Italy has always offered many ways to experience its landscapes, culture, and traditions. In summer 2027, new nonstop air service from Newark to both Catania and Olbia creates an especially compelling opportunity to discover two of the country’s most fascinating islands in one private journey.

United’s new Newark-Catania and Newark-Olbia routes connect Sicily and Sardinia directly with the United States during the same summer season. Rather than choosing between them, travelers can now experience both, discovering two very different expressions of Italian island life.

This private 10-night journey pairs five nights in Sicily with five nights in Sardinia, creating an immersive experience across two of Italy’s most distinctive islands.

Two Islands, Two Identities 

Sicily and Sardinia may share the Mediterranean, but their character could hardly be more different.

Sicily is layered, vibrant, and deeply shaped by its history. Ancient civilizations, elegant Baroque towns, volcanic landscapes, vineyards, and a remarkable food culture have all left their mark on the island. Every destination reveals another chapter, from the ancient streets of Syracuse to the refined beauty of Taormina and the vineyards surrounding Mount Etna.

Sardinia, meanwhile, feels wilder and more elemental. Beyond its celebrated beaches, the island reveals mountain communities, shepherding traditions, ancient customs, and a profound connection to the land. Its coastline shifts dramatically from one region to another, creating a landscape that feels both rugged and distinctly Mediterranean.

Experiencing both islands together makes their differences part of the story.

Sicily: History, Baroque Beauty & Mount Etna

The Sicilian portion of the journey explores Ortigia, Syracuse, Scicli, Noto, Taormina, and Mount Etna, combining ancient history, Baroque architecture, volcanic landscapes, and the flavors of the Sicilian table.

In Ortigia and Syracuse, centuries of history unfold among ancient ruins, elegant piazzas, and Mediterranean surroundings. Further south, Scicli and Noto reveal the distinctive beauty of southeastern Sicily, where ornate Baroque architecture gives the towns their unmistakable character.

The journey continues to Taormina, where you can explore its historic streets or enjoy views across the Mediterranean. On Mount Etna, volcanic soil shapes both the landscape and the vineyards, offering a chance to discover Sicilian wines in their natural setting.

Throughout Sicily, food becomes another way to understand the island. Wild herbs, local ingredients, traditional recipes, and centuries of cultural influences come together at the table, reflecting the many civilizations that have passed through Sicily.

Then, the journey changes character.

Sardinia: Mountains, Traditions & Mediterranean Landscapes

Five nights in Sardinia reveal a side of the island that extends well beyond its famous coastline.

The journey explores Oliena, Supramonte, the Gulf of Orosei, Northern Sardinia, and La Maddalena, bringing together mountain traditions, extraordinary landscapes, local culture, and two distinctly different ways of experiencing the sea.

In the interior, Oliena and the Supramonte offer a glimpse into Sardinia’s enduring shepherding traditions and close relationship with the land. These communities provide a deeper understanding of the culture and rhythms that have shaped Sardinian life for generations.

The Gulf of Orosei introduces another side of the island, where rugged mountains meet a dramatic Mediterranean coastline. Further north, the journey continues toward La Maddalena, where the sea takes on an entirely different character.

Rather than simply moving from one beach to another, the Sardinian experience reveals how deeply the island’s people, landscapes, and traditions remain connected.

A Private Journey, Designed Around You 

This private journey is not designed as a checklist or a group tour. Instead, it is a tailor-made experience created around each traveler.

With no fixed departure dates, you can arrange the journey from May through October 2027, subject to availability. The itinerary can also be adapted according to individual interests, preferred pace, hotel category, and the experiences that matter most.

Just as importantly, there is room to slow down.

There might be time to wander through Ortigia without following an itinerary, linger over lunch in a small Sicilian town, or enjoy Taormina without a particular destination in mind. In Sardinia, a quiet afternoon overlooking the Mediterranean may become just as memorable as a planned excursion.

Because some of the moments travelers remember most are the ones that were never scheduled.

Discover Italy Beyond the Expected 

Sicily and Sardinia offer two remarkably different perspectives on Italy. One is layered with history, architecture, cuisine, and volcanic landscapes. The other reveals rugged mountains, enduring traditions, and a powerful connection to the Mediterranean.

Together, they create a journey that goes beyond simply visiting two islands. Experiencing both offers a chance to see how different cultures, landscapes, and traditions can exist within the same country.

For travelers considering Italy in 2027, the new direct connections to Catania and Olbia make this combination especially timely.

Want to explore Sicily and Sardinia in more detail?

Discover more about this private Italy journey through the complete itinerary and additional destination details.

• Download the Sardinia Guide (PDF)
• Explore the Sicily & Sardinia Journey

Your Italy, Designed Around You 

Sicily and Sardinia are one way to experience Italy, but a private journey can begin almost anywhere.

Whether you’re interested in Sicily and Sardinia, the art and architecture of Florence, the landscapes of Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, or somewhere entirely unexpected, Yampu Tours can design a journey around your interests, pace, and travel style.

Contact Yampu Tours to start planning a private Italy journey designed around how you want to experience the country.

Private, Personal, Sophisticated.

Why Book with Yampu Tours?

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