Gastronomic Tour of Sicily

Day 1: Arrival in Catania – Welcome to Sicily

Your Gastronomic Tour of Sicily begins as you arrive at Catania Airport. A private transfer will take you to Taormina, a charming town perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. Check into your hotel and enjoy some leisure time to explore the cobblestone streets or relax with a glass of local wine.

Day 2: Etna and Taormina – A Volcanic Adventure

Sicilian rice arancini

Start your day with a hearty Sicilian breakfast before heading to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Known as “the forges of the god Hephaistos,” this natural wonder offers stunning views and unique landscapes. Arrive at the cable car station (5,700 feet) and, weather permitting, take a guided walk across cold lava flows.

After a morning of exploration, enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch featuring local specialties like pasta alla Norma or arancini. In the afternoon, visit Taormina, the pearl of Sicily. Explore the ancient Greek-Roman Theatre, which offers panoramic views of the sea and Mount Etna. Spend some time shopping for handmade ceramics or almond sweets before returning to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Siracusa and Catania – Ancient Greek Wonders

After breakfast, depart for Siracusa, once the wealthiest city in ancient Greece. Visit the archaeological park, home to the famous Latomie del Paradiso (quarries) and the Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave with incredible acoustics. Explore the Greek Theatre and Roman Amphitheatre, where gladiators once battled.

Continue your journey to Ortigia Island, the historic heart of Siracusa. Visit the Cathedral of Syracuse, built atop an ancient Greek temple, and the Aretusa Fountain, a natural spring surrounded by papyrus plants. Enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring fresh seafood before heading back to Catania for a panoramic tour of the city. Spend the evening at your leisure, perhaps sampling local street food like cannoli or granita.

Day 4: Alcantara Valley Cooking Course – A Taste of Sicily

Roasted peppers and courgettes

Today’s highlight is a hands-on cooking class in the picturesque Alcantara Valley. Start your day with a visit to a local market, where you’ll select fresh ingredients like sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and Sicilian olive oil. Learn to prepare traditional dishes such as pasta con le sarde or caponata under the guidance of a local chef.

After enjoying the fruits of your labor for lunch, return to your hotel in the afternoon. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the surrounding countryside.

Day 5: Piazza Armerina and Agrigento – Mosaics and Temples

After breakfast, travel to Piazza Armerina to visit the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved mosaics dating back to the 3rd-4th century AD. Marvel at scenes of Roman life, from hunting expeditions to mythological tales.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch before continuing to Agrigento, home to the Valley of the Temples.

Explore the ancient Greek temples, including the Temple of Juno, Temple of Concordia, and Temple of Heracles. As the sun sets, the golden glow on the temples creates a magical atmosphere. Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 6: Palermo and Monreale – A Cultural Feast

Depart for Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital. Visit the Palermo Cathedral and the Martorana Church, famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics.

Continue to Monreale to explore its magnificent Cathedral and the Benedictine Cloister, a masterpiece of Norman architecture.

After lunch, consider an optional tour to the Capo Market, where you can sample street food like panelle (chickpea fritters) and sfincione (Sicilian pizza). Alternatively, visit Mount Pellegrino or the seaside resort of Mondello. Spend the night in Palermo.

Day 7: Segesta and Erice – Medieval Charm

Marzipan and other almond-based treats in Erice

Today, visit the Temple of Segesta, one of the best-preserved Doric temples from the 5th century BC. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills, this ancient site is a photographer’s dream.

After lunch, head to the medieval town of Erice, perched high above the sea.

Wander through its narrow streets and visit local pastry shops to taste marzipan and other almond-based treats. Enjoy a farewell dinner and your final overnight stay in Sicily.

Day 8: Departure from Palermo

After breakfast, transfer to Palermo Airport for your departure. Take home unforgettable memories of your Gastronomic Tour of Sicily, along with recipes and flavors that will keep Sicily close to your heart.