5 (2)
Palermo
Sicily Food Tour: Wine, History & Culture (8-Day)
11520
Overview
Sicily… A Love of a Lifetime is an 8-day adventure into the heart of Sicilian culture, food, and breathtaking scenery. This multi-day tour immerses visitors in the island's rich history and culinary delights.
Travelers will explore bustling markets in Palermo, taste local street food, and wander the medieval streets of Erice. The tour includes visits to the Valley of Temples in Agrigento and the ancient Greek city of Syracuse. Guests will also experience the winemaking tradition on Mount Etna and discover the regal city of Cefalù, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This experience includes lunches, dinners, breakfasts, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. It excludes airfare, optional excursions, some drinks, meals not mentioned, gratuities, and entrance fees. This cultural tour accommodates a small group. With visits to iconic landmarks, meeting local storytellers, and wine cellar explorations, it’s an unforgettable Sicilian journey. Expert guides lead the way through key stops like Palermo, Monreale, Erice, Marsala, Agrigento, Syracuse, Taormina, Mount Etna, Castelbuono, and Cefalù, before returning to Palermo. 
Highlights
Taste Authentic Sicilian Street Food: Venture into Palermo's open market for a delicious street food tasting experience.
Explore Medieval Erice at Sunset: Walk the historic streets of Erice and enjoy a colorful sunset at Stagnone di Marsala.
Discover Ancient Greek History: Travel through the Valley of Temples and enjoy a picnic in Kolymbetra park.
Experience Mount Etna's Wine Region: Explore vineyards on Mount Etna and learn about the region's famous winemaking.
Meet a Local Storyteller: Meet a local 'story teller' who introduces you to the area’s renowned castles near Taormina .
Explore Wine Cellar: Explore a nice wine cellar known as Abbazia sant'Anastasia.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally loved the Sicily tour, highlighting the stunning locations, rich culture, delicious food, and the advantages of a small group setting. The main drawbacks mentioned were related to extra costs for excursions and drinks.
Travelers loved the beautiful scenery and the opportunity to experience the real Sicily.
Many enjoyed the historical sites and learning about the local culture.
Guests appreciated the delicious food and wine tastings.
The small group size allowed for a more personal and intimate experience.
Some found the optional excursions to be an additional cost.
A few mentioned that drinks during meals (besides those mentioned) were not included.
The Journey
Palermo
Arrive in Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, a city steeped in history and culture. Begin your adventure with a welcome cocktail at your centrally located hotel, followed by a delectable dinner showcasing refined Sicilian cuisine in an elegant setting. Conclude the evening with a panoramic tour of Palermo by night, marveling at the illuminated landmarks and soaking in the city's enchanting atmosphere. Palermo boasts a unique blend of Norman, Arab, and Baroque architectural styles, reflecting its diverse heritage. Its bustling markets, such as Vucciria and Ballarò, offer a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and aromas.
Monreale
Delve into Palermo's culinary heart with a special walking tour dedicated to 'Street Food'. Led by a local expert, sample Sicily's best street food, from 'panelle' (chickpea fritters) to 'arancine' (deep-fried rice balls), while exploring the vibrant Vucciria and Mercato del Capo outdoor markets. In the afternoon, journey to Monreale, home to the majestic Norman cathedral. Founded in the 12th century by King William II, the Duomo features over 6,000 square meters of stunning polychrome and gold mosaics, a testament to Norman artistry and power. Don't miss the Benedictine cloister, adding to the site's magnificence.
Erice and Marsala
Depart Palermo and ascend to Erice, a picturesque medieval village perched high on a mountain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visit its ancient churches and savor the exquisite pastries at the Antique Convent Pastry Shop, renowned for its almond dough desserts filled with candied lemon. Continue to Marsala, famous for its namesake wine, and visit the historic Florio winery. Enjoy a guided tasting of four wines in the charming 'sala delle botti', paired with local delicacies. Conclude the day with an aperitif overlooking the Stagnone di Marsala saltpans during sunset, a truly magical experience.
Agrigento and Syracuse
Journey to Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the Valley of the Temples, one of the most symbolic remains of classical Greek civilization. Admire the Temple of Juno and the Temple of Concord, marveling at their sheer size, harmonious architecture, and perfect state of preservation. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Kolymbetra Garden, a lush oasis with fruit trees from around the world. Transfer to Syracuse, a city with a colorful history and beautiful landscape, and check into your charming hotel.
Syracuse and Taormina
Explore Syracuse, a prominent Ancient Greek settlement. Visit the archaeological zone, including the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Ear of Dionysius, and the Latomie. Stroll through the historical center on Ortigia Island to admire the Cathedral, the Aretusa fountain, and the ancient streets. After lunch, transfer to Taormina, stopping in Fiumefreddo to visit the 'Castello degli Schiavi', the ancestral home of the Corleone family from 'The Godfather' films. Continue to Taormina and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
Mount Etna and Taormina
Embark on a 'Special morning on Mt. Etna' with a private jeep excursion to explore Europe's highest active volcano. Discover diverse habitats, stunning scenery, and the raw power of nature. Continue to an ancient estate on Etna's slopes, surrounded by vineyards, for a wine tasting and guided cellar tour. Enjoy lunch at the farm before returning to Taormina for an afternoon at leisure. Explore the town's historical and cultural attractions, such as the Greek Theatre, and admire the views from Corso Umberto.
Castelbuono and Cefalù
Depart for Castelbuono, a charming village, and enjoy a walking tour, stopping to taste the famous 'pistachio panettone' at a renowned pastry shop. Have lunch in a typical restaurant featuring mushroom and asparagus dishes. Visit Abbazia Santa Anastasia, a former Benedictine abbey turned winery, and sample its wines. Continue to Cefalù and check into your hotel. Explore this picturesque medieval town, dominated by its gold-colored cathedral, a Romanesque jewel. Enjoy a farewell dinner overlooking the sea.
Departure from Palermo
Enjoy a final breakfast before transferring to Palermo airport for your return flight, reminiscing about your incredible journey through Sicily's diverse landscapes, rich history, and captivating culture.
Know Before You Go
This 8-day tour includes lunch, dinner, and breakfast, as well as transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. Airfare is not included, nor are optional excursions, drinks during meals (except as mentioned), meals not specified in the itinerary, gratuities, or entrance fees to monuments and museums. The tour starts in Palermo and concludes with a departure from Palermo.
Hot Tip
Many travelers suggest bringing extra money for the optional excursions as they provide unique experiences. It’s also wise to budget for drinks and entrance fees to historical sites to fully enjoy all that Sicily has to offer.
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