The Culture, Food & Wine of Sicily with a Chef

Upon arrival at Catania Airport, our Premier Tours & Travel representative will greet you upon arrival and escort you to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy time to relax before gathering for a Welcome Dinner. As you meet your Expert Host and fellow travelers, begin discovering the rich culinary traditions and warm hospitality that define Sicily.

Set off to the enchanting island of Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse and one of Sicily’s most beautiful seaside destinations. Along the way, step back more than two millennia as you explore the remarkable Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to one of the largest Greek theaters ever constructed, the impressive Roman Amphitheater, the legendary Ear of Dionysius, and the ancient stone quarries that reveal Syracuse’s importance as one of the greatest cities of Magna Graecia.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch showcasing the flavors of southeastern Sicily before continuing to Ortigia. Check-in at your hand-selected accommodations in Ortigia (3 nights), the balance of your day is at leisure.

Discover the island of Ortigia’s charming historic center on a guided walking tour. Stroll through elegant piazzas, admire the magnificent Cathedral built upon the remains of a Greek temple, visit the Temple of Apollo, wander the atmospheric Jewish Quarter, and pause beside the legendary Fountain of Arethusa.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to browse artisan boutiques, relax at a waterfront café, or simply soak in the timeless beauty of Ortigia before reconnecting with the group this evening for dinner.

Today offers one of the signature experiences of your Sicilian journey.

Begin with a guided visit through Ortigia’s vibrant daily market, where colorful displays of seasonal produce, fragrant herbs, artisan cheeses, freshly caught seafood, and local specialties provide a fascinating glimpse into everyday Sicilian life. Together with your Expert Host and Local Chef, select the freshest ingredients before heading to the kitchen for an immersive hands-on cooking experience.

Learn traditional techniques while preparing fresh handmade pasta, seasonal Sicilian specialties, and a classic regional dessert. Then gather around the table to enjoy the meal you’ve created, accompanied by carefully selected Sicilian wines. Through the traditions, techniques, and stories behind each dish, gain a deeper understanding of Sicilian cuisine and the generations who have preserved it.

The balance of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, perhaps exploring hidden alleyways, relaxing by the sea, taking a sunset sail, or discovering one of Ortigia’s inviting wine bars.

Leaving the southeastern coast behind, journey toward the fertile volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, where centuries of lava flows have created one of Sicily’s most unique agricultural landscapes.

In the town of Bronte, renowned throughout Italy for its prized DOP pistachios, visit a family-owned pistachio estate to learn about the cultivation of Sicily’s celebrated “green gold.” Discover how the island’s volcanic soils contribute to their exceptional flavor before enjoying tastings and a leisurely farm-to-table lunch highlighting this treasured local ingredient.

Continue to the elegant hilltop town of Taormina, where breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna provide a spectacular backdrop for the next chapter of your Sicilian adventure. Check into your accommodations for your four-night stay in Taormina.

This evening is yours to stroll Corso Umberto, browse stylish boutiques, or enjoy an aperitivo overlooking the sea.

This morning, discover the timeless elegance of Taormina during a guided walking tour. Visit the spectacular Ancient Greek Theatre, stroll through picturesque piazzas and gardens, and admire sweeping views across the Ionian coastline toward Mount Etna.

Following a group lunch, the evening is yours to enjoy however you choose. Browse charming boutiques, relax at a café, visit the public gardens, or simply wander the flower-filled streets that have captivated travelers for generations.

Travel into the dramatic landscapes surrounding Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano and one of Italy’s most exciting wine regions.

Explore the unique volcanic terrain before visiting a boutique Etna winery, where generations of winemakers have learned to cultivate vines in mineral-rich lava soils. Enjoy a guided tasting paired with a leisurely lunch showcasing seasonal Sicilian cuisine and the distinctive wines that have earned international acclaim.

Return to Taormina with time to relax at leisure.

Spend the day at leisure. Perhaps revisit a favorite café, take the cable car down to the beach, enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the sea, shop for last-minute gifts, or simply savor one final afternoon in this enchanting Sicilian town.

Mid-afternoon, reconnect with the group and step into the flavors of coastal Sicily with a hands-on cooking experience inspired by the island’s deep connection to the sea. Our Expert Host and you will join the local Chef for an intimate exploration of Sicilian seafood, learning how the day’s freshest catch is transformed into simple, deeply flavorful dishes. Along the way, discover the philosophy of cucina siciliana: letting exceptional ingredients speak for themselves.

Once the cooking is complete, gather around the table to enjoy the fruits of your labor, paired with local wines and the relaxed hospitality that makes a Sicilian meal so memorable. More than a cooking class, this is a true tide-to-table experience, connecting the island’s fishermen, markets, gardens, and kitchen in one delicious dinner.

After breakfast, travel to the vibrant city of Catania, where Sicily’s energetic spirit comes alive beneath the watchful presence of Mount Etna.

Explore the city’s UNESCO-listed historic center on a guided walking tour, including Piazza del Duomo, the famous Elephant Fountain, elegant Via Crociferi, and the lively fish market, where generations of vendors continue one of Sicily’s oldest traditions. Along the way, sample local specialties that reflect the city’s celebrated street-food culture at our Farewell Lunch.

Enjoy one final evening in Sicily before retiring to your hotel.

Transfer to Catania Airport for your flight home, taking with unforgettable memories of Sicily’s remarkable history, spectacular landscapes, exceptional wines, and enduring culinary traditions.