An exclusive wine & food journey with
Sicily
April 18 - 25, 2024
12-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
15
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, one of Europe's most active volcanoes and a Sicilian icon
Taste
a variety of Sicilian specialties, from fresh ricotta and Modica chocolate to mouthwatering Etna Doc and Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG wines
Discover
Greek and Roman archaeological sites and Baroque architecture
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
Ragusa
After breakfast, we’ll take a stroll on the property to a ricotta cheese demonstration. We’ll observe the traditional production process involving an antique copper cauldron cooked over a fire made from olive branch bundles that give the ricotta an extraordinary fragrance. We’ll also visit the eremo, an archaeological site on the northern part of the property that dates back to the Greeks and the Romans. Walking back to the hotel, we’ll have free time for lunch before heading out to the UNESCO-listed town of Ragusa. Join a local guide for a walking tour of the ancient historic part of town known for its Sicilian Baroque architecture, narrow winding streets, and beautiful old churches.
After the tour, we’ll have free time to wander, shop, and have dinner before returning to the property. Our Travel Director is happy to provide recommendations.
Day 3
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG
Today we’ll begin our exploration of Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG wine production area, head first to the small organic winery of Arianna Occhipinti whose wines made from indigenous grapes in the Vittoria region have developed a following around the world. Learn about her production methods during a tour and tasting followed by lunch of traditional Sicilian dishes made from seasonal ingredients cultivated from the gardens of Baglio Occhipinti.
After lunch, we’ll visit the Sughereta di Niscemi nature reserve, which features one of the oldest and largest cork oak trees in Europe. At one time these large oaks covered parts of Sicily, playing a considerable role in the local economy. We’ll stretch our legs and admire the local landscape before continuing on a scenic drive to the Donnafugata Winery where we’ll have a guided tour, tasting, and light dinner, and learn about the production of these high-quality wines.
Day 4
Modica
This morning, we make our way to the Sicilian Baroque city of Modica, known for its striking architecture, ornate churches, and ancient chocolate-making tradition. Learn about the city’s long and colorful history during a guided walking tour that covers the narrow winding streets, alleys, and steps that connect the upper and lower parts of the city. Stop along the way at Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, the oldest chocolate factory in Sicily, and learn about Modica chocolate, the traditional sweet of Sicily, made with a unique cold-working process.
Afterward, we’ll have free time to explore the local cuisine, with lunch on our own before returning to the property for some time to relax. This evening, we’ll head to a seaside village for a wine-paired group dinner featuring freshly prepared local specialties.
Day 5
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.” 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.
This afternoon, continue north to our accommodation situated on the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Tonight, we'll gather to savor a wine-paired dinner and introduction to the high-quality wines of Mount Etna.
Day 6
Mount Etna
After breakfast, we will travel up the slope 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.
For dinner tonight, we’ll have a short drive into the village of Linguaglossa known for its ancient method of preparing sausage, which has been recognized by the Slow Food movement for its ties to the local food culture.
Day 7
Etna DOC
Have a leisurely breakfast and a relaxing morning to enjoy the local surroundings and perhaps an appointment at the spa. This afternoon, we’ll head to a winery on the slopes of Mount Etna for a tour and tasting. Learn about the history of the property, the local volcanic soils, and the winemaking process for these high altitude vineyards.
After the tasting, we’ll roll up our sleeves and take part in a cooking class focused on authentic Sicilian dishes, sitting down to enjoy our creations and toast to our journey during a festive farewell dinner.
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 Brittania
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: 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, 2 lunches, and 6 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: $5,795
Superior: $6,395
Suite: $7,495
Single Occupancy: $6,795
Extension Rates*
Classic: $2,995
Single Occupancy: $3,795
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Travel Terms & Conditions
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