Flavors of Sicily

A Wine, Culture and Culinary Adventure Discovering Sicily

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 mark on the island’s architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

This diverse heritage is evident in its 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.

Bold cuisine and vibrant street life Catania

• Explore one of Italy’s most vibrant and authentic food markets with a local expert, immersing yourself in Sicilian culinary traditions, regional ingredients, and daily life.

• Sample a generous selection of classic street foods—such as arancini, fried seafood, savory pastries, and sweet specialties—while visiting market stalls, bakeries, and specialty shops.

• Discover hidden corners of the historic center, including a unique lava-stone tunnel, as stories of Mount Etna and Sicilian food culture bring the city to life.

A fertile region Mount Etna

• Volcanic Wine Country – Explore one of Europe’s most exciting wine regions, where high-altitude vineyards on ancient lava flows produce elegant, mineral-driven wines from indigenous grapes like Nerello Mascalese and Carricante.

• Contrade & Terroir – Discover Mount Etna’s unique contrade system, where each historic lava flow creates distinct soil, climate, and character—making this a true “cru” region of Sicily.

• Bronte Pistachio Farms – Visit pistachio groves growing directly out of volcanic rock, where hand-harvested, prized pistachios are transformed into celebrated Sicilian specialties.

Sicily’s Ancient Vines, Modern Expression Sicilian Wine

• A Journey Through Sicily’s Wine Regions – Taste wines across 5 distinct terroirs—volcanic Etna, coastal Syracuse, expressive Vittoria, sun-drenched Agrigento, and historic Alcamo—each offering a unique expression of Sicily.

• Meet the People Behind the Wines – Enjoy tastings hosted by winemakers, winery owners, and estate managers who share firsthand insights into their vineyards, philosophy, and the challenges and rewards of winemaking in Sicily.

• Indigenous Grapes & Immersive Experiences – Discover native varieties such as Nerello Mascalese, Carricante, Nero d’Avola, Frappato, and Grillo through guided winery visits, often paired with local cuisine and a strong sense of place.

A multitude of cultures Ancient History

Over more than 2,700 years, Sicily has been shaped by an extraordinary succession of cultures, each leaving an indelible mark on the island’s identity. Ancient Greeks established thriving city-states, none more impressive than the community near today’s Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where monumental Doric temples still rise above the landscape as a testament to their power and sophistication. Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Spaniards, and Bourbons followed, layering Sicily with influences visible in its architecture, language, cuisine, and customs. Arab rule introduced citrus, spices, and irrigation; Normans blended Northern European design with Islamic artistry; Spanish influence shaped grand Baroque towns. The result is a living mosaic—an island where history is not confined to museums but woven into daily life, food, and traditions, making Sicily one of the most culturally rich destinations in the Mediterranean.

The Soul of Sicily Palermo

• A Crossroads of Civilizations – A living tapestry shaped by Phoenician, Arab, Norman, and Spanish rule, revealed through UNESCO-listed monuments, grand palaces, and centuries-old streets.

• Street Food Capital of Sicily – Home to legendary open-air markets and iconic bites like arancini, panelle, cannoli, and cassata—bold, authentic, and unforgettable.

• A City of Striking Contrasts – Where raw energy meets refined beauty, historic grit meets elegance, and tradition lives vividly alongside modern Sicilian life.

• Sea, Sun, and Setting – Dramatically set between the Tyrrhenian Sea and surrounding mountains, with palm-lined boulevards and easy access to Mondello’s golden beaches.