8 Days Food & Wine in Sicily

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN CATANIA – VILLA NERI ETNA RESORT & SPA
Arrival in Catania airport handling of car rental formalities and departure to the hotel. Afternoon of relax at the hotel SPA Daily access to the wet area of “Petra Spa” that includes jacuzzi, hammam, sauna, emotional showers, ice fountain and relax area (entrance not allowed for younger than 16 years). Optional dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: ETNA & TAORMINA
Breakfast in hotel. Optional Excursion: MOUNT ETNA 3000 METERS. In the morning drive to Mt. Etna, the highest peak of Sicily and the most active volcano in Europe. The territory surrounding the volcano constitutes the “Park of Etna”, one of the largest protected areas in Italy: You will be astonished about the great variety of vegetation and landscapes that we will meet along the way before arriving at the “Silvestri Craters” (about 1.900 mt). From here on you will have the option to continue the excursion by jeep or cable way. We suggest you to make a stop at a local beekeeper to taste quality honey and to see how he is produced. Then drive to Castiglione di Sicilia and OPTIONAL wine tasting in Patria winery https://cantinepatria.it/en/
The visit takes about 60 min. and includes the passage through the Arena Pàlici, a thousand-year-old lava stone cave, to the area used for winemaking, and a visit to the Bottaia with its ancient Slavonian oak wood barrels. In the afternoon visit of Taormina, situated on a plateau on the slopes of the steeply dropping Monte Tauro, dominating the Ionian coast from Capo Sant’Andrea to Capo Taormina. Possibility, to visit the Greek-Roman theatre, the 2nd largest classical theatre in Sicily. You will have a fantastic Gourmet candlelight dinner in hotel drinks not included and overnight

DAY 3: ALCANTARA GORGES
Breakfast in the hotel. Suggested itinerary: Naturalistic Excursion at the Alcantara Gorges Experience the wild nature and the distinctive volcanic cliffs (basalt columns) of the canyon, which are the main attraction of the botanical and geological park. By exploring independently the first section of the gorge, you can enjoy a landscape characterized by ancient lava flows and small waterfalls—just be prepared to face the icy waters of the river! Walking downstream along the riverbanks, in about five minutes, you can reach quieter stretches of the river away from the crowds. The lush river vegetation, mixed with citrus trees on the terraces, creates bucolic and relaxing scenic views. We recommend visiting the nearby villages: Castiglione di Sicilia is located 15 km from the Gorges. This charming hilltop town is recognized as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, situated within the Etna wine district, with several wine shops in town. Motta Camastra is a picturesque hilltop village offering splendid views of the Alcantara Valley. The Arab castle, a ruin dating from the Arab-Norman period, is situated on a hill with breathtaking views of the lush Alcantara Valley. The trail leading to the castle is about two kilometers from the Gorges. . When you will come back you will have in hotel a Cooking class of Sicilian meals with wine tasting (wines produced by the Neri family):

Appetiser: Falsomagro alla Catanese;

First course: Raviolo alla Norma;

Dessert: ‘Sciauni’ with ricotta cheese;
Overnight in hotel

DAY 4: SYRACUSE & NOTO
Breakfast overlooking Etna.Optional excursion: SYRACUSE & NOTO. Syracuse is one of the most interesting archaeological sites of the island with its Archeological Park the Roman Amphitheatre, the Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysus, the Cave of the Cordari and the Island of Ortigia, the most ancient nucleus of the city with its stunning cathedral. and picturesque alleys. Continue your tour by going to Noto, included by UNESCO in the list of World Heritage Sites in 2002. Cross the famous Gate, stroll in the center admiring the wonderful aristocratic palaces with the famous decorated balconies, the sumptuous churches full of decorations, the Cathedral with its staircase and the city theater, all built in Baroque style. . In Noto optional pastry tasting in Caffè Sicilia, owned by one of the most famous pastry chef in Italy Back to hotel and overnight

DAY 5: AGRIGENTO & MAZARA DEL VALLO – MARSALA IN BAGLIO ONETO
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Agrigento and start a walk visiting the Temples’ Valley, including the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concorde (one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the whole Greek world), the Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Castor and Pollux. Then we entry in the garden of the Kolymbethra an archaeological site of great naturalistic and landscape importance, located in a small basin in the heart of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. It has become one of the most important Sicilian and national archaeological/naturalistic sites. Continue to Mazara del Vallo, with an optional suggest visit to the city’s main historical and cultural sites The historic town of Mazara del Vallo is located on the southwestern coast of Sicily, directly overlooking the Mediterranean Sea at the closest point with the African coast, which is only 200 km from there. The proximity to Tunisia has resulted in a strong Arabic-Norman influence that is already noticeable in the narrow streets of the city center, closely resembling those of the Arabic medinas, or in the old town enclosed by ancient Norman walls, the many churches and monuments and the old Arab quarter. The Kasbah is a magical place, where all of a sudden you find yourself catapulted into Morocco or some other Arab country. Local artists fill the narrow streets with colorful paintings, and the walls of the houses are decorated with colorful ceramics and majolica that create an amazing visual effect. The beauty of Mazara del Vallo is not just in its history, art and culture but also in the natural environment by which it is surrounded The turquoise water of the Mediterranean Sea that washes its coastline is in fact dotted with splendid beaches, both well-equipped or more natural, such as Tonnarella beach, the rocky Quarara and the natural preserve of Capo Feto: an ecosystem abundant in vegetation and wildlife, but also a paradise for kite surf lovers. Lastly, the Nature Preserve of Gorghi Tondi, nestled in the hinterland surrounding the Mazara area, is an uncontaminated, evocative habitat and a symbol of the most authentic Sicily. It is a natural oasis managed and protected by the WWF, dotted with 4 small freshwater lakes, which is home to various protected species of plants and animals. In addition to the variety of nature trails that stretch across it, the preserve offers birding trails and the opportunity to observe the bird species that find refuge in this sanctuary, such as herons, mallards or marsh harriers – Drive to Marsala in Baglio Oneto. In the evening One candlelight dinner 2 courses + fruit or dessert, 1/2 water + 1/4 wine included – Overnight in hotel

DAY 6: MARSALA, ERICE & SEGESTA
Breakfast at the hotel. Optional Excursion Drive to the Salt Museum of Marsala a natural site located along the west coast of Sicily, famous for the production of sea salt. The salt pans consist of a series of shallow tanks, where the sea water is allowed to evaporate in the sun, leaving the crystallized salt on the surface. A glass of Grillo wine, tasted among the picturesque landscapes of the salt pans, is an unforgettable experience that allows you to fully appreciate the link between the Sicilian territory and its wine production. Drive to Erice and visit of the city, an ancient medieval village located on top of a hill on the west coast of Sicily, near the city of Trapani. The village is surrounded by well-preserved medieval defensive walls and offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the surrounding countryside. The narrow and winding streets are lined with ancient stone houses and shops of typical Sicilian crafts. Among the main attractions of Erice there are the Castle of Venus, an imposing Norman fortress of the twelfth century located in the center of the village, the Matrice Church, a religious building dating back to the fourteenth century, and the Balio Garden, a charming park with exotic plants and panoramic views. In Erice, you can take part in tastings of traditional convent desserts at Maria Grammatico’s pastry shop. The tastings include typical Sicilian desserts such as amaretti, torroni and other almond-based desserts, and are a unique culinary and cultural experience in the heart of Erice. Then drive to Segesta, one of the most beautiful archeological sites of Sicily, where you should visit the Doric temple whose majestic appearance and dominating position bestows great nobility to the landscape. Drive to Marsala and wine tasting in Cantine Florio https://cantineflorio.it/en/
. Once you enter the cellar, you are immersed in a charming atmosphere and surrounded by the intense scent of wine that ages in wooden barrels. During the tour, you have the opportunity to learn about the process of wine production, from the stages of harvest to fermentation, up to maturation and bottling. The experienced and passionate staff will guide you through the different areas of the winery, explaining the characteristics of the different cultivated vines and wines produced. You can also taste some of the wines of the winery, appreciating the unique flavors and intense aromas that distinguish them. Come back in hotels and overnight.

DAY 7: PALERMO & MONREALE – MARSALA
Breakfast in the hotel. This day you can decide to visit Palermo & Monreale or stay in Marsala Suggested itinerary: Departure with your tour guide for a guided tour of Palermo and Monreale. We start the tour with Monreale, a beautiful town on the slopes of Monte Caputo overlooking Palermo. Monreale was named after the numerous citrus groves that once lined the fertile valley of La Conca d’Oro. Walk with your tour guide to Monreale Cathedral, which is considered one of the most beautiful Norman buildings in the world. Before continuing our visit to Palermo historical centre we will have a stop for an arancina tasting. The tour continues to Palermo, where you can admire the Teatro Massimo, the third largest theatre in Europe, also famous in The Godfather for the murder of Al Pacino’s daughter .Our visit will go on via the famous ‘u Capo’ market” to the Cathedral and visit. Then walk to ‘I Quattro canti’ and short time for shopping. Return to the hotel in Marsala. First afternoon 1 hour group tour of the Ancient Baglio that includes a tasting of 4 of their premium wines and Biancolilla/Cerasuola olive oil, accompanied by small traditional appetisers. Overnight in hotel

DAY 8: GRAZIE & ARRIVEDERCI
Breakfast at the hotel Check-out and drive to the airport – Release the car and end of our services.