An exclusive wine & food journey with
Eastern Sicily
NOVEMBER 7 - 14, 2025
12-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
16
Meals
Join Browne Family Vineyards and savor the treasures of Eastern Sicily - the crossroads of the Mediterranean once inhabited by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Normans. Sip wine from the slopes of Mount Etna and enjoy meals prepared from family recipes using the freshest local ingredients. Explore ancient ruins and cultural treasures and soak in the diverse landscapes and beauty of the Mediterranean’s largest island.
Explore
Mt. Etna, one of Europe's most active volcanoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a Sicilian icon
Taste
a variety of Sicilian specialties, from Modica chocolate to mouthwatering Etna DOC and Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG wines
Visit
Greek and Roman archaeological sites and stroll the cobblestone streets of ancient towns with long and colorful histories
Day 1
Arrive Catania
Welcome to Sicily! Land at the Catania Airport where a driver will be waiting to greet you and transport you south to our historic accommodations in the countryside. We’ll have some time to get settled and explore the property.
This evening, gather for introductions and an aperitif followed by a Welcome Dinner that will include a tasting of the estate’s Nero D'Avola e Insolia.
Day 2
Vittoria
This morning, we begin our exploration of Sicily’s vibrant wine culture. We'll start with a visit to the boutique organic winery of Arianna Occhipinti, whose distinctive wines have gained global acclaim. During our private tour and tasting, discover her innovative, natural production methods, followed by a lunch showcasing traditional Sicilian dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients fresh from Baglio Occhipinti's gardens.
In the afternoon, we'll head to Donnafugata, where we'll dive deeper into the heritage and evolution of Sicilian winemaking, experiencing an exclusive tasting surrounded by an extensive collection of the winery’s celebrated vintages.
Day 3
Scicli & Modica
Today we uncover the culinary heart of Sicily, famed for bold flavors, cherished family recipes, and locally sourced ingredients. Begin in the charming Baroque town of Scicli, where we'll meet a local chef for a stroll through its UNESCO-listed streets, followed by a hands-on cooking class highlighting traditional Sicilian dishes. After savoring our creations over a leisurely, wine-paired lunch, we'll head to Modica, renowned for its striking architecture, ornate churches, and centuries-old chocolate-making traditions. Here we'll visit an artisan chocolatier, sampling authentic Sicilian sweets crafted from recipes dating back generations.
Day 4
Siracusa
Check out this morning and drive east to Syracuse (Siracusa in Italian), a historic coastal city known for its ancient ruins. Join a local guide to explore what Cicero called “the greatest and most beautiful of all Grecian cities.” From here, we'll continue to Terra Costantino Winery, beautifully situated on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. Savor a three-course lunch followed by a tour of the property. Stroll through historic vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees and visit the underground cellar, carved into lava rock.
Continue north to our accommodations situated on the slopes of Mount Etna and gather tonight for a wine-paired dinner.
Day 5
Etna Wineries
Begin your day at Casa Merlino, an organic farm known for its olive oil production and authentic regional character. Next, we'll arrive at Cottanera, a family-run winery situated on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through their vineyards, discovering striking lava stone pyramids, followed by a delicious lunch paired with the estate’s distinctive wines.
In the afternoon, we head to I Custodi, another family-run estate, known for its dedication to preserving Etna’s traditional winemaking heritage. After a tour and tasting, relax with an aperitivo, taking in panoramic views of this remarkable volcanic terrain. We'll return to the property afterward for an open evening.
Day 6
Mount Etna
This morning, we travel up the slopes of Mount Etna in specially-fitted Land Rovers, enjoying the spectacular views as we pass ancient lava flows and jagged rock. Join an expert volcanologist on foot and learn about the mountain’s geography and history while taking in the moon-like landscapes, lava caves, and active or extinct craters. We’ll stop for a traditional mountain lunch at the highest alpine refuge on Mount Etna, returning to the hotel in the afternoon with some time to relax.
This evening, we'll gather for a wine-paired dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7
Etna DOC
After a relaxing breakfast, we’ll head to Benanti, one of the most esteemed and historic wineries on Mount Etna, renowned for its pioneering role in showcasing the region's volcanic terroir. We'll start with a tour and tasting where we'll learn about the property's rich history, volcanic soils, and the unique winemaking processes used at these high-altitude vineyards. Afterward, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at the winery before returning to the hotel for some free time. Tonight, we'll celebrate our journey together with a festive Farewell Dinner at the property.
Day 8
Taormina
This morning, we’ll make our way to the popular and fashionable resort town of Taormina, perched on a rocky slope above the Ionian Sea and known for its restored medieval buildings, dramatic views of Mount Etna, and winding streets filled with cafes, shops, and bars.
Have free time to stroll and find a spot for lunch before joining a local guide for a walking tour of the city, including a visit to the impressive Greek theater with its spectacular views and long history. The remainder of the day will be free for you to wander at your own pace.
Day 9
VILLA BRITANNIA
Enjoy a leisurely morning in your hilltop villa accommodations. During your free time, you may wish to take a stroll back into town, make your way to the beach to soak up some sun, or visit the nearby botanical gardens. In the late afternoon, we’ll head to Villa Britannia for a hands-on cooking class where we’ll learn to prepare Sicilian specialties in local kitchen. Afterward, we’ll gather at the table to enjoy the fruits of our labor, paired with a selection of regional wines and homemade liqueurs.
Day 10
Savoca e Forza D’Agrò
Today we have a unique opportunity to visit the enchanting Sicilian villages made famous in the cinematic masterpiece, the Godfather. Traveling north along the coast to the medieval village of Savoca, one of our stops will be Bar Vitelli, the backdrop for some of the memorable Sicily scenes and now the site of a small museum.
We’ll continue on to the picturesque village of Forza D’Agrò to visit the hilltop Sant’Agostino church where Michael Corleone first arrived in Sicily and also the location in the second film where the young Vito Corleone escapes to the US. Following our guided tour, we’ll have lunch in a charming local restaurant, returning to the property afterward with the remainder of the day free.
Accommodations
Eremo della Giubiliana
Formerly a medieval-era convent occupied by the Knights of Malta, this historic country estate located on the Iblean plateau of southeastern Sicily, has been beautifully transformed into an ideal base for exploring the baroque cities of the Val di Noto region. The property features a restaurant, bar, and wine cellar in a medieval crypt, as well as picturesque gardens, an archaeological park, swimming pool, complimentary bicycles, and a small spa area. Rooms are former friar’s cells, and each is configured and decorated a little differently. All offer air conditioning, free WiFi, safe, toiletries, bathrobe, slippers, and hair dryer.
Villa Neri
Set amidst olive groves and vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna, this contemporary property constructed from Sicilian natural materials features a restaurant, bar, outdoor saltwater pool, wellness area, lush gardens, and complimentary bicycles. Rooms offer air conditioning, free WiFi, electric kettle, minibar, safe, bathrobe, slippers, toiletries, and hair dryer.
Hotel Villa Belvedere (Taormina Extension)
This charming villa situated in the clifftop town of Taormina is a 5 minute walk from the vibrant main street of Corso Umberto. Boasting views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, the property is surrounded by terraced gardens and offers a summer outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, and gym. Rooms offer air conditioning, free WiFi, electric kettle, minibar, safe, bathrobe, slippers, toiletries, and hair dryer.
The Fine Print
Questions? Get in touch.
Details
Dates
Flight Information
Activity Level
This trip has been designed to include daily exploratory walks that range from one to three hours. Each day, whether touring a city or winery, guests should be prepared to be on their feet for multiple continuous hours. Guests should feel comfortable strolling along cobbled surfaces, walking up and down stairs, and sauntering down uneven nature paths. Europe tends to have Old World infrastructure (narrow cobblestone streets, lack of elevators, etc.), which can leave some areas inaccessible. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. If your mobility is limited in any way, or if you have questions, please contact our Guest Services team at guestservices@experi.com.
Note: The itinerary is subject to change or substitution at any time. You can learn more at experi.com/terms.
Included
- Seven nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
- Meals as listed on the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners, plus wine pairings with most major meals
- All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, gratuities, and transportation
- Full guiding services of a dedicated travel director
- Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program
Not Included
- Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
- Air and land transportation to/from host cities
- All types of personal insurance
- Personal expenses
- Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals
Rates*
Double Occupancy:
Classic: $6,295
Deluxe: $6,895
Suite: $7,995
Single Occupancy:
Classic: $7,695
Deluxe: $7,995
Suite: $10,895
Extension Rates*
Classic: $2,995
Single: $3,895
*Rates are per person in US Dollars.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Travel Terms & Conditions
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