Sicily

This afternoon, embark on a walking tour through one of Palermo’s markets for an introduction to the colors and flavors of Sicilian cuisine, stopping along the way to talk with local suppliers about the state of business and the changes they have experienced in recent years. Tonight’s welcome dinner is at the Michelin Star restaurant Gagini.

Depart Palermo this morning and drive west to Erice, where we take in spectacular views of the Egadi Islands toward Tunisia. After walking through the medieval hilltop town, head to Firriato Baglio Soria for a tasting followed by lunch. The wine estate is owned by the Di Gaetano family, who are pioneers of native Sicilian grape varietals. Later, drive to Baglio Oneto dei Principi di San Lorenzo, a luxury wine resort that was once the home of one of Italy's noble families. Gather before dinner to taste their wine and olive oil in the historic wine cellar.

Travel across the salt flats of Marsala to the legendary Cantine Pellegrino, founded in 1880. Tour the winery and see the process used to make Marsala wines. Then travel the short distance to Donnafugata for a tour and tasting, accompanied with paired small dishes. Built in 1851, the winery retains the typical layout of a Mediterranean “baglio” with a spacious courtyard dotted with citrus and olive trees and wooden trusses. Return to the Baglio for an evening at leisure.

Driving along the southern coast toward Caltagirone, we make our first stop at the Planeta family wine estate outside Menfi. Next, visit the archaeological site at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. We then make our way to the Vecchia Masseria, a family-run agritourism estate outside Caltagirone, our home base for the next two nights.

Today we venture into the surrounding countryside to explore the region’s vineyards. Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at Feudo Principi di Butera. Then travel to Piazza Armerina, a city that flourished during Roman and Norman times, to see the Villa Romana del Casale, which contains the finest mosaics in situ anywhere in the Roman world. Return to the Masseria to relax, swim, or wander the many trails, catching sight of the wild donkeys that freely roam the land.

Depart this morning headed east, stopping at Azienda Agricola Arianna Occhipinti, where winemaker Arianna Occhipinti makes wine in Sicily’s only DOCG, Cerasuolo di Vittoria. Then head to Baglio Occhipinti, which is run by Arianna’s sister, for a traditional Sicilian family lunch cooked with ingredients grown at the estate. Discuss the intersection of food, wine, and sustainability with this prestigious producer and family. Continue to Ragusa and embark on a walking tour through the winding streets of this hilltop town. Check in to our hotel before dinner at the Michelin-starred Locanda Don Serafino.

Today we visit another of Planeta’s wine estates, Buonivini, located in the cradle of Nero d’Avola. After lunch, venture to the Baroque town of Modica, indulge in a chocolate tasting at Antica Dolceria Bonajuto. Established in 1880, it is the oldest chocolate factory in Sicily. Return to Ragusa for an evening at leisure.

This morning, head north towards “Mongibello,” the beautiful Mount Etna. Visit Benanti, the only winery with vineyards on every slope of the Etna DOC area. Learn about the evolution, terroir, and history of Etna wine making during a tasting and lunch. Afterwards, drive up to the Silvestri crater to take in commanding views of the straits of Messina.

Venture back to Mount Etna for a tasting and lunch at Cavanera Estate, nestled on terraced vineyards on the slopes of the volcano. After lunch, return to Taormina and enjoy free time for independent exploration. Gather this evening to toast our journey at a farewell dinner at Ristorante Baronessa.

After breakfast transfer to Catania-Fontanarossa airport for flights returning home.