Grand Sicily Culinary and Cultural Expedition

(Unwrapping Sicily's Gastronomic & Archaeological Delights along Its Eastern Shore)

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$5,598 USD *

(For One Person, Double Occupancy)

* Plus taxes. Tours sold on an availability basis.

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7 days | 6 nights

Exploring Sicily’s Gastronomic and Archaeological
Delights on Its Eastern Shore and Medieval Villages

It is fitting that culinary enthusiasts come to Sicily, as it is said that the first school for professional chefs was founded in Syracuse, and the first recorded cookbook was written by Siracusan Mithaecus in the fifth century BC. Sicily's delights are as palpable as they are palatable. Sicily's culinary heritage is a rich tapestry woven from centuries of diverse cultural influences, including Greek, Arab, Norman, and Spanish. The island's cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and vibrant dishes. Signature dishes like arancini (stuffed rice balls), caponata (eggplant salad), and pasta all a Norma showcase the island's unique gastronomic traditions. Sicily is also famous for its sweets, including cannoli, cassata, and granita. The island's wines, such as Nero d'Avola and Marsala, complement its culinary offerings, making Sicily a paradise for food lovers.

Grand Sicily Culinary and Cultural Expedition

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Itinerary Accommodations Map FAQ

VACATION HIGHLIGHTS

Please note: Tour inclusions can change depending upon seasonality and weather conditions.

•5-Star Resort Hotel Accommodations

•Private Round-Trip Airport Transfers

•Breakfast Buffet Each Morning

•4 Dinners, 5 Lunches, 4 Tastings

•Hands On Pizza Cooking Class

•Hands On Pasta Cooking Class

•Hands On Arancini & Cannoli Class

•Syracuse & Neapolis Archaeological Park

•Solacium Castle Tour with Tastings

•Visit to Historic Ortigia

•Visit and Tour of Medieval Savoca

•Guided Tour of Taormina Ancient Theatre

•Visit and Tour of Nebrodi Park

•Avola and Almond Tree Museum Visit

•Guided Walking Tour of Noto UNESCO

•Master Cheese Maker Tour with Tastings

•Olive Oil Mill Tour and Tastings

•Visit to the Village of Marzamemi

•Villa Neri Vineyard Walk with Tastings

•Catania Markets Walking Tour

While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs, and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is appropriate for your situation.

AVAILABLE DATES

April 14 - 20, 2024 and October 20 - 26, 2024. Please inquire for 2025 dates.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.

Click arrows (▶) to show details

Day 1

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Arrival in Catania | Check-In

Land at Catania airport, where your tour leader and private shuttle await to take you to the 5-star Villa Neri Resort & Spa. Enjoy some free time to unwind post-flight, relaxing at the hotel or at the Resort's Spa. Dinner this evening is at Michelin Guide Recommended Dodici Fontane. (D)

Day 2

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Sicilian Breakfast Buffet

Start your day off right with a delicious Sicilian breakfast buffet to energize you for the adventures ahead. Savor fresh fruits, juices, coffee, yogurts, breads and pastries, charcuterie, as well as cooked items.

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Excursion to Syracuse | Solacium Castle with Wine Tasting & Lunch

The excursion today will give you the opportunity to explore some of the traditions preserved by Sicilian's strong desire to evolve. The visit to the vineyard at the Castle of Solacium will show you how in returning to its "lost wines" a future for them is ensured. Guaranteeing the continuity of the particularities of ancient fruits enables a new market to be found in the old. Here you will enjoy a wine tasting and light lunch before continuing to Neapolis.

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Ortigia Market | Neapolis Archaeological Park | Casa Arrigo Farm Dinner

After lunch your tour leader will take you to the heart of ancient Syracuse and its bridge-linked island, Ortigia. You will learn about the Greek Temple of Apollo, as well as the Byzantine, Norman, Medieval, Baroque and Neoclassical influences that make up the museum-like center of the historic city that was once one of the greatest ports of trade in the world. The tour continues through historic Ortigia with its lovely markets and other worldly underground city below it. With a network of streets, caverns and tombs the catacombs and crypts offer a captivating perspective on the early Christian population that lived here. Try some Sicilian treats at a traditional pastry shop before concluding your visit with a tour of the Archaeological Park of the Neapolis where you'll experience a Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, Hieron's Altar, Latomie, and Ear of Dionysius. At the conclusion of your tour of Old Syracuse you will be escorted back to the resort where you will have time to relax. Dinner this evening is at Casa Arrigo where you will experience a typical Sicilian farm dinner. (B, T, L, D)

Day 3

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Sicilian Breakfast Buffet

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Tour of Savoca | Lemon Granita Tasting | Guided Tour of Taormina

Today's activities include a tour of Savoca, the medieval village where the first film of "The Godfather" trilogy was shot in 1970. You can't help but get the feeling that Michael Corleone will walk around a corner at any moment! Cap off your visit with a lemon granita tasting at the cliffside café, Bar Vitelli, where many scenes were filmed, before enjoying a guided tour of the ancient theatre of Taormina.

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Hands-On Pizza Cooking Class with Lunch

This afternoon you will enjoy a hands-on cooking class where you'll learn the proper way to create true Sicilian pizza, from the dough to the toppings. Your class concludes with ample samples of your hard work, washed down with local wines! This evening dinner is on your own to explore, with recommendations provided. (B, T, L)

Day 4

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Sicilian Breakfast Buffet

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Guided Visit and Tour of the Nebrodi Park

Today's excursion will give you an opportunity to explore the vast natural reserve that is Nebrodi Park. Covering over 300 square miles, Nebrodi Park is the largest protected area on the island of Sicily. In addition to beautiful lakes, you can find the rare Nebrodi fir as well as the endemic Sicilian black pig. The park is also known for its stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the surrounding mountainous terrain.

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Hands-On Pasta Course with Lunch

This afternoon you will "taste Sicily" where Mt. Etna overlooks the sea, in the quaint village of Mitogio. You will learn pasta recipes that mothers and grandmothers handed down for generations. Cooking together in a friendly environment, you will enjoy the fruits of your labor as you all sit down to a bountiful lunch paired with local wines. This evening dinner is on your own to explore, with recommendations provided. (B, L)

Day 5

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Sicilian Breakfast Buffet

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Avola Visit with Almond Tree Museum | Guided Walking Tour of Noto

Your first excursion today includes a visit to Avola, a charming town in southeastern Sicily, renowned for its rich culinary heritage. Avola is famous for its production of Nero d'Avola wine, one of Sicily's most celebrated red wines, as well as its almond-based sweets. After your visit to Avola, your journey continues with a visit to the majestic Noto UNESCO heritage site. Rebuilt in the early 18th century after a devasting earthquake, Noto's streets are lined with grand palaces, churches, and elegant buildings crafted from golden-hued limestone. Take a moment to immerse yourself in its rich history and enchanting beauty that epitomizes Sicilian baroque art and architecture.

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Olive Oil Mill and Immersive Cheese Maker Tour with Lunch

This afternoon you will visit an olive oil and cheese producer where you will witness the production process from beginning to end. Inside the dairy, the Master Cheesemaker will impart the secrets of obtaining good, healthy and genuine cheese, along with the various processing techniques (lactic and rennet) and maturing strategies. You will even have a chance to assist in making the Primo sale cheese. The visit will continue to the company's olive oil mill where you will taste extra virgin olive oil. During the day on the farm, there will be close encounters with all their animal friends and close contact with nature. At the conclusion of today's experience, a complete tasting of all their specialties will be provided as a light lunch.

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Visit to the Village of Marzamemi | Sicilian Ristorante Dinner

Toward the end of your day, you will visit the quaint fishing village of Marzamemi, known for its picturesque harbor, charming old town, and vibrant shopping atmosphere. Marzamemi is also famous for its tuna processing heritage, with the historic Tonnara di Marzamemi standing as a testament to this tradition. Enjoy the village's maritime culture as you navigate its narrow streets filled with artisan shops. Dinner this evening will be at a traditional Sicilian Trattoria as you journey back to the resort. (B, T, L, D)

Day 6

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Sicilian Breakfast Buffet

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Touring the Vineyards of Villa Neri with Wine Tastings | Hands-On Cooking Class

After spending the morning relaxing, or enjoying a spa treatment, you will be escorted through the resort's own vineyards and winery where you'll enjoy ample tastings. Following your vineyard excursion, you will be treated to a very special cooking class at Villa Neri where you will be guided by its master chef in the preparation of Sicily's famous Arancini and Cannoli, concluding with a delicious lunch that you helped prepare. This evening you will enjoy a farewell dinner at Ristorante Dodici Fontane. (B, T, L, D)

Day 7

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Sicilian Breakfast Buffet

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Check-Out and Departure

After a lovely week in Sicily, it's time to take the private shuttle back to the Catania airport for your departure. Buon viaggio! (B)

Villa Neri Resort & Spa

The magical island, Sicily, with a thousand-year-old and fascinating history. The five-starred hotel Villa Neri Resort & Spa is located on the side of the highest volcano in Europe, Etna UNESCO heritage since 2013. Situated above a natural terrace, where you can take advantage of a spectacular view of the Taormina gulf and surrounded by the natural environment of Etna Park. When you arrive at Villa Neri, pause and listen. From the breeze rustling through the olive trees to soft bird calls, peace and tranquility envelopes this boutique resort and spa. However, Villa Neri's back-to-nature appeal is anything but rustic, with every inch carefully designed to pair contemporary comfort with authentic Sicilian hospitality. Inside, you'll discover a thoroughly modern retreat interwoven with elements of traditional Sicilian living. Your room might feature local materials, such as wooden panels or traditional painted tiles, alongside pared-back, modern furnishings. Whether you have a private terrace overlooking the hotel grounds, or skylights with views toward Mount Etna, the surrounding scenery is never far away. Spend the day soaking up the atmosphere and unwinding beside the pool. Or escape to the spa for a few hours of total relaxation, with saunas, plunge pools and soothing treatments using natural ingredients sourced from Sicily.

Syracuse, Italy•Catania, Italy•Modica, Italy•Ragusa, Italy•Marzamemi, Italy•Avola, Italy•Noto, Italy

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What Currency is being quoted?

The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.

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What does Double Occupancy mean?

Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.

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What is a Single Supplement?

Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.

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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?

Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.

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Are flights included in the tour price?

No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.

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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?

Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.

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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?

Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.

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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?

Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.

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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?

In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.

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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?

Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.

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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?

Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.

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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?

The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.

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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?

Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.

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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?

Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.

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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?

All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.

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Do you recommend Travel Protection?

We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company), 1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N

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Exploring Sicily’s Gastronomic and ArchaeologicalDelights on Its Eastern Shore and Medieval Villages

Grand Sicily Culinary and Cultural Expedition

Exploring Sicily’s Gastronomic and Archaeological
Delights on Its Eastern Shore and Medieval Villages