Sicily - Island of Enchantment
September 23-October 3, 2025
Mighty Mount Etna dominates the skyline of Sicily, the crossroads of the Mediterranean. Join me for a 10 day exploration of the cuisine, culture and history of Sicily. From Trapani to Taormina, from Marzamemi to Erice; the wines of the Mt Etna slopes. Couscous. Bottarga. Palermo. Siracusa. Ancient artifacts, stunning beaches, unsurpassed Baroque architecture. The bounty of the Mediterranean Sea. We meet in Palermo, visit the west coast for several days, back to palermo for two days, travel to The Valley of The Temples and Scala Den Turchi region to delve into history then for four nights at a luxury villa, visit Taormina and Castelmola and then a final evening in Catania. This is a world apart, and worthy of every minute.
(Fly into Palermo and out of Catania)
Maximum 8 people (10 days pp/do USD $5295)
Sicily
Etna and Taormina, the ocean and seafood, Don Corleone and history. The crossroads of the Mediterranean for thousands of years. This 10 day trip is a look at the history and culture of Sicily through the lens of food. As a meeting place for many of the world's major cultures - African, Greek, Roman, Persian, Ottoman - both the beauty of the place and the gastronomic history lend itself to a melting pot of cuisines that have become distinctly Sicilian. Let Chef Michael guide you through the great Slow Food restaurants, significant southern Italian wines and of course the markets and seasides of this extraordinary place and discover the Real Sicily
Best itinerary is to fly into Palermo and out of Catania
Etna and Taormina, the ocean and seafood, Don Corleone and history. The crossroads of the Mediterranean for thousands of years. This 10 day trip is a look at the history and culture of Sicily through the lens of food. As a meeting place for many of the world's major cultures - African, Greek, Roman, Persian, Ottoman - both the beauty of the place and the gastronomic history lend itself to a melting pot of cuisines that have become distinctly Sicilian. Let Chef Michael guide you through the great Slow Food restaurants, significant southern Italian wines and of course the markets and seasides of this extraordinary place and discover the Real Sicily
Best itinerary is to fly into Palermo and out of Catania
Segesta
Trapani
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Villa Angelina our home for two nights
Fronte Mare Bar - Trapani
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Day 1 - Tuesday September 23
Segesta and Trapani
Michael will meet you at the Palermo airport or other designated pickup spot around 11 am. For our first adventure, we make our way from Palermo and drive 45 minutes to Segesta, where we visit this important Roman city site and then on to our glorious Villa Angelina for our first two nights. We will get checked in and enjoy the surroundings before we reconvene for a trip into the ancient city of Trapani, founded in 1000BC. A notable fishing port and important trade destination for thousands of years, it is still an important city in Sicily. In town we will enjoy some waterfront aperitivi at Michael's Favourite Bar 'Fronte Mare' before wandering the alluring stone streets to Enoteca Versi Di Rosso for our first group meal and tasting of Sicilian wines. We'll make out way home and sleep off our jet lag after a long day.
Segesta and Trapani
Michael will meet you at the Palermo airport or other designated pickup spot around 11 am. For our first adventure, we make our way from Palermo and drive 45 minutes to Segesta, where we visit this important Roman city site and then on to our glorious Villa Angelina for our first two nights. We will get checked in and enjoy the surroundings before we reconvene for a trip into the ancient city of Trapani, founded in 1000BC. A notable fishing port and important trade destination for thousands of years, it is still an important city in Sicily. In town we will enjoy some waterfront aperitivi at Michael's Favourite Bar 'Fronte Mare' before wandering the alluring stone streets to Enoteca Versi Di Rosso for our first group meal and tasting of Sicilian wines. We'll make out way home and sleep off our jet lag after a long day.
The salt flats near Mozia
Day 2 - Wednesday September 24
Isola Grande, Mozia and Marsala
We enjoy breakfast at the Villa. Before heading off to our day's excursion, we head to the Trapani Fish market to gather our ingredients for dinner that night at the Villa.
Then It's just a hop skip and jump to the salt marshes near Mozia where we can see the view above, buy some locally made hand harvested Fiore di mare (Sea Salt). We then take a cute little boat out for an exploration of the nearby island of Mozia, famous for the small art museum, the well-preserved ruins of a crossroads of civilization, and the Tophet, a type of cemetery for the cremated remains of children.
We then head into the port city of Marsala, famous for wine and have a late afternoon wine tasting at Donnafugata, one of the most important wineries in all of Sicily. We will bring some of the days prizes with us back to the villa and cook up a seafood feast.
Isola Grande, Mozia and Marsala
We enjoy breakfast at the Villa. Before heading off to our day's excursion, we head to the Trapani Fish market to gather our ingredients for dinner that night at the Villa.
Then It's just a hop skip and jump to the salt marshes near Mozia where we can see the view above, buy some locally made hand harvested Fiore di mare (Sea Salt). We then take a cute little boat out for an exploration of the nearby island of Mozia, famous for the small art museum, the well-preserved ruins of a crossroads of civilization, and the Tophet, a type of cemetery for the cremated remains of children.
We then head into the port city of Marsala, famous for wine and have a late afternoon wine tasting at Donnafugata, one of the most important wineries in all of Sicily. We will bring some of the days prizes with us back to the villa and cook up a seafood feast.
s Day 3 Thursday September 25
Erice and Palermo
After our breakfast we check out of Villa Angelina and head up a precipitous roast to the ancient city of Erice for a stroll of its time worn alleys to finally arrive at the Castello Venere where apparently sacred Courtesans dedicated to the Goddess Venus plied their trade to the wealthy and elite from the highest heights
Erice and Palermo
After our breakfast we check out of Villa Angelina and head up a precipitous roast to the ancient city of Erice for a stroll of its time worn alleys to finally arrive at the Castello Venere where apparently sacred Courtesans dedicated to the Goddess Venus plied their trade to the wealthy and elite from the highest heights
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 Palermo
After Lunch its a monumental drive to Palermo (about an hour) We spend two nights in Palermo at Terrazzo Sul Centro (view above from the terrace)
We will settle in to our rooms and then head out for some wine shopping for the trip to the largest Wine store in Sicily, Enoteca Picone. We'll head to Via Dante for an aperitif and then to a favourite restaurant - Caveau 38 - for some modern Sicilian cuisine before heading home to rest |
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Day 4 - Friday September 26
Palermo
A day in this exceptionally vibrant city... We begin with a locally hosted guided tour of the city; the Opera House, The Mercato di Capo, the back streets and history of the city and finish at the Duomo, one of the most beautiful in al of Europe.
We'll have lunch al fresco (weather permitting) at a lovely restaurant near the Castello Norman and visit to Porta Nuova . Then you'll have a free afternoon to explore the city or to simply hang out a a cafe for the afternoon
We'll reconvene early evening for an aperitivo, before heading out on our Palermo Street food Tour for a raucous evening of la cucina Palermitana, food and drinks and maybe a night cap at the Harbour before retiring
Palermo
A day in this exceptionally vibrant city... We begin with a locally hosted guided tour of the city; the Opera House, The Mercato di Capo, the back streets and history of the city and finish at the Duomo, one of the most beautiful in al of Europe.
We'll have lunch al fresco (weather permitting) at a lovely restaurant near the Castello Norman and visit to Porta Nuova . Then you'll have a free afternoon to explore the city or to simply hang out a a cafe for the afternoon
We'll reconvene early evening for an aperitivo, before heading out on our Palermo Street food Tour for a raucous evening of la cucina Palermitana, food and drinks and maybe a night cap at the Harbour before retiring
Day 5 - Saturday September 27
Palermo to Agrigento
We leave early for our trip to Agrigento, but not before stopping in at MONTREALE to visit the stunning Norman Cathedral and for those brave enough to walk the parapets for extraordinary views of The Capital region .
Palermo to Agrigento
We leave early for our trip to Agrigento, but not before stopping in at MONTREALE to visit the stunning Norman Cathedral and for those brave enough to walk the parapets for extraordinary views of The Capital region .
Scala dei Turchi
Then we will enjoy a lovely two hour drive to Agrigento through orange groves and dramatic Sicilian countryside where we check into the beachfront Hotel Riviera Palace hotel for one night. After check in, we'll take short drive to visit the Scala dei Turchi (right) and if the weather is good enough, enjoy some swimming in afternoon.
Dinner that night at Sapore di Mare in Porto Empedocle with the gregarious owner Rino
Dinner that night at Sapore di Mare in Porto Empedocle with the gregarious owner Rino
Valley of The Temples
Day 6 - Sunday September 28
Valley of the Temples
Early morning we make the short (ten minute) drive to Agrigento's monumental Valley of the Temples and enjoy a guided tour with Marco Fazone (2 hours) of this most important historical site.
Then its a 1 hour drive to the city of Modica for an afternoon provisioning stop at Casa del Formaggio, see the Baroque cathedral, and buy some chocolate, for which Modica is famous. If we are lucky, we'll catch the little 'sorbetto di limone' man - the star of one of the films at Devour The Food film fest.
We continue for another 1/2 hour to our stunning contemporary villa near the town of Frigintini ,Villa Ida
We settle in for four nights and we'll let you get the driving out of your system and enjoy the property for the late afternoon.
Dinner at the Villa
Valley of the Temples
Early morning we make the short (ten minute) drive to Agrigento's monumental Valley of the Temples and enjoy a guided tour with Marco Fazone (2 hours) of this most important historical site.
Then its a 1 hour drive to the city of Modica for an afternoon provisioning stop at Casa del Formaggio, see the Baroque cathedral, and buy some chocolate, for which Modica is famous. If we are lucky, we'll catch the little 'sorbetto di limone' man - the star of one of the films at Devour The Food film fest.
We continue for another 1/2 hour to our stunning contemporary villa near the town of Frigintini ,Villa Ida
We settle in for four nights and we'll let you get the driving out of your system and enjoy the property for the late afternoon.
Dinner at the Villa
Villa Ida - our home for four nights
Ragusa Ibla
Day 7 - Monday September 29
Cava d'Ispica and Ragusa Ibla
This morning is a chance to catch our breath and relax, enjoy the villa and the surrounding region.
In the early afternoon we will take quick trip to visit to Cava d'ispica (ancient cliff dwellings from thousands of years ago) and then to the city of Ragusa, pictured above , where we enjoy lunch at I Banchi, a highly rated regional restaurant, then a postprandial stroll through the ancient streets and visit the main square for an aperitivo and some shopping. We head back to the Villa for a Porchetta dinner and some robust wines
Cava d'Ispica and Ragusa Ibla
This morning is a chance to catch our breath and relax, enjoy the villa and the surrounding region.
In the early afternoon we will take quick trip to visit to Cava d'ispica (ancient cliff dwellings from thousands of years ago) and then to the city of Ragusa, pictured above , where we enjoy lunch at I Banchi, a highly rated regional restaurant, then a postprandial stroll through the ancient streets and visit the main square for an aperitivo and some shopping. We head back to the Villa for a Porchetta dinner and some robust wines
Noto at Night
Day 8 - Tuesday September 30
Marzamemi and Zisola, Noto at Night
This day sees us exploring the south eastern region - a little visit to the fishing village of Marzamemi famous for Bottarga dried Tuna rose) and have a seafood lunch by the sea. Then we head toward Noto with a stop at renowned winery Zisola for their fantastic red wines. Then we head into the Unesco Heritage city of NOTO and enjoy an evening stroll, viewing some of the most illustrious baroque buildings in the world and then dinner near the main square with some great local dishes, followed by a gelato at Cafe Sicilia before the short drive back to the Villa
Marzamemi and Zisola, Noto at Night
This day sees us exploring the south eastern region - a little visit to the fishing village of Marzamemi famous for Bottarga dried Tuna rose) and have a seafood lunch by the sea. Then we head toward Noto with a stop at renowned winery Zisola for their fantastic red wines. Then we head into the Unesco Heritage city of NOTO and enjoy an evening stroll, viewing some of the most illustrious baroque buildings in the world and then dinner near the main square with some great local dishes, followed by a gelato at Cafe Sicilia before the short drive back to the Villa
Siracusa
Day 9 -Wednesday October 1
Siracusa
We visit the ancient city of Siracusa today and the historic heart of the city, Ortigia. It is notable for its rich Greek history, culture, amphitheatres, architecture and as the birthplace of Archimedes. This 2,700-year-old city played a key role in ancient times, when it was one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world. With an expert local guide, we stroll medieval streets, touch on the history, visit the Duomo and afterwards have lunch in the main Piazza. After Lunch we will head to the splendid Ancient Syracuse Ruins and Theatre, before heading back for
Dinner at the villa with our haul from the Siracusa market
Siracusa
We visit the ancient city of Siracusa today and the historic heart of the city, Ortigia. It is notable for its rich Greek history, culture, amphitheatres, architecture and as the birthplace of Archimedes. This 2,700-year-old city played a key role in ancient times, when it was one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world. With an expert local guide, we stroll medieval streets, touch on the history, visit the Duomo and afterwards have lunch in the main Piazza. After Lunch we will head to the splendid Ancient Syracuse Ruins and Theatre, before heading back for
Dinner at the villa with our haul from the Siracusa market
Taormina
Day 10 - Thursday October 2
Etna, Taormina and Castelmola
In the morning we take a leisurely drive north to the famous destination town Taormina.
Then we drive the Etna Road across the magma landscape and fantastic views over the region. We stop at a mountain refuge for a lunch of local macaroni, and then drive to our hotel for our last night near Taormina. We check in, take in the views and late afternoon head down to Taormina for a visit to the amphitheatre and a stroll around town. Up to amazing Castelmola, pictured above, for a fun early dinner at Bar Turrisi and a view that will take your breath away.
At the end of the day we will make our way to our last hotel in Catania for a final night before departures
Etna, Taormina and Castelmola
In the morning we take a leisurely drive north to the famous destination town Taormina.
Then we drive the Etna Road across the magma landscape and fantastic views over the region. We stop at a mountain refuge for a lunch of local macaroni, and then drive to our hotel for our last night near Taormina. We check in, take in the views and late afternoon head down to Taormina for a visit to the amphitheatre and a stroll around town. Up to amazing Castelmola, pictured above, for a fun early dinner at Bar Turrisi and a view that will take your breath away.
At the end of the day we will make our way to our last hotel in Catania for a final night before departures
Asmundo di Gisela - Our final hotel in Catania
Day 11 - Friday October 3
Departures from Catania Airport
Today we leave. Try to arrange flights after 12 noon. We drive you to the airport in Catania for your flight home or a continuation of your trip adventuring on your own. Ciao!
Departures from Catania Airport
Today we leave. Try to arrange flights after 12 noon. We drive you to the airport in Catania for your flight home or a continuation of your trip adventuring on your own. Ciao!
