Sicily is a land forged by fire. Dominated by the towering, smouldering volcano known as Mount Etna, this jaw-dropping Mediterranean island is a veritable crossroads of culture, influenced by the dozens of ancient civilisations which have each, over thousands of years, claimed it as their own. This spectacular tour will take you from the slopes of Etna herself to the hilltop reaches of Ragusa – and anywhere in between – on an explorative journey into the region’s finest foods and wines.
Stay in a spectacular boutique estate in the foothills of Mount Etna
Tour some of Sicily’s finest vineyards and wineries, tasting the best wines the region has to offer
Visit charming local beaches
Visit the hilltop city of Ragusa discovering an ancient baroque estate
Learn the secrets of the southern Italian winemaking tradition from the vintners who know them best
Take part in a hands-on cooking experience with a local chef
This is a guide price dependent on availability and seasonality based on 2 people travelling together and sharing a room
Upon arrival at Catania Airport, you’ll take a private transfer to your home for the next couple of nights: a 4-star country boutique hotel and estate, set in the midst of the hills of Mount Etna. Take the evening to relax and enjoy your new surroundings.
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 or travel to the beach to relax.
A cookery class is also available that afternoon – please ask for further details.
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.
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.
After enjoying an easy morning at the hotel, you’ll take a private transfer back to the airport to catch your flights back home.
A final-day 4×4 excursion (with accompanying gourmet BBQ) is also available – please ask for further details.
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
This sample itinerary is intended to give you a flavour of what we can do.
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“Thanks for taking the time and trouble to call. You really have set the standard by which we compare all other companies!! Thank you so much for organising a fantastic itinerary with such an interesting and varied range of stop-overs. We are already starting to think about next year’s trip to France so would welcome any suggestions.”
Hilary Alder
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