A Sicilian Odyssey: Discover the Island with Rocco Forte Hotels

Sicily has long been a place of myth, mystery, and cinematic beauty, and now travellers can experience the island through a very different lens. To celebrate the return of one of history’s most legendary travellers to the big screen, Rocco Forte Hotels has launched The Sicilian Odyssey, an exclusive new journey inspired by Homer’s epic tale and the spectacular landscapes featured in Christopher Nolan’s film The Odyssey.

Created exclusively for guests staying at Villa Igiea in Palermo and Verdura Resort on Sicily’s southern coast, the experience brings together ancient history, dramatic scenery, crystal-clear waters and some of the island’s most captivating cultural treasures.

Rather than simply sightseeing, The Sicilian Odyssey invites guests to experience Sicily as a journey through its mythology and landscapes, with three distinct experiences they can enjoy individually or combine into a complete itinerary.

The first stop is Mothia, a tiny island set within the beautiful Stagnone Nature Reserve. Surrounded by Grillo vineyards and the lagoon's shallow waters, Mothia offers a glimpse into Sicily’s ancient Mediterranean past. Guests can explore the island on foot before visiting the Whitaker Museum, home to the remarkable Ephebe of Mothia, a celebrated fifth-century BC sculpture. The experience ends with lunch in a secluded garden, where traditional Sicilian favourites including couscous and caponata provide a suitably local finale.

The second chapter takes to the water, with a private two-hour yacht cruise towards the Zingaro Nature Reserve. The journey itself is part of the experience, with guests sailing past rugged cliffs, towering sea stacks and dramatic caves along one of Sicily’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. Once there, the yacht drops anchor in secluded bays, offering the opportunity to swim in the impossibly clear Mediterranean waters.

For me, it is the kind of experience that captures what makes Sicily so special: the ability to move effortlessly between history, nature, food, and the sea, often all within the same day.

The final stop is Favignana, the largest of the Egadi Islands and another location whose rugged beauty has attracted filmmakers. Guests can discover some of its most spectacular coves, including Cala Rossa, Cala Rotonda, Cala Azzurra and Cala del Bue Marino, before exploring the island’s picturesque harbour and the historic Tonnara Florio.

The former tuna-processing complex is a fascinating reminder of Favignana’s past and the legacy of Vincenzo Florio, who helped establish the island as one of the Mediterranean’s most important centres of tuna production during the 19th century.

“The Sicilian Odyssey” ultimately offers a chance to see Sicily through a different perspective, where ancient mythology meets Hollywood, and extraordinary landscapes become part of the story.

Back at Villa Igiea and Verdura Resort, guests can continue the cinematic journey with a photographic exhibition featuring striking images from the film set, courtesy of Universal Pictures.

Available exclusively to guests of both Rocco Forte properties, the experience can be tailored around one, two or all three excursions, creating a truly memorable way to discover Sicily beyond the traditional tourist trail.

For Bookings and enquiries, please visit Rocco Forte Hotels | 5-Star Luxury Hotels and Resorts