To coincide with the cinema release of *The Odyssey*, Christopher Nolan’s latest film, Rocco Forte Hotels is launching “The Sicilian Odyssey."
A bespoke itinerary to the film's sets
Sicily was chosen as the scenic backdrop for several locations featured in the film, and Rocco Forte Hotels has designed a bespoke itinerary for guests at its Villa Igiea and Verdura Resort. The properties are also paying tribute to the film’s locations with an exhibition of the most beautiful on-set photographs, courtesy of Universal. The first stop on the itinerary is the island of Mothia in the Stagnone Nature Reserve, a place believed to be one of Ulysses’ landing sites. 
ph credits: Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved
Archaeology, landscapes and culture
The island still retains the charm of the ancient Phoenician colony, offering an experience that combines archaeology, landscapes and culture. After a stroll through the vineyards of Grillo – the grape variety symbolic of western Sicily – the visit continues to the Whitaker Museum, home to the Ephebe of Mothia, a marble sculpture dating back to the 5th century B.C. Sicily is also renowned for its culinary traditions and among the specialities, couscous and caponata stand out. The caponata is a typical Sicilian dish made with aubergines which are dressed with a typical sweet-and-sour sauce.
Villa Igiea
Visiting the Zingaro Nature Reserve
The second stop that Rocco Forte has included in this itinerary is not to be missed: the Zingaro Nature Reserve, one of Sicily’s most captivating stretches of coastline. The area on part of the island’s north-western coast, can be reached in two hours by yacht from Villa Igiea. The landscape is dominated by unspoiled nature with sea stacks, sheer cliffs plunging into the sea and natural caves along the coastline, framed by crystal-clear waters. 
Tonnara
Hidden coves and tuna processing
Favignana, which is the final stop on the itinerary, provided the backdrop for some of the film’s most memorable scenes. The town’s harbour, for example, was transformed by the director into an evocative ancient Greek harbour. The island captivates visitors with its wild coves and crystal-clear waters, which are best appreciated by boat. Among the unmissable stops are the beaches of Cala Rossa, Cala Rotonda, Cala Azzurra and Cala del Bue Marino. For those wishing to discover Favignana’s historical side, a visit to the Tonnara Florio is a must. Here, you can trace the ancient tradition of tuna processing, which, in the 19th century, thanks to Vincenzo Florio, made the island famous worldwide.
