mondello (with transportation options to go into Palermo - only 15 minutes away) 

Day 4

Sicily

Depart Palermo For Sambuca, Sicily then onto Mussomeli for 1 Euro House Site Inspections

  • Breakfast
Depart Palermo For Sambuca, Sicily then onto Mussomeli for 1 Euro House Site Inspections — photo 1 Depart Palermo For Sambuca, Sicily then onto Mussomeli for 1 Euro House Site Inspections — photo 2 Depart Palermo For Sambuca, Sicily then onto Mussomeli for 1 Euro House Site Inspections — photo 3 Depart Palermo For Sambuca, Sicily then onto Mussomeli for 1 Euro House Site Inspections — photo 4 Depart Palermo For Sambuca, Sicily then onto Mussomeli for 1 Euro House Site Inspections — photo 5

This morning after breakfast we depart Parlermo and head to Sambuca in central Sicily, one of the towns which is offering the 1 Euro houses where we will visit some of the properties up for sale and also see some of the places that have been rennovated and restored. 

Lunch in Sambuca with town officials and then onto  Mussomeli, where we will settle into the fantastic farm estate, the Agriturismo Monticelli. 

Continued site inspections of the houses. 

Time at leisure.  Dinner in local country restaurant serving up some fine local Sicilian dishes. 

Overnight in Mussomeli at the Agriturismo Monticelli 

Day 5

Sicily

Exploring the One Euro Houses in Mussomelli and Surrounding Area

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Wine Tasting
  • Cooking Class
Exploring the One Euro Houses in Mussomelli and Surrounding Area — photo 1 Exploring the One Euro Houses in Mussomelli and Surrounding Area — photo 2 Exploring the One Euro Houses in Mussomelli and Surrounding Area — photo 3 Exploring the One Euro Houses in Mussomelli and Surrounding Area — photo 4 Exploring the One Euro Houses in Mussomelli and Surrounding Area — photo 5

After a fine buffet breakfast at the farm, we will carry on into the town and understanding with the locals how this process works, the necessary paper work and understanding the rhythm and ways of life of Sicilian culture, understanding the changes happening now and in large part gaining insight into this new movement in Sicily with legal authorities and people who have already begun with the restoration.

Today will be a day dedicated to researching the houses and learning as much as we can about the surrounding area. 

There is optional horse-back riding and cooking course avaialbe on this day as optional activities for those who may be interested. 

Day 6

Sicily, Taormina Sicily, Enna Sicily, Siracusa

Enna - Siracusa - Taormina

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Enna - Siracusa - Taormina — photo 1 Enna - Siracusa - Taormina — photo 2 Enna - Siracusa - Taormina — photo 3 Enna - Siracusa - Taormina — photo 4 Enna - Siracusa - Taormina — photo 5

This morning after breakfast we head firstly to the highest point in Sicily, spectacular Enna, where you can enjoy awe-inspiring views over all of Sicily and enjoy one of the most celebrated towns in the region, for nearly 200 churches located here.  

Following our time in Enna, we head to Siracusa where you will have time to enjoy the this historic and beautiful seaside city, before we head to Taormina where we will enjoy the rest of our evening at leisure.

Day 7

Sicily, Mt. Etna

Mt. Etna and the Etna Wineries

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Wine Tasting
Mt. Etna and the Etna Wineries — photo 1 Mt. Etna and the Etna Wineries — photo 2 Mt. Etna and the Etna Wineries — photo 3 Mt. Etna and the Etna Wineries — photo 4 Mt. Etna and the Etna Wineries — photo 5

This morning we head up as high as we can to Mt. Etna where you will be able to witness an amazing geography unique in Europe. Some people will head up to the highest parts of the volcano while others may wish to remain at the lodge.

Following our time on Mt. Etna we head to a beautiful farm where local Ricotta cheese, a staple in Sicily is produced and today you will get a chance to taste cheese so fresh, your taste buds will not believe it.

Lunch at the winery today.

Return to Taormina in the afternoon for time at leisure, shopping, visit to the Greek Theatre.

Farewell dinner in Sicily this evening with group and an open question and answer period with local hosts. 

Day 8

Sicily, Catania

Private Transfer to Catania Airport - Conclusion of Tour

  • Breakfast
Private Transfer to Catania Airport - Conclusion of Tour — photo 1 Private Transfer to Catania Airport - Conclusion of Tour — photo 2 Private Transfer to Catania Airport - Conclusion of Tour — photo 3 Private Transfer to Catania Airport - Conclusion of Tour — photo 4 Private Transfer to Catania Airport - Conclusion of Tour — photo 5

Following breakfast this morning,  we will privately transfer you to the Catania airport for your return flight home.

Others may want to stay in Sicily or continue their time in Italy which we can certainly assist with. 

The details

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included

  • Air-conditioned coach
  • All entrance fees to sites and museums
  • All hotel taxes and service charges
  • Cellar Tour
  • Cooking class
  • Dinners where indicated with wine included
  • Entrance Fees
  • Local and International Travel Assistance During your Tour
  • Market Tour
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Specialized and Personal Service
  • The Most Fun Possible!!!! :)
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Wine and Olive Oil Tastings
  • Wine Estate Visit

What's Not Included

  • Gratuities of any type
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Optional excursions during your tour
  • Personal Expenses or Extras at hotels
  • Travel Insurance
In their words

Traveler Reviews

Emily and David Davison Travelled with us

My husband and I just took a two week trip to Italy that was planned for us by Eleanor Kinchin-Smith. It was a fantastic trip and we could not have been more thrilled. We worked together with Ele to let her know about our interests and our style of travel. She planned the perfect trip with excellent private guides at all of our sites, professional drivers and lovely hotels. We arrived in Italy with all of our train and ferry reservations made by Ele, with tickets in hand. She was in touch with us daily throughout our trip to make sure that things were going smoothly. She was able to make a few changes to our itinerary as needed. We look forward to working with Ele again on our next trip and have put her in touch with another family member to help plan their trip as well.

Ron and Deb Crosby Travelled with us

Dear Guiseppe and Jesse,

We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future.

Hotels

1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we were part of their family. I would recommend it to anyone and would specifically ask for it if we were to make a return visit.

2. Hotel La Baia in Monterosso was nice and it's location was very good especially for us older folks humping luggage from/to the train station.

3. Hotel Lucchesi in Florence- what can I say expect FANTASTIC. The rooftop view at sunset is well worth it. Again very friendly and helpful staff. Would recommend it to everyone.

Wine Tour

Money well spent. We had a great time overall. The driver Mario was OUTSTANDING. He had lots of local knowledge as well as about winemaking. USE HIM AGAIN!!!

The various wineries we visited on tour:

Altesino- fantastic and they were not cheap on their pouring. Great experience.

Azienda Agricola Patrizia Cencion Sloaria- Again a great tour by one of the owner's daughters. We felt like we were the only thing on their mind although there were other customers there. A great way to complete the day.

Again we had a fantastic time and are very appreciative of everything you booked for us. We wish you continued success and if our travels should bring us back to Italy, we know who to call.

Leon and Michele Travelled with us

The trip was great we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country.

Bob & Sandy Travelled with us

Jesse & Giuseppe,

Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.

Where you are

Location

Italy Palermo

Palermo and beyond

8 days through Italy, with every stop chosen by the people who live here.

Where we meet

Airport

Where it starts

Palermo

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private tour, or will we join a group?

Private. You travel with your own guide and driver, and the only people on the itinerary are the ones you bring with you. Nothing is shared with strangers, and the pace of each day is yours to set.

Can the itinerary be changed to suit us?

Yes. What you see here is a starting point, not a fixed departure. Tell us how long you have, what you love and what you would rather skip, and we will reshape it around you. A slower morning, an extra night somewhere you fell for, a different region entirely.

How do we start planning?

Send us a note using the form on this page, or call us on 1-866-779-2565. A travel specialist replies within one business day, usually with a few questions of their own. There is no cost and no obligation in asking.

When should we book?

The earlier the better, particularly for travel between May and September, when the best small hotels and the guides worth having are taken first. That said, we have put together beautiful trips at short notice, so ask and we will tell you honestly what is still possible for your dates.

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