What is the Sicilian Odyssey?
The Sicilian Odyssey is a new Rocco Forte Hotels itinerary, launching in July 2026 for guests of Villa Igiea and Verdura Resort. It pairs Homer’s ancient epic with the Sicilian landscapes behind Christopher Nolan’s new film. Here, myth, cinema and a sunlit coast meet along a single, unhurried route.
The Sicilian Odyssey opens the island in three movements, each rich in myth, scenery and natural beauty. Every stop stands on its own, so guests can take one, two or all three. Together, they carry you from ancient stone to open water, and on to coves where the day slows to a drift.
Where does the Sicilian Odyssey begin?
The first stop is the island of Mothia, a quiet jewel in the Stagnone Nature Reserve. Here, a gentle walk through the Grillo vineyards leads to the Whitaker Museum and its prized Ephebe of Mothia, a 5th-century BC sculpture poised in marble. Afterwards, guests settle into a secluded garden for Sicilian classics such as couscous and caponata.
What happens on the Zingaro cruise?
The second chapter unfolds at sea, on a two-hour yacht cruise to the Zingaro Nature Reserve from either hotel. Along the way, the coast reveals towering sea stacks, sheer cliffs and legendary sea caves. Then the boat drops anchor in a hidden bay, and the water is yours for a long, cool swim.
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Why does the Sicilian Odyssey end on Favignana?
The final stop is the island of Favignana, all rugged coast and turquoise coves. The finest gather at Cala Rossa, Cala Rotonda, Cala Azzurra and Cala del Bue Marino, just beyond the easy charm of the harbour town. Here too stands the historic Tonnara Florio, a salt-worn reminder of the tuna trade that Vincenzo Florio built up in the 19th century.
How does the journey end at Villa Igiea and Verdura Resort?
Finally, the Sicilian Odyssey comes home to Villa Igiea and Verdura Resort. There, a photographic exhibition of images from the film set, courtesy of Universal Pictures, brings the journey to a graceful close.
Villa Igiea stands between Monte Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo, an Art Nouveau palazzo of quiet grandeur. Behind its turn-of-the-century façade sit 72 rooms and 28 suites, where sea light and period detail keep easy company. Dining follows the island’s lead, with Sicilian cuisine by Fulvio Pierangelini across Florio Restaurant, Igiea Terrazza Bar, and Alicetta Bistro.
Verdura Resort lies between the Valley of the Temples and Sciacca, spread across 230 hectares of olive and citrus groves with 1.8 km of private coast. The scent of the groves drifts over 203 rooms and suites and 20 Private Villas, each facing the sea. Days unwind here too, at the 4,000m² Irene Forte Spa and along two 18-hole golf courses by Kyle Phillips.
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How can guests book the Sicilian Odyssey?
The Sicilian Odyssey is reserved for guests of Villa Igiea and Verdura Resort. As a result, each journey is shaped through the concierge at either hotel, around one, two or all three experiences. Rocco Forte Hotels, founded in 1996 by Sir Rocco Forte and Lady Olga Polizzi, now spans 15 properties across Europe.
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