October 2:
Benvenuti a
Romantico Taormina!
Afternoon:
The
trip begins in Taormina, an enchanting hilltop resort located on a
dramatic balcony with panoramic views of the sea and Mount Etna.
Renowned for its old-world atmosphere, beautiful monuments and
gorgeous flower-filled gardens, Taormina is the perfect spot to unwind
from jet lag (Catania’s airport is less than one hour away). The day
is free to rest.
Evening: Dinner
at a restaurant known for innovative interpretations of Sicilian
cuisine.
October 3:
Magnifico
Greco-Roman Ruins & Vino
Morning:
Visit with a
professional guide to the stupendous 3rd century BC Greek
Theatre in Taormina.
Afternoon:
Lunch on your own. Private tour and tasting at one of the area’s top
wineries.
Evening: Dinner
along the sea at a restaurant where the well-known chef works culinary
wonders with fresh, local products.
October 4:
Michelin-Star Nirvana
Morning:
It’s time to
say “ciao” to Taormina as we will be heading to the southern side of
the island. Our first stop will be a private tour and tasting at one
of the island’s best wineries located on the lower slopes of the
active volcano Mount Etna.
Afternoon:
Lunch on your own in a seaside village.
Evening: Dinner
at Sicily’s best restaurant, a 2 star Michelin haven for gourmets
where several varieties of breads are baked each day using
old-fashioned, increasingly
hard-to-find
strains of wheat.
A tour of the world-famous chef’s kitchen will be included where at
least 20 types of olive oil are used.
October 5:
Stunning Baroque Architecture
Free day and
evening. The
town where we are staying was deemed special status by UNESCO’s World
Heritage Committee for its exceptional quality of Baroque art and
architecture. Furthermore, the area is one of the most authentic of
Sicily’s provinces and offers some of the most scenic vistas on the
island.
October 6:
Modica
Chocolate---A Sicilian Specialty
Morning: Modica chocolate is one of the most famous gourmet
products of
Sicily. Today we
will visit the historical laboratory of one of the island’s most
famous chocolate companies to observe the traditional preparation of
this culinary treat.
Afternoon:
Private tour and tasting at one of Sicily’s most highly regarded
wineries.
Evening: Another
Michelin star delight featuring super-fresh seafood, vegetables, and
fruit with almost exaggerated Sicilian sun-ripened flavors.
October 7:
The
World’s Largest & Best Preserved Greek Temple
Morning:
Professionally
guided visit to the “Valley of the Temples,” a stunning array of nine
temples built between the 5th and the 6th
centuries BC.
Afternoon:
Private tour and tastings at two of the island’s premier wineries.
Evening: Cooking
class and dinner on our olive estate using all local products and
centuries old Sicilian recipes.
October 8:
Wines
Commanding New Found Respect
Morning:
We move westerly to
our last stop of the trip, perfectly located near the famous vineyards
of Marsala and overlooking the 5th-7th century
BC ruins of Selunite.
Afternoon:
Visit to one of the benchmark producers of Sicilian wine…one that
could stand up to the best-in-class of any wine-producing country on
the globe.
Evening: Dinner
on the beach at a simple restaurant well known for featuring seafood
at its simplest…and straight from the sea.
October 9:
Cooking
Class
Morning/Afternoon:
The full day will be spent at
one of the island’s premier wineries and cooking school. It’s also a
working farm with 4,000 olive trees, extensive vegetable gardens,
fruit tress, in addition to chickens and sheep (from which the
estate’s cheese is made).
Evening:
Free.
October 10:
Mediterranean Splendor
Morning:
Visit to the
beautiful town of Erice, one of the most breathtaking spots on the
entire island. Settled centuries ago by the Phoenicians and Greeks,
this town occupies an unforgettable setting.
Afternoon:
Tour of one of Sicily’s famous organic sea salt companies. Shallow
waters of a lagoon with high mineral content, combined with the sun
and the wind, produce a quality sea salt from a centuries old natural
process.
Evening: Dinner
at a wine bar known for its regional cooking and excellent selection
of local wines.
October 11:
Marvelous Marsala…the Town and the Wine
Morning:
Visit to the
town of Marsala, the westernmost point of the island. An
African-looking town founded 4 centuries BC, it is one of the most
fascinating cities on the island thanks to its historical, artistic
and natural treasures.
Afternoon:
Private tour and tasting at two of Marsala’s leading vintners.
Evening: Our
farewell dinner will be held at a classical restaurant in a 19th
century villa.
October 12:
Arriverdici, Sicilia!
Morning:
Trip ends.
Transportation can be arranged to nearby Palermo or its airport.
