On this 10-day island adventure, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite off-the-beaten path places in pursuit of a truly authentic and full immersion into the people, culture, and cuisine of Sicily. We’ll walk through intriguing UNESCO World Heritage sites dating back centuries. Experience the outdoor theater of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. Stroll the picturesque streets of remote mountain towns; Dip our feet in the crystal clear waters found alongside enchanting seaside villages. And otherwise enjoy la simplice goduria, the simple bliss, of the unsurpassed flavor, traditions and community of 3,000 years of human existence. This is the true essence of the Sicilian way of life discovered the same for us when we first arrived on the island, piano piano, slowly slowly, step by step.
Want a jump start on this slow travel experience? Ask about our optional pre-tour stay on the volcano, Mount Etna, and witness firsthand how every fertile and fruitful creation in the world was first forged in the fires of a volcano.
Tour Highlights
Lo Zingaro, Sicily
Discover authentic Sicily and fall enchanted by local customs while surrounded by the splendor and beauty of the Nebrodi Mountains in our hometown of Troina and other neighboring hill towns.
· Taste foods and wines made with recipes generations old. Experience the terroir of this bountiful region forged in the fires of the volcano, Mount Etna.
· Relive the history of World War II, and the liberation of Troina, through the incredible photography of Robert Capa, the father of photojournalism
· Visit the incredible Villa Romana del Casale, a large Roman villa that contains one of the richest, largest, and varied collections of Roman mosaics in the world.
· Visit local farms, where we’ll learn how local foods are farmed and produced; and how the use of horses, mules, and donkeys are still a part of the farm operation.
· Visit coastal town of Santo Stefano di Camastra one of the two best-known towns in Sicily famed for its brightly colored ceramics
· Admire the beauty of Palazzolo Acreide and tour of the ancient ruins of the Akrai in Palazzolo, as well as other archeological sites that are present throughout Sicily
· Go back in time with a walk descending into the beguiling and gorgeous old city of Ortygia where you’ll find local artists and artisans. Experience the dolce far niente, the sweet doing of nothing, as only Italians can do, with a dinner and evening stroll through the charming streets.
Cost & Booking
$4125 for double occupancy. To secure a room on your own, add a supplement of $400. This includes all transfers and transportation to and from Catania Airport (Fontanarossa) as well as transportation to all touring destinations. This will also include most meals, all fees and tickets, most tips.
Limited to 7 people or fewer
Optional 2 day Mt. Etna pre-tour excursion: $600/ person
(single room occupancy add $100)
Troina, Sicily
This tour represents the places and foods that we love, the hidden and unknown parts of Sicily, which is how we are able to get such an affordable rate. Affordability in Sicily doesn’t mean substandard. You will fall in love with the places we will show you!
If your travel allows and you’d like to see more touristy spots, we’re happy to make suggestions. We are also able to plan and execute a tour for just you and up to six of your family or friends! Just give us the dates and a budget and we will take care of the rest. Check out our other traveler services.
Your deadline for participation is February 8, 2024. Register and pay in full via bank transfer by January 9, 2024 and receive $300 off the price of the tour. Just send us a message in the “contact” page. We will send additional, more detailed information to all who want to participate.
To secure your spot, a $1,000 deposit is required. This is the land only portion of your tour. You must secure and book all your own flights.
REGISTER TODAY
Contact Franca by email at sicilyconnect@gmail.com or call 919-614-5319 to learn more.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1 (May 8) – We pick you up at the Catania Fontanarossa Airport where we transfer you to main part of the old city. You will come through the Famous Catania Fish Market, and stroll the monumental shopping district. Visit the Basilica of Sant’Agatha, the city’s patron saint, and learn her story. Visit the Piazza dell’Università, a picturesque square where people from all walks of life gather and stroll. You’ll be able to visit the many cafés and restaurants which line the streets.
Lunch on your own.
After lunch, we head toward Troina, the first Norman Capital, at the Agriturismo that we have booked for the first 5 days of the tour. Get settled into rooms and walk the grounds of the property.
Weather permitting, have a swim.
Dinner as a group.
DAY 2 (May 9) – After breakfast, we head to the medieval town of Sperlinga and explore the castle. Walk the old city and see where people lived inside the rocks. Some of these houses are still lived in. For lunch we head to hill town of Cerami where we will have lunch at L’Industria dei Sapori where Marco and his Chef treat us to a special meal they have planned for us. After lunch, enjoy a short stroll through the old town.
In the afternoon, we head to Troina where you will explore the Robert Capa Museum and exhibit “Fragments of War.”
Dinner on the gorgeous Piazza Conte Ruggero overlooking Mount Etna.
DAY 3 (May 10) – Following breakfast, we head to Piazza Armerina where we will visit the Villa Romana del Casale, Excavations have revealed one of the richest, largest, and varied collections of Roman mosaics in the world, for which the site has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The villa and artwork contained within date back to the early 4th century AD.
The mosaic and opus sectile floors cover some 3,500 m2 and are almost unique in their excellent state of preservation due to the landslide and floods that covered the remains.
Next, we will have lunch in the old town of Piazza Armerina for a stroll through the old city. Take in the panorama as well as visit the art museum located at the top of the hill.
Lunch on your own.
Following the visit, we head to the Archeological Site of Morgantina, a rare case of an abandoned city still in the process of excavation. You’ll witness firsthand where the people lived, worked, and gathered until the 1st century AD, when this site was abandoned.
We return to our Agriturismo, for a cheese-making demonstration and dinner.
DAY 4 (May 11) – Following breakfast, we head to the coastal town of Santo Stefano di Camastra. Located on the Northern seashore in the province of Messina, Santo Stefano di Camastra is a lovely little village, part of the Park of Nebrodi Mountains, best known for its refined and historical tradition of ceramics production. With a brief stop along the way in the hilltop town of Mistretta.We will climb the hill to the old fortress, time for photos and taking in of the breathtaking 360° views. We continue our journey to Santo Stefano di Camastra. There you’ll be able to visit the shops, galleries of the ceramic artisans.
Lunch is on your own.
We return to our Agriturismo for a cooking class, followed by dinner.
DAY 5 (May 12) – ETNA – We head to the Monte Bello, the beautiful mountain, where we will take a short nature walk to view the mountain and the panoramas. Following our nature walk, we will indulge in a wine tasting at a local winery.
In the evening we return to our Agriturismo for dinner.
DAY 6 (May 13) – Palazzolo Acreide (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – After breakfast, we say goodbye to Troina and head south and east to the beautiful town of Palazzolo Acreide where we will visit another archeological site of the Akrai. This outdoor theater is still in use today for outdoor concerts and plays. Following our visit, we will walk to the old town of Palazzolo Acreide where we stroll the city streets and dine in one of our favorite casual restaurant Sapuritu, where Sandra and her husband will help us feast on local traditional plates of Sicilian culinary delights.
In the late afternoon, we head to Noto, considered the Capital of Sicilian Baroque, in 2002 Noto and its Cathedral were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will stroll along the cobblestone streets, Corso Vittorio. Don’t forget to stop in the Caffé Sicilia, one of the most famous pastry shops in all of Italy since 1892, owned and operated by the same family since inception.
Dinner on your own.
We return to our Agriturismo for the night.DAY 7 (May 14) – Following Breakfast, we make our way to beguiling Ortygia (Ortigia) – We head toward the east coast to Ortigia, a small island which is the historical centre of the city of Syracuse, Sicily. The island, also known as the Città Vecchia (Old City), and contains many historical landmarks, including the Cathedral, which was originally a Greek Temple to Athena, as well as the Fountain of Arethusa. Experience the dolce far niente strolling the streets of this captivating city, entering the small shops and experiencing the food market stalls.
Lunch on your own
In the late afternoon, we return to Agriturismo for dinner
DAY 8 (May 15) – We’ll visit the Necropolis of Pantalica, an ancient archeological site showcasing a series of tombs carved into a mountain.
DAY 9 (May 16) — for our last day in Sicily, we’ll tour the incredible Ragusa Ibla, site of a town-leveling earthquake from the 1600s and then rebuilt in fascinating baroque architecture, with sweeping views.
DAY 10 (May 17) After breakfast we say our last goodbyes – We accompany the group to the Catania Fontanarossa Airport.
Disclosure:
To the best of our ability, this itinerary is final. However, if due to unexpected extreme changes in weather, or an emergency with our hosts, Sicily Connect reserves the right to substitute an event if needed. During the tour, you have the option of declining a particular excursion or tour, but please note that we are unable to make refunds for any missed meals, classes, or events.