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Roman Villa
Chauffeur tour

The Roman Villa & Caltagirone

Short description
A must for art and history lovers. Enjoy a scenic drive to discover one of the world’s most beautiful UNESCO sites: the Roman Villa of Casale.
From € 110 From 7 to 8 hours From 2 to 3,5h depending on pick up location Agrigento - Catania - Giardini Naxos - Modica - Noto - Ragusa - Scicli - Siracusa - Taormina
About the tour

About the tour

Our tour focuses on timeless elegance, cultural depth, and scenic discovery — a full-day (max 8 hours) private excursion through the heart of Sicily, led by an experienced English-speaking driver.

Villa Romana del Casale: A Window into Roman Splendor

After breakfast, your driver will meet you for a scenic drive to Piazza Armerina, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Villa Romana del Casale — an extraordinary Roman estate that once belonged to a powerful aristocratic family.

This luxurious Roman villa, buried for centuries beneath the soil and now beautifully preserved, offers an immersive journey through Roman mythology, architecture, and daily life in the late Imperial period. With over 4000 square meters of original marble mosaics, the site boasts the most extensive and best-preserved in situ Roman mosaics in the world.

Walk through more than 40 mosaic-decorated rooms, including the famous “Ten Girls in Bikinis”, and admire mythological and hunting scenes that reveal the refined elegance of 4th-century aristocracy.

“The Villa del Casale is a hidden masterpiece — a silent empire of marble and color, telling ancient stories with every step.”

Please note: this is a very popular destination and early reservations are strongly encouraged to ensure availability.

Caltagirone: Sicily’s Living Canvas

In the afternoon, the journey continues toward Caltagirone, a UNESCO-listed Baroque town renowned as the historic ceramics capital of Sicily. The name alone evokes images of vibrant colors and glazed artistry, shaped lovingly into handmade Sicilian majolica.

Begin your visit with a stroll through the public gardens, where the town’s polychrome majolica makes its first charming appearance. Then ascend the town’s iconic ceramic staircase — the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte — a spectacular flight of 142 steps, each one uniquely decorated with handcrafted tiles illustrating centuries of Sicilian culture.

As you wander the alleyways and admire Baroque facades and noble palaces, you'll feel the rhythm of a town where craftsmanship and beauty are a way of life. Curious travelers may also visit a local ceramic workshop or a handmade terracotta Nativity scene by a local artist.

“Caltagirone is not just a town — it's an open-air museum where every step tells a story in color, clay, and tradition.”

A Day of Discovery with Comfort and Elegance

Throughout the day, your English-speaking chauffeur will ensure a comfortable, elegant, and enriching journey, offering insights into the landscape, history, and local culture. With door-to-door transport and tailored flexibility, this tour is ideal for travelers looking to explore Sicily’s artistic heritage without the rush of group travel or the rigidity of fixed timetables.

Let history unfold in color and stone — from the mosaics of the Roman Empire to the majolica of Caltagirone. This is Sicily at its most vivid.

Highlights

Tour highlights

Discover this fascinating Roman Villa.
See The Bikini Girls and The Great Hunting Scene rooms.
Learn about ceramics in the hilltop town of Caltagirone.
Get commentary from our expert drivers who are very passionate about Sicily and its unique history and culture.
Relax and indulge in the beautiful sicilian countryside as you are comfortably driven in our luxury vehicles.
Itinerary

Suggested itinerary

The tour is private and can be adjusted depending on your pickup location, timing and preferences.

01

Pickup and drive to central Sicily

Travel through Sicily’s inland countryside toward Piazza Armerina and the Roman Villa del Casale.

02

Villa Romana del Casale

Visit the UNESCO-listed Roman villa and admire its extraordinary mosaics, including hunting scenes and daily-life depictions.

03

Lunch or countryside break

Enjoy time for lunch or a short break before continuing to Caltagirone.

04

Caltagirone historic center

Explore the baroque town, known for its ceramics, churches and the famous Scala di Santa Maria del Monte.

05

Ceramics and return

Visit artisan shops or a ceramic workshop before returning comfortably to your pickup point.

About the area

Places, context and local character.

Discover the Timeless Elegance of Sicily’s Roman and Baroque Treasures

Nestled in the heart of Sicily lies a journey through centuries of extraordinary artistry, culture, and architecture. From the grandeur of the Roman Villa del Casale near Piazza Armerina to the hilltop charm of Caltagirone, this region offers a captivating glimpse into the island’s layered past — a past sculpted by emperors, artisans, and ancient traditions.

A recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Villa del Casale is one of the most remarkable examples of late Imperial period luxury. This vast Roman villa, hidden for centuries beneath the soil, reveals an opulent lifestyle through its awe-inspiring collection of ancient Roman mosaics. Spanning over 3,500 square meters, the villa's exceptional decorative mosaics depict intricate mythological and hunting scenes, capturing both everyday life and fantastical legends with stunning realism. These images, laid stone by stone by master mosaicists, form one of the greatest legacies of Roman artistic heritage preserved anywhere in the world.

Traveling onward through the rolling Sicilian countryside, one arrives at Caltagirone, another jewel in Sicily’s cultural crown and a proud UNESCO Baroque town. Known internationally as the historic ceramics capital, Caltagirone’s soul lies in its vibrant, handcrafted Sicilian majolica. The town itself is a living canvas — an open-air museum where history is glazed in color. The iconic ceramic staircase, the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte, rises majestically through the old town, each step adorned with unique tiles telling stories of Sicilian folklore, nature, and history.

Visitors strolling through the narrow streets discover bustling artisan ceramic workshops, where age-old techniques are passed down from generation to generation. From the scent of kiln-fired clay to the delicate brushstrokes of floral patterns, these workshops embody Sicily’s enduring cultural traditions.

Throughout this region, beauty is not just seen — it is experienced. Whether exploring ancient ruins or admiring panoramic views from a Baroque balcony, each moment is enriched by the island’s deep-rooted authenticity. Engaging with English-speaking chauffeurs or a private driver in Sicily can offer deeper local insights, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the landscape with comfort and elegance. These professionals provide more than just door-to-door transport — they ensure a hassle-free experience, transforming a simple day of sightseeing into a memorable discovery.

By choosing tailored tours, visitors gain access to a more personalized itinerary, one that adapts to their pace and curiosity. With professional service and optional guided sightseeing, the journey becomes more than a visit — it becomes a living narrative woven through Sicily’s storied hills.

In this extraordinary corner of the Mediterranean, time seems to fold into itself. The past breathes through mosaics and majolica, stone and color — waiting for those who seek not just to see, but to feel the timeless spirit of Sicily.

What's included

Included in this private tour

What's Included
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Luxury air conditioned Mercedes vehicle or similar
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Pick up and drop off right on the dock or place of stay
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English speaking Driver for the day at disposal
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All local Taxes, gasoline, highway/parking tolls, driver's meal
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Lunch
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Admission fees where required unless otherwise specified
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Gratuities are at client's discretion
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English speaking licensed Tour Guide
Booking details

Clear conditions before you book.

Secure booking

We use trusted payment technology and encryption methods to protect your data.

Booking benefits
  • Customer care every step of the way
  • No transaction fees
  • Immediate tour confirmation
Refund policy

Single Transfer, Wine & Day Tour

  • Up to 15 days before: 100% refund
  • Less than 15 days notice: 0% refund

Tailor-made Experiences, Multiple Services & Week-long Itineraries

A 50% deposit is required upon confirmation. Please note that 30% of the deposit will be retained for administrative and tailor-made work. The remaining amount can be refunded up to 30 days before the start of the tour. No refund will be issued if cancelled less than 30 days prior to departure.

*Please note that a 10% bank and processing fee will be charged to the client for each refund.

Available vehicles

Business Class

Mercedes class E

max. 3 guests max. 3 luggages

First Class

Mercedes class S

max. 3 guests max. 3 luggages

Business Van/SUV

Mercedes class V

max. 8 guests max. 8 luggages
Tour notes
  • All tours are private and customizable
  • Licensed tour guides are available at an additional cost
  • All major museums are closed on Mondays, January 1st, May 1st and December 25th
  • Clothing: shoulders must be covered to enter churches and sturdy walking shoes are advised.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Expect to spend around 2–3 hours at the villa itself, allowing for time to admire the mosaics, read informational panels, and take photos. If you like to take things slowly or are very interested in the mosaics, budget 3 hours.

Absolutely. The villa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its extraordinary Roman mosaics—considered the finest preserved in the Roman world—depicting mythological scenes, daily life, games, and more over 3,500m². Visitors consistently rate it as one of Sicily’s, and even Italy's, most impressive historical sites. It offers a unique, vivid window into late Roman aristocratic life.

You can only buy tickets at the counter. While queues are usually not long, especially outside peak hours, pre-booking online is recommended (but possible only through agencies) during high season or weekends to skip waiting and secure your spot quickly. Entry is sometimes free or discounted on certain days for specific categories.

Villa Romana del Casale offers partial accessibility. Around 50% of the site is accessible to those with disabilities or mobility challenges, with adapted tours and services available, including wheelchair-friendly vans and accessible restrooms. There are ramps and accessible routes, but some areas have stairs or uneven surfaces. For the visually impaired, visitor apps and audio guides enhance access.

Highlights include:The Great Hunt mosaic (massive and detailed hunting scene).The iconic Bikini Girls (female athletes in action).Mythological scenes (Hercules, Orpheus, Cupid games).Vivid animal mosaics—lions, tigers, exotic birds, and more.Elaborate geometric and figurative mosaics in every room, viewable from raised walkways.Every room offers unique photo ops—look for storytelling mosaics, intricate patterns, and restored architectural details.

Time of Year: Visit spring (April–June) or early autumn (September–October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.Time of Day: Visit early morning (before 10am) or late afternoon (after 4pm) to avoid crowds and tour bus groups. The mosaics may photograph best with natural daylight in the morning or late afternoon.

Yes, it is very doable. The two towns are about 30–40 minutes by car apart. Many tours offer a combined visit—it’s common to spend 2–3 hours at the Villa, have lunch, then visit Caltagirone’s town center in the afternoon. Expect a 6–8 hour day including travel time. Renting a car or hiring a chauffeur streamlines the trip.

Caltagirone is Sicily’s ceramics capital and a UNESCO baroque town. Expect to see:The iconic Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte—a staircase of 142 steps, each with unique ceramic tiles.Numerous artisan ceramic workshops and galleries.The vibrant Cathedral of San Giuliano.Moor's Head ceramics, unique ornaments, and traditional Baroque architecture.Local food, Sicilian granita, and colorful street scenes.

Yes. Caltagirone offers hands-on pottery and ceramics workshops in local artisan studios, lasting from 45 minutes to a half day. You can try shaping, glazing, and decorating your own ceramic piece, guided by expert craftspeople. Some popular options include:Verus Ceramiche, CEAR Ceramiche, Bottega Varsallona, Opera Prima, and others.Workshops can be booked in advance, are suitable for individuals, families, or small groups, and sometimes include guided town tours.

From
€ 110
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