- Overview
- Itinerary
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
A total full immersion in the wine and food scene of the biggest Mediterranean's island. This itinerary can be easily combined with another or enjoyed on its own with convenient international airports on the island.
- Suggested Number of Days: 7 to 12
- Suggested Airports to fly in/out: Catania/Palermo
- Transportation: Private cars and drivers or rental car
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Itineraries
Day 1
WELCOME TO THE ISLAND OF SICILY
Arrival at Catania airport and transfer to the hotel
Day 2
TAORMINA AND “VOLCANIC” GRAPES
Today we follow the wine route of the volcano Etna. We visit a quality winery and discover the full flavour profile of the viticulture of this region. We taste many indigenous grapes, among them is the Carricante, a white with high acidity, citrus and green apple notes and a nice amount of minerality, and the Nerello Mascalese, a fruity red, to drink when it is young and fresh. These wines are all included in the appellation “Etna DOC”. The volcanic soil has an incredible impact on the wines, notably adding minerality and structure. On the way out of the Etna region we stop at Taormina, a city carved out of mountains, full of Greek archeological sites, amphitheaters, and art, a true gem. From that elevation, the view of the sea and Etna is just spectacular! You have the time to tour the town and shop at your leisure in the many characteristic small “botteghe”. Also make some time to visit the Greek amphitheater and archeological site (the entrance fee and the English audio-guide for this site is included in the tour). Back to the hotel in the evening.
Day 3
A TASTE OF RAGUSA & MODICA: CHOCOLATE, OLIVE OIL & BAROQUE
On the way to Ragusa we stop at Modica, a town famous for it’s traditionally made chocolate. The technique comes from pre-Columbian Mexico, and involves slow, cold processing, preserving the delicate, individual flavors and aromas of the cacao. Over time, other ingredients have been added to the chocolates including cinnamon, chilli, ginger, sea salt, and more. We will visit the oldest chocolate producer in Sicily and will assist in a demonstration of the traditional techniques. Of course, there will be many samples to try.
Sicilian olive groves are emblematic and postcard perfect places to visit: the grey green trees with their gnarled bodies, the expanses of rolling hills and craggy paths, the traditional wooden tools mixed with new technology. This is exactly what we also see today at an olive grove and mill that produces DOP Monti Iblei extra virgin olive oil. We taste what makes this DOP (Denomination of Protected Origin) unique and worth protecting and recognizing as a regional, Sicilian product alongside a number of other olive oils that has made this family an outstanding producer in the country.
Day 4
THE GREEK SICILY: AGRIGENTO AND THE VALLE DEI TEMPLI
A nice drive west in the heart of Sicily brings you from Ragusa to Agrigento dominated by the stunning Valley of the Temples. Visit this UNESCO site with our private expert guide. 2 hour walking tour.
Day 5
WINE AND SEA SALT: A WINNING COMBINATION!?
Just like the volcanic soil influenced the terroir of the wine at the beginning of our tour, so too does the sea salt. We visit the salt flats (‘saline’) to understand the traditional production and history surrounding this product, and then we taste the local grape varietals and learn the influence of salinity in the air on the wine production. This is a densely cultivated wine region so there are many varieties to try. Since we’re in Marsala, we also appreciate this world-renowned fortified wine made with the native Grillo and Insolia grapes. Perhaps when we say Marsala, you conjure up an image of a sickly sweet, syrupy after dinner drink, or a creamy sauce to save that dry chicken. But Marsala is so much more complex depending on aging, coloration, and grape varietal, it can range from the dry to sweet. Trust us on this!
Day 6
MARSALA TO PALERMO
After breakfast, transfer to Palermo airport
INCLUDED IN OUR ITINERARIES
- Tailor-made itinerary and activity planning
- Selected boutique hotels located in the city/village centre
- All private transfers, private guides, private excursions and small group excursions as per itinerary
- Entrance fees with skip-the-line time slot reservation
- Car rental with basic insurance and one driver (if applicable - itinerary based)
- EU VAT taxes
PLUS
- Breakfast every morning
- Local staff support for emergencies
- Plenty of leisure time in each destination
NOT INCLUDED IN OUR ITINERARIES
- Airfare.
- Trip cancellation, interruption and medical insurance.
- Gratuities and city hotel taxes.