SICILY WINE TOURS
Explore Catania, Siracusa, Taormina, the Vineyards of the Coast and Mount Etna
A FOOD & WINE LOVERS DREAM
Sicily is known as the crossroads of the Mediterranean. The resultant fusion of diverse cultures, traditions, histories and languages has resulted in a deep richness and beauty. The inimitable ambience of the country, the friendliness of the Sicilian people we will meet, their “Cucina Siciliana” and ancient wine traditions on the southeast coast and on the slopes of Mount Etna add up to an experience second to none.
Our tour hosted by a Master of Wine lasts 5 days. We explore ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome, and more, visit remarkable wineries and invite you to enjoy unique food and wine from coast to mountain. You’ll get privileged access to people, places and vintage wines. It’s an experience not to be missed!
Our program allows for some free time in Catania and Taormina, both of which have a rich history that is not to be missed. We will discover the lava rich vineyards and indigenous grapes of the North Etna wine road and a Gourmet meal at a top restaurant before the trip winds down Sicilian style at an organic farm and a world famous Gelateria! Who could ask for more?
This is a combination unrivaled in Italy. It’s a fun-filled sensory and cultural experience I consider to be on my bucket list.
I invite you to join us.
JAMES CLUER, MASTER OF WINE
TOUR DATES
ABOUT THE TOUR & REGION
ANCIENT CITIES
We meet in Catania where we spend our first day together exploring its historical highlights and being introduced to the generous nature of Sicilian food and wine. Our hotel for two nights is the beautifully restored five-star Palazzo Sangiorgio in the historic centre. We visit Siracusa (Syracuse), tour historic Ortigia island, and explore the ancient ruins at Taormina. Visits to top wineries of the region provide opportunities to taste unique coastal wines not usually on offer outside Italy.
ANCIENT CITIES & THE VINEYARDS OF MT. ETNA
We meet in Catania where we spend our first day together exploring its historical highlights and being introduced to the generous nature of Sicilian food and wine. Our hotel for two nights is the beautifully – restored five -star Palazzo San Giorgio in the historic centre. We visit Siracusa (Syracuse), tour historic Ortigia island, and explore the ancient ruins at Taormina. Visits to top wineries of the region provide opportunities to taste unique coastal wines not usually on offer outside Italy.
CATANIA, SIRACUSA & ORTIGIA
Sicily has played an important role from ancient times right through to the unification of today’s Italy, so we begin by discovering the historical importance of these ancient cities. Walking with an experienced guide on the first afternoon will bring to life the vestiges of earlier civilizations in Catania. By now we are getting to know each other and the relaxed welcome dinner at the City’s top restaurant sets the scene for the days to come.
Day two dawns and we find ourselves admiring architectural wonders, elegant piazzas and palaces. The Duomo in Siracusa and the island of Ortigia are unforgettable. We are also invited to two of the most well respected coastal wineries where we meet Sicilian families who have been producing truly exceptional quality wines from local indigenous varieties for generations past.
CATANIA, SIRACUSA & ORTIGIA
Sicily has played an important role from ancient times right through to the re-unification of today’s Italy, so we begin by discovering the historical importance of these ancient cities. Walking with an experienced guide on the first afternoon will bring to life the vestiges of earlier civilizations in Catania. By now we are getting to know each other and the relaxed welcome dinner at the City’s top restaurant sets the scene for the days to come.
Day two dawns and we find ourselves admiring architectural wonders, elegant piazzas and palaces. The Duomo in Siracusa and the island of Ortigia are unforgettable. We are also invited to two of the most well respected coastal wineries where we meet Sicilian families who have been producing truly exceptional quality wines from local indigenous varieties for generations past.
THE VOLCANIC VINEYARDS OF MT. ETNA
Time is passing as we enter day four and our program focusses on the unique lava rich vineyards and its dedicated producers. Very few other locations have such an extraordinary terroir so to be at its heart chatting with the locals and tasting Nerello Mascalese and other unique wines is a real treat. Dinner at one of the most highly rated restaurants close by our hotel completes a fully charged but amazing day!
A CHANGE OF PACE
The final days itinerary is a total change of pace. We visit an organic farm in the village of Belpasso on our way back to Catania. The warmest Sicilian hospitality including lunch with Mamma Clementina’s recipes using home grown produce and wines to pair are on the menu. It is always difficult to leave such an environment, but leave we must as a stop at Belpasso’s own world famous gelateria is on the schedule. We arrive back in Catania with memories to last a lifetime! Salute!
A CHANGE OF PACE
The final days itinerary is a total change of pace. We visit an organic farm in the village of Belpasso on our way back to Catania. The warmest Sicilian hospitality including lunch with Mamma Clementina’s recipes using home grown produce and wines to pair are on the menu. It is always difficult to leave such an environment, but leave we must as a stop at Belpasso’s own world famous gelateria is on the schedule. We arrive back in Catania with memories to last a lifetime! Salute!
MEET YOUR HOST
Our Luxury Wine Tours in Sicily are guided by Master of Wine, Philip Goodband.
PHILIP is a true wine professional, Vintners Scholar and former Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine. His wine business interests covering four decades have taken him around the globe, including the days when he worked at top wine estates in Tuscany and Piemonte. He represented Antinori and subsequently visited many of the country’s famous wine regions including Sicily where he created a new branded wine range.
His tasting skills are put to good use as The Chair of Judges at the International Wine and Spirit Competition, and through his international consultancy work which has brought him many awards and personal honours. Philip served as wine adviser to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother for over a decade.
He is a communicator with a truly approachable and engaging style, which has been much in evidence at the BBC Good Food Show, on TV and on a number of the top cruise lines. His wealth of experience provides him a unique blend of knowledge and experience which he loves to share. . www.philipgoodband.com
UPCOMING SICILY WINE TOUR
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Included in the price is four nights’ accommodation, all meals during the tour (except for the free time in Catania), all winery tours, all wines at the visits, local transport for the duration of the tour, and all taxes and gratuities.
Basically everything is included except your flights, your onwards transport after the tour ends in Catania, insurance, and any items of a personal nature.
PLANNING TIPS
Before the tour we will send you some useful pre-trip information to help you with your planning. Here you’ll find advice on how to get there, tips on what to wear, other things to do in Catania, details on the hotels, and what you might like to read in advance.
WEATHER
We visit during in the Fall which is one of the nicest times of year. The weather is not too hot, is typically dry, and warm.
TESTIMONIALS
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