Depart:
Independent Tour-Land Only
8 Days/ 7 Nights
Daily January 1-December 31
Sicily, the biggest island in the Mediterranean, is a melting pot of cultures. Greek and Asian influences can be found in the architecture, in the ancient ruins from different civilizations and in the unique cuisine. This is a land where the earth spills fire from ancient volcanoes and the sun warms the emerald waters of the Mediterranean Sea; a region of archaeological wonders, marvelous baroque towns and rich, ancient traditions. But Sicily is not only a place of extraordinary monuments, enchantingly beautiful scenery and beautiful towns, it is also a land that offers an incredible variety of excellent vintages, ancient cellars and vineyards, typical dishes and traditional foods rediscovered in their original style.
Price per Person:
Please Call or Email for prices
Package Includes:
7 nights first class accommodation all with private facilities
Breakfast each morning
4 Lunches-drinks not included
2 dinners-drinks not included
6 guided tastings of Slow Food wines and Presidia products from the Sicily region
Transportation between cities
English speaking guiding
Sightseeing as per itinerary
Entrance fees to the Cattedrale di Monreale and the Archaeological Park in Syracuse
Hotel taxes and service charges
Itinerary
Day 1 Palermo
Arrive in Palermo and make you own way to the hotel. Here you will take part in a welcome dinner. During the evening there will be an introduction to the tour and to the Slow Food philosophy and the activities carried out by the association and the Terra Madre Foundation. Overnight in Palermo at the Hotel Hotel Baglio Conca d’Oro or similar.
Day 2 Palermo-Marsala-Erice-Palermo
Leave for Marsala, the city renowned for its production of the wine of the same name. Visit the Rallo winery, a splendid structure from the nineteenth century for some wine tasting. Afterwards there is some free time to stroll through the center of the old town. Lunch at Trattoria Il Gallo e l�innamorata. Arrive in Erice, a magnificent medieval city in a spectacular setting. Walk through the streets in the center of the town and visit the Pasticceria Maria Grammatico, an old pastry shop that offers recipes from the Antico Convento. Try some of the typical local delights such as almond pastries filled with candied lemon, Cannoli, Zibbibo (local wine) and the famous “brutti ma buoni” (“ugly but tasty”) biscuits. Return to the hotel for overnight.
Day 3 Palermo-Monreale-Palermo
In the morning, visit the famous old Vucciria Market, in the ancient heart of this thriving city with some free time afterwards to explore the city center. In the afternoon there is a guided tour to visit and seek out signs of Palermo and its ancient “grandeur”. Transfer to Monreale, an ancient village near Palermo, famous for its wonderful Norman Cathedral and the adjoining cloister, architectural masterpieces of King Roger. Return to the hotel for overnight.
Day 4 Palermo-Polizzi Generosa-Palermo
Depart for Polizzi Generosa, a small medieval town with an extraordinary collection of Norman artifacts, located in Madonie Park. Lunch based on the local Madonie cuisine is served at Agriturismo La Manna. After lunch visit the Farm and hear the extraordinary story of how the ancient pastries and desserts are prepared with Manna (Slow Food Presidium), accompanied by some samples. Return to the hotel for overnight.
Day 5 Palermo-Syracuse
Leave for Syracuse. On the way visit Azienda Terraliva for a lesson and some oil tasting. Have lunch in the farm and proceed to Syracuse, one of the most important and strategic political centers in ancient Greece, visit the archaeological park and walk around the heart of the old city, Ortigia. Overnight in Syracuse.at the Hotel Des Etrangers or similar.
Day 6 Syracuse-Ragusa-Noto-Syracuse
Leave for Ragusa where there is a guided visit of the city, built in a region that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its Sicilian style baroque architecture. The city is divided into two parts: the old city (called Ibla) and the new city. Having admired the wonderful architecture of Ibla proceed to Modica, the ancient capital of the county which once again is full of amazing examples of architecture that pay homage to the old Sicilian baroque style. We suggest a stop at the Antica Pasticceria Bonajuto (an old pastry shop), where the Ruta family is famous for its chocolate. Sample some of the typical dishes accompanied by local wines at the Trattoria La Rusticana. Next stop in the town of Noto to sample its famous almonds. The almond is the queen of Sicilian confectionery and is used to make pasta reale (marzipan), martorana (marzipan fruit and vegetables), almond milk, nougat, mustazzuoli biscuits, amaretti and cassata, the baroque pudding par excellence. Overnight stay in Syracuse.
Day 7 Syracuse-Taormina-Giardini Naxos
Depart for Taormina, stopping en-route for some wine tasting in the Mount Etna area. Spend the rest of the day in Taormina, the small medieval village called “the pearl of the Ionian Sea”. You’ll have time at leisure for shopping, a walk through the tiny streets or a visit to the Roman – Greek theater on your own. Transfer to your hotel in Giardini Naxos, farewell dinner and overnight at the Hotel Atahotel Naxos Beach Resort or similar.
Day 8 Giardini Naxos-End of Tour
Tour ends after breakfast. You can extend your stay in the area of Taormina or continue to Agrigento, Catania or Rome.
Additional nights available.
