Gourmet Sicily Tour - East to West Coast

Day 1

Upon arrival at Catania Airport, you’ll take a hire car to your home for the next couple of nights, a charming boutique hotel and estate, set in the midst of the hills of Mount Etna. Take the evening to relax and enjoy your new surroundings.

Day 2

After breakfast at the estate, you’ll meet your driver and head out on a private jeep excursion into the surrounding countryside. Over the course of the day, you’ll visit two different wineries: the first, a boutique vineyard, produces some of the region’s best wines, while the second is a pioneer estate in the field of international oenology. Thanks in particular to the volcanic soil and high altitude of these vineyards, the wines this area produces are unlike those found anywhere else in the world. After a wine tasting and lunch at the second estate, you’ll return back to the hotel.

A cookery class is also available that afternoon – please ask for further details.

Day 3

Today, you’ll embark on a journey towards the hilltop city of Ragusa, stopping at an ancient baroque estate on the way to tour the vineyards and learn about the region’s traditional winemaking techniques. Here, you’ll take part in another wine tasting, pairing the estate’s finest wares with an array of classic Sicilian appetizers, such as Caciocavallo Ragusano  DOP cheese, dressed Sicilian olives and white focaccia bread. You’ll also have a chance to explore the gorgeous city of Noto before reaching Ragusa.

That same afternoon, you’ll take part in a hands-on cooking experience with a local chef. After a welcome cocktail, three hours of tuition will ensue, giving you the chance to discover the secret trick behind homemade pasta, learn how to perfect your sauces and gain a comprehensive knowledge of the cuts of meat and value of different vegetables. This class will also feature a visit to a nearby fish market and a session on the preparation of Sicilian desserts.

Finally, you’ll end the day at your new hotel – a historic Sicilian villa with views overlooking the countryside and Mediterranean.

Day 4

Your day in Sicily’s renowned Vittoria region will begin with a visit to an intimate, organic winery which grows exclusively Sicilian native grapes, such as the Frappato, Nero d’Avola, Zibibbo and Albanello varieties. You’ll then head off to yet another stunning vineyard – one which leads the way in biodynamic winemaking and utilises the same ancient clay jars that were used by the Ancient Greeks. It’s here that you’ll stop for lunch before returning to the hotel to relax once more.

Day 5

today you will self drive to Agrigento, situated on Sicily’s southern coast, and the town’s Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest legacies of ancient Greece. Stay in a luxury villa, the only 5-star hotel situated within the Archaeological Park of the Valley of the Temples. Situated alongside the main temple complex, the property offers unparalleled views of the Temple of Concordia.

Day 6

Step back in time as you explore the Valley of the Temples with your private guide and admire the ruined Greek temples and tombs that once made up the ancient city of Akragas. The oldest ruin is traditionally named the Temple of Hercules.

Day 7

Unwind at La Foresteria Planeta Estate in the heart of the Sicilian countryside, a charming boutique vineyard hotel surrounded by vineyards and olive groves with beautiful views over Menfi’s countryside.

Day 8

Journey through DOC Menfi with a private guide. Discover unusual territory of Menfi, versatile and intensely dedicated to viticulture with both indigenous and international varieties. Visit of the vineyards and the winery with a guided tasting of 4 DOC Menfi wines paired with a selection of appetizers and local products, concluding with a  tasting of 3 olive oils.

In the afternoon a chance to relax on the beach, only five minutes driving from La Foresteria; surrounded by cool green pine trees it lies among golden sand dunes bathed by the crystal-clear sea.

Day 9

The morning to relax, before heading back to Palermo Airport.

Or, if you don’t want to leave Italy, why not extend your trip and  take a boat to Aegadian Islands!

Enjoy amazing beaches, stunning views, mountain and coastal walking galore coupled with mouthwatering cuisine. Ask the travel team at SmoothRed for further details.