SICILY
FOOD AND WINE TOUR

WELCOME TO SICILY

Sicily can be defined as a strange and divine museum of architecture and culinary heritage. Sicily is is the land of  a vibrant food scene with a dominance of Greek taste in the eastern area as opposed to the greater influence of Arab flavors in the western region. From Greece, Sicilians have maintained a taste for Mediterranean vegetables, especially aubergine, the protagonist of dishes such as caponata or parmigiana, while oriental aromas can be sensed in the use of spices and nuts. Let the journey begin!

NOBLE WELCOME AT PALAZZO

Experience the quintessential Sicilian welcome by immersing yourself in the noble life of Sicily, where life revolves around exquisite food, wine and great hospitality. In the luxurious setting of a palazzo. Discover the secrets of traditional recipes during an unforgettable show cooking, or just relax. As the day culminates, savor an unexpected and glamorous first dinner, prepared by our skilled chef, providing a taste of Sicily's culinary richness without having to lift a finger.

PALERMO, SICILY'S CAPITAL

Let’s embark in private tour of Palermo led by a local expert. Palermo was the capital of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies and has always been the center of culture. It houses the third largest European opera house Teatro Massimo, countless palazzi, churches and piazzas, impressive Normand-Baroque architecture and a vibrant food scene. We’ll pass by iconic places such as Palermo Cathedral, Capo Market, where you can sample the city's famous street food, Piazza Verdi, Piazza Pretoria, Piazza Bellini and Quattro Canti.

MONREALE

A short trip to the hilltop town of Monreale, just outside Palermo, offers the chance to explore some exceptional Norman-era church: Monreale Cathedral, one of the architectural marvels of the Middle Ages. A church built to impress.

Back to Palermo, enjoy a free evening in intriguing Palermo.

VILLA ROMANA DEL CASALE

On our way to Ragusa we will drive across inland and take the opportunity to stop at Villa Romana del Casale, a few miles from Piazza Armerina. Excavations have gradually uncovered this super-luxury Roman villa, the best preserved in the Mediterranean.

Guided by an expert archaeologist we will get to understand the geometric and figurative mosaics that constitute a unique catalog of the most select imaginary in Late Antiquity. The motifs used reflect, in a symbolic, allegorical or descriptive way, the aspirations and power of an owner who spared no expense in decorating his residence with fashionable scenes among the late Roman elite. It's listed UNESCO Heritage site since 1997.

We will enjoy a lovely lunch in a surf and turf style at one of the top restaurants in the heart of the island.

RAGUSA IBLA

We will continue by. the road that leads to Ragusa Ibla, our base for the next couple of days, where a good restorative dinner awaits us.

NOTO

Ragusa is our as a jumping off point to explore the Baroque Triangle and today's stop will be Noto. Not only it is one of the most beautiful towns of Sicily, but in Noto we find what is probably the best granita on earth! Sampling it at Caffè Sicilia is a must: let's order a small granita - almond and pistachio are our favorites - with a brioche while we keep strolling around. This is the way!

VAL DE NOTO WINES

It's time for our first winery visit. In Noto Valley wines made from Nero d'Avola are qualified under Santa Cecilia DOC and those from Moscato Bianco as Passito di Noto DOC. The Nero d'Avola vinified in purity, the result of a careful selection of the best vineyards for the production of an excellent wine. Our tour and tasting will be followed by a rustic lunch.

Back to Ragusa Ibla, feel free to take the most of your time strolling around beautiful Ragusa Ibla.

MODICA

Delightful Modica was almost eradicated by the earthquake in 1693 and now presents an irregular urban layout consisting of upper and lower areas, joined together by steep, narrow roads and staircases. On top of its beauty, what Modica is internationally kwon for is the chocolate.

Here you’ll find chocolate created with ancient techniques, dating from the time of the Aztecs, and brought to the region by the Spaniards in the 16th century, period when Spain dominated the island.

We won't leave Modica without enjoying another pleasant lunch.

After an exhilarating day, we'll venture to our next destination, Ortigia, where everyone can savor the enchanting evening at their leisure, surrounded by the charming allure of Ortigia by night.

ORTIGIA & SYRACUSE, CITIES OF LEGENDS

Filled with timeless riches, the island of Ortigia is one of the most lively and charming towns in Sicily of incomparable beauty, and it is linked to Syracuse by a bridge. Considering Syracuse was founded by Greeks around 734 B.C. and was the capital of Sicily for around a thousand years, our walking tour will unveil all the secrets of the corner of paradise, a maze of narrow streets, ornate Baroque churches and centuries-old palazzi.

NEOPOLIS ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK

As much of the ancient city has crumbled since ancient times, the ruins can still be explored in Syracuse’s celebrated archaeological park home to a spectacular 5th century BC Greek Theater – the largest in Sicily –, a Roman Amphitheater and the Ear of Dionysus, a surprising large cave with excellent acoustics and an interesting legend.

Back to Ortigia to sample some rich traditional food.

Free evening to fully enjoy a passegiatta along the Lungomare Alfeo waterside promenade.

ORTIGIA'S PULSING FOOD MARKET

Ortigia's food market is a vibrant hub that encapsulates the essence of Sicilian cuisine and culture. The market is most vibrant in the morning when the freshest produce arrives, so let's go!

Experience an intimate tour of the food market in Ortigia, guided by a friend and chef. Explore the vibrant stalls, discover the freshest local produce, aromatic spices, and delectable Sicilian specialties. Learn insider tips on selecting the best ingredients as you navigate the bustling, colorful market. Take your time exploring the market, interacting with vendors, and soaking up the atmosphere.

This exclusive experience is perfect for food lovers looking to immerse themselves in the culinary heart of Ortigia.

OLIVE OIL EXPERIENCE 

Of course, no visit to Sicily would be completed without visiting an olive grove, its mill and having a closer look to the steps of production of the golden liquid. Let's explore a farm producing Monti Iblei Dop Extra Virgin Olive Oil where olive trees produce varieties such asMoresca, Tonda Iblea and Nocellara Etnea or Verdese are grown. 

COOKING CLASS

Experience the vibrant flavors of Sicily in a traditional Sicilian cooking class, where you'll learn to create authentic dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of the island, guided by our expert chef passionate about sharing her love for Sicilian cuisine.

Last evening in Ortigia, take the chance to do some fine shopping and explore some of the stylish cafés and bars.

TAORMINA 

Taormina is a gorgeous seaside town perched on a hilltop, it is the pearl at the foot of the Etna. Hollywood stars, scientists, philosophers, musicians and writers could not resist her charms and found peace here in this idyllic setting. 

If the Grand Tour in the 17th century can be considered the prelude to modern tourism, Taormina has emerged, since the beginning of the 20th century, as the capital of what could already be called a true "influencer phenomenon": Sigmund Freud, Albert Einstein, Truman Capote, D.H Lawrence, Liz Taylor, Richard Burton and Greta Garb to mention just a few did all adored Taormina.

Despite the actual mass tourism, there are still hidden corners and many stories to tell. Of course, we cannot miss the the jewel of Taormina: the Greco-Roman theater facing the Ionian sea.

SICILIAN MEAT DELIGHTS

Then, we will venture to the northern Etna region, anticipating a delightful feast featuring some of the best meats the island has to offer. Indulge in a sumptuous lunch that promises to highlight the rich flavors and exceptional quality of Sicily's renowned culinary treasures. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Etna's gastronomic delights.

The evening will be free to do as you please at the hotel, from enjoying a cocktail at the bar, being pampered at the spa or sampling a gastronomic dinner.

ETNA WINES 

One of the main reasons to visit Sicily is discovering everything about the wines from Etna, grown around Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Let's understand Etna wines unique traits, the grape varieties, the soil and the different categories. We will visit a lovely winery and discover the power of the terroir in this volcanic unique territory.

FAREWELL DINNER

In the evening, we’ll be treated to a special surprise farewell dinner, details of which we can’t reveal!

END OF JOURNEY

Today, private transfer to Catania airport at your appointed time.