Sicily, the biggest island in the Mediterranean, is a melting pot of cultures, where Greek and Arab influences can be found in its architecture, ancient ruins from different civilizations, and unique cuisine. A land where the earth spills fire from ancient volcanoes and the sun warms the emerald waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
A region of archaeological wonders, marvellous baroque towns and rich, ancient traditions. But Sicily is not only a place of extraordinary monuments, enchantingly beautiful scenery and beautiful towns. It is also a land that offers an incredible variety of excellent vintages, ancient cellars and vineyards, typical dishes and traditional foods rediscovered in their original style.
Discover Sicily – Curated self-drive
During this tour you’ll discover not only delightful food and wines but also the most interesting monuments, works of art, churches and natural landscapes of the region:
- Palermo, the majestic Sicilian regional capital, with its ancient theatres and public buildings, the characteristic streets and the Capo market
- Marsala with wine tasting and lunch in a local restaurant, and Erice, a magnificent medieval city in a spectacular setting where you visit a traditional pastry shop
- Agrigento, with lunch in a local restaurant before a guided tour of the amazing Valley of the Temples, a testament to the ancient Greek civilization in Sicily
- Ragusa Ibla, a UNESCO World Heritage site in recognition of its Sicilian style baroque architecture
- Syracuse, one of the most important and strategic political centres in ancient Greece, with an archaeological park and the ancient heart of the old city – Ortigia Island. A wine tasting is included.
- Private guided tour of Taormina, the small town home of the oldest cinema festival in the world, with its elegant streets and wonderful views of the emerald sea.
Palermo 3 nights | Syracuse 2 nights | Taormina 2 nights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at your hotel in Palermo. Time to settle in, followed by a welcome dinner in a typical local restaurant recommended by the hotel. Overnight stay. (D)
Day 2: Marsala, Erice
Departure for Marsala, the city renowned for producing the wine of the same name. Visit a winery in Rilievo (Trapani). Free time to stroll through the centre of the old town. Lunch in a typical local restaurant. We suggest you proceed to Erice, a magnificent medieval city in a spectacular setting. Walk through the streets of the centre of the town and visit a traditional pastry shop that offers recipes from the Antico Convento. Try some of the typical local delights such as almond pastries filled with candied lemon, Cannoli, Zibbibo (local wine) and the famous “brutti ma buoni” (“ugly but tasty”) biscuits. Return to the hotel and overnight stay. (B, T, L)
Day 3: Pollina, Palermo
Morning departure for Pollina to visit a farmhouse and have lunch. After lunch, visit the farm and hear the extraordinary story of how the ancient pastries and desserts were prepared with the Manna (Slow Food Presidium), accompanied by some samples. Back to Palermo and free time to stroll around the streets in the centre of the city. We suggest you try the pastries at one of the oldest places in the city that sells the famous cannoli, babà and lots more, and a visit to a special winery and a shop that sells the produce cultivated on lands confiscated from the Mafia, such as legumes, preserves and wines. Overnight stay. (B, L, T)
Day 4: Agrigento, Syracuse
Departure for Agrigento for a visit of the old city. Lunch at a typical restaurant downtown. In the afternoon a guided tour of the amazing Valley of the Temples, testament to the ancient Greek civilization in Sicily. Departure for the hotel in Syracuse area and overnight stay. (B, L)
Day 5: Ragusa, Modica, Syracuse
Depart for Ragusa. The city is divided into two parts: the old city (called Ibla) and the new city. Proceed to Modica the ancient capital of the county, which once again is full of amazing examples of architecture that pay homage to the old Sicilian baroque style, where you will have a visit and tasting at the old pastry famous for chocolate. Departure for Syracuse and have dinner in the historical town centre of Ortigia. Overnight stay. (B, T, D)
Day 6: Syracuse, Mount Etna, Taormina
We suggest a tour of the city, one of the most important and strategic political centres in ancient Greece, visit the archaeological park and walk around the heart of the old city – Ortigia. Departure for Taormina, stopping en route to visit a vineyard. There will be a tasting accompanied by local produce. Spend the night in Taormina. (B, T)
Day 7: Taormina
In the morning, take a guided tour to discover Taormina, the small medieval village called “the pearl of the Ionian Sea” and visit the Roman-Greek theatre. Time at leisure for lunch, shopping and a walk through the tiny streets. Overnight night stay. (B)
Day 8: Departure
Time to say goodbye to Sicily. (B)
Included: B = breakfast, L = lunch, LL = light lunch, D = dinner, T = tasting, E = experience
Moxley & Co special inclusions
- Guided tour of Valley of Temples, Agrigento
- Guided tour of Taormina
- 4 meals based on traditional regional dishes in local restaurants and hotel
- 4 guided tastings of wine and /or traditional produce
- Entrance to Valley of Temples (Agrigento) and Greek theatre (Taormina)
- Moxley & Co/ AG Foodies Guide to hidden gems of restaurants and traditional local produce
Indicative prices
All of our holidays are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale.
As a guide, this 8-day suggested holiday will cost from £1,950 per person, including international flights from the UK, accommodation, car hire, tours and experiences as shown based on two sharing.