|
(7 days, 6 nights)
The Tastes and
Traditions of
Sicily
Palermo/Cefalu/Taormina/Marsala/Erice/Catania
October 24-30, 2010
Custom Dates
Available for spring/summer
$3150 (U.S.) per person, dbl. occupancy
$3550 (U.S) single occupancy
Airfare NOT included
(Note that you fly INTO Palermo & OUT of Catania)
Click
Link for Tour Slide Show
http://picasaweb.google.com/gourmetravel/Sicily102206
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 and 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. Our visit will include the western and eastern sections (Palermo and Catania/Taormina).
We'll visit: pristine salt marshes and view sea salt being
produced by ancient techniques, colorful outdoor markets, wine & olive
oil producers, cheese makers, ceramicists, marble artisan, marzipan
artist demo, cooking classes with a famous Sicilian Chef/Author, and
unsurpassed dining experiences.
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.
We'll enjoy a dessert buffet featuring the best of Sicilian
confections and dessert wines: Cassata, cannoli, sorbetto, tiramisu,
panna cotta, marsala, moscato - a lavish indugence.
Our tour starts in Palermo and finishes in Taormina- highlighting the best
of the areas. Palermo, the bustling city & capital of Sicily, to
lovely, relaxing Taormina perched high above the Ionian sea and a favorite resort for
wealthy Europeans and Hollywood types (Liz Taylor & Richard Burton).
Both hotels are lovely restorations offering all amenities while
allowing you to experience the best of Sicily.
INCLUDED in tour:
(note that you fly into Palermo and out of Catania)
Transfer from airport to our Palermo Hotel
Transfer to Catania airport from our Taormina Hotel
6 nights accommodation
All breakfasts
Most meals w/house wine
Cooking classes as listed
Culinary & cultural excursions (listed in itinerary)
Professional guides as listed in itinerary
Gourmetravel Personal guide for ALL listed activities
Ground transportation for excursions
NOT included:
Airfare
Gratuities & personal expenses
Sample Itinerary
Travel Day
(Sat)
Day 1
-
Arrive PALERMO
airport, van transfer to our hotel
-
Hotel Check In
-
GALA WELCOME
DINNER in a 12th Century Palazzo
Hosted by a Contessa.
Day
2
-
Guided Tour of
historic Palermo and its bustling markets
-
Lunch - in
the Market area
-
Guided Tour to
Monreale -
magnificent Norman Castle
-
DINNER - local
restaurant
Day 3
-
CULINARY TOURS
Marsala - tour &
tasting the famous dessert wine of Sicily
-
COOKING CLASS -
LUNCH
at the winery
-
Visit to Salt Marshes where
sea salt is processed by traditional method
-
Visit Erice - jewel
of a village
Marzipan shaping & painting demonstration
-
Greek Temple - Segesta
-
DINNER -
in Palermo
Day 4
-
Leave Palermo for
van to tiny hillside village
-
Vist to an ancient
hill town - a step back in time
-
Peasant Lunch in
charming village - the "real" Sicily
Cheesemaking demonstration
-
Check into our
elegant country inn
-
COOKING CLASS
featuring local dishes
-
Dinner &
entertainment
Traditional Sicilian music & dancing
Day 5
-
Van to Taormina
-
CEFALU -
visit to this delightful seaside town
-
LUNCH in Cefalu
-
ARTISAN VISIT to
San Stefano & ceramic demo
-
Arrive in Taormina -
hotel check in
-
DINNER - with
special dessert buffet:
cassata, panna cotta, canoli, tiramisu
Day 6
-
Guided Tour of
Taormina - jewel of the mediterranean
-
Lunch on our own in
Taormina
-
Afternoon free
-
COOKING
CLASS/DINNER - with celebrated author
Day 7
To purchase your tour now using Paypal, click here:
|
