Sicily, Italy

Welcome to Sicily! Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel near Palermo’s city center. After settling in and resting from your journey, we gather in the evening for a relaxed tour orientation followed by our first shared dinner.

Over classic Sicilian dishes, we begin getting to know one another - setting the tone for a journey shaped by curiosity, warmth, and shared discovery.

We begin the day with a gentle walking tour through Palermo’s historic heart, starting at the Cathedral, a striking blend of Norman, Gothic, and Baroque elements that tells the story of how many cultures have shaped this city. From there, we move to Quattro Canti, the elegant crossroads that anchors Palermo’s old town, alive with movement and conversation.

We then step into one of Palermo’s oldest markets, where the city’s energy is unmistakable. Fishmongers call out, produce stalls overflow, and street-food vendors fry and assemble beloved local specialties. Here, we sample traditional bites such as arancini and pani ca meusa, learning why these foods are woven into everyday Sicilian identity.

In the afternoon, we drive to the countryside near Segesta, arriving at a family-run baglio. Welcomed into the kitchen, we take part in a hands-on cooking class, learning regional recipes and techniques directly from our hosts. The day ends gathered around the table, enjoying the meal we’ve prepared together before returning to Palermo.

This morning we head up to Monreale, where we visit its magnificent 12th-century cathedral. Inside, golden Byzantine mosaics glow softly, covering the walls with vivid biblical scenes that invite you to slow down and take them in.

From here, we continue along the coast to Cefalù, a town that feels effortlessly lived-in. Walking through its historic center, we pass fishermen’s houses, laundry-lined balconies, and small shops selling ceramics and sweets. We visit Cefalù Cathedral, then enjoy free time for lunch and wandering through its medieval streets and open piazzas.

In the afternoon, we turn inland toward the Madonie Mountains and on to Castelbuono, a centuries-old town of stone lanes and low traditional houses. We'll soon arrive at our local farm stay, where we'll first learn about manna. This naturally sweet sap is harvested from ash trees and we'll walk through the orchards to see how it’s collected and used in Sicilian cuisine, all before enjoying a tasting.

We then settle in for the night at our comfortable farm stay, while surrounded by mountain quiet.

This day brings us into Sicily’s agricultural and historical layers. We visit a working olive farm where active archaeological excavations sit beside living groves. Walking the site, we see the remains of an ancient olive mill before learning how oil is produced today.

A guided tasting introduces the nuances of Sicilian olive oil, followed by lunch prepared with ingredients grown right on the estate - simple, seasonal, and deeply connected to place.

In the afternoon, we explore two mountain villages, Petralia Sottana and Petralia Soprana. Wandering their narrow streets and main squares offers a quiet glimpse into daily life far from the tourist trail. We return to our farm stay for dinner and another peaceful evening in the countryside.

This morning we head to Isnello for a hands-on basket-making experience. Local artisans welcome us into their workshop to demonstrate how panari baskets are crafted using techniques passed down through generations. With their guidance, we try the process ourselves and learn why these baskets still matter in everyday village life.

Afterward, our hosts prepare an abundant aperitif-style lunch featuring breads, cheeses, cured meats, olives, and seasonal specialties.

In the afternoon, we'll take a guided walk through town, including a stop at a well-known pastry shop to taste a local sweet before finishing the day at a nearby wine producer for a tasting of Sicilian varieties and regional products. We then return to the farm stay for the night.

Leaving the Madonie behind, we drive toward Taormina, stopping first in Forza d’Agrò — a small village that feels like an open-air museum. Stone lanes, historic churches, and sweeping coastal views offer a vivid sense of Sicily’s past, and film lovers may recognize locations used in Il Padrino.

After a relaxed fish lunch at a local trattoria, we continue to Taormina. A guided walk introduces us to its historic center, lively streets, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. There’s time to wander, shop, or enjoy a coffee before we continue on to Catania, stopping briefly in the hilltop village of Castelmola for views and atmosphere.

We arrive in Catania in the evening, check in, and take an initial walk through the city with our tour leader.

Today we explore one of Sicily’s most dramatic landscapes: Mount Etna. Traveling by 4×4 with an expert guide, we move off-road through lava fields while learning how centuries of eruptions have shaped the land.

We take a short, easy walk to explore side craters and have the option to step inside a lava cave - a fascinating look at the volcano’s inner workings. On Etna’s lower slopes, we visit a top winery, learning how volcanic soil and elevation influence grape varieties and wine styles. A guided tasting paired with lunch rounds out the experience before we return to Catania for a free afternoon.

Today is rich with food traditions. In Palazzolo Acreide, we meet a family of bakers who show us how they prepare breads, pizzoli, focaccia, and cookies using methods passed down through generations - with plenty of tasting along the way.

We then visit a butcher shop to learn about the town’s traditional sausage, a Slow Food product still made using historic techniques. Lunch is a relaxed tasting of local specialties, including charcuterie and cheese.

In the afternoon, we drive to Syracuse and check in at our hotel before enjoying a walk through Ortigia - the city’s historic island - with its sea views, baroque squares, and narrow lanes. The evening is free for dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants.

This morning we take part in a hands-on Sicilian puppet workshop focused on the Opera dei Pupi, a traditional puppet theater recognized by UNESCO. Guided by a master artisan, we paint wooden figures and engrave metal armor, creating our own handcrafted puppets while learning about the stories and symbolism behind them.

The afternoon is free to enjoy Syracuse as you wish, visiting the archaeological park, exploring Ortigia’s markets and streets, or spending time by the sea. In the evening, we gather for our farewell dinner, sharing one last meal together and reflecting on our journey across this most memorable Italian island.

We have one group transfer to Catania Airport today, suitable for flights scheduled for noon or later. For those extending their stay, a transfer to the city center can be arranged.