"a taste of Sicily…"

Discover the east coast of Sicily and it’s second largest city of Catania, and its fine architecture, bustling markets, centuries of history and mouth-watering cuisine. Sicily has long been a crossroads of ancient travellers and the centre of Mediterranean culture and cuisine – and all in the shadow of smouldering Mt Etna, an active volcano that dominates the island. Greek temples, Norman churches and Baroque palazzos combine to make Catania a fascinating destination. Sicily has a long history of producing a variety of noted cuisines and wines, earning the island the nickname “God's Kitchen”. The occupation of Sicily over the years by Greeks, Romans, Spanish and Arabs has influenced the way Sicilians eat today. This trip provides an insight to the island’s cuisine.

Enjoy the luxury and uniqueness of the highly regarded hotel Asmundo di Gisira; a small boutique hotel which is equal parts bed-and-breakfast and art gallery. Art pieces adorn the hotel lobby, and the bedrooms are themed after myths.

 

A local guide will introduce the La Pescheria, Catania’s open-air fish market where the sound of fishmongers shouting their prices fill the air with laughter, banter and the smell of fresh fish and salt water. The Pescheria is bustling and chaotic and the atmosphere will awaken one’s senses and appetite. A private guide will escort the group down a warren of narrow streets leads off from Catania’s fish market leading to alleyways full of colourful fruit and vegetable stalls, meats cheeses, dried fruits, nuts and spices.

Highlights of the trip include a visit one of Sicily’s finest family-owned wineries for a tasting and a special rustic Sicilian lunch, an exclusive invitation to an olive farm for a masterclass on olive oil and a chance to meet local food producers and sample products, travel to see the majestic Mt Etna, enter one of Europe’s largest Benedictine monasteries, discover Sicilian craftsmanship with local artisans and more.

Sample trip itinerary

Friday 

  • Arrive Catamia and check-in at Asmundo di Gisira

  • Monastero dei Benedettini visit

  • Free time

  • Pre-dinner drink

  • Local dinner

Saturday 

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Private guided walking tour of Catania

  • Visit La Pescheria and purchase food items for cookery experience

  • Group cooking and lunch at the hotel

  • Free time for shopping

  • Local dinner

Sunday 

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Visit Mt Etna region

  • Lunch and tasting at Benanti Winery

  • Casa Merlino Olive grove for tasting and local food producers

  • Returning to hotel

  • Local dinner

Monday 

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Hotel checkout