Sicily September 1-10, 2026

FLAVORS OF SICILY

Day 1. September 1, Tuesday

WELCOME DINNER with Gregorio and Flavia

• Arrival at Catania-Fontanarossa International Airport (CTA – Vicenzo Bellini), our friendly tour leaders will greet you and assist with transportation to your accommodation at our hotel in Taormina
• Relaxing afternoon in Taormina. Free time to relax and explore the surroundings at your leisure until 7:00pm
• Welcome dinner at a traditional sicilian restaurant, with Gregorio and Flavia; introduction of the tour
• Evening walk and return at the hotel
• Overnight in Taormina

Day 2. September 2, Wednesday

TAORMINA. Art, food and history

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Gentle morning, stroll through the heart of Taormina. This first walk will help us get our bearings and ease into the rhythm of Sicilian life. Along the way, we’ll visit the lush public gardens – created by an English noblewoman in the 19th century—which offer a peaceful retreat and stunning views of the coast and Mount Etna.
• Tasting lunch at a charming spot near the hotel. We’ll sample a curated selection of local products, including cheeses, cured meats, and olives. During the tasting, Chef Gregorio will introduce you to the essentials of extra virgin olive oil—how to taste it, what to look for when buying it, and how to choose the right oils and products to bring home.
• In the afternoon, we’ll head out together to visit Taormina’s most iconic site: the ancient Greek- Roman theater. As we explore this spectacular open-air venue, you’ll have time to take in its architectural beauty and the extraordinary views of the volcano and the sea—an unforgettable setting that captures the spirit of the island.
• In the evening, we’ll gather once more in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant to enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring modern Sicilian cuisine. This is a chance to experience contemporary chefs reimagining the island’s traditional flavors creatively and elegantly.
• Overnight in Taormina

Day 3. September 3, Thursday

TAORMINA – Free day

Today is yours to enjoy at your rhythm. Whether you’d like to explore more of Taormina’s historic corners, unwind by the sea, shop along Corso Umberto, or relax at the hotel and take in the view, this is your time to shape as you wish. We’ve compiled a list of recommendations – from scenic walks and hidden spots to great places for lunch or an aperitivo – to help you make the most of your day. You might choose to visit nearby towns like Castelmola or Savoca, both full of character and just a short ride away. Or stay close and rediscover your favorite places in town.

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Free day
• Lunch and dinner at your leisure in Taormina
• Overnight in Taormina

Things to do in Taormina: Ride the Taormina – Mazzarò Cable Car, This cable car connects Taormina’s historic center with the beach area of Mazzarò, offering quick access to the seaside and stunning views during the ride. Half-Day Mount Etna Excursion. Boat Tour from Giardini Naxos to Isola Bella and Blue Grotto. Relax at the hotel’s pool. Aperitivo at the bar.

Day 4. September 4, Friday

VAL DI NOTO. The Val di Noto, nestled in southeastern Sicily, is a region where history, architecture, and nature converge spectacularly. Following the devastating earthquake of 1693, the towns of Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Scicli, and others were rebuilt in a theatrical Baroque style that has since earned them UNESCO World Heritage status. Walking through these towns feels like stepping into a sun-drenched stage set, where intricate facades, sweeping staircases, and golden stone glow under the Sicilian sun. This region has long been a cultural crossroads, shaped by Greek, Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences, evident in its food, language, and architectural layers. Its countryside is dotted with ancient vineyards, almond orchards, and fields of cherry tomatoes, while the nearby coastlines – especially around Pachino and Marzamemi offer fresh seafood and dramatic seascapes. Val di Noto is also a land of intense flavor. From Nero d’Avola wines to pistachio creams and almond pastries, every bite reflects its agricultural richness and deep culinary roots. With its luminous beauty, Baroque soul, and vibrant local traditions, the Val di Noto offers a deeply Sicilian experience, full of elegance, resilience, and unforgettable charm.

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Check out from our hotel in Taormina
• Departure to Donnafugata – There, we’ll stop for a special visit to Donnafugata’s renowned Etna winery. Surrounded by volcanic soils and panoramic vineyards, we’ll enjoy a guided tasting of their elegant wines, followed by a relaxed lunch highlighting the flavors of this extraordinary terrain
• Arrival and check in at Terre di Romanello
• The afternoon is yours to unwind, whether you’d like to dip in the pool, enjoy a book in the shade, or settle into your room and unpack at your own pace
• Dinner at baglio, a traditional rural building complex in western and southeastern Sicily. The word baglio comes from the Arabic bahal (courtyard), reflecting the island’s diverse cultural influences.
• Overnight in Noto

Day 5. September 5, Saturday

ORTIGIA, the historic island at the heart of Siracusa. Our first stop will be the lively Ortigia market, where local vendors sell everything from just-caught seafood and fragrant herbs to sun-dried tomatoes and capers. We’ll have a casual bite; perhaps a fresh panino with local cheese and salumi, or a seafood snack from one of the stalls. After our market visit, we’ll explore Ortigia’s rich blend of history, beauty, and everyday life. We’ll walk through Piazza Duomo, one of the most elegant squares in Sicily, home to the striking Cathedral of Siracusa, built atop a Greek temple. We’ll also visit the Fountain of Arethusa, where papyrus still grows, and admire the Baroque facades, narrow alleys, and sea views that make Ortigia unforgettable. There will be free time to browse shops, grab a granita, or enjoy the atmosphere at your own pace. Later in the afternoon, we’ll return to the countryside and head to a nearby agriturismo for dinner. After dinner, we’ll return to Terre di Romanello to rest and prepare for the next day’s adventures.

• Brekfast at baglio
• Morning departure to Ortigia. Open air fresh market and lunch
• Late afternoon return to our Terre di Romanello
• Relax
• Dinner at agriturismo, an organic farm
• Overnight in Noto

Day 6. September 6, Sunday

PACHINO – NOTO

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Departure to Pachino. The town is known for its sun-drenched vineyards and rich agricultural traditions. We’ll visit a local winery to taste bold southern Sicilian wines, including Nero d’Avola and Frappato, accompanied by a traditional Sicilian barbecue. Expect grilled meats, vegetables, and fresh sides – all served in a casual, convivial setting under the open sky
• Noto’s private tour with a local guide
• Authentic Sicilian dinner at a local restaurant. Cantina Modica
• Overnight in Noto

Day 7. September 7, Monday

CASEIFICIO BUSELLO and RAGUSA. Ragusa is one of the most captivating towns in southeastern Sicily, renowned for its dramatic setting, layered history, and rich expression of Sicilian Baroque architecture. The city is divided into two distinct parts—Ragusa Superiore, the modern upper town, and Ragusa Ibla, the ancient lower town, each with its character and charm. Following the devastating earthquake of 1693, Ragusa was largely rebuilt. Still, unlike many neighboring towns, it was reconstructed in both locations, resulting in a rare urban duality that reflects resilience and artistic ambition. What sets Ragusa apart is the concentration of Baroque architecture found in Ragusa Ibla, where churches, palaces, and winding streets unfold with theatrical beauty. The use of local limestone, weathered to a warm, golden hue, enhances the richness of façades adorned with masks, putti, scrolls, wrought iron, and stone lacework balconies. Highlights include the Duomo di San Giorgio, with its dramatic staircase and curved façade, and Palazzo La Rocca, famed for its playful balcony sculptures.

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Late morning departure to visit a traditional caseificio, a small dairy farm specializing in Sicilian cheese production. Here, we’ll learn about local methods of making fresh and aged cheeses, such as ricotta, caciocavallo and Ragusano DOP, a cheese shaped by centuries of rural tradition
• Light lunch featuring their artisanal cheeses, paired with local breads, olives, and seasona vegetables
• Afteroon in Ragusa. The historic heart of Ragusa and one of Sicily’s most picturesque old towns. Built on a hilltop and full of winding staircases and Baroque facades, it’s a place that rewards slow exploration—comfortable shoes are highly recommended. With time to explore independently, you might visit the Duomo di San Giorgio, walk through the Giardino Ibleo, or browse artisan shops tucked into the narrow alleys.
• Return in Noto and relax
• Dinner at “Il Liberty”, it is the right place for those who want to taste exquisite dishes in a unique location. The interior spaces, in fact, present a timeless and fascinating atmosphere, thanks to the elegant stone vaults that create an immersive experience in Sicilian tradition.

Day 8. September 8, Tuesday

FEUDO MUCCARI WINERY and CATANIA

Welcome to Catania, a city of contrasts between the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, where ancientruins, gritty energy, and Baroque beauty coexist uniquely in Sicilian rhythm. For the final days of our journey, we’ll stay at Habitat Boutique Hotel, a stylish and comfortable retreat in thecity’s heart. Its central location and thoughtful design make it the perfect base to explore Catania’s vibrant streets and bold character.

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Check out
• Morning departure to visit Feudo Muccari winery. Tour of the vineyard and wine tasting accompanied by local delicacies
• Light lunch featuring their artisanal cheeses, paired with local breads, olives, and seasona vegetables
• Afternoon departure to Catania
• Arrival and check into our hotel
• Dinner at a sicilian trattoria
• Overnight in Catania

Day 9. September 9, Wednesday

CATANIA

• Breakfast at the hotel
• In the moring we’ll meet a local chef guiding us through the famous Pescheria, Catania’s historic fish market. Bustling with life, sounds, and colors, this is one of the oldest markets in Sicily. She’ll introduce us to her favorite vendors, share tips on selecting the freshest seafood and seasonal produce, and offer insights into the flavors that define Catanese cuisine.
• Cooking class and lunch with our local chef
• Afternoon free time. The afternoon is yours to relax, stroll, or do final shopping.
• Farewell dinner. In the evening, we’ll gather once more for our farewell dinner, a moment to share stories, laughter, and one last taste of Sicily before the journey ends.
• Overnight in Catania

Day 10. September 10, Thursday

• Departure. Arrivederci!
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Departure from the hotel with transfers to Catania airport CTA. Arrivederci!!!

Please note that the itinerary may be subjected to change due to the nature of some of our local providers and the national holiday taking place during the tour. We always strive to adjust our plans to ensure the best possible experience for our guests. While some details may shift, rest assured that nothing will be taken away from the richness of the journey—we often find opportunities to add even more value than initially planned.

PAYMENT OPTIONS & INFORMATION:

To sign up for the trip, a 50% deposit is required. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure date.

We accept credit/debit cards, with a 3.5% processing fee. Visa, Mastercard, American Express.

Bank transfers are accepted for deposit and final payment.

Refunds are not permitted for cancellations made 60 days prior to the commencement date.

PRICE INCLUDES:

9 nights in 4-star hotels (Taormina, Ortigia, and Catania) – Upon arrival, scheduled transportation from Catania airport to the hotel – Upon departure, scheduled transportation from the hotel to Catania airport – All land transportation during our itinerary – All breakfasts included – 8 lunches – 7 dinners –Wine tasting, extra virgin olive oil tasting, tomato, cheese and salumi tasting – Cooking experiences, ceramics workshop – Local guides who speak Italian and English – Reservations management service, as well as assisting you in purchasing tickets and entry fees – VAT, tourist tax, and tips will be included.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

Airfare – Travel insurance – Any costs related to extra transportations, meals, or bar expenses not specified in the itinerary – Gratuities for tour leaders and drivers are also not included and are left to your discretion – Any personal purchases such as souvenirs or local products to take home.