As your airplane approaches the rugged seacoast preparing to land, it's
immediately apparent you're in a very different part of Italy.
This landscape differs from that of other Italian regions - from the
uneven seashore to the snow covered mountains - a land of
contrasts, breathtaking beauty and fascinating traditions. If
exploring off the beaten path intrigues you, if you like to discover a
new location before it's overrun, if imposing natural beauty and warm
friendly locals is your 'cup of tea' - this is your trip.
Sicily is
the largest region in all of Italy - divided into three
distinct areas represented by their symbol the trinacria (photo left),
seen in ceramics and on walls everywhere.
Sicily has been invaded by conquerors too numerous to mention all:
Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, Austrians and
Bourbons to name just a few. And each ruler left an enduring
imprint seen in everything from architecture to the cuisine - our
particular area of interest. Here the Moors brought their sugar
techniques which led to the wide array of desserts for which Sicily is
famous. Nowhere else in Italy will you find such splendid
displays.
Our tour starts and finishes in Palermo highlighting the best
of the areas. From the bustle of Palermo, the bustling city & capital of Sicily,
to the magnificent Valley of the Temples, and
lovely, relaxing Taormina perched high above the Ionian sea and a
favorite resort for wealthy Europeans and Hollywood types (Liz Taylor &
Richard Burton). This tour lets you uncover the gems of this
island while treating you to a variety of cooking classes, gourmet
meals, wine tastings and guided excursions. During the tour you
will learn to prepare traditional Sicilian dishes, sample local wineries
and relax in idyllic surroundings. No better way to experience the
splendor of Sicily.
Itinerary
Travel Day
Day 1 Palermo/Castellamara
Day
2 Segesta/Cooking Lesson
Marsala Tasting/Erice
-
Brkfst in hotel
-
Visit to Segesta -
masterpiece of Greek architecture
-
Visit to a restored
villa for a cooking lesson surrounded by olive trees and vineyards.
Learn the cuisine of Trapani.
-
LUNCH on dishes
prepared in class.
-
Visit a famous
winery & learn about Marsala
-
Visit to ERICE
famous town overlooking the sea.
-
Return to hotel for
the night
Day 3 Agrigento/Piazza
Armerina
-
Brkfst at your
hotel
-
VAN to AGRIGENTO to
visit the famous Valley of the Temples
-
LUNCH on your
own in Agrigento
-
Travel to
Piazza Armerina - visit Villa Romana del Casale, famous for mosaics
-
Transfer to a
working farm near CALTAGIRONE.
-
DINNER - in
typical farm restaurant
-
Overnight at the
Inn
Day 4 Siracusa/Taormina
-
Brkfst at your Inn
-
Vist SIRACUSA and
its ancient Greek Theatre & Roman Amphitheatre.
-
LUNCh on your own
in Siracusa
-
Afternoon,
transfer to beautiful TAORMINA, check into your hotel
-
Stroll through
this absolutely charming town - playground of the rich & famous
-
Dinner own your
own in one of the many outstanding restaurants
-
Overnight at your
hotel
Day 5
Cooking Class & Etna Wine tasting
-
Brkfst at your
hotel
-
COOKING CLASS with
famous chef/teacher
-
LUNCH on the dishes
prepared in class
-
VISIT to
a Winery on the slopes of Mt. Etna
-
Free time in
TAORMINA or
-
OPTIONAL Mt. Etna
tour
-
DINNER on your
own in TAORMINA
-
Overnight at your
Taormina Hotel
Day 6
Cooking Class/Cuisine of the Country
-
Brkfst at your
hotel
-
Transfer to a small
country village for a step backward in time - to Old Sicily
-
COOKING CLASS in a
Farmhouse Inn
-
LUNCH on dishes
prepared in class
-
Afternoon visit to
this historic village, Polizzi Generosa
-
Check in to
Farmhouse Inn
-
Dinner at the
Farmhouse.
Day 7 Baroque
Palermo/Food Market/Monreale
-
Brkfst at your
Farmhouse Inn
-
Transfer to Palermo
-
Free time to visit
historic Palermo and its bustling food markets
-
LUNCH on your own
in Palermo
-
Afternoon: transfer
to Monreale to visit its wonderful Norman Cathedral.
-
Check into your
Palermo Hotel
-
FAREWELL DINNER at
a typical restaurant
-
TWILIGHT TOUR of
Palermo (by van)
-
Return to Hotel
Day 8 End of
Tour/Depart Palermo
Travel Protection
Insurance is recommended
Note:
These tours are managed by our Sicilian colleague and require a MINIMUM
of 2 participants.
The tour INCLUDES:
-
English speaking
driver/guide for entire tour
-
Transportation by
private car or minibus for entire tour
-
Accommodations:
4* & 3* hotels and farmhouse inns (w/private bath)
-
Brkfst & dinner,
meals in hotel or local restaurants as per program
-
Lunch on Day 7
-
Visits &
excursions listed in program
-
3 cooking lessons
as listed in program
-
2 guided visits
to wine cellar & wine tastings as listed in program
-
Special Dinner in
Christmas Program
-
Gala Celebration
in New Year's Program
-
All taxes
NOT INCLUDED:
Trip Protection
Insurance is recommended
