Sicily

Upon arrival, after free time this afternoon in Palermo, we meet for a welcome reception and dinner.

Overnight in Palermo.

We spend the morning in Palermo, taking a guided tour of the Duomo, an eclectic cathedral that combines elements of Gothic, baroque, neoclassic, and Norman architecture. We will join in the vibrancy of a local food market and your lunch today will be a street food selection walking around in the old districts of Palermo, where you can’t stop smelling the fried frittula, arancine and panelle, tasting pane ca meusa and discovering its pastry shops which offer traditional cannoli and cassata.

This afternoon we travel to nearby Monreale for a visit to its Norman cathedral. We wander through Moorish-style arcades and cloisters and examine its exquisite gold mosaics illustrating biblical tales.

Dinner at a fine restaurant.

Overnight in Palermo.

This morning we head west to Segesta, where a beautifully preserved hilltop temple was begun in the fifth century by the indigenous Elymian people and never completed. We will continue our journey toward the salt mine near Trapani with its fascinating windmills, followed by a visit to the world famous Donnafugata cellar in Marsala for a complete tasting of their production.

After our lunch, we travel to Agrigento, a prominent city in Magna Graecia before it was sacked and fought over by the Carthaginians and Romans in the fourth and third centuries B.C. We will spend the evening with these magnificent temples as our backdrop

Dinner in your hotel.

Overnight in Agrigento.

Today we explore the incredible Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where the temples to Zeus, Castor and Pollux, and Herakles dominate the landscape. Then departure toward, the UNESCO village of Scicli first and the charming Baroque hilltop town of Ragusa Ibla, one of the most picturesque towns in Sicily. In Ragusa, we stop in one  of the local delicatessens, to taste the unfoprgettable sweets typical of the region like ‘mpanatigghie‘ and the typical chocolate of Modica, made based on the same recipe of ancient Aztecs in Mexico, because of the lack of cacao butter.

This afternoon, we head for Syracuse, a city that once rivalled Athens in culture and economic strength.

Tonight we dine with our friend and spectacular host who will demonstrate how to cook the Sicilian way!

Overnight in Syracuse.

After a beautiful breakfast, we venture down the winding streets of Ortigia, a tiny island linked to Syracuse by a bridge, and pass the sixth-century-B.C. ruins of the Temple of Apollo, which has served as a church, a mosque, and a military barracks. Then visit the stunning Greek theatre and the adjacent quarry, now a massive grotto with resonating acoustics dubbed the “Ear of Dionysius”. You will have some free time here to peruse this magical town, stop for an espresso or apperitivo or catch up on some shopping.

After a relaxed morning, we head toward the town of Avola, where we will visit a winery and appreciate the taste of one of the most famous Italian wines, Nero d’Avola, which will be served along with a bunch of local delicacies like almonds and pomodori Pachino.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Syracuse.

Enjoy our morning drive up the coast to Europe’s largest active volcano, where Mount Etna dominates eastern Sicily. The breathtaking volcano ascends to 2.900 meters above sea level. We take a trip by cable car and 4×4 to the very rim of this legendary volcano and behold a fascinating landscape forged by countless eruptions.

With our camera’s full, we descend toward Catania for a walking & food tour and some time at leisure before we reach our hotel in Taormina and gather for a unique trip into the culture of this land: we will experience a decadent cooking class of all things sweet based on local glories like cannoli, cassata and marzapane.

Overnight in Taormina.

This morning we meet our loca guide for a tour of Taormina to visit Teatro Nuovo, the superb Greek-Roman theater and the lovely city center, then reach the beach with a cable car to enjoy a perfect aperitivo Sicilian style by the sea!

After a visit of a local cheese maker  we then transfer to Messina with its stunning seaside promenade and the infamous ‘funny astronomical clock’. And of course to enjoy the best granita in the island!

Back to Taormina for a great farewell and Michelin dinner!

Overnight in Taormina.

Its time to say goodbye as we transfer towards your next destination.

Or why not stay with us for one more day as we visit the Aeolian Islands, and a spectacular stay in our 5 Star Spa resort ‘Therasia Resort’ and Michelin Dinner.

This special excursion is set to discover the infinite richness of the 7 Aeolian Islands, all having a volcanic origin and offering a spectacular natural scenery: we will sail off to Salina for a last sampling of its delectable cuisine based on – no surprise – seafood and of course the king of the local tables wild capers.

Dinner at the Michelin restaurant of your Resort.

Overnight in Vulcano Island.

• Seven (7) breakfasts, Five (5) tastings, Six (6) lunches, Six (6) dinners & Two (2) wine tastings
• One (1) Michelin dinner, One (1) fine dining dinner & Two(2) cooking classes
• Excursions – Guided tour of Palermo, market tour in Palermo, street food tour in Palermo, guided walk of Monreale, visit to a working salt mine, Donnafugata winery tour and tastings, Sweets and chocolate tasting in Ragusa, Cooking class in Syracuse, wine and food tastings at a winery in Avola, Cable car and 4×4 tour of Etna, Foot tour of Catania markets, Desserts cooking class, guided tour of Taormina, guided walk of Messina, granita tasting
• Transfers in private coach,
• Seven (7) nights boutique accommodation
• Fully escorted by Melina Puntoriero, Manuelina Culinary, 8 days of professional guides

• TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
  • INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS,
  • TRAVEL INSURANCE,
  • PASSPORT,
  • ITEMS OF A PERSONAL NATURE (LAUNDRY, ETC),
  • BEVERAGES,
  • TIPPING
• PLEASE NOTE: Hotels listed are subject to change. All menus and meals listed are subject to change without prior notice.