Itinerary - Sicily, The Motherland - Wine, Cooking, Culture & Adventure

Lunch: Light Lunch Upon Arrival (Included)
Dinner: Welcome Dinner at Osteria Nero d’Avila (Included)

Our 12-Day Vacation starts with the group meeting at the Catania airport for our free shuttle to our hotel on the outskirts of Taormina. If you are already in Catania or nearby, there is taxi service readily available. Private drivers are also available if you are unable to make the complimentary shuttle.

Everyone will get settled into our accommodations with ample time to freshen up, enjoy the snacks and beverages you will find in your room, and check out the grounds of the hotel before our first meeting with everyone in the early evening. We’ll get to know each other and talk about the week ahead while we have some aperitivi! As you can see, the food is already coming in steady streams!

After our get-together, we’ll be shuttled to the hilltop town of Taormina. We’ll have some time to walk around a little before meeting for our Traditional Welcome Dinner at the Osteria Nero d’Avila.

We’ll have a full four-course meal dining on such local dishes as Parmigiana ai Formaggi Siciliani, Pasta al Ragu Siciliano made with sausage and mushrooms. Involtini with chicken and beef and a chef’s selection dessert. The cannoli are excellent here!

As always, wine is provided at all meals. On the mainland, you will be served the local Sicilian wines. Reds are typically a Nero d’Avila- based, and whites are mostly from the Grillo or Fiano grapes. We’ll most likely be offered some grappa or Marsala wine at the end of the meal. Beer, soda and other non-alcoholic beverages are also available.

After our amazing meal, we’ll be taken back to the hotel by private shuttles.

Four-Wheel Drive Experience High on Mt Etna
Wine Tasting on Mt Etna. (included)

Breakfast: At the Hotel (included)
Lunch: Local Trattoria on Mt Etna (included)
Dinner: Family Dinner at Hotel (included)

Prepare yourself for an incredible day out on Europe’s highest volcano – Mt. Etna! The Sicilians just call it, The Mountain. Unlike most of the other tours that come here, today’s outing takes us off-road in four-wheel drive vehicles up the lava-filled slopes of a truly spectacular site. This experience is like no other in that we are standing on an active volcano! No worries as it’s dormant nearly all the time, and of course, we’d opt for something different if it were not safe to go!

But for our purposes, we are ready to explore the hills and valleys of this truly remarkable natural phenomenon. It’s the closest thing we’ve found to what it would be like to walk on the moon! (Except we have the benefit of gravity)

One of the benefits of all that volcanic soil is that it is rich in nutrients. This is one of the reasons that the wines here are so fantastic. We’ll have a wine tasting at one particular winery that we really enjoy. After our wine tasting we will go to a fabulous restaurant on The Mountain. See, we are already thinking like Sicilians.

When we return to the hotel, we have several hours at our leisure before we head into beautiful Taormina, for those that want to walk, shop or relax in this hilltop wonderland. Visiting here in the evening is a special treat, as during the day Taormina is full of tourists from cruise ships and traditional tours. The evenings, on the other hand, give us a chance to visit this lovely town without the masses.

Our dinner will be a specially prepared Sicilian family dinner at our hotel.

Cooking:
Making Arancini with Marcello's Family. (included)
Dinner in a local home (included)

Breakfast: At the Hotel (included)
Lunch: Trattoria Vuciata (included)
Dinner: Dinner at with Marcello & Family (included)

Today we day we head to the metropolis of Catania. Western Sicily’s largest city. It also happens to be the birthplace of Granita (Italian Ice) - YUM!

We will have a guided visit that will leave you with lasting memories of this remarkable city lying in the shadows of Mt. Etna.

You can’t help but marvel at the magnificence and beauty of the many architectural influences from throughout the centuries. From ancient civilizations through the Greek, Spanish, Moor, Roman periods and more, you will experience a city that was shaped by those previous occupants as well as from Mt. Etna. Given the size of Catania, you will still find it a splendid and welcoming city.

We’ll stroll along the Via Etnea, stopping at some wonderful places of interest along the way, including the Cathedral of St. Agata. We’ll also visit the open-air markets, namely the bustling and historic fish market, where locals, restaurateurs and visitors from all over shop for the fresh catch of the day. It is an amazing thing to marvel. Like stepping back in time watching the unique, auction atmosphere as the stands call out their product at the top of their voices in local dialect.

Our lunch will be a local trattoria, Vuciata - Which is owned by a close friend of ours!

You will have time after lunch to explore more of Catania. There is great shopping here, as well as wonderful cafes, bars and plenty of sites to see! We strongly suggest having a granita... and another granita, and at least one more.

Dinner tonight is an up-close and personal dining experience in the private home of a friend of ours, Marcello. He has graciously invited our group to come to his home where we will be making authentic, Sicilian Arancini with them! Those are the delicious fried rice-balls with the ragu-filling. This promises to be an unforgettable evening.

It is also one of the many special connections our guests get to experience on so many of our tours -- The strong bond we have not only with the people we encounter on our vacations, but how they all inter-connect, making Culture Discovery a big family. Marcello is not just a friend, but the brother-in-law of Federico from our Norcia vacations. And this is just the beginning of meeting locals with special bonds.

Breakfast: At the Hotel (included)
Lunch: Seafood Lunch in Siracusa (included)
Dinner: Dinner prepared by Carmela and Franco (included)

Today we’ll be checking out of our hotel and heading to the area of Ragusa for the next four nights.

Along the way we will stop for a guided visit of the historical center of Siracusa and, namely, Ortigia Island. This is where the Greeks first colonized when they arrived in Sicily.

You will have some time to explore the city center on your own, before we meet for lunch at one of the area’s best seafood restaurants.

After lunch, we will continue our drive to Ragusa area and our new hotel, the country villa, Casina di Grotta di Ferro. During check-in, we will meet our wonderful and gracious hosts, Franco and Carmela. You will have time to rest, use the swimming pool, or just enjoy the unique atmosphere of this country house that is for our exclusive use!

Dinner tonight has been specially prepared for us by our hosts. While Franco helps, Carmela is an incredible chef and will be our instructor for tomorrow’s class!

Their country home dates back to the 19th century and has a very relaxing environment. It is something reminiscent of one of those sepia-tone photographs you would find in your nonna’s photo albums. It is nearly impossible not to think of a certain famous movie theme as you walk through their gates!

The traditional Sicilian country family-style dinner (with the family) will be very casual, and the meal is completely farm-to-table. Some grown in the garden of their country home, others from their farm nearby.

Cooking Class:
First Course: Cavati Pasta alla Norma
Main Course: Falso Magro (Stuffed Roast Beef Roll)
Side: Pepperoni del Carrettiere (Baked Bell Pepper & Parmesan Cheese )
Dessert: Cassatelle di Ricotta (Ricotta cheese-filld pastry)

Breakfast: At the Villa (included)
Lunch: The results of our cooking class (included)
Dinner: La Grotta in Scicli (included)

Our first full cooking class will be in the kitchen of our country villa.

Our recipes for today’s menu are:
First Course: Cavati Pasta alla Norma
Main Course: Falso Magro (Stuffed Roast Beef Roll)
Side: Pepperoni del Carrettiere (Baked Bell Pepper & Parmesan Cheese )
Dessert: Cassatelle di Ricotta (Ricotta cheese-filld pastry)

After class and lunch, we will have some time to rest up and enjoy the grounds of the villa before we meet up for our drive to Scicli.

Once we arrive in Scicli you will have some time on your own to walk in this beautiful village and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Have a gelato or explore the town with time for shopping or a relaxing stroll during the passeggiata, that classic early-evening time of day when Italians leisurely walk around the town, greeting friends and passers-by.

Tonight’s dinner will beat a local restaurant, La Grotta which will serve local specialties, some served Tapas-style. The food here is fantastic!. OK, all of the food is fantastic, but so is this one :-).

Two Mini Cooking Classes:
Modica Chocolate
Scaccia Ragusana

Breakfast: At the villa (included)
Lunch: Local Cafe in Modica (included)
Dinner: Dinner party at the Villa (included)

Today we head to the beautiful city of Modica. After exploring the city center, we will head to the private chocolate workshop of Graziella, a local resident (and yet another friend of ours) that will intoxicate us with her story about the Chocolate of Modica. YES! We are going to make Sicilian Chocolate today! During our class experience with Graziaella, we will learn all about this special kind of chocolate which is made only from cocoa powder and sugar.

If we don’t ruin our appetites with all that chocolate, we will have an informal lunch at a local Café’ with selections of regional food and wine.

In the afternoon, we will be visiting the city of Ragusa Ibla, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Graziella we will guide us through this amazing location. You will have some time on your own as well in the darling village (and some fantastic shopping). While here, we will stop in one of our favorite gelato shops in all of Italy. They specialize in making Wine-Flavored gelato. The gelato is, of course, on us.

Tonight, back at the country villa, Carmella and Franco will be helping us prepare the very delicious, Scaccia Ragusana, a local favorite which is similar to a calzone. This will be another mini cooking class, but it goes so far beyond that tonight. A group of friends will join us for a traditional Sicilian family party at the villa. This will be a feast of epic proportions, with an evening of singing, dancing, live music, and new friends. This is an evening you will never forget.

Cheesemaking at a local farm

Breakfast: At the villa (included)
Lunch: At the neighboring farmhouse (included)
Dinner: At the flour mill (included)

Today we have a very exclusive experience in store. We'll be going up the road from the country villa to a neighboring farm. We’ll help them make a local cheese called Ragusano. It is similar to a provolone. We’ll also make their local version of ricotta cheese. We’ll be having a specially prepared lunch in a private room at their farm.

After lunch, we’ll have some down time at the villa to enjoy the grounds and the surrounding countryside. Many of our guests opt to walk back to the villa, which is very tranquil and relaxing. There is a vehicle for those wanting a ride back, don't worry.

Our late afternoon will be another fantastic and fun-filled, Sicilian family-style evening!

Valley of the Temples

Breakfast: At the villa (included)
Lunch: At the Valley of the Temples (included)
Dinner: Welcome Dinner at La Foresteria (included)

Today, we’ll say Ciao to our wonderful hosts, Franco and Carmela and their lovely country villa. Sadly, all good things must come to an end, but more good things are in store for us. For now, we make our way to the western end of Sicily.

About half-way during our drive, we’ll arrive at the world-famous Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The acropolis here dates back to 600 b.c.e. We’ll have a guided tour of this historical park and discover why the Greeks built the temples in this strategic site while exploring the well-preserved temples and other historically-significant sites.

After lunch at a nearby trattoria, we’ll head to our next hotel for the remainder of the vacation. Our accommodations are at La Foresteria, a luxury, boutique-style hotel nestled amongst vineyards and olive orchards just outside the town of Menfi. There are gorgeous views, swimming pool, herb gardens and plenty of places to relax throughout our stay. After we are settled and rested up, we will meet up for aperitivi and dinner on the terrace at the hotel.

Sea-Salt Harvesting
Sausage-Making Class

Breakfast: At the hotel (included)
Lunch: At the Campo Butchery in Valderice (included)
Dinner: Pizza at the beach (included)

This morning, we'll make our way to the Marsala Salt Flats. When other tours come here, they take pictures of the salt flats and go into a little shop. But we are CDV. Instead, we will step past the “tourist zone” of the salt mill, and into the actual working areas of the operation. We will spend time with the people behind the most famous and photographed salt mill in Sicily.

We will don rubber boots and get ankle deep in the salt flats where we will spend some time harvesting our own salt. We often get a good laugh when tour busses stop and start photographing us, thinking we are the workers. After some time harvesting in the flats, we will have a special salt-pairing with some specially prepared local delicacies. We’ll even bring home our own salt that we harvested!

After the fun in the sun, we will visit the area’s most celebrated butcher, Francesco Campo in Valderice. As we arrive, we will have a sampling of his many creations. Mortadella, prosciutto, cheese, and much more.

Francesco and his brother Giovanni, two more dear friends of ours, will close their shop to the public and teach us how to make two kinds of traditional Sicilian sausage: Boscaiola and Capricciosa. These sausages are made completely from scratch as Francesco will butcher the meat while we are at their shop.

We’ll hand-crank the sausages into the casings before we grill them up and enjoy them as part of our cooking and dining experience.

We will have some time back at the hotel to rest and freshen up before our pizza dinner at the beach in Menfi.

Cooking Class:
Appetizer: Caponata
Pasta: Busiate with Pesto alla Trapanese
Main Course: Palermo-Style Veal Roast
Side: Melon Salad
Dessert: Home-Made Cannoli

Breakfast: At the hotel (included)
Lunch: The results of our cooking class (included)
Dinner: Private Dinner at the Ulmo Winery (included)

Today we have a full cooking class is in the incredible professional kitchen at the hotel. We’ll be making the following dishes:

Appetizer: Caponata
Pasta: Busiate with Pesto alla Trapanese
Main Course: Palermo-Style Veal Roast
Side: Melon Salad
Dessert: Home-Made Cannoli

This fabulous class has us making these classic fabulous Sicilian dishes with the chef’s personal spin and professional tips. We’ll all enjoy the lunch we made on the terrace at the hotel.

After some time to rest and freshen up, we’ll head out to the Ulmo Winery. This winery is owned by Planeta, one of the premier wineries on the island and has earned a strong reputation throughout the rest of Italy as well.

We’ll have a private tour, wine tasting, aperitivi and a wonderful dinner in a very special setting at the winery.

Ballarò Street Food Experience

Breakfast: At the hotel (included)
Lunch: Walking Lunch in the Ballarò market (included)
Dinner: Farewell Dinner at La Foresteria (included)

Today we’ll head up to the bustling capital of Sicily and the historic city of Palermo for a day visit in a unique, truly CDV way.

We’ll be visiting the world-famous Ballarò Street Market - An unparalleled street market that will awaken every sense.

According to a 10th-century Arab author’s travel log, Ballarò is the oldest food market in Palermo, meaning it has been operating for at least a thousand years. It is full of seemingly impossible light and colors, and the sounds of the local vendors who yell as loud as they can in the local dialect, trying to attract customers away from other stands.

We are here for a food tour, which will be our walking lunch. We will try all of the different foods they sell at the local stands -- some you will be happy to try, and some that are only for the most adventurous palettes. We may even stop and get one of the local vendors to teach us his unique call, and try to out-yell the others!

The Ballarò market is a place most other tours dare not venture into, as is is most certainly not a typical tourist attraction, but for every one of our guests that have had this experience, it has been unforgettable, and they have raved about it. So we go into the market with several hosts to make sure all of our guests are very well taken care of. If a guest prefers not to go into the market, we will have a comfortable alternative option available.

Of course, We’ll also have a guided visit of the historical aspects of Palermo. But we promise the market will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.

In the afternoon, we will head back to our hotel. We will all have some time to rest, pack and get ready for dinner. Our Farewell dinner will be a specially-prepared meal by the chef and his staff at the hotel. Dinner will be paired with local wines and be served on the terrace of the hotel.

Breakfast: At the hotel (included)

Sadly, our vacation has come to an end. We’ve had an amazing 12 days, and have built friendships and memories to last a lifetime. We will provide shuttle service to Palermo (PMO) airport once early in the morning.

We wish you all a safe journey back home or your continued travels. We hope to see you again!