Sicily Wine Tour: History & Culture Exploration

Vineyards in Sicily with Mt. Etna in the background

What to expect on this itinerary

Italy is famous for its wine and its cuisine but beyond the mainland the gastronomic traditions and ancient marvels the best of Italian heritage will be yours to enjoy during your customizable wine, culture, and history tour of Sicily. The vines on the island have become legendary for the rocky plateaus, the fertile valleys, and the vineyards found along the slopes of soaring Mount Etna. With culinary and oenological traditions dating back to Phoenicians and Greeks with hints of Arab and Norman customs, your tour of Sicily will be an incredible immersion into a cornerstone of the Mediterranean filled with ancient wonder, Baroque opulence, and endless mouthwatering delights.

Countries Visited

Italy

Places Visited

Catania, Siracusa, Vittoria, Caltanissetta, Mt. Etna

Suggested Duration

9 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Catania – Arrive in the Bustling City of Catania with the Day at Leisure

As Sicily’s second-largest city, the city of Catania bustles with activity throughout the day. The picturesque countryside sweeps to the slopes of Mount Etna in the distance while the Baroque architecture shines with a subtle gold hue across the city. Your flight will land at Catania-Fontanarossa International Airport, where your private transfer will greet you upon arrival. The remainder of the day will be yours to enjoy the charms of Catania at your preferred pace, and you might want to begin by indulging as the sensational aromas draw you in. The surrounding restaurants serve mouthwatering classic dishes like pasta cooked in squid ink, indulgent grilled meats, and the traditional flavors of pasta served with tomato sauce, eggplant, and ricotta cheese in a dish known as pasta alla norma.

The enticing aroma of pistachios usually drifts through the streets, but often fade beneath the fragrant pastries of Sant’Agata, which contain goat milk ricotta, candied fruit, and dark chocolate. When strolling through the city, you will find the Teatro Romano, an ancient Greek theater built in the second century BC. The fascinating structure contains steps made from dried lava and stadium seating covered in marble. The narrow lanes leading to the theater possess an iconic image of laundry dangling from lines and the sounds of the radio shaping the welcoming ambiance that combines the ancient and the contemporary life of the city.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Breakfast
Day 2

Caltanissetta – Explore Catania and Discover the Wines of Mt. Etna

Day 3

Caltanissetta – Enjoy an Immersive Tour of Cuisine and Culture

Day 4

Vittoria – Discover the Wines and History around Valledolmo

Day 5

Vittoria – Revel in a Delicious Wine Tasting in the Ragusa Province

Day 6

Siracusa – Tour the Sensational History in and Around Siracusa

Day 7

Siracusa – Traverse the History and Treasures of Modica and Scicli

Day 8

Siracusa – Delight in Olive Oils and Wines Made from Nero d’Avola

Day 9

Siracusa – Depart for Home

Trip Highlights

  • Revel in the delightful flavors of wines produced on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna during a private wine tour
  • Bask in the remarkable authentic ambiance of the famous fish market of Catania during a morning walking tour
  • Sample the delectable traditional cuisine of Sicily with a private cooking class led by a private chef offering insight into the ancient grains of the island
  • Indulge in the magnificent flavors of Nero d’Avola wines with a special tasting designed around the different uses of the grape in a variety of wines
  • Discover the charm and opulence of the Baroque architecture in Modica captured in the pristine Church of San Giorgio
  • Explore the fascinating ancient history of Siracusa with a guided tour through the Archeological Park and Baroque city center
  • Enjoy the authentic culture of Sicilian cuisine and wine by visiting charming towns and vineyards in the Ragusa province

Detailed Description

You will indulge in the specialties of the Mediterranean during your 9-day wine, history, and culture tour of Sicily and uncover the captivating heritage and alluring culture connected by thousands of years of trade and cultivation. From the ancient streets of Siracusa to the Baroque architecture of Modica, the wines produced in the Ragusa province to the elaborate flavors found on Mount Etna, your wine tour of Sicily will celebrate the quintessential culinary spirit of the island where you can savor the delights of both sweet and savory, aromatic and acidic.

Your elaborate wine tour of Sicily will begin with your arrival in Catania, where your private transfer will greet you at the airport. Enjoy one night in the vibrant city known for an eclectic culture from millennia of trade featuring brilliant Baroque architecture and the bustling La Pescheriafish market. You will travel to Caltanissetta for two nights after enjoying a private tour of the cultural history of Catania. With lavish architectural styles and a lively morning market, you will also be drawn to the alluring flavors of both the historical and the contemporary wines produced on Mount Etna. After a full day in the charming town of Caltanissetta, dive into the beauty and the charm of the local heritage with a private cooking class that will introduce you to the gastronomic history in the form of both the ancient and the contemporary grains grown in the province.

Travel to Vittoria next for two nights and discover the wines of the Ragusa province with guided tours. Designed around authentic tastings, cooking experiences, and elegant wines found both in the town of Valledolmo, as well as other villages from around the surrounding province. You will then transfer to the ancient city of Siracusa for three nights in the luxurious ambiance accentuated by the seaside location. Explore the city’s blend of ancient, Baroque, and contemporary life as well as the gorgeous Baroque majesty of nearby destinations such as Modica and Scicli. Sample olive oils and wines around the province celebrated for the specific properties and endemic histories when visiting inviting family-owned estates. 

Starting Price

$4,100 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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My husband and I went through Zicasso to plan our honeymoon to Italy and Greece. This was the best decision ever! We worked closely with our travel specialist to plan our trip and she was absolutely phenomenal. This was our first international trip outside of the US, so we were a bit nervous at first! However, our specialist ensured every aspect of the trip was organized and that we were taken care of every step of the way.

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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