Arrival in Sicily
Our journey begins in Etna, one of the most exciting and unique wine regions in all of Italy, centered around Europe's tallest active volcano, Mount Etna.
Upon arrival at the Catania airport, our private driver will transfer us to our boutique accommodation, a charming agriturismo on the slopes of Mount Etna, with panoramic vineyard views, a working winery, and a traditional Sicilian restaurant.
We'll kick off our adventure with a welcome meeting to learn about the region's rich culture, meet our travel companions (and new friends), and review our itinerary for the week. From there, we'll board our private minibus and head into town for a welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant, including plenty of delicious regional wine.
Wine Tasting in Etna + Taormina
We'll be exploring the northern and eastern slopes of Mt. Etna, known for wines of structure and complexity.
We'll spend the day visiting two boutique, family-owned wineries, touring the grounds, learning about the volcanic terroir, and discovering traditional winemaking techniques. The second winery visit will include a delicious lunch paired with local wines, set against the stunning backdrop of Sicily's iconic volcano.
Our private driver will take us to Taormina, where you'll have time to visit the picturesque village and enjoy dinner at your leisure. Perched above the Ionian Sea, Taormina enchants with its ancient Greek theater, coastal views, and charming streets filled with history.
Catania & Syracuse
We'll make our way to Syracuse on the southeastern coast of Sicily with a stop in Catania to explore its historic architecture and bold food scene.
We'll depart from Etna and head to Catania, where our private tour guide will take us through the lively fish market ("Piscaria"), down Via Etnea to admire the Baroque architecture of Basilica della Collegiata, and we'll conclude in a café to taste the local delicacies — cheeses, charcuterie, arancini, and more.
We'll make our way to our 4-star accommodation in Syracuse, where crumbling ruins, Baroque architecture, and sparkling turquoise waters complete its laidback Sicilian charm. Enjoy lunch at your leisure at a seaside osteria and explore the small island of Ortigia, full of walkable, cobblestoned alleys, lively piazzas, and beautiful sea views.
We'll head to a boutique winery in Syracuse for a wine and dine experience, an authentic taste of Sicilian hospitality. We'll enjoy local wines paired with a thoughtfully curated homemade meal.
Pachino & Scicli
Located at the southeastern tip of Sicily, Pachino is full of sun-drenched vineyards and known for bold, expressive wines, as well as its world famous tomatoes. Just nearby, we'll explore Scicli, a tiny hidden gem where Baroque beauty meets small-town charm.
We'll visit a boutique winery in the warm, sunny region of Pachino, known for its aromatic Moscato and bold Nero d'Avola, and home to the rich winemaking history of southeastern Sicily.
We'll meet our local guide and expert, Chef Emilia Strazzanti, for an authentic food and wine tour through the UNESCO-listed town of Scicli. Emilia will guide us through the historic center to the best hidden gems, picking up fresh bread and produce along the way. We'll then be welcomed into a typical Sicilian home — reminiscent of Emilia's grandparents' — where we'll dive into a hands-on cooking class, preparing traditional dishes like fresh pasta, scacce, or arancini. We'll sit down to enjoy the fruits of our labor — a delicious three-course Sicilian lunch paired with natural wines from small, local producers and a genuine taste of Sicilian hospitality and culture.
We'll arrive back in Syracuse for dinner at your leisure.
Val di Noto Wine Country
Val di Noto is a region known for its sun-soaked vineyards, vast olive groves, and epic coastline. The wines produced here — especially Nero d'Avola, Frappato, and Moscato di Noto — are among the best in Sicily.
We'll visit a boutique winery in Val di Noto, enjoying a guided tour, learning about the unique terroir, and savoring some delicious wines. Next, we'll head to the town of Noto, a UNESCO world heritage site known as the Baroque capital of Sicily. Its crown jewel is the Cathedral of San Nicolò, which sits at the top of a wide staircase overlooking the town's elegant main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Lined with palazzi, churches, and cafés, the whole town feels like a movie set.
We'll celebrate the end of our unforgettable wine journey with a farewell dinner at a seaside restaurant in Ortigia, featuring exquisite local cuisine paired with a thoughtful selection of Sicilian wines.
Arrivederci!
Our English-speaking private drivers will transport us back to the Catania airport in time for your flight home. We'll be split into smaller groups depending on our flight times to minimize waiting time and ensure a comfortable and timely departure experience.
