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- Transfer in an air-conditioned coach with a German-speaking tour guide
- 7 x overnight stays in selected 4* hotels or boutique hotels with breakfast (1x Catania, 2x Etna, 2x Cefalù, 2x Agrigento)
- 4 x dinner, 1x lunch in selected restaurants, all Bib Gourmand, Michelin, Slowfood or Gambero Rosso tips
- 1 x city tour in Catania incl. visit to the fish market and second breakfast with brioche and granita
- . Visit to the fish market and second breakfast with brioche and granita
- 1 x cable car ride on Mount Etna incl. panoramic stop
- 1 x visit to a pistachio farm with aperitivo dinner in the sunset
- 1 x visit, light lunch and pairing of 4 wines at our hosts' winery on Mount Etna
- 1 x guided tour of Taormina incl. Ancient theater and 1 x city tour in Cefalù incl. cathedral
- 1 x visit to the UNESCO cathedral of Monreale
- 1 x market and city tour in Palermo incl. light lunch with three street food tasting stops
- 1 x hearty fish and cannoli cooking course in the home of a Sicilian woman incl. followed by a 3-course dinner
- 1 x visit to the Anti-Mafia Museum in Corleone
- 1 x entrance and guided tour of the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento
- 1 x panoramic stop at the imposing Turkish Steps
- 1 x visit to a family-run anchovy factory in Sciacca including tasting
- . tasting
- 1 x visit and tasting at an award-winning olive oil and orange producer in Caltabellota with walk
- 1 x visit to the ceramic town and Unesco World Heritage Site of Caltagirone incl. tour of the factory and 2 street food tastings
Would another travel date fit you better? Inquiry to info@genussreisen.de
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Overview
Group tour to Sicily: cuisine, wine, culture and Unesco World Heritage Site in a small group
Immerse yourself in the multifaceted Sicily on a unique 8-day round trip, accompanied by Italy expert and Slow Food graduate Ines Söder. In a small group, you will discover the baroque cities, the impressive natural beauty and the delicious cuisine of this fascinating island.
Enjoy the comfort of selected 4-star hotels and boutique accommodation in Catania, on Atna, on the coast near Cefalù and in Agrigent. Experience extraordinary culinary highlights: from dinner evenings in Michelin and Slow Food award-winning restaurants to a hearty fish and cannoli cooking class in the home of a Sicilian hostess. Look forward to impressive experiences such as a cable car ride on majestic Mount Etna, a city tour in Palermo with street food tasting or a visit to the breathtaking Valley of Temples in Agrigen. Taste the famous pistachios from Bronte with an aperitivo at sunset, explore the charming Taormina with its ancient theater and experience the historic art of ceramics in Caltagirone.
Optionally extend your trip by two and a half days in Syracuse to discover the baroque splendor and chocolate of Modica, the wine culture of the south and the romantic fishing village of Marzamemi. This extension offers even more enjoyment, culture and unforgettable impressions.
The travel stages summarized at a glance in the Sicily map
Stage 1: Round trip Sicily - stately Catania
Your journey begins in elegant Catania. After your arrival, you will check into the stylish 4-star 20 Miglia Boutique Hotel, which is located not far from the old town. In the evening, you will meet your tour guide Ines at the hotel, where you will enjoy an aperitif to toast the upcoming trip and get to know each other. The first culinary highlight awaits you at the 5-course dinner in the Michelin-recommended restaurant. The name of the restaurant says it all, as the chef creates extraordinary dishes such as sausage and ham made from fish and seafood and presents a completely new interpretation of seafood cuisine - not for nothing is his restaurant a hot tip from the Michelin Guide.
A 5-course seafood menu in the Michelin tip restaurant is the culinary prelude to the Sicily group tour
Stage 2: Sicily round trip - Discover Mount Etna : wines, delicacies and spectacular panoramas, as well as sophisticated Taormina
After breakfast and check-out, the day begins with a guided tour of the old town of Catania, known for its majestic lava stone buildings and lively fish market. The old town of Catania is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was rebuilt in baroque style after a devastating earthquake in 1693. The Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo), the Elephant Fountain Monument (Fontana dell'Elefante) and Via Etnea are just a few examples of the impressive architecture.
In the shadow of Mount Etna and kissed by the sea - that's Catania to start your trip.
In the cathedral square, enjoy a typical Sicilian breakfast of brioche and granita.
A fluffy brioche with almond, lemon or pistachio granita is part of breakfast in Sicily.
After some free time in Catania, the journey continues to Mount Etna, the omnipresent protagonist of the coming days. Take the cable car close to the crater and enjoy the impressive view at an altitude of 2,500 meters during a panoramic stop.
At 2.500m, spectacular panoramas and crater landscapes unfold.
Afterwards, you will visit a pistachio grower, where you can end the day with an aperitivo in the pistachio grove and a view of the sunset. The Bronte pistachios DOP are one of the best-known and highest-quality pistachio varieties in the world and are renowned for their intense, sweet yet slightly tart flavor. They have a particularly rich, nutty aroma that sets them apart from other pistachio varieties.
We feast on all kinds of pistachio specialties during the sunset aperitif, which is our "light" dinner today.
After the aperitivo dinner, we head straight to the north side of the volcano. Our accommodation for the next two nights is the elegant wine resort Dimora Cottanera, which is surrounded by the estate's vineyards. There is also a pool and plenty of peace and quiet to relax in after an intensive day's program.
Trip to Sicily with a visit to Mount Etna
The day starts with a visit to your hosts' winery, including a tasting of four fine wines and a light lunch with homemade wood-fired bread, cheese, olives and home-produced olive oil. The Cottanera winery, located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna at an altitude of 730 meters above sea level, was founded in the 1960s by Francesco Cambria. Winegrowing is a tradition in the black soils of Mount Etna, a millennia-old heritage that Guglielmo and Enzo Cambria, Francesco's sons, inherited from their father in the 1990s and began renewing the company in order to enhance Etna's wine heritage. Today, the third generation is already heavily involved. The winery's range of wines extends from Brut to mineral white wines and aromatic Syrah and Nerello Mascaralese.
The black lava soils of Mount Etna produce very special wines, which we will taste during a tasting session.
Afterwards, our route takes us to Taormina. A city tour with a visit to the famous ancient theater awaits you here. End the evening with a delicious 3-course menu in a true institution and Gambero Rosso award-winning trattoria right in the city center.
The ancient theater in Taormina is not only a historical highlight, the view of Mount Etna is also breathtaking. (c) Grey48 ; pixabay
Group tour to Sicily in a small group with delicious specialties from small producers - First-class tastings
After check-out, you will travel to the north of the island through the untouched Nebrodi National Park. A visit to a low-food fattoria, specializing in the black pig of the Nebrodi Mountains and a very special type of goat, will give you an insight into the regional agriculture of this part of the island.
Our lunch stop couldn't be more authentic. The farm has a Slowfood Osteria where they cook heavenly good food. (c)
The 3-course lunch that follows consists of the specialties produced here, from cheese to charcuterie and, of course, the hearty sughi and creations of Grandma Anna, who founded the farm with her husband in the 1960s.
Grandma Anna is still very much involved in the day-to-day business - luckily for us! (c) Fattoria
After lunch, we head west and explore the coastal town of Cefalù on a guided tour. Cefalù, a picturesque coastal town on Sicily's north coast, impresses with its charming old town with narrow streets and historical flair. The imposing Norman cathedral with its golden mosaics is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an absolute highlight.
The coastal town of Cefalù is one of the absolute gems of Sicily's north coast. (c) Visit Cefalù
You will spend the next two nights in the comfortable and modern Mangias Himera Resort, a 4-star hotel between Palermo and Cefalù, located right by the sea. The 4-star Himera Resort with a private sandy beach is located 17 km from Cefalù on the north side of Sicily. The modern rooms offer sea views from the balcony or terrace and every comfort. A restaurant and two bars leave nothing to be desired in terms of culinary delights. The outdoor pool, a tennis court and a soccer pitch make the hearts of active guests beat faster.
Our hotel for the northern stage is the modern Mangias Himera Resort with a private beach.
Discover Sicily - explore the island with locals on a high-quality group tour for a limited number of participants
You start the day with a visit to the Unesco World Heritage Site of Monreale Cathedral, known for its breathtaking mosaics, and continue your journey to Palermo. Sicily's vibrant capital fascinates with a unique blend of history, culture and culinary delights. Impressive sights such as the Cappella Palatina and the Palazzo dei Normanni bear witness to the city's rich history.
The lively markets such as Ballarò or Vucciria invite you to try Sicilian street food and that's exactly what we do on our market and city tour. Some of the food may require a little effort, as offal is also typical of Palermo, for example, but be prepared - it tastes delicious!
After some free time in Palermo, a hearty cooking class with thoroughbred Sicilian Antonella awaits you in Bagheria in the evening.
Antonella invites us to her home for a cooking class - it doesn't get more authentic and heartfelt than this!
In her home restaurant, we prepare a 3-course seafood-based menu together, including the heavenly cannoli with sheep's ricotta, accompanied by wine, water and a digestif.
Stage 4: The south of Sicily - temples, fishermen and beach paradises
After checking out, we head south. About halfway there, we visit Corleone with the Anti-Mafia Museum. In the 20th century in particular, the town was a center of activity for the Cosa Nostra, the Sicilian mafia. Notorious mafia bosses such as Luciano Leggio, Salvatore "Totò" Riina and Bernardo Provenzano, who became known as the "Corleonesi", came from this region or were closely associated with it. These men were responsible for some of the bloodiest and most powerful chapters in the history of Cosa Nostra. Today, the place is a symbol of mafia-free living and you can enjoy a bit of leisure time here.
The Antimafia Museum has an impressive documentation of the fight against the mafia. (c) Museo Antimafia Corleone
Afterwards, we head straight to the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento, one of the most important archaeological sites in Sicily. It is an extensive complex with the remains of several well-preserved Greek temples from antiquity, which are a Unesco World Heritage Site.
The Valley of the Temples is one of the most important testimonies to the Greek siege of Sicily. (c) Lorenzo Paciaroni on Pixabay
Your accommodation for the next two nights is the 4-star Colleverde Park Hotel, located on the outskirts of Agrigento.
We spend two nights in Agrigento with a view of the temples and the sea.
In the evening, an elegant 3-course dinner awaits us in an exquisite Bib Gourmand restaurant in the middle of the old town of Agrigento.
A bib gourmand restaurant in the old town of Agrigento is our first stop in southern Sicily. (c) Buvette Expanificio
Exploring Sicily on a round trip - unique views and experiences
After breakfast, we set off to the west and make a panoramic stop at the Turkish Steps. The Scala dei Turchi (Turkish Steps) is one of Sicily's most spectacular natural sights and is located on the coast at Realmonte, near Agrigent. It is a white limestone formation that rises dramatically above the sea, forming an almost step-like staircase.
Afterwards, we have an appointment at a family business that has been making anchovies for generations. We get to know the family and their craft and, of course, taste the fruits of their labor. We have some free time in the small fishing village and then head further inland, to Caltabellotta to be precise, where we visit an award-winning producer of olive oil, oranges and almonds and of course there is plenty to taste here too
We spend the last evening enjoying an exclusive 3-course dinner in the beach restaurant of a 2-star chef with a wonderful view of the sea.
Our final dinner takes place in the beach restaurant of the 2-star chef. (c) Locanda Perbellini al mare
Sicily round trip - Stage 5: The baroque south-east - Caltagirone, Modica, Noto and Syracuse
After check-out and breakfast, we travel east. The standard tour ends in Caltagirone, the city of ceramics, whose baroque old town impresses with palaces, churches and cozy squares - a place that combines history and craftsmanship in a unique way and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a stroll through the city with two tasting stops and a visit to a ceramics producer, the guests who are returning to the airport today are sure to have one or two (culinary) souvenirs of the island and many fantastic impressions in their luggage.
STay a little longer on Sicily and book the extension program with 3 more travel days:
The extension program lets us get to know the baroque southeast of the island!
On day 8, guests on the extension will travel on towards Val di Noto and Syracuse, where they will enjoy lunch and a special kind of wine tasting at a winegrower's. We dedicate ourselves to the island's big reds and small denominations and experience a "Frappato Vertikale" and Nero d'Avola and Cerasuolo tasting in Italy's oldest wine route. The organic winery we selected is a young company, but it has all the passion of its founders, who established the winery in 2016 and have been causing quite a culinary and wine-political sensation ever since.
Cerasuolo, Nero d'Avola and Frappato await us in the Val di Noto at the organic winery (c)
After checking into the luxurious 4-star Hotel Palazzo Cavalieri at the gates of the old town of Syracuse, there is time for individual discoveries. We recommend that history buffs use the time to perhaps visit the archaeological park of Syracuse. Use the free evening to soak up the atmosphere of the city.
Syracuse has something magical about it and we wanted to include it in the extension for this very reason. (c) Ufficio Turistico Siracusa
Extend your group trip to Sicily and experience the baroque town of Modica
In the morning, explore the baroque town of Modica. The city impresses with its magnificent churches such as the Cathedral of San Giorgio and the Chiesa di San Pietro, both of which are masterpieces of Sicilian Baroque, and is picturesquely situated on two hills and is known for its rich history, magnificent architecture and exceptional chocolate art.
The chocolate of Modica could be described as the archetype of today's chocolate, which is made according to an ancient Aztec recipe. The chocolate is grainy, as it is processed at low temperatures, and is often refined with flavors such as cinnamon, vanilla or chili. After the city tour, you will have some free time in Modica.
Our visit to Modica will definitely be rounded off on a sweet note! (c) Antica Dolceria Rizzo
Afterwards, we head to the fishing village of Marzamemi. Marzamemi is one of the most authentic and fascinating fishing towns on the east coast of Sicily. It is located 3 km from Pachino in the province of Syracuse and is bathed by the deep blue Ionian Sea, which forms two small natural harbors on the coast called "Fossa" and "Balata", where the typical colourful boats of the Sicilian fishermen rock... The "enchanted village", as Marzamemi is also known, developed around the famous ancient Tonnara di Marzamemi, known since Arab times as one of the largest and most productive tuna fishing facilities; here the abundant catch was processed and preserved in salt or oil.
Marzamemi is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Sicily and is a colorful place. (c) Tama66 ; Pixabay
There is time here for an aperitivo or a siesta before we return to Syracuse.
We round off our last evening with a 3-course meal in a unique slow food restaurant in the old town of Syracuse.
We finish our last dinner at the Slowfood Osteria (c).
Sicily group tour with a great finish in Syracuse
Your trip ends with a city tour of Syracuse, including two street food stops, which sweeten the tour once again.
Afterwards, we travel to Catania Airport and say goodbye to this multifaceted island, which will certainly remain in our memories for a long time.
Please note: You can easily add the extension trip in the booking process after selecting your room.<
Highlights
Discover Catania on a fascinating city tour with a visit to the lively fish market and enjoy a second breakfast with brioche and granita directly in the cathedral square.
Experience the majestic Mount Etna on a cable car ride and a panoramic stop with breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape.
Immerse yourself in the world of pistachios on a visit to a pistachio farm, topped off with an atmospheric aperitivo at sunset.
Enjoy pure wine enjoyment with a tasting of 4 wines at a boutique winery on Mount Etna - accompanied by freshly baked wood-fired bread, cheese, olives and homemade olive oil.
Marvel at the beauty of Taormina on a guided tour of the city, including entry to the famous Ancient Theater overlooking the sea.
Feel the romance of Cefalù as you explore the imposing cathedral and the winding streets of the old town on a city tour.
Stare in awe at the mosaic splendor in the UNESCO cathedral of Monreale, a masterpiece of Byzantine art.
Stroll through Palermo's lively markets, experience the variety of street food and sample delicious specialties at three tasting stops.
Become a Sicilian cooking pro yourself with a hearty fish and cannoli cooking course in the home of a local hostess - with a festive dinner to round off the day.
Learn about the history of Corleone on an exciting visit to the Anti-Mafia Museum.
Marvel at the magic of antiquity on a guided tour through the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento - one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Sicily.
Experience the magic of the Turkish Steps during a panoramic stop with a view of this unique natural formation on the coast.
Taste anchovy traditions during a visit to a family-run anchovy factory in Sciacca.
Stroll through olive groves and orange groves and experience the flavors of Sicily during a tasting at an award-winning olive oil and orange producer in Caltabellota.
Be enchanted by the art of ceramics in Caltagirone, with a tour of a ceramics factory and delicious tastings.
Optional extension from day 8
Linger in Syracuse, where you can explore Ortigia and the old town on an exciting city tour and sample delicious street food.
Enjoy the baroque magic of Modica, accompanied by a visit to a chocolate factory with a delicious tasting session.
Discover the picturesque fishing village of Marzamemi, where the charm of Sicily can be felt in every corner.
Tasting the red wines of Sicily with a wine tasting of fascinating varieties such as Frappato, Nero d'Avola and Cerasuolo di Vittoria in an idyllic winery.
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Services
Discover Sicily from the travel specialist!
- Transfer by air-conditioned coach with German-speaking tour guide
- 7 x overnight stays in selected 4* hotels or boutique hotels with breakfast (1x Catania, 2x Etna, 2x Cefalù, 2x Agrigento)
- 4 x dinner, 1x lunch in selected restaurants, all Bib Gourmand, Michelin, Slowfood or Gambero Rosso tips
- 1 x city tour in Catania incl. visit to the fish market and second lunch in Catania. Visit to the fish market and second breakfast with brioche and granita
- 1 x cable car ride on Mount Etna incl. panoramic stop
- 1 x visit to a pistachio farm with aperitivo dinner in the sunset
- 1 x visit, light lunch and pairing of 4 wines at our hosts' winery on Mount Etna
- 1 x guided tour of Taormina incl. Ancient theater and 1 x city tour in Cefalù incl. cathedral
- 1 x visit to the UNESCO cathedral of Monreale
- 1 x market and city tour in Palermo incl. light lunch with three street food tasting stops
- 1 x hearty fish and cannoli cooking course in the home of a Sicilian woman incl. followed by a 3-course dinner
- 1 x visit to the Anti-Mafia Museum in Corleone
- 1 x entrance and guided tour of the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento
- 1 x panoramic stop at the imposing Turkish Steps
- 1 x visit to a family-run anchovy factory in Sciacca including tasting
- . tasting
- 1 x visit and tasting at an award-winning olive oil and orange producer in Caltabellota with walk
- 1 x visit to the ceramic town and Unesco World Heritage Site of Caltagirone incl. tour of the factory and 2 street food tastings
Extension program optionally bookable from day 8 (see Services at a glance) - 2 x overnight stay in a 4-star palace hotel in Syracuse including breakfast
- 1 x lunch at a winemaker's including wine tasting of the fascinating red wines of Sicily (Frappato Vertikale, Nero d'Avola and Cerasuolo di Victoria)
- 1 x visit to the baroque town of Modica incl. Visit to a chocolate factory with chocolate tasting
- 1 x visit to the pretty fishing village of Marzamemi
- 1 x 3-course final dinner in a slow food restaurant in Syracuse
- 1 x city tour in Syracuse and Ortigia incl. Street food tasting with two stops
We are happy to book the return flight to Catania for you as an option!
