An exclusive wine & food journey with
Sicily
Your Date Here
12-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
16
Meals
Join us and savor the treasures of 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 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, the gorgeous natural landmark and active volcano
Taste
a variety of Sicilian specialties, from olive oils and regional wines to the most authentic dishes
View
Greek and Roman archaeological sites and Baroque architecture
Day 1
Menfi
Land at the Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport and meet your friendly travel director in the arrivals hall. From here, we’ll continue south to a lovely wine estate surrounded by vineyards where we’ll stay for two nights.
Settle in at the property and stroll through the gorgeous grounds. This evening, enjoy aperitifs on the terrace and a welcome meal paired with estate wines at the property’s restaurant.
Day 2
Ulmo
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll take a short ride into the beautiful countryside of Menfi to visit Planeta’s own winery: Ulmo. Tour the property of this award-winning Sicilian family-owned winery, meet the winemaker, and taste some of their incredible white and red varieties paired with local specialties. On the way back, stop in the small town of Sambuca di Sicilia and visit its old Arabic settlement.
Back at the property, have some time to relax and soak up the view of the sea. This evening, sit down for a delicious dinner prepared by Chef Angelo Pulimia.
Day 3
Agrigento & Riposto
Check out this morning and head northeast toward Catania. En route, we’ll visit the Valley of the Temples, an impressive archaeological site of Greek art and architecture created between 510 BC and 430 BC. Next, we’ll enjoy an al fresco lunch in the beautiful olive and orange tree archeological garden, “Kolymbethra” - so called by its Greek architecture designers. It’s one of the very first examples of Mediterranean gardens, designed with a system of irrigation, ponds with fish, swans, and birds, and a flourishing citrus grove. After this peaceful oasis, we’ll get back on the road to Riposto, where we will settle into our boutique hotel. Join together this evening for an aperitif and dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
Day 4
Mount Etna
After a hearty breakfast, we will be picked up by specially-fitted Land Rovers to journey up the slope of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Take in the spectacular views as you pass ancient lava flows and jagged rock. Join an expert volcanologist on foot and learn about the mountain’s geography and history while you take in the moon-like landscapes, lava caves, and active or extinct craters.
Back in the vehicles, we’ll head to an award-winning winery on the east slope of Mount Etna. Tour the grounds of this winery established in 1727 and learn how they planted Nerello and Carricante vines among the rich and varied volcanic soils. Sample wines as you savor a freshly prepared lunch. Afterward, return to the property for time at leisure. Tonight, you can choose to dine on your own or at the hotel restaurant.
Day 5
Catania
This morning, we visit the ancient port of Catania, a UNESCO World Heritage site and eastern Sicily’s main city known for its open Baroque squares and vibrant culture. Meander through the town’s historic center to find your favorite lunch spot or follow the suggestion of locals.
In the afternoon, we venture to a family-operated vineyard creating award-winning wines from native varieties on Mount Etna. Taste several of their popular varietals, together with some local bites, and learn from their wine experts about the challenges of growing grapes and producing wine in the volcanic landscape of Mount Etna. Afterward, we'll return to the property to unwind.
Day 6
Syracuse
Travel south to Syracuse — a historic coastal city known for its ancient ruins. Led by a local guide, explore what Cicero called “the greatest and most beautiful of all Grecian cities.” See the Greek theater and famous “Ear of Dionysius,” a limestone cave carved out of the hills. Cross the Umbertino bridge and wander about the island of Ortigia — the ancient heart of the city of Syracuse and a great spot to find lunch on your own.
Enjoy an afternoon at your leisure. Tonight, we'll gather to savor a mouthwatering dinner at the restaurant inside the hotel.
Day 7
Taormina
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning then take a drive to the popular and fashionable resort town of Taormina perched on a high slope above the Ionian Sea. Follow a local guide on a walk through the city-- tour the impressive Greek theater with its spectacular views and explore the many shops, restaurants, and cafés--perfect for people watching. Lunch is on your own.
In the afternoon gather at a lovely private villa in the heart of Taormina. Sip local wine and don an apron for a hands-on pasta workshop. After, enjoy a fabulous farewell dinner of your creation paired with Etna wines.
Day 9
Accommodations
La Foresteria Planeta Estate
Enjoy this boutique hotel by the sea. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, this lovely property is not only picturesque but food-focused. With a talented chef in the kitchen, guests will taste the very best of Sicilian cuisine, often served al fresco on a terrace overlooking the vineyards. Rest in one of the 14 brightly painted guest rooms with eclectic furnishings. All rooms open to a private terrace.
Ramo D'Aria - Etna Boutique Hotel
This renovated former winery is set in a fragrant citrus grove at the foot of Mount Etna. The property features a tranquil setting surrounded by Mediterranean gardens, a restaurant and lounge, an outdoor pool, and free WiFi. Rooms feature air conditioning, minibar, hairdryer, toiletries and slippers, refrigerator, and safe.
Maison Tofani (Amalfi Extension)
Enjoy this elegantly restored 18th-century relais. A picturesque entrance opens onto a courtyard reminiscent of a Neapolitan palace. The property embraces the Mediterranean style with charming white and blue design elements. The relais is steps away from restaurants, shops, and market goods. A wine cave sits below the courtyard and is stocked with wines from all over Italy. Nearly every room features a balcony and spa bath.
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: Group maximum is based on double occupancy. 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, 4 lunches, and 5 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*
Classic: TBD
Superior: TBD
Deluxe: TBD
Single: TBD
Extension Rates*
Classic: TBD
Single: TBD
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Travel Terms & Conditions
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