Flavors of Sicily Tour
03
Mar 2024
-
11
Mar 2024

Flavors of Sicily Tour

Small group tour of 9 days and 8 nights traversing Sicily with a sommelier and expert local guide.

03
Mar 2024
-
11
Mar 2024

Flavors of Sicily Tour

Small group tour of 9 days and 8 nights traversing Sicily with a sommelier and expert local guide.

reserve now
Type Tour Wine Vacation
Destination
Tags Catania / food tour / Greek temples / Mount Etna / Ortigia / Palermo / Sicily / wine tour
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Overview

Explore the captivating island of Sicily with a small group tour, starting in the city of Catania and continuing on to the charming towns of Ortigia, Ragusa Ibla, Avola, Agrigento, and the city of Palermo. Admire Mt. Etna, the spectacular Taormina, and the stunning coastline along the way. Immerse yourself in the diverse cultures that have shaped Sicily over the past 2,500 years. Indulge in the flavors of delicious local cuisine and learn about the distinct subcultures of the food and wine. Discover excellent Sicilian wine styles and grape varietals on an unforgettable journey. This is a unique off-the-beaten-path experience to places you wouldn't have gone on your own.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 3 nights at the 4-star Il Principe Hotel in Catania.  2 nights at the 4-star San Giorgio Palace in Ragusa Ibla.  1 night at the 4-star Hotel della Valle in Agrigento. 2 nights at the 4-star Politeama Hotel in Palermo
  • Transportation throughout Sicily via private bus
  • Sommelier host + local tour guide for 9 days
  • Three (3) group lunches, three (3) group dinners, three (3) group food tastings
  • Five (5) winery tasting visits:
    • Donnafugata
    • Tenuta Palmeri
    • Occhipinti
    • Baglio Bonsignore
    • Tonnino
  • Local expert guides and tours in three (3) locations: Catania, Valley of Temples, Palermo

SICILY - RICH IN CULTURE

Sicily, a captivating Mediterranean island, boasts a rich history and vibrant culture that has been shaped by various civilizations. From the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Phoenicians to the Byzantines, Arabs, and Normans, each empire left its indelible mark on the island’s architecture, cuisine, and traditions. This diverse heritage is evident in its awe-inspiring temples, captivating mosaics, and unique folk festivals. The island’s cultural tapestry is interwoven with outstanding foods such as arancini and cannoli — not to mention great wines — making Sicily a true paradise for cultural enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike.

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OFF THE BEATEN PATH

  • Like all of Crush WineXP’s tour experiences, this trip is off-the-beaten-path.
  • Explore Sicily’s culinary secrets by venturing to charming alleys and local neighborhoods and uncovering hidden gem restaurants.
  • Savor traditional dishes prepared with love and regional flavors in towns like Modica, Ragusa Ibla and Alcamo.
  • And of course, pair the foods with prominent Sicilian wine styles, including Nero d’Avola, crisp and citrusy Grillo, and elegant Etna Rosso. These are just a few of the wonderful wines on this tour!

AGRIGENTO AND THE VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES

  • Unearth the grandeur of the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander amidst ancient Greek ruins, including the iconic Temple of Concordia, and enjoy a sense of serenity that comes with smaller group explorations.
  • Agrigento’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of Sicilian flavors and traditions. It boasts a rich array of seafood dishes, showcasing the region’s proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. Local specialties like pasta with sardines, arancini, and cannoli are must-try treats. The use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients elevates the taste of traditional recipes. With its warm hospitality and authentic culinary experiences, Agrigento offers a gastronomic journey that reflects the island’s unique cultural heritage.
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MEET THE MAKERS

  • Meet the winemakers and founders at some of Sicily’s best small-production wineries in the key wine-growing regions:
    • Mount Etna
    • Avola
    • Agrigento
    • Vittoria
    • Alcamo
  • At each wine tasting, Sam Kimball shares tasting notes and perspectives on the wines and the terroir
  • Three (3) of the winery visits include lunch along with the tasting

PALERMO

Palermo, a vibrant city in Sicily, offers a captivating blend of cultural richness and culinary delights. Its history is woven into its architecture, from Arab domes to Baroque churches. The bustling markets, like Vucciria and Ballarò, showcase the essence of Sicilian life. Palermo’s cuisine is a symphony of flavors, with street food like arancini and panelle delighting the senses. Fresh seafood, pasta, and unique desserts like cannoli make Palermo a paradise for food enthusiasts, celebrating the island’s diverse heritage.

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WINE HOST, SAM KIMBALL

  • Sam (pictured on the left) is a WSET trained sommelier and co-founder of Crush Wine Experiences (formerly New York Wine Events) (est. 2006), the NY area’s #1 food & wine experience company.
  • He has traveled to Europe frequently on cultural and wine excursions to some of the continent’s leading wineries, including trips to Sicily.
  • He knows the wines, cuisine, and local culture of the island. And as a wine professional who owns a wine retail store in the U.S., he brings added insights to the wine experience on the tour.

ITINERARY

View the detailed itinerary here

Day 1 – Arrival

Day 2: Catania and Taormina

Day 3: Mount Etna

Day 4: Ortigia and Avola

Day 5: Ragusa Ibla, Modica

Day 6: Greek Temples

Day 7: Palermo

Day 8: Alcamo

Day 9: Departure

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RATES

$3,600.00 per person, double occupancy (private room). Book here

$3,900.00 per person, single occupancy (private room). Book here

(Rates are inclusive of taxes and fees)

Note: This is a boutique, intimate tour experience, limited to 18 guests + 2 hosts

High quality of food, wine, destinations, and a small bus that can go where larger tours cannot.

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Guest experiences

So many things to enjoy

– Richard (2023 guest)
The combination of wine and culture was amazing in Sicily. We loved all the places, especially Ortigia, Agrigento, and Palermo!

Wonderful experience

– Nancy (2023 guest)
The variation between seeing the different sites, trying local food, and going to wineries made for a great mix of sights, sounds and tastes. The itinerary really made this trip for us.

Heritage and wine

– Jennifer (2023 guest)
The wine and history of the island were my favorite things. And the guides (Sam and Marco) were great.

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