Check-in at The White Lotus

While the hit series The White Lotus recently aired its Season Three finale, which took place on the Thailand island of Koh Samui, it was the show’s first and second seasons in Maui and Sicily, respectively, that seduced audiences worldwide. And if Season Two left you dreaming of sun-drenched terraces and moonlit liaisons, you’re not alone. 

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Sicily, with its intoxicating blend of history, culture, and cinematic beauty, has been enjoying its moment in the spotlight ever since. But beyond the drama and intrigue of the screen lies a real-life journey—one that captures the island’s opulence, mystery, and timeless allure. We asked Sicilian specialist travel designer, Alberto Ciarallo, the founder of Cognoscenti Travel to outline the most wow factor experiences on Italy’s most intense and inspirational island.

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Ciarallo has curated a ten-night itinerary that follows in the footsteps of The White Lotus’s most memorable characters, whisking you from Palermo’s storied palazzi to Taormina’s cliffside splendor. Along the way, expect sweeping seascapes, exquisite gastronomy, and encounters with the island’s deeply rooted traditions. This is Sicily as you’ve never seen it before—through the lens of high society and hidden gems.

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Begin in Palermo: A Noble Welcome

Your journey starts in Sicily’s vibrant capital, where history whispers from every gilded facade. A gourmet walking tour of the lively Del Capo market immerses you in the city’s rich culinary tapestry—think golden arancini, fragrant panelle, and the sweetest cannoli. Next, a private visit to an aristocratic villa unveils the grandeur of a bygone era, culminating in cocktails on a sun-dappled terrace. Cognoscenti Travel can unlock your access to the noble palaces and ancient families that make up Sicilian’s aristocratic heritage.

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Into the Madonie Mountains: Rustic Charm and Time-Honored Traditions

Leave the city behind for the unspoiled landscapes of the Madonie Mountains. Here, mule tracks lead to hilltop hamlets untouched by time. A hands-on lesson in cheesemaking with a local shepherd offers an authentic taste of rural Sicily—slow, simple, and deeply satisfying. 

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Cefalù: Seaside Romance and Cinematic Views

A jewel on Sicily’s northern coast, Cefalù’s Norman Cathedral, with its golden mosaics and imposing towers, provides a striking backdrop to The White Lotus’s most seductive scenes. Wander the medieval streets, pause for a granita by the sea, and soak in the effortlessly romantic atmosphere.

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Baroque Splendor in Noto

The honey-hued facades of Noto’s Baroque palazzi glow under the Sicilian sun, their intricate details revealing a city built for beauty. Climb to a rooftop terrace for sweeping 360-degree views, then explore ornate churches and elegant cafés, where the scent of almonds and citrus lingers in the air.

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Mount Etna: Volcanic Majesty and Liquid Gold

Ascend Europe’s highest active volcano, where smoldering peaks and ancient lava flows create an otherworldly landscape. In the foothills, discover boutique wineries crafting extraordinary vintages from Etna’s mineral-rich soil—an experience that blends fire, earth, and wine in perfect harmony.

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Taormina: The Grand Finale at The White Lotus Hotel

Your Sicilian sojourn culminates at the legendary San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel—the real-life White Lotus. Perched above the Ionian Sea, this former monastery-turned-luxury-retreat exudes an air of history and indulgence. Stroll through the jasmine-scented gardens, sip an aperitivo at golden hour, and let the enchantment of Taormina cast its spell.

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This is the Sicily of The White Lotus—but more than that, it’s the Sicily of aristocrats, poets, and dreamers. Step into the story, and let your adventure unfold.

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To book, visit Cognoscenti Travel, specialists in Sicilian itineraries and custom tours, www.cognoscentitravel.com