The Culture & Cuisine of Sicily with a Chef

Your private driver to meet you at the Palermo airport and escort you to your accommodation in Palermo for the following three nights, including daily breakfast.

After time to relax and refresh, connect with the group late afternoon for a private, guided tour of the iconic markets of Palermo — Ballarò Food Market, which as been in operation for 1,000 years, and Vucciria market. Enjoy tastings and a special, traditional Sicilian dinner in the market.

Enjoy a private guided tour of Palermo and Monreale. During this private tour, Palermo’s great architecture and wonderful sights await you, such as in the stunning Albergheria district. Palermo is known as the city of delights, for its beautiful mosques, palaces, and gardens. The city has been home to many different cultures throughout its history. Palermo is Sicily’s tourist and economic capital, offers beautiful weather all year round, and fantastic gastronomy.

In addition, visit the Arab-Norman town Monreale, with its amazing panoramic view overlooking the famous Conca d Oro and entire city of Palermo. Visit the beautiful Cathedral of Monreale. It has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites and is considered one of the most important medieval churches in the world. The mosaics of the cathedral are something simply unique and perfect.

Return to the hotel for your evening at leisure.

Depart Palermo to Taormina by way of Castelbuono and Cefalù. Upon arrival in Castelbuono, our English-speaking expert local guide will provide private guided city tours of these magical destinations.

An historical and interesting town in the hills, Castelbuono is part of the Parco delle Madonie and a really beautiful hill town to explore. It has ancient roots going back to the Sicana people who lived here in the 3rd century BC. All around town are narrow streets, beautiful corners and features, and decorated churches. Of course, the very visible crowning feature of town is the castle, built by the Normans originally, then expanded. A highlight of the castle is the Cappella Palatina di Sant’Anna, a chapel riotously decorated in Baroque stuccoes.

Then travel to Cefalù, a gorgeous town located on the northern coast of Sicily and one of the major tourist attractions in the region. Built on a promontory dominated by a sheer cliff, Cefalù, still keeping its ancient print, has grown around the Cathedral commissioned by Ruggero II. The Cathedral, began in 1131, is one of the most interesting medieval monuments of the island and boasts outstanding mosaics and a wonderful cloister. A large part of the town is pedestrian. Stroll through the medieval narrow street and admire the picturesque houses on the sea and the long beach of finest sand. Enjoy a traditional lunch with the group.

Continue on your adventure to the east coast of the island to Taormina and to your accommodation for the following four nights, including daily breakfast. The balance of your evening is at leisure.

This morning set off on a private, guided tour of Castelmola and Taormina. Castelmola — named among the most beautiful villages of Italy — offers a balcony over Taormina and the bay of Giardini Naxos with the backdrop of the beautiful active volcano, Mount Etna. Its panoramic views, narrow, winding streets, and Old-World charm will enchant you as you learn about the history of such sites as the Piazza Sant’Antonio, the Church of St.  Nicholas of Bari, the Campanile, and of course Castello di Mola. Be sure to taste a refreshing glass of Vino Alla Mandorla (Almond Wine) at local bar and shop for Sicilian ceramics before departing back to Taormina — the Pearl of the Ionian Sea.

Taormina is .a glamorous village with a very rich history. Meander between the gates Porta Messina and Porta Catania along Corso Umberto to unveil the village’s historical treasures, such as the Teatro Greco (entrance included), Piazza IX Aprile, San Giuseppe, Villa Comunale, Palazzo Duca di Santo Stefano, and Palazzo Corvaja, as well as Madonna della Rocca and Via Circonvallazione. Be sure to taste Sicilian cakes along the way!

Enjoy time at leisure following your tour for lunch, sightseeing and shopping in Taormina.

Reconnect with the group for dinner this evening

Explore Mount Etna and the Etna wine region on a full-day tour on a scenic drive through the beautiful Sicilian countryside. At almost 11,000 feet, Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe and a World Heritage. Learn about the history and geological features as you ascend on the road through medieval villages. Meet your private guide for a visit of Mt. Etna. Enjoy time walking around Rifugio Sapienza and the two extinct craters on a moderate hike, followed by time for the cable car ride. Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at a favorite local winery in the early afternoon followed by a visit to another winery for a wine tasting before returning to the hotel.

Return to the hotel for the balance of your day at leisure.

A Sicilian cooking class is at our local favorite in the heart of Taormina. The experience begins with a Sicilian breakfast together to start off in the most authentic manner. Then off to the local market where to learn how to choose and recognize fresh ingredients (tasting included), back to the restaurant where you will be given a personalized apron (a personal gift for you) and start of the cooking class. Learn how to cook Sicilian dishes: one starter, one pasta main course, and a fish main course. Enjoy your efforts over lunch, learning also how to combine the right wine to each dish.

Spend the balance of the day exploring Taormina at leisure or relaxing on the beach. Swim and snorkel in the Ionian Sea or take a boat ride to the Aeolian Islands (not included).

Following breakfast and check out, the group will be escorted to our villa in the Sicilian countryside for the following four nights. Relax and settle in before your welcome dinner with our local chef.

Following breakfast head into Catania for a private, guided tour. Enjoy a visit to Piazza Stesicoro to admire the Roman Amphitheatre, dating back to the 2nd century. Reach Via dei Crociferi, one of the most beautiful baroque streets in Italy, full of churches, closed to the north by the Villa Portal Cerami (now the Faculty of Law) and to the south from the arch of San Benedetto, along the Via Etnea, arriving in Piazza University that features the imposing Central University Palace. Continue to Piazza Vincenzo Bellini famous for the Teatro Massimo and arrive in Piazza Duomo, where there is “u liotru”, the elephant symbol of the city and the Duomo. Passing through the characteristic Pescheria continue towards the Ursino Castle, now home to the civic museum of Catania.

Spend time at leisure for further exploration, shopping and/or lunch. Return to the villa to relax in advance of your first Chef’s dinner.

Visit Syracuse/Ortygia and Noto today on a private, guided, full-day tour. Visit the charming town of Syracuse with a history dating back more than 3000 years, and see its Roman and Greek ruins including a large amphitheater. Explore the isthmus Ortygia, the heart of Syracuse, and explore its narrow streets and view the spectacular Duomo. Travel to the town of Noto, an UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its golden color and striking baroque architecture. Lunch will be at leisure.

Return to the villa for time to refresh and relax in advance of the evening’s Chef’s dinner.

Explore Caltagirone today. This charming inland destination offers a unique cultural experience, with virtually every building in the old town decorated with ceramic tiles. Explore delightful shops overflowing with handcrafted wares, splendid aristocratic buildings and more. Return to the villa to refresh and pack for your departure tomorrow.

Farewell dinner this evening.

Private transfer from the villa to the Catania airport this morning. Return to the USA.