Luxury wine tour of Sicily for small groups of up to 14 people
This 7-night wine tour of Sicily sets out to explore both the historic and the modern sides of Sicilian wine, coupled with an appreciation of Sicilian food, in the context of the variety of scenery, climates, terroir and history. Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean and for a long time a prized possession for strategic reasons and today, is a land rich in history and variety of scenery thanks to the endless list of conquerors who have invaded over many years, including the Greeks, Vandals, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, Angevins, and Spanish to mention only a few, as well as even the British for a short while during the Napoleonic wars! Today, the island offers countless, fascinating places to visit, from its capital city, Palermo, full of Baroque palaces to the wild, rolling countryside of the interior. There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Sicily, ranging from the Greek temples of the 6th century BC at Agrigento to the Arab-Norman architecture of Palermo, and to the Baroque architecture of the Val di Noto. The story of wine on Sicily is naturally very much coupled with the history of the island, and there is evidence that grapes were cultivated here as long ago as 1500 BC. Later the Greeks introduced several varieties of grapes when they settled. In the late 18th century, Sicilian wine in the form of Marsala was developed by the British and then in the 20th century, Sicily was known for the quantity of wine the island produced, but then since about 1980 a wine revolution was started on the island. Fresh planting took place and both new and revitalised estates made Sicily’s first modern wine. The families Planeta and de Bartoli were instrumental in this. Our 8-day wine tour of Sicily sets out to explore both the historic and the modern sides of Sicilian wine, coupled with an appreciation of Sicilian food, in the context of the variety of scenery, climates, terroir and history. This tour focuses on the western side of the island, starting and ending with Palermo, but travelling along the coast with its saltpans, edged with windmills and its vast expanse of vineyards, to the rolling fields of the southern interior and vineyards near the coast not far from the Greek temples at Agrigento. In these areas, we will discover the indigenous grape varieties such as Grillo, Catarratto and Inzolia for the whites as well as the famous, ruby-coloured and flavoursome Nero d’Avola and Nerello for the reds. There are also the international varieties planted such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, both of which have found a particular expression of Sicilian flavour. For the British over the years, traditionally Sicily has meant Marsala, which is located on the western side of the island, and we will discover the real version of this wine with its lengthy ageing which gives a delicious taste of dry nuttiness – a far cry from sickly cooking types! Yet whilst our visits are on the western side of the island, we will also taste wines from across the Sicily – including the exciting wine region of the volcanic Mount Etna as well as wines from the distant island of Pantelleria, whose black soils produce grapes ideal for making delicious passito wines. Sicilian food is undergoing a renaissance but of course the island’s rich and varied history has shaped its food as well as its wine. The Arabs brought almonds, spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon along with aubergines and their influence is strong in recipes such as Caponata or even the wonderful aubergine based, Pasta alla Norma or Cous Cous with spicy fish. It’s a brave statement, but the Sicilians firmly believe they make the best gelato in the world – hardly surprising given the quality of ingredients thanks to the volcanic soils, also making refreshing granita from aromatic tangerines and pungent lemons. For those with a sweet tooth, Sicily is a dessert heaven from the sponge cake of ricotta and orange, Cassata, through to the classic Cannoli and of course cakes featuring the DOP protected pistachios from the town of Bronte, on the slopes of Mount Etna. Do join us to discover the soul of this beautiful island through its food and wine.
Highlights
Palermo • Visit Monreale • Visit Rapitala • Marsala • Visit Donnafugata • Mozia • Visit De Bartol • Menfi • Visit Planeta • Visit Feudo Arancio • Option to visit Selinunte
Day by day
You travel on the British Airways flight departing London at 08.25 and landing in Palermo at 12.15. From here there is a private coach transfer from the airport to Palermo, (journey time about 45 mins) where we check into our first hotel.
The Tasca D’Almerita family have owned a vast agricultural estate in the centre of Sicily since 1830. The land reforms of the ‘50s saw their lands reduced from 1200 hectares to just 500 but the family have concentrated on making some of the most iconic wines of the island and won the first of their many wine awards in 1871! They were very forward thinking in planting international varieties as early as 1979 – and we will taste a range of their wines such as the classic white Nozze D’Oro made from Inzolia and Sauvignon Tasca, and their rich voluptuous reds this evening over dinner at their property in Palermo.
After breakfast, there is a short drive the Conca d’Oro to the hilltop town of Monreale, where the remarkable Norman Cathedral stands. Thanks to the enlightened William II, the Cathedral is a wonderful blend of Arabic, Byzantine and Norman architecture has a truly impressive luminous set of mosaics from the 12th century. The cloisters are also worth a visit for the 228 columns and intricate carvings. The rest of the day is free for exploring Palermo at your leisure. A wonderful chaotic mixture of the ancient art and modern life, Palermo is a city of contrasts showing the hallmarks of a series of invaders across the centuries. There are a host of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Palazzo dei Normanni, with its frescoes and the beautiful Palatine Chapel with its wooden carved ceiling and the golden mosaic of Christ. Or simply explore Palermo’s individual quarters, discovering the Pretoria Fountain, or the largest opera house in Italy, the Teatro Massimo, or simple enjoy the winding alleyways and street markets between Baroque palazzi. Early evening, you are welcome to join your Tour Manager at the hotel, so you can have a chat about recommended local restaurants for your dinner choice at leisure. Although there are lots of traditional Sicilian trattorias, there are quite a few vibrant modernist Chefs who are taking Sicilian produce and reinterpreting classic dishes with an inventive twist. Palermo is also famous for street food, so you could chose to simply stroll around one of the food markets such as Vucciria or Capo, where delights such as chickpea fritters, sfincione (local pizza) or arancini (rice balls) are cooked in front of you on stalls that line the narrow streets.
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel in Palermo and leaving the island’s capital behind, we head to the hinterland, which is home to the prestigious producer Rapitala. At their winery in the Valle del Belice in the west of the Sicily, they produce a tempting range of wines from the traditional varieties as well as the noble French varieties such as a spicy Syrah and a delightful late harvest wine. The estate was given a renaissance by a French Count who married into the Palermitano aristocracy, blending the best of French & Sicilian passion for wine (and food!), which today is continued by their son, Count Laurent. After a visit to the cellars, we enjoy a tasting of their wines with a traditional Sicilian lunch. We continue to Marsala, where we check in to our next hotel. This evening, we dine together at our hotel which enjoys views at sunset across to the Egadi islands. There will be a buffet of Sicilian salamis, cheese and salads with which will be paired a selection of wines from the island including its typical grape varieties such as Grillo and Nero d’Avola.
This morning there is an opportunity to visit the town of Marsala itself, with its cathedral dedicated to St Thomas of Canterbury, where there are 16th century Flemish tapestries. Marsala came to represent wine for the English, but it was hugely important in the Carthaginian era, before it was conquered by the Romans. You could visit the Baglio Anselmi museum with its Roman Mosiacs and a Punic shipwreck. It is just a short hop to our next visit at the Donnafugata cellars in the centre of Marsala. Owned by the Rallo family, they took the decision to concentrate on ‘table wines’ rather than fortified Marsala and helped revolutionise the Sicilian wine trade. Today, their multi award-winning wines show how elegant and complex the wines of Sicily can be, such as the engaging white from Catarratto grapes or the beguiling Mille e una Notte, named after Scheherazade, a spicy deep blend of Nero D’Avola, Petit Verdot and Syrah. We taste these wines paired with a light lunch. We head just outside of Marsala to take the 6-minute ferry ride to the Phoenician city of Mozia, on the island of San Pantaleo, and today home to the Whittaker museum. We sail pass the salt pans and windmills that dominate this corner of Sicily, before having time to visit the archaeological museum with its collection of Greek and Punic artefacts including the famed Greek statue of ‘a youth from Mozia’, – or simply take a stroll around this small island of only 40 hectares. This evening, we dine in the hotel’s attractive courtyard, where a Sicilian menu will be paired with wines from the west of the island.
After breakfast and check out this morning, we have a tasting visit at of one of the most respected names of Marsala, Marco de Bartoli. A visit to their cellars illustrates to us the way this much under-rated wine is produced, and then we enjoy a tasting of their wines discovering how true Marsala is: glorious, nutty and actually, surprisingly, food-friendly. As well as their traditional Marsalas, we will also try the elegant wines from their estate on Pantelleria, a small volcanic island closer to Africa than Sicily, made from the intriguingly named Zibbibo grape variety. We continue to Mazara del Vallo, where lunchtime is free for you to discover this delightful fishing port. Mazara del Vallo came to international attention when in the 1990’s a local fisherman picked up in his nets, a seven-foot bronze statue of a Dancing Satyr, dating to between 4th and 2nd century BC. There is a strong Tunisian presence in the town, and this shows in the fabulous fish cous cous restaurants to tempt you for lunch, or perhaps simply relax in the Piazza della Repubblica with an ice cream and admiring the Cathedral! Mid-afternoon, we continue to Planeta La Foresteria to check-in for our next three nights. After time to enjoy their infinity pool overlooking the vines, we have dinner at this boutique hotel, owned by the most dynamic wine estate in Sicily, Planeta, and so dinner will be paired with a selection of their wines.
After breakfast, we head slightly to the north (journey time 25 mins) to the wine cellars of Feudo Arancio. In the rolling hills of this part of southern Sicily, they produce a range of varietal wines, not only from the expected Grillo and d’Avola but also international varieties that have settled well on the island, including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. We taste a range of their wines at the cellars this morning. Sicily being an island, makes it hard to resist a lunchtime appointment at the beach! So, we continue to the Planeta’s beach club, where under shady large umbrellas we enjoy a light lunch with a glass or two of their refreshing white wine – or perhaps their delicious rosé. This afternoon, you can choose to either remain at the beach club a little longer to enjoy the sea and beach or return to the hotel (just 10 minutes away) for a bit of R&R overlooking the vineyards. Alternatively, there is the opportunity after lunch to visit the archaeological park of Selinunte (journey time 25 mins). Founded in the 7th Century BC, Selinunte shows both the Phoenician and Greek history of the island. In a lovely setting overlooking the Mediterranean, it has one of the best examples of Doric architecture of a temple in Sicily as well as the ruins of the ancient city. The Planeta family focus very much on using local ingredients, from the wonderful aromatic herbs in the kitchen garden to using made that same day ricotta from the farm across the hill. This evening we dine at the hotel, where a further selection of wines will be paired to showcase their excellent range of wine styles.
After breakfast, we head to the original Planeta cellars in Sambuca di Sicilia (journey time 45 mins), for a visit to understand how this one family were so instrumental in achieving recognition for the modern face of Sicilian wine making on the world stage, most notably with their Chardonnay. They achieved the coveted ‘Italian Winery of the Year’ award in 1999 and have expanded quickly since then, now producing wines in five different terroirs of the island. We taste a selection of these wines this morning with a selection of tempting Sicilian canapes as a light lunch. We return to Planeta La Foresteria with time to relax before a farewell dinner which will be paired with a final selection of Planeta wines from their various Sicilian estates.
We leave for Palermo airport after breakfast (journey time about 1 hr 15 mins) for the return British Airways flight departing at 13.10 and arriving into Heathrow at 15.25 hrs.
Important note
Please note that the tour is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues as we are visiting working cellars. At Monreale, from the car park to the Cathedral is a relatively long flight of steps (there are taxis but there may be a long wait).
Terms and conditions
This tour is based on 14 people participating. If there are fewer than 14 participants we may modify the tour (smaller coach but the visits would remain the same). We do reserve the right to alter the itinerary if we cannot be accommodated at any of the venues for any reason closer to the date of departure. It is also possible that personnel conducting the tour could change for personal or operational reasons at short notice.
Your tour leader
Cindy-Marie Harvey tells us that having discovered a love of Pinot Noir at an early age, she seemed destined for a life in the wine trade. However, her love of languages led her to work in Italy. After living in Piemonte for five years, discovering the delights of Nebbiolo and white truffles, she returned to the wine trade in the UK. She has spent the last 20 years planning and escorting wine tours to all the main wine regions of the world, from South America to Burgundy and Bordeaux. She now shares her passion for food and wine on her own website, Love Wine Food Ltd as well as in her own kitchen where she is often found surrounded by recipe books in Italian, French or Spanish. She looks forward to sharing her passion for the region of Sicily with you.
Thanks for organising what was a wonderful holiday. Apart from a delay because of Gatwick fog coming home, everything ran like clockwork and we had a cracking time. I would be happy to recommend Expressions and hope we will have the opportunity to organise another trip with you in the future.Mrs S, October 2024
From about 2025 dates on request.
Holiday Code SGWT01
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury wine tour of Sicily for small groups of up to 14 people
You travel on the British Airways flight departing London at 08.25 and landing in Palermo at 12.15. From here there is a private coach transfer from the airport to Palermo, (journey time about 45 mins) where we check into our first hotel.
The Tasca D’Almerita family have owned a vast agricultural estate in the centre of Sicily since 1830. The land reforms of the ‘50s saw their lands reduced from 1200 hectares to just 500 but the family have concentrated on making some of the most iconic wines of the island and won the first of their many wine awards in 1871! They were very forward thinking in planting international varieties as early as 1979 – and we will taste a range of their wines such as the classic white Nozze D’Oro made from Inzolia and Sauvignon Tasca, and their rich voluptuous reds this evening over dinner at their property in Palermo.
After breakfast, there is a short drive the Conca d’Oro to the hilltop town of Monreale, where the remarkable Norman Cathedral stands. Thanks to the enlightened William II, the Cathedral is a wonderful blend of Arabic, Byzantine and Norman architecture has a truly impressive luminous set of mosaics from the 12th century. The cloisters are also worth a visit for the 228 columns and intricate carvings. The rest of the day is free for exploring Palermo at your leisure. A wonderful chaotic mixture of the ancient art and modern life, Palermo is a city of contrasts showing the hallmarks of a series of invaders across the centuries. There are a host of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Palazzo dei Normanni, with its frescoes and the beautiful Palatine Chapel with its wooden carved ceiling and the golden mosaic of Christ. Or simply explore Palermo’s individual quarters, discovering the Pretoria Fountain, or the largest opera house in Italy, the Teatro Massimo, or simple enjoy the winding alleyways and street markets between Baroque palazzi. Early evening, you are welcome to join your Tour Manager at the hotel, so you can have a chat about recommended local restaurants for your dinner choice at leisure. Although there are lots of traditional Sicilian trattorias, there are quite a few vibrant modernist Chefs who are taking Sicilian produce and reinterpreting classic dishes with an inventive twist. Palermo is also famous for street food, so you could chose to simply stroll around one of the food markets such as Vucciria or Capo, where delights such as chickpea fritters, sfincione (local pizza) or arancini (rice balls) are cooked in front of you on stalls that line the narrow streets.
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel in Palermo and leaving the island’s capital behind, we head to the hinterland, which is home to the prestigious producer Rapitala. At their winery in the Valle del Belice in the west of the Sicily, they produce a tempting range of wines from the traditional varieties as well as the noble French varieties such as a spicy Syrah and a delightful late harvest wine. The estate was given a renaissance by a French Count who married into the Palermitano aristocracy, blending the best of French & Sicilian passion for wine (and food!), which today is continued by their son, Count Laurent. After a visit to the cellars, we enjoy a tasting of their wines with a traditional Sicilian lunch. We continue to Marsala, where we check in to our next hotel. This evening, we dine together at our hotel which enjoys views at sunset across to the Egadi islands. There will be a buffet of Sicilian salamis, cheese and salads with which will be paired a selection of wines from the island including its typical grape varieties such as Grillo and Nero d’Avola.
This morning there is an opportunity to visit the town of Marsala itself, with its cathedral dedicated to St Thomas of Canterbury, where there are 16th century Flemish tapestries. Marsala came to represent wine for the English, but it was hugely important in the Carthaginian era, before it was conquered by the Romans. You could visit the Baglio Anselmi museum with its Roman Mosiacs and a Punic shipwreck. It is just a short hop to our next visit at the Donnafugata cellars in the centre of Marsala. Owned by the Rallo family, they took the decision to concentrate on ‘table wines’ rather than fortified Marsala and helped revolutionise the Sicilian wine trade. Today, their multi award-winning wines show how elegant and complex the wines of Sicily can be, such as the engaging white from Catarratto grapes or the beguiling Mille e una Notte, named after Scheherazade, a spicy deep blend of Nero D’Avola, Petit Verdot and Syrah. We taste these wines paired with a light lunch. We head just outside of Marsala to take the 6-minute ferry ride to the Phoenician city of Mozia, on the island of San Pantaleo, and today home to the Whittaker museum. We sail pass the salt pans and windmills that dominate this corner of Sicily, before having time to visit the archaeological museum with its collection of Greek and Punic artefacts including the famed Greek statue of ‘a youth from Mozia’, – or simply take a stroll around this small island of only 40 hectares. This evening, we dine in the hotel’s attractive courtyard, where a Sicilian menu will be paired with wines from the west of the island.
After breakfast and check out this morning, we have a tasting visit at of one of the most respected names of Marsala, Marco de Bartoli. A visit to their cellars illustrates to us the way this much under-rated wine is produced, and then we enjoy a tasting of their wines discovering how true Marsala is: glorious, nutty and actually, surprisingly, food-friendly. As well as their traditional Marsalas, we will also try the elegant wines from their estate on Pantelleria, a small volcanic island closer to Africa than Sicily, made from the intriguingly named Zibbibo grape variety. We continue to Mazara del Vallo, where lunchtime is free for you to discover this delightful fishing port. Mazara del Vallo came to international attention when in the 1990’s a local fisherman picked up in his nets, a seven-foot bronze statue of a Dancing Satyr, dating to between 4th and 2nd century BC. There is a strong Tunisian presence in the town, and this shows in the fabulous fish cous cous restaurants to tempt you for lunch, or perhaps simply relax in the Piazza della Repubblica with an ice cream and admiring the Cathedral! Mid-afternoon, we continue to Planeta La Foresteria to check-in for our next three nights. After time to enjoy their infinity pool overlooking the vines, we have dinner at this boutique hotel, owned by the most dynamic wine estate in Sicily, Planeta, and so dinner will be paired with a selection of their wines.
After breakfast, we head slightly to the north (journey time 25 mins) to the wine cellars of Feudo Arancio. In the rolling hills of this part of southern Sicily, they produce a range of varietal wines, not only from the expected Grillo and d’Avola but also international varieties that have settled well on the island, including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. We taste a range of their wines at the cellars this morning. Sicily being an island, makes it hard to resist a lunchtime appointment at the beach! So, we continue to the Planeta’s beach club, where under shady large umbrellas we enjoy a light lunch with a glass or two of their refreshing white wine – or perhaps their delicious rosé. This afternoon, you can choose to either remain at the beach club a little longer to enjoy the sea and beach or return to the hotel (just 10 minutes away) for a bit of R&R overlooking the vineyards. Alternatively, there is the opportunity after lunch to visit the archaeological park of Selinunte (journey time 25 mins). Founded in the 7th Century BC, Selinunte shows both the Phoenician and Greek history of the island. In a lovely setting overlooking the Mediterranean, it has one of the best examples of Doric architecture of a temple in Sicily as well as the ruins of the ancient city. The Planeta family focus very much on using local ingredients, from the wonderful aromatic herbs in the kitchen garden to using made that same day ricotta from the farm across the hill. This evening we dine at the hotel, where a further selection of wines will be paired to showcase their excellent range of wine styles.
After breakfast, we head to the original Planeta cellars in Sambuca di Sicilia (journey time 45 mins), for a visit to understand how this one family were so instrumental in achieving recognition for the modern face of Sicilian wine making on the world stage, most notably with their Chardonnay. They achieved the coveted ‘Italian Winery of the Year’ award in 1999 and have expanded quickly since then, now producing wines in five different terroirs of the island. We taste a selection of these wines this morning with a selection of tempting Sicilian canapes as a light lunch. We return to Planeta La Foresteria with time to relax before a farewell dinner which will be paired with a final selection of Planeta wines from their various Sicilian estates.
We leave for Palermo airport after breakfast (journey time about 1 hr 15 mins) for the return British Airways flight departing at 13.10 and arriving into Heathrow at 15.25 hrs.
Thanks for organising what was a wonderful holiday. Apart from a delay because of Gatwick fog coming home, everything ran like clockwork and we had a cracking time. I would be happy to recommend Expressions and hope we will have the opportunity to organise another trip with you in the future.Mrs S, October 2024
From about 2025 dates on request.
Holiday Code SGWT01
Our prices include
● Flights with British Airways London Heathrow to Palermo, Euro traveller. Club upgrade available on request at a supplement.
● Transportation from Palermo airport in a small luxury coach for a maximum of 14 people, with one piece of luggage per person
● English-speaking tour guide with knowledge of the wine and food of Sicily
● Two nights’ bed and buffet breakfast at the Hotel Principe di Villafranca or similar in Palermo.
● Two nights’ bed and buffet breakfast at the Baglio Oneto near Marsala. Plus, two dinners with wine.
● Three nights’ bed and buffet breakfast at the Planeta la Foresteria at Menfi. Plus, three dinners with wine.
● Other meals included as follows: Three lunches, One lunch with wine, One dinner with wine
● Entrances and wine tastings as mentioned in the itinerary
● Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
Our prices do not include
● Early check-in or late check-out at any hotels (although we can arrange this on request at additional cost)
● Any other services not mentioned above, such as transfers and meals not mentioned
● Personal holiday insurance. This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday.
● Local tourist tax, usually between Euros 1 and 3 per person per night, and payable locally to the hotel
Additional information
Single Supplement for use of double £680 per person
Deposit payment £400 per person
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury wine tour of Sicily for small groups of up to 14 people
Hotel Principe di Villafranca is a 4-star boutique hotel in an excellent central location. The hotel features a variety of artwork and comfortable accommodation, and is a relaxing retreat from which to explore the ancient city of Palermo.
The Baglio Oneto is a luxury, 5-star boutique hotel in a beautiful location on a working wine estate. The secluded location, gourmet cuisine and, of course the excellent wine, offer guests a truly idyllic and indulgent experience.
La Foresteria Planeta, a picturesque boutique hotel, is perfect for Sicilian food and wine holidays, offering specialist cookery classes and tasting sessions that provide insight into the local production of wine, olive oil, traditional aperitifs, and regional specialities.
Special offers
Call to make your booking and save an extra £50 per adult Call us instead of emailing us when you are thinking of booking a holiday and save an extra £50 per adult (in addition to any special offers that might be available). We want to talk to you to discuss your requirements and a phone call is usually the best way for you to define what you want enabling us to respond more accurately. We want to talk to you and you save an extra £50 per adult.
Thanks for organising what was a wonderful holiday. Apart from a delay because of Gatwick fog coming home, everything ran like clockwork and we had a cracking time. I would be happy to recommend Expressions and hope we will have the opportunity to organise another trip with you in the future.Mrs S, October 2024
From about 2025 dates on request.
Holiday Code SGWT01
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury wine tour of Sicily for small groups of up to 14 people
About Sicily
An Expressions tailor-made holiday in Sicily allows visitors to discover a unique and captivating island. The rich tapestry of Mediterranean history can be witnessed on the southerly island of Sicily, fascinating not only for its amazing blend of cultures including Greek, Arab, Byzantine and Norman and its architectural treasures which reflect these influences but also for its breath-taking scenery of coast, parched mountains and fertile groves of almonds, oranges, lemons and olives. The people are proud and independent, reserved but sincere and helpful. Traditions thrive to an extent that the atmosphere of Sicily is unrecognisable in the context of other parts of Italy further north. The towns and villages are contrasting with picture postcard scenes of mediaeval labyrinthine alleyways adorned by wrought-iron balconies and baskets of flowers or severe dilapidation punctuated by grand Baroque or austere Norman cathedrals and churches. Additionally, there are of course some of the most important sites of the ancient Greek world such as the temples at Agrigento, the theatre at Taormina and numerous relics at Siracusa, reputedly one of the most beautiful cities of the Greek world. High above the island looms Mount Etna, one of the largest volcanoes in the world and an awe-inspiring sight. Off the north coast of Sicily, the beautiful Aeolian Islands offer escape and remoteness, natural scenery and a startling light, a sleepy way of life and romantic isolation. A holiday in Sicily appeals for those who want typical rest and relaxation with cultural activities at hand, and for those who want to be more adventurous and experience more of this captivating island.
Highlights of Sicily
An ascent of Mount Etna, partly by car and then further on foot (guides available) through the luxuriant vegetation which includes oranges and lemons, bougainvillaea and poinsettias and then higher up the groves of walnuts, cherries, almonds, pistachios and vines. Palermo is known for its street markets, especially Vucciria and Ballaro, where traders and hawkers, pickpockets and shoppers converge amongst narrow streets and stalls of wares. See the traditional costumes and dialect of Piana degli Albanesi, where Albanians settled in the 15th Century. Revel in the splendid site of Taormina above the sea with views to Etna. Local crafts include cork, ceramics, honey, embroidery, raffia. Enjoy the calm and remoteness of the Aeolian Islands with their clear waters, beautiful scenery and peaceful way of life. Enjoy the gardens of the Villa Giulia in Palermo and the Public Gardens in Taormina.
Cultural highlights of Sicily
Palermo contains some of the greatest Arab-Norman buildings in existence - San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Palazzo Reale with its striking Cappella Palatina and La Martorana. Monreale outside Palermo is the greatest work of Norman architecture in Sicily and contains beautiful 12th and 13th Century mosaics and cloisters. The Doric temples of the 5th Century BC in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Cefalu has the `Portrait of a Man` by Antonello da Messina, dating from 1465 in its Museo Mandralisca.
Festivals in Sicily
Many Sicilian local festivals are linked to Saints’ Days. A few of the most well-known festivals generally include Carnival celebrations in Taormina and Acireale. Easter is celebrated especially in Trapani, Marsala and Piana degli Albanesi. Messina celebrates Ferragosto on the 15th August with a firework display over the Straits. The Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore takes place in Agrigento in the first and second weeks of February to celebrate the almond blossom. Taormina Arte is a summer festival of music, cinema, ballet and theatre, held in the Greek theatre. The Palio dei Normanni takes place in Piazza Armeria in August.
Gastronomy in Sicily
The gastronomy of Sicily, like much of the culture of the island, has been heavily influenced by its history. Cuscus is a Sicilian version of couscous, and marzipan features heavily in sweets. Local produce includes citrus fruits, almonds, capers, olives, peppers and fish. Local specialities include Maccheroni con le sarde (pasta with sardines, fennel, raisins, pine nuts and saffron), Pesce spada (grilled sword fish), 'alla Siciliana' with capers, red peppers and herbs. Cassata is a popular dessert made with ricotta, candied fruit and pistachios and Cannoli are almond biscuits stuffed with ricotta. Sicily produces a variety of red and white wines including Corvo di Salaparuta and Etna, Marsala and Malvasia.
