“An exclusive, small group cultural and culinary tour for a discriminating traveler who wants to experience Sicily at its best“
November 18 2008, April 5, 2009, June 14 2009
Visit famous wineries, private estates, ancient historical sites and private farms for olive oil and cheese tastings.
Space limited to 15 participants
Program fee: Please call us at 314-809-9951 or email gina@classicaltours.net
Over the millennia, the shores of Sicily have been a magnet to a wide assortment of invaders: Greeks, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Spaniards — and more recently, wine lovers. On this exceptional tour of Italy led by Gina Guercio who spent part of her life in Sicily, you’ll immerse yourself in the island’s history, be welcomed in private estates, visit castles, palaces and Greek ruins and feast on Sicily’s exquisite cuisine and award winning wines.
Tour Highlights
· 7 nights in 4 star hotels, breakfast included
· 4 lunches with wine at private family estates
· 3 gourmet dinners with wine
· wine tastings with top producers
· Olive oil tasting and visit of the farm and groves
· Visits to typical open air markets
· Wine and cheese tasting in a private estate
· Guided tour of Palermo with visits to the Norman Palace, Palatine Chapel, the Cathedral, and Vucciria Market
· Guided tour of Agrigento’s valley of the Temples
· Taxes, tips and service charges at hotels and restaurants
· Air-conditioned deluxe motorcoach
· Completely escorted by Italian native professor Gina who will enlighten you with fun, informal lectures throughout
Daily itinerary
Day 1 – Travel from US to Palermo, Sicily
Day 2 – Benvenuti! Welcome to Palermo
Arrive in Palermo and transfer to your beautiful, centrally located hotel. This evening, meet your fellow travelers over a drink, followed by a festive welcome dinner with wine.
Overnight: Palermo
Meals: Dinner
Day 3 – Palermo, Royal Palace, Vucciria Market, Noble Palace
After a leisurely buffet breakfast at the hotel enjoy a tour of Palermo that includes the Royal Palace, one of Sicily’s more splendid Norman-Saracenic buildings, the Cappella Palatina and the Sala di Re Ruggiero. Continue on to one of Palermo’s characteristic open-air markets reminiscent of the island’s Arabic influence. Later, visit the residence of a Sicilian princess and enjoy a drink with her before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight: Palermo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 – Palermo, Marsala Wine Estate, Mazara Del Vallo
After breakfast we depart for Marsala, known for its Marsala wine. En route, view the island’s landmark windmills and salt mines before a wine tasting in the historic Cantine Florio. Continue to the town of Mazara del Vallo for overnight. Dinner this evening at the
Overnight: Mazara Del Vallo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Mazara Del Vallo, Selinunte, Menfi Winery, Baglio Winery
This morning we drive to Selinunte, at one time the most progressive Greek city in Sicily. Then visit Dispensa-Menfi, one of the best known wineries, for a visit and wine tasting.Our next stop is the Baglio Winery for a visit, tasting, and lunch. Afternoon return to Mazara del Vallo.
Overnight: Mazara Del Vallo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 – Mazara Del Vallo, Valley of the Temples, Taormina
After breakfast, depart for Agrigento, the famed site of the ancient Greek city of Akragas. On arrival, visit the area’s most celebrated site, the Valley of
the Temples, where you will see some of the largest and best preserved temple ruins outside of mainland Greece. Following your visit, enjoy lunch before continuing to Taormina, one of the most beautiful and romantic towns in Sicily.
Overnight: Taormina
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 – Taormina, Etna, Castello degli Schiavi
Breakfast to the hotel and then departure to Mount Etna: it is the highest active volcano in Europe. The bus will bring you up to the “Rifugio Sapienza” to visit of the extinguished Craters of Mounts Silvestri. Enjoy the wonderful variety of fauna and flora along the way. Lunch on typical dishes followed by a visit to the Barone Platania Castello degli Schiavi, a delightful sight, where famous scenes of The Godfather were filmed. Return to Taormina and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure
Overnight: Taormina
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 – Taormina
Your day is free to enjoy the chic boutiques, bustling cafes and beautiful beach. Taormina is also famous for its Greek-Roman Amphitheatre with enchanting views of the sea and Mt. Etna, the Duomo, the historical center and beautiful public gardens. This evening enjoy a festive farewell dinner in a typical trattoria.
Overnight: Taormina
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 – Depart Taormina
Say “arrivederci” to beautiful Sicily, and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
For information & space availability call: 314-809-9951