SHORT TOUR OF SICILY

Day 1st
Arrive at Palermo airport. Meeting with your English speaking driver and private car. In the morning you’ll discover the Arab-Norman splendour of the Monreale Cathedral. This nearby treasure dates from the 12th century and shows the diverse architectural influences of both the Normans and the Arab population. Lunch at leisure. Then you’ll be enchanted by Palermo’s wide boulevards, traditional Sicilian Old Quarter, and baroque palaces. You’ll see the city’s main sights, including Teatro Massimo, Piazza Politeama and Quattro Canti (the Four Corners), Palermo’s extravagant baroque square. See the twelfth-century Cathedral of Palermo, which houses a pantheon of royal tombs. Accommodation at Hotel Ambasciatori 3 star in the main street. Dinner at leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 2nd
Breakfast in hotel. Today you will visit Segesta (with a local guide), ancient village in the Western part of Sicily, to visit its magnificent Greek Theatre and Doric Temple, masterpieces of Greek architecture in Sicily. Then transfer to Erice, a wonderful and mysterious medieval town made famous in ancient times as the birthplace of Venus. Walking through the cobble – stoned streets of the town, smelling a variety of aromas emanating from the numerous pastry shop for which Erice is famous.  Lunch at leisure. Stopping at the world famous Pastry Shop Maria Grammatico. You will  taste almond sweets, genovesi and nougat. In the afternoon you can see The Salt Roadand itsSalt Pans located on the coastline between the cities of Trapani and Marsala.

Locals extract the salt from the seawater following the same procedure used by the ancient Greeks and Phoenicians who once colonized this part of the Sicily. Once extracted from the water and dried, the salt is heaped into mounds and covered in tiles — just like the ones used on house roofs—so the rain won’t melt the salt before it’s packed.
Return in hotel in Palermo, dinner at leisure and overnight stay.

Day 3rd
Breakfast at hotel. Leaving for the southern coast of the island where perhaps the finest of all Ancient Greek sites, Agrigento’s spectacular Valley of the Temples, awaits you. Here you will see some of the greatest Greek ruins in the world, the splendour of its temples rivals that of Athens. The Temple of Juno, with its restored Doric columns and excellent views of the entire valley. This temple was erected sometime in the mid-fifth century B.C. at the height of construction honouring the gods. The Temple of Concord here ranks with the Temple of Theseus in the ancient Greek The Temple of Hercules is the most ancient temple in the valley. Lunch at leisure.
Then transfer to Piazza Armerina where you’ll admire the extraordinary floor mosaics in the Roman Villa del Casale with a local guide. The famed Roman mosaics housed in this third century villa are among the best preserved in the world, depicting scenes from everyday life. Accommodation in a farm house and typical dinner. Overnight stay.

Day 4th
Breakfast in hotel and leave for  Siracusa for a tour of the city (on your own). Of all the Greek cities of antiquity that flourished on the coast of Sicily, Siracusa was the most important, a formidable seafaring power nearly equal to Athens. In the heyday of its power, it dared to take on both Carthage and Rome. At one time, its wealth and size were unmatched by any other city in the ancient world, and today it is one of the richest historical sites in Europe.
You’ll see remarkable Greek and Roman ruins, including the cave called “The Ear of Dionysius,” . Finally, walk through the historical centre on the Ortigia Island to admire the Duomo, built upon the old temple of Athena, the Aretusa fountain and the ancient streets.

Lunch on your own and departure for  Catania, this city is dramatically situated between the Ionian Sea and the looming bulk of Mount Etna, which every so often rains ash upon the streets. The town was rebuilt in the Baroque style, and it was during this era that many of the town’s finest buildings were constructed.
Accommodation in a tree star hotel and free time to enjoy the city centre and Via Etnea where admire the baroque monuments and its impressive Duomo.
the driver will be at your disposal for dinner. We suggest to have a typical dinner in a restaurant on the  famous Cyclops Coast through Acicastello, with its Medieval Norman Castle built in 1076 and Acitrezza the setting of the celebrated novel I Malavoglia by Giovanni Verga, as well as the film version it inspired, directed by Visconti. (dinner not included)

Day 5th
Breakfast in hotel and leave for  the Mount Etna for a beautiful excursion on the most active volcano in Europe and one of the oldest recorded active volcano in the world.
You will see a beautiful landscape and will visit the Rifugio Sapienza to see famous old craters. After you can go by cable- car up to 2000 mt and then by jeep up to the new craters opened  in 2001 at  3000 mt. Above the sea level (not included) .  

Leaving for Taormina and lunch at leisure. You will visit the Sicily’s most famous city. Dating from the fourth and third centuries B.C., Taormina is perched dramatically high on a rocky promontory overlooking the Ionian Sea. It’s a charming medieval town with typical cobblestoned streets leading into spacious squares graced by lovely 15th-century palazzi. You can see the extraordinary classical Greco-Roman theatre and the historical centre. Dinner at leisure.
Return in Catania and overnight stay.

Day 6th
Breakfast at hotel and leaving for Catania airport.

Price per person
2 people : 1.950 €
4 people : 1250 €
6 to 10 people:  990 €
Prices for larger groups available upon request.

The price includes

• 2 BB at Hotel Ambasciatori*** or similar in Palermo;
• 1 HB at Agriturismo Gigliortto**** in Piazza Armerina ;
• 2 BB at Hotel del Duomo *** or similar  in Catania;  
• Tourist guides and entrance fees in Valley of the Temples, Segesta and Piazza Armerina.
• Transfer with private car and English speaking driver for all the tour;
• Visits and excursions as listed in the program, with helpful information about locations provided by our driver;
• Pastry tasting at Maria Grammatico’s shop;
• beverages included at agriturismo.  

The price includes

• 2 BB at Hotel Ambasciatori*** or similar in Palermo;
• 1 HB at Agriturismo Gigliortto**** in Piazza Armerina ;
• 2 BB at Hotel del Duomo *** or similar  in Catania;  
• Tourist guides and entrance fees in Palermo and Monreale, Valley of the Temples, Siracusa and Piazza Armerina Etna, Taormina.
• Transfer with private minibus for all the tour;
• Pastry tasting at Maria Grammatico’s shop;
• n.2 dinner beverages included;
• beverages included at agriturismo.

 The price does not include

- The extras related to individual initiative;
- Insurances;
- tips;
- What is not explicitly stated in the section “The price includes”.

ORDER by phone or online

LUXORY SICILY

Day 1. PALERMO
At your arrival in Palermo airport  you’ll be welcome by our driver guide and transferred to your hotel :  Grand Hotel Villa Igiea , luxurious 5-star-hotel place in a liberty style building, overlooking a small bay on the outskirts of the city. The building is completely surrounded by gardens that cover a large area, sloping down to the sea.
Dinner at leisure (try one of our suggested restaurants!)
Overnight at the villa.  ( BB,)

Day 2. PALERMO
Buffet breakfast at the hotel
Depart to Monreale where you will visit  the cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that dates back to the Norman period. Its walls are almost completely covered by Byzantine mosaics and it covers a very large area, including a magnificent cloister surrounded by 228 columns with inlaid capitals.
In the late morning  you will transfer  back to Palermo where you will continue your guided tour of the city . The visit includes the Palatine Chapel , a superb exemple of Arabic- Norman architecture built in the period 1130- 1140. Nearby is the church of St. John of the Hermit which was built by Roger II in 1132. The features of the structure are unique in that it was first constructed as a mosque and then later converted to Church
Then stroll through il mercato della Vucciria, one of the oldest and most frequented fresh produce markets in the city, the Cathedral, Quattro Canti square, etc.
Lunch and dinner at leisure (We'll give you lots of suggestions for things to see and truly off-the-beaten track places to have lunch/dinner!)
Overnight in Palermo ( BB)

Day 3. THE MADONIE PARK and CEFALU’ - PALERMO
Transfer to Parco delle Madonie, passing through central Sicily from Catania towards Palermo. Arrival in Polizzi Generosa,  a small, medieval town, with an extraordinary wealth in artwork from the Norman period. Visit of  Polizzi Generosa.  It lies in the Madonie Mountains' Natural Park. This internal region between the Northern Coast and Central Sicily has a wealth of ancient small villages, where many people still live according to the Sicilian traditions
Have a half-day cooking lesson at the home of an authentic Sicilian family. The host will demonstrate how to prepare homemade pasta and some special sauces.
Lunch  with our new friends.
Afternoon : depart for Cefalù , known for its long golden beach as well as for other monumental and artistic "jewels": the Norman Duomo, initiated under Roger II in 1131, preserves precious mosaics which adorn the apse and a representation of Christ Pantocrator that can be found inside the Cappella Paladina in Palermo and the Duomo in Monreale. In the same period the Osterio Magno was the probable residence of King Roger II. Of great interest is the striking medieval wash-house and the Mandralisca museum, the latter preserving the famous portrait of an unknown man by Antonello da Messina. A visit to Cefalù can not exclude a stroll along the lanes in the historical centre where you can linger amongst the numerous shops of ceramics and souvenirs
Back to Palermo . Dinner on your own . Overnight ( BB, L)

Day 4. PALERMO – SEGESTA – MARSALA – MAZARA
Buffet breakfast at the hotel
leave for  Segesta to visit the ruins of the Greek temple, on the slope of Mount Barbaro.  Continue to Erice, a nearby medieval town, located  751 meters above  sea level which overlooks the whole Western region, the Mediterranean Sea and the Egadi Islands. Visit to the Antique Convent Pastry Shop,  one of the most renowned Sicilian bakeries. There, enjoy a taste of the fine Erician pastries first created within the convent walls .  As a special treat, sample some of the typical almond dough desserts filled with candied lemon. Afterwards, a guided walk down the narrow streets of the ancient town.
  Transfer to Fontanasalsa , a Village  on the Western coast and stop in a  Baglio  for a  Typical lunch and Oil tasting . This  Baglio is an 18th century country villa recently restored and converted into a charming and exclusive Farm house  surrounded by palm trees, olive trees and vineyards. There is a wide range of fruit-flavoured oils and wines

Continue to Mazara del Vallo . Check into your  hotel:.
Kempisky  5*  in room with a superb view on garden . Dinner at leisure  ( BB, L)

Day 5. AGRIGENTO –MODICA and the Patrician cuisine
Buffet breakfast at the hotel
This morning  will be devoted to a visit of the Valley of Temples.
You will have a private guided tout, with a specialized guide, and the rest of the day is free. The archeological ruins of the Greek domination are numerous and they were visited and narrated by Goethe in his work Viaggio in Italia In the middle of the valley the most spectacular structure, the Concordia temple, rises surrounded by the ruins of the temples dedicated to Juno, Jupiter, Castor and Pollux, Hercules, Vulcan and Esculapio. Lunch at leisure.
Continue to Modica. Check in at the hotel palazzo faille 4* or similar.

Late afternoon : participate to a cooking class at the palace’s restaurant. The Palace is a construction with a long and fascinating history; a place where one can uncover physical traces of the great Sicilian history, a treasure as carefully guarded by proprietors as the culinary traditions of local noble families. There, attend cooking class and prepare several dishes in the style of Patrician cuisine.

Dinner  at the Palace , comprised of dishes prepared during the lesson. ( BB, D)

Day 6    PIAZZA ARMERINA  / CALTAGIRONE / MODICA
Buffet breakfast at the hotel
Today onto Piazza Armerina, a small town in the south-central part of the island.  Visit the Villa Romana del Casale, a Roman country villa of the 3rd century, famous for its precious mosaics.
Travel to Caltagirone,  today considered the capital of Sicilian ceramics, nicknamed the “Faenza of Sicily” . It belongs to the province of Catania, but from a cultural and geographical point of view it belongs much more to the province of Ragusa and aspires to become an autonomous province itself. Its name is derived from the Arab (cal'at ghiran: castle of vases).
Lunch on your own
Afternoon : back to Modica the ancient capital of Contea, a city full of fascinating architectural, artistic and scenic attractions, unique among those pertaining to the splendid Sicilian Baroque period. Take a guided stroll through the area and stop at the Antique Pastry Shop Bonajuto, where the Ruta family is famous for their chocolate, a delicacy they continue to prepare in the same style once used by the ancient Aztec people. Along with chocolate, enjoy their peperoncino, vanilla and cinnamon, which help lend their desserts their typical Ragusano flavour
Dinner  at leisure and overnight.  ( BB)

Day 7 SIRACUSA
Buffet breakfast at the hotel
Transfer in Siracusa, situated on the eastern coast of Sicily Accommodation at Grand Hotel (4 stars), an old patrician mansion, pleasant and comfortable or similar
Guided city sightseeing: Siracusa, splendid and magnificent, in the classic age was the richest and the most powerful among the Hellenic towns in Sicily and some archeological ruins testify the former glory: the impressive Greek Theatre, the Jerone's Altar and the ruins of the Apollo, Jupiter and Athena Temples.
Lunch at leisure   
Don’t  forget this memorable day will have a visit in a marvellous private palace : Palazzo beneventano where the baron we’ll receive us to say welcome in Syracusa.
Dinner in a restaurant facing the port. Overnight in Siracusa   ( BB, D)

Day 8 SIRACUSA / TAORMINA (220 km.)
Buffet breakfast at the hotel
In the morning leave by private car and drive along the coast, to the north, to the charming Taormina
Stop in  Catania, the second biggest town in Sicily, a true lively town with a Baroque-style charm. Known as the the "black-city" from the dark colour of the façades of the building made by the black lava stone. Visit of its most important monuments and to its colorful fish-market. Walking visit and stop in Palazzo Biscari the most magnificent private building in Catania, is unique in terms of structure, outlay and decoration. Received by Baroness Nicoletta Moncada
Lunch at leisure
Transfer in Taormina and accommodation at San Domenico Palace (5 stars), which originally was a monastery, situated on a natural terrace overlooking the sea. Its cloisters are at present lush gardens and the austere furniture of that time gives now a sort of sober and rigorous elegance to the bedrooms or similar.
Dinner in a nice restaurant near Taormina.   Overnight in Taormina ( BB, D)

Day 9 TAORMINA
Buffet breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast , depart for your “Special morning  on Mt. Etna”  one of our unique  excursion.
You will see the highest active volcano in Europe. You will  discover  many habitats and beautiful scenary, characteristic villages at its slopes and, of course, the terrific power of nature.
You will see  Mount Fontane ( view of Valle del Bove); the Thieves Cave (Grotta dei Ladroni); Extinct craters of Sartorius Mounts; the Lava flow from 2002 eruption
Following our excursion we’ll continue our drive to Tenuta San Michele, an ancient estate located on the slopes of the volcano Etna. The farm, which belongs to the noble family of the Baron Scammacca del Murgo, is surrounded by extensive vineyards and has a panoramic view of both Mt. Etna and the sea. Mt. Etna is the highest volcano in Europe. The climate and the volcanic soil help give wines a unique mineral taste typical of the region around Mt. Etna. At Tenuta San Michele they produce some of the best wines of the area: Etna Rosso, Etna Bianco and the extraordinary Murgo Brut. Wine tasting and guided visit to the wine cellar with a member of the family.
Lunch at the farm.

Drive back to Taormina.
In the afternoon  you will have free time to wander this famous resort town which offers also historical and cultural attractions, such as the Greek Theatre, used as stage for many important international events. You can also admire the various buildings in Corso Umberto, the main road that in the summer evenings is always crowded and just in the middle it widens on a "belvedere", with an unforgettable view on the whole bay.
Overnight at the hotel. Dinner on your own. ( BB, L)

Day 10 TAORMINA
Buffet breakfast at the hotel Departure

Package per person, sharing double
Euro 5.500,00   with 2 persons
Euro 4.190,00    with 4 persons
Euro 3.750,00     with 6 persons
Euro 3.590,00     with 8 persons and more
Single supplement upon request

Hotels during the tour:
3 nts    Palermo : GRAND HOTEL VILLA IGIEA 5* or similar
1 nt     Mazara :  KEMPISKY GIARDINO DI COSTANZA 5*
2 nts    Modica  : PALAZZO FAILLA 4* or similar
1 nt     Siracusa : GRAND HOTEL 4* or similar
2 nts    Taormina : SAN DOMENICO PALACE 5* or similar

Items Included
9 nights/10 days

• All accommodations in superior Hotels as mentioned (based on double occupancy) in superior rooms
• 09 breakfasts
• Transfer from the Airport of Palermo to the hotel in Palermo 1st day
• Private car and driver – guide speaking English  from the 2nd day to 8th day
• Transfer from Taormina to Catania airport the last day 
• Full day excursion with a  guide in Palermo – Monreale 
• Half day excursion with a  guide in Valley of the temples  -Syracusa–Piazza Armerina
• Cooking class at the madonie park
• Oil tasting followed by a lunch
• Cooking class in an ancient Palace
• Chocolate demonstration
• Private visit of palazzo beneventano
• Dinner in a sea restaurant in Syracusa
• Private jeep excursion + lunch in a winery
• Visit palazzo Biscari
• Dinner in a restaurant near Taormina
• Taxes and Vat

Not included in the Price

• Entrance fees to museums and other attractions
• Drinks during  Dinner/Lunch
• Meals not mentioned  
• Tips

NB  : on request we can reserve restaurants / visit of ancient palaces /  cooking courses

ORDER by phone or online

YOUR FRIENDS IN SICILY

Day 1  Arriving Cta - Taormina

Arrival in Catania Airport and welcome by our tour escort.
Stop in  Catania, the second biggest town in Sicily, a true lively town with a Baroque-style charm. Known as the the "black-city" from the dark colour of the façades of the building made by the black lava stone. Visit of its most important monuments and to its colorful fish-market ( if your arriving is scheduled in the morning). Walking visit and stop in Palazzo Biscari the most magnificent private building in Catania, is unique in terms of structure, outlay and decoration. Received by Baroness Nicoletta Moncada.
Proceed  to Taormina .
Taormina has been an exclusive Sicilian hotspot, since the beginning of the 19th century, and is where many noble and rich families of Northern Europe spent winter due to its mild climate. Nowadays, Taormina is famous for its "dolce vita" life style, its beautiful beach, and its shops. Check in at the hotel 4* . Welcome dinner at the restaurant . Overnight  ( ( BB, D)

Day 2  Taormina – Messina - Cooking class in a special manor house

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning in Taormina relaxing and visiting the town on your own.
Lunch on your own
Early afternoon : Departure x Castroreale x our staying at a nice manor house :  A little manor immersed in greenery, in the heart of Sicily, far from the frenetic city life. It offers its guests the unique chance of staying in a bio-architectonic structure managed with human warmth and simplicity.
Stop in Messina , "The gate of Sicily", just five kilometres separe Messina from the mainland Italy. In the ancient time was given the name of Zancle by the Greek for the sickle-shaped harbour. It's hard to imagine that a devasting earthquake leveled Messina in 1908 and also during the World War II the town was subjected to several intensive bombing raids. Passing some point of interest such us the church of San Francesco, the Fountain of Neptune, the tour will proceed to the National Museum. From here the tour will continue passing the City Hall, the Church of the Annunziata dei Catalani and Piazza Duomo. The astronomical clock is the most interesting component of the 60 mts. high bell-tower to the left of the Cathedral.
Transfer in our manor to check in.
The Manor is a charming, ancient ochre-walled building consisting of 10 comfortable rooms, each with different decorative features and furniture, provided with a private bathroom, and small balcony with a view over the hills, the swimming-pool or the garden.
Participate at our first : Cooking class
Your instructor, Chef Mrs Jannelli  will teach you to prepare the family recipes passed down to her by her grandmothe,. You will learn how the marriage of three kitchens: Sicilian , French and Holland  has created a cuisine as intriguing and complex as Sicily’s own baroque heritage.
The cooking class will be followed by a dinner . Overnight at the manor ( BB , D)

Day  3    One day in the Aeolian Islands

“On day in the Aeolian Islands” is an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.  We offer a wide range of opportunities and activities to fulfil the needs and requests of all guests. Sports and adventures programs, cultural entertainment, relax and leisure in some of the most charming places of the Mediterranean.
Morning - Vulcano
With a private car we arrive in Milazzo Port
Transfer by hydrofoil to Vulcano, the island that gave its name to every volcano.

• Option 1: walking guided excursion on the top of the inactive volcano. The walk to the impressive crater (400m) is on easy and wide paths. The views are spectacular.
• Option 2: shipping tour of  the island and stops in some of its beautiful beaches to take bath

Lunch: “Les Sable Noirs” in Vulcano is an exclusive restaurant. In its terrace overlooking the black volcanic beach and the sea, guests will have  the opportunity to taste a superb cuisine based on genuine food and typical Aeolian recipes.
Afternoon : Transfer by hydrofoil to Lipari, the biggest island of the Aeolian archipelago.

• Option 1: tour of the island by bus and walking guided visit to the village and its famous archaeological Aeolian Museum.
• Option 2: a scooter will be at disposal of each guest for a free and exciting

ride visiting its beautiful coast and the village.
17h30 : Transfer by hydrofoil to Milazzo and come back at the hotel with a private transfer
Dinner on your own ( BB, L)

Day 4 :  One day with fishermans  + cooking class
This morning , you are invited to cruise the spectacular coastline of Northwestern Sicily with one of Capo d’Orlando’s fishermen aboard his colorful fishing boat. The rugged coastline contains marvelous caves and rock formations.
The Excursion is  organized with stops to bathe in the enchanting blue sea during the breaks that fishermen usually have several miles away from the coast.
Break with the packet lunch prepared by our Manor House.   Here you will have the chance to swim and “fish”
After such a day on the boat, nothing better than a : cooking class prepared  with fresh fish (vegetarian dishes on request) and white Sicilian wine in a private and beautiful Villas with a fantastic view on the Coast
Come back at the manor house. Overnight  ( BB, packet lunch , D)
Day 5 :  Ceramic Class – Cefalù- Madonie Park
Departure to Santo Stefano di Camastra, a town-museum with old, modern and architectural works, as well as paintings a
nd sculptures. The city offers some public decorations characterized by a monumental structure. Here an indissoluble bond between urban culture and arts of ceramics is to be found.

Have a ceramic demonstration
Transfer to Cefalù : lunch in a typical restaurant
Afternoon : visit of Cefalù , famous for its rich historical centre (the Norman Cathedral and the medieval quarter) as well as for its beautiful beach and blue sea
Transfer to Madonie Park . Check in at the country villa . Dinner on your own (BB, L)

Day 6 :  Polizzi – Cooking class- Madonie Park
After the breakfast we’ll transfer in Polizzi generosa , a small village , surrounded by cheerfull countryside and green pastures
11h00 : guests will have a half-day cooking lesson in a authentic sicily’s family. The host will teach them to prepare some of the most popular and essential recipes according to the local tradition.        Lunch at our new “friend’s”
Afternoon : visit of  Polizzi Generosa.  It lies in the Madonie Mountains' Natural Park. This internal region between the Northern Coast and Central Sicily has a wealth of ancient small villages, where many people still live according to the Sicilian traditions.
Visit to the Park's Museum. During the walk through the town's medieval streets, guests will have a break for a sampling of typical sweetmeats.
Come back at the farm . Dinner and Overnight ( BB, L, D)

Day 7 :  Ricotta cheesemaking – Palermo
After the breakfast we will leave the farm  by van and go up to the surrounding hills to see the best view of the Madonie Park . From there we will proceed to one of the oldest traditional cheese factories and watch the production of old-fashioned ricotta , fresh cheese produced in this area
Proceed to Palermo
Lunch on your own. Chech in at the hotel 4*
Afternoon : Half -day visit to this ancient town that has been a crossroads for civilization in the Mediterranean for ages and ages. Here, visit and seek out signs of its ancient "grandeur": the Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel, the church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Cathedral, Quattro Canti square, etc. Walk through the streets of the historical center, and visit to the town's popular Vucciria market.
 Free time to do shopping
Evening : before to get our typical restaurant for our  special Farewell Dinner , we’ll stop  in  one of the most beautiful palaces in Palermo :Palazzo Alliata to  have a cocktail
Palazzo Alliata  is located in the heart of the historical centre of Palermo, just a few steps from other important monuments and close to the main means of transportation.
Reception is personally taken care of by the Palazzo's owners.
Guests are free to wander in the XV century loggia or the garden terrace, Overnight in the hotel  ( BB , D)

Day 8: Departure

Morning: breakfast in hotel. Transfer to the airport in Palermo, assistance with check-in and departure to the USA.

Price per person:
Base 2 people
Price   € 3.800,00 per person in double room, or € 3.900,00 in single room

Base 4 people
Price € 3.190,00 per person in double room, or € 3.390,00 in single room

Base 6 people
Price €  2.900,00 per person in double room, or €  3.190,00 in single room

Base 8 people 
Price €  2.790,00 per person in double room, or €   2.950,00 in single room

Discounts available for larger groups.

Tour Includes:

• English speaking driver + Tour escort speaking english  for the whole tour
• Transportation by private car for the whole tour
• Accommodations: 4*hotel and reconverted farm houses in rooms with private bathroom with shower
• Half-board (breakfast + dinner or lunch ): meals in hotel or in typical restaurants and farmhouses as per program
• Cocktail +  visit of Palazzo Alliata
• Private visit of Palazzo Biscari
• Visits and excursions as listed in the program, with helpful information about locations provided by our driver
• 3 cooking classes  as listed in the program
• Ceramic demonstration
• 1 ricotta cheesemaking
• Boat Tickets to Aeolian Islands : Milazzo/Vulcano / Lipari / Milazzo
• 2 special excursions on the Aeolian Islands at choice
• Excursion on a fisherman boat
• A packet lunch on day 4
• A special lunch at “friends'”
• All taxes

Tour Does Not Include:

• Airfare
• Drinks during meals
• Meals not mentionned  
• Entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums
• Tips and extras of any personal nature

ORDER by phone or online

SICILIAN COOKING

Day 1   Arriving in Palermo – Madonie Park

Arrival in Palermo Airport and welcome by our driver guide
Transfer in the Madonie Park , that spreads from the sea-level coast-line up to the 1,979 m of Pizzo Carbonara. 
It includes fifteen Communes, among which Cefalu, a wonderful old Norman town open like a window on the sea-like vast-ness of the Park, and Castellana Sicula, covered with murales. 
The small towns in the protected area have a unique heritage of art and archaeology and represent an occasion to get in touch with the daily life and the traditions of local people. Here the food and the land products are so tasty and genuine that you must stop at a "trattoria".
Check in at our farm house : Donalegge where we’ll stay x 6 nights
A little manor immersed in greenery, in the heart of Sicily, far from the frenetic city life. It offers its guests the unique chance of staying in a bio-architectonic structure managed with human warmth and simplicity.
Dinner and overnight ( BB, D)

Day 2   ONE DAY WITH FISHERMANS - COOKING CLASS  - CEFALU’

This morning , you are invited to cruise the spectacular coastline of Northwestern Sicily with one of Cefalù ’s fishermen aboard his colorful fishing boat. The rugged coastline contains marvelous caves and rock formations.
The Excursion is  organized with stops to bathe in the enchanting blue sea during the breaks that fishermen usually have several miles away from the coast.
After such a day on the boat, nothing better than a : cooking class prepared  with fresh fish (vegetarian dishes on request) and white Sicilian wine in a nice restaurant with a fantastic view on the Coast
Afternoon: visit of Cefalù , famous for its rich historical centre (the Norman Cathedral and the medieval quarter) as well as for its beautiful beach and blue sea
Come back at the manor house. Overnight  ( BB, L)

Day 3   Excursion TAORMINA
After the breakfast departure for a full day excursion in the beautiful Taormina. It has been an exclusive Sicilian hotspot, since the beginning of the 19th century, and is where many noble and rich families of Northern Europe spent winter due to its mild climate. Nowadays, Taormina is famous for its "dolce vita" life style, its beautiful beach, and its shops
Lunch on your own.
Come back at the farm in the late afternoon : Dinner at the farm . Overnight ( BB, D)

Day 4    Excursion in PIAZZA ARMERINA – COOKING CLASS in DONALEGGE
Morning: breakfast in the hotel. Departure to Piazza Armerina, a small town in the south-central part of the island, and visit to the Villa Romana del Casale, a Roman country villa of the 3rd century, famous for its precious mosaics.
Lunch on your own
Come back at the farm
In the afternoon participate at our second  : Cooking class
Your instructor, Chef Mrs Anna , will teach you to prepare the family recipes passed down to her by her grandmother..
Mrs Anna  will teach them to prepare some of the most popular and essential recipes according to the local tradition.
The cooking class will be followed by a dinner . Overnight at the manor ( BB , D)

Day  5    RICOTTA CHEESEMAKING – PASTRY DEMONSTRATION - POLIZZI
After the breakfast we will leave the farm  by van and go up to the surrounding hills to see the best view of the Madonie Park . From there we will proceed to one of the oldest traditional cheese factories and watch the production of old-fashioned ricotta , fresh cheese produced in this area
Come back in Polizzi and have a pastry demonstration at Pino Agliata’s shop.You’ll learn how cannoli are made
A lunch in a nice little restaurant of t Afternoon : visit of  Polizzi Generosa.  It lies in the Madonie Mountains' Natural Park. This internal region between the Northern Coast and Central Sicily has a wealth of ancient small villages, where many people still live according to the Sicilian traditions.
Come back at the farm. Dinner on your own. Overnight ( BB ,L)

Day 6   PETRALIA and The ARTISANS – COOKING CLASS
Morning : After our breakfast departure to Petralia a nice and medieval village in
the madonie Park . Visit of the historical centre and stop in a private “Shop” where embroideries and laccets are made
Embroidery is an ornament carried out through needlework usually on cloth even using precious materials like gold, silver and precious stones. The art of embroidery is one of the most ancient and widespread among primitive peoples. This art was used to decorate formal dresses to wear in ceremonies since it was a sign of distinction as it is related in many ancient books
Lunch on your own
Come back at the farm and time to relax
In the late afternoon transfer in Polizzi and have a half-day cooking lesson in a authentic sicily’s family. The host will teach them to prepare pasta made home and some special sauce
 Dinner  at our new “friend’s”
Come back at the farm . Overnight ( BB, D)

Day    PALERMO
After our breakfast , proceed to Palermo
Chech in at the hotel 4*. Time for rest and do shopping
Afternoon : Half -day visit to this ancient town that has been a crossroads for civilization in the Mediterranean for ages and ages. Here, visit and seek out signs of its ancient "grandeur": the Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel, the church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Cathedral, Quattro Canti square, etc. Walk through the streets of the historical center, and visit to the town's popular Vucciria market.

Evening : before to get our typical restaurant for our  special Farewell Dinner , we’ll stop  in  one of the most beautiful palaces in Palermo: Palazzo Alliata to  have a cocktail
Palazzo Alliata  is located in the heart of the historical centre of Palermo, just a few steps from other important monuments and close to the main means of transportation
Reception is personally taken care of by the Palazzo's owners.

Guests are free to wander in the XV century loggia or the garden terrace,
Come back at the hotel. Overnight ( BB, D)

Day 8   Departure

Morning: breakfast in hotel. Transfer to the airport in Palermo, assistance with check-in and departure to the USA

Price per person:

Base 2 people
Price   € 3.750,00   per person in double room; € 3.950,00  in single room

Base 4 people
Price € 2.850,00 per person in double room; € 2.950,00  in single room

Base 6 pax
Price €  2.390,00 per person in double room; €  2.590,00  in single room

Base 8 pax 
Price €  1.990,00 per person in double room; €  2.350,00  in single room

Discounts available for larger groups.

Tour Includes:

• English speaking driver + Tour escort speaking english  for the whole tour
• Transportation by private car for the whole tour
• Accommodations: 6 nts in Donalegge country manor + 1 nt in 4*hotel in rooms with private bathroom with shower
• Half-board (breakfast + dinner or lunch ): meals in hotel or in typical restaurants and farmhouses as per program
• Local guide in : Palermo HD / Piazza Armerina HD / Polizzi HD
• Cocktail +  visit of Palazzo Alliata
• Visits and excursions as listed in the program, with helpful information about locations provided by our driver
• 3 cooking classes  as listed in the program
• 1 pastry demonstration
• 1 ricotta cheesemaking
• Excursion on a fisherman boat
• All taxes

Tour Does Not Include:

• Airfare
• Drinks during meals
• Meals not mentionned  
• Entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums
• Tips and extras of any personal nature
  
  
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