As you know, we have been extremely supportive of our friend Tony Flanagan’s (known to some as Tony Cannoli) new venture, Magari Tours. These are highly immersive adventures into the very heart of Italy, designed for small groups to enjoy the best that each region has to offer, whether that’s Lombardy, Tuscany, Umbria, Puglia or Sicily.
Whilst the majority of tours are single-centre, the Heart & Soul of Sicily is multi-centre, and although this is really the best way to understand the whole island, it doesn’t suit everybody, so here’s a little bit from the man himself and his new authentically Magari Sicily alternative:
Our Heart & Soul of Sicily programme continues to flourish, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that some travellers longed for a slower rhythm—one that didn’t require packing and unpacking while exploring the Mediterranean’s largest island.
And so an idea took hold: to craft a journey rooted in one enchanting corner of Sicily, far from the crowds, where guests could settle into a single beautiful hotel and truly sink into the spirit of place. I knew this meant we couldn’t showcase every immersive site on the island, but I was determined that whatever I created in this more “focused” region would capture the essence of Magari—authentic, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
I flew into Sicily’s western province of Trapani and travelled to the family-owned Dome Hotel in coastal Marsala. With just 15 rooms, a stunning rooftop bar and pool, a perfect central location, and the warmest Sicilian welcome, it felt destined for Magari. On our arrival evening, Giuseppe—the owner and son of the family—will host a private rooftop dinner just for us, a gesture that perfectly sets the tone for the entire experience.
This new tour will be based here for seven magical nights. Without revealing too much, this journey blends meaningful artisan encounters and rare local experiences. We’ll visit an extraordinary olive farm where we’ll not only taste their exquisite extra virgin olive oil, but also learn how they transform part of their harvest into handmade, entirely sustainable olive oil soap—something I’ve never seen done anywhere else.
Together with another local artisan, we’ve designed an enchanting candlelit winery experience, followed by a deeply authentic dinner surrounded by Marsala’s iconic wine barrels. It’s intimate, atmospheric, and beautifully Sicilian. Of course, no exploration of this region would be complete without the archaeological marvel of Selinunte, the breathtaking hilltop town of Erice, and the remarkably preserved Doric temple of Segesta.
I also returned to our dear friends at Da Vittorio, the beloved seafood restaurant set right on the beach near Menfi. After the passing of their father, I wanted to pay my respects and was touched to share lunch with Michelangelo. As always, the seafood, wine, and sea views were exceptional—a highlight our clients adore.
You’ll also discover lesser-known treasures such as the historic fishing port of Sciacca and the atmospheric town of Mazara del Vallo, with its maze-like Arab quarter, the Kasbah. Wandering its narrow lanes felt like stepping into Tunis, a captivating blend of Sicilian and North African influences. We’ll explore the fascinating salt pans, with the chance to taste an array of unique sea salts—some paired with flavours you’d never expect. Naturally, there will be a hands-on cooking class in a private baglio, as well as wine tasting at Fina Winery, where the terrace offers soul-stirring views over the ocean.
And then there is Rosario—a visionary Sicilian man who welcomed me to his private countryside park. Here, clients will wander through ancient caves and learn how Tufo stone once shaped the city of Marsala. What Rosario has created is extraordinary: rustic, timeless, and unlike anywhere else on the island. I won’t spoil the surprise, but it’s truly special.
This tour may cover only one part of Sicily, but it is quintessentially Magari—rich with character, filled with lesser-known wonders, and woven with genuine connections to the land, its artisans, and its people. It’s a journey that lingers long after you return home.
Coming soon…
