Sicily Food Adventure
Sicily Food Adventure
Sicily Food Adventure
8 Days Starting in Palermo and ending in Catania
Visiting: Italy, Sicily
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ADY
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 18
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
From cannoli to arancini, Sicilian food is world famous, but on this tour prepare to be overwhelmed at how varied and diverse Sicily’s cuisine really is! The various civilisations that have occupied the island over millennia have not only left an unparalleled cultural heritage, but also a culinary history that sets Sicily apart from mainland Italy. Sample Palermo’s fragrant street food in its vibrant markets, practise hands-on cooking with local chefs in Trapani, sip the finest wines in Marsala and Etna and indulge in mouth-watering gelatos whilst relaxing in sun-kissed Baroque piazzas. Let food lead the way in this captivating journey through culinary and cultural highlights.
Highlights
Itinerary
Fly to Palermo airport and transfer to the start hotel in the city centre.
This busy port city situated on the north-western coast of the island
encloses some very interesting and often overlooked attractions. There is
some fine architecture to be admired, as well as good museums, palazzi and
churches. It is the city's food scene, colourful local markets and long
established food shops, however, that give the city a very original and
eccentric character worth discovering.
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Day 2
We start our week with a special guided foodie tour through the historic
centre of Palermo, ranked amongst the best cities in the world for street
food. During our walk we wander through carts and kiosks of street vendors,
colourful markets and local bakeries whilst trying some of the best local
specialities. These may vary depending on the season and usually include
arancini (fried rice balls stuffed with meat sauce and cheese), panelle
(fried chick peas pancake), and sfincione (Palermo’s traditional pizza) -
all absolutely delicious. As we walk, the local guide will reveal some of the
secrets of Sicilian street cuisine and explain the history of the city, while
pointing out notable monuments and historic streets such as Piazza San
Domenico, Vucciria, Quattro Canti. The rest of the day is free; you may
decide to continue sightseeing in Palermo at your own pace or take an
optional visit to Monreale, famous for the extraordinary Duomo, considered
the greatest example of Norman architecture in the world. Overnight in
Palermo.
Day 3
In the morning we transfer to our next destination, the coastal town of
Trapani. The local gastronomy in this part of Sicily is strongly influenced
by the Arabs, who occupied the area for many centuries until the Normans took
over. A hands-on cookery course with a local chef will give us the
opportunity to learn more about the interesting culinary fusions, while
practising (and tasting!) traditional regional recipes. In the afternoon we
head to the southern town of Marsala, internationally famous for its finest
fortified wines. A wine tasting will be offered after a tour of one of the
best local wineries. Overnight in Marsala.
**
Day 4
In the morning we leave Marsala and transfer to a traditional organic olive
farm, run by the Centonze family, owner of the estate since 1953. We will
learn of the cultivation and production methods and sample some of the
world's finest olive oil accompanied by local produce. In the afternoon we
transfer to the iconic sight of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. A
guided tour will allow us to discover and learn of the history of this
splendid archaeological park, which consists of eight temples (and various
other remains) built between about 510 BC and 430 BC. Overnight in Agrigento.
Day 5
Today's destination is Piazza Armerina, home of world famous Villa Romana del
Casale. Built in the 4th Century AD as a hunting lodge by a Roman patrician,
the villa is home to some of the best preserved Roman mosaics spread over
around 3500 square meters. After a guided tour of this extraordinary UNESCO
sight, we enjoy a delicious produce tasting of local sicilian delicacies. In
the afternoon we transfer to the Baroque gem of Ragusa, without doubt one of
the most beautiful cities in Sicily and Italy. The town is part of the Val di
Noto UNESCO Heritage site and 18 of its buildings are protected by UNESCO
patronage. After a short orentiation walk we will have time to enjoy a
relaxing and well deserved aperitivo (word for the traditional Italian
pre-dinner drinks and snacks) in one of the town's elegant piazzas. Overnight
in Ragusa.
Day 6
We start our day with a transfer to a family-run farm in the countryside near
Ragusa, a province where cheese making traditions are stonger than anywhere
else in Sicily. After a cheese making demonstration and a tour around the
farm we will sample some delicous cheese, including the famous
ricotta, hand-made by the proud owners. Later, we transfer to the other
Baroque gem of the Noto Valley, the town of Noto itself. After a relaxing
stroll through what is considered one of Sicily's most beautiful historic
centres, we have the opportunity to enjoy another staple of Sicilian cuisine:
the famous 'granita' (thin flakes of ice flavored with fresh fruit or nuts
and sugared) accompanied by the traditional 'brioche' (a soft and fragrant
sweet delicacy). We end our day in Syracuse, the most powerful city-state in
the Greek world and briefly capital of the Byzantine Empire. The late
afternoon can be spent free wandering around the narrow streets of Ortigia,
the island where the city was founded, or simply relaxing and soaking up the
cosy atmosphere in the historic centre while enjoying a glass of superb local
wine!
Day 7
After breakfast we drive to Catania and visit the famous /Pescheria, /the
colourful, loud and smelly fish market, which is one of the oldest and
biggest in Italy. Held every morning except Sunday, this market is
everything one expects an Italian market to be: following the local
traditions, fishermen will try to attract buyers with their loud voices and
lots of gesticulations. Nearby there are also fruit and vegetable stalls as
well as other delicious local produce from the mountain villages around Etna.
Later this morning we transfer to a famous wine cellar on Mount Etna and
enjoy a delicious wine and produce tasting for lunch, followed by a short
walk around the highest most active volcano in Europe (1 to 2 hours walking
depending on time, 5 km maximum). We return to Catania in the afernoon and
in the evening our leader will recommend an excellent local restaurant where
to enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner.
Day 8
This tour ends in Catania in the morning of day 8. Depending on the group
flight departure time, there might be some free time to explore the city. In
case the group flight is scheduled to depart in the evening, you may also
want to consider an optional day-trip to the charming hilltop town of
Taormina (your leader will be able to provide you with directions and
information locally).
What's Included
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Special guided tours in main UNESCO sights and cities
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All accommodation
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All breakfasts, 2 wine tastings, 1 cookery class and 5 food tastings/lunches included.
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London flights (if booking incl. flights)
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Airport transfers (if booking group flights or alternative flights arriving before or at the same time as the group)
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Transport by private air-conditioned minibus throughout the trip
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 0 dinners.
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All accommodationAll breakfasts, 2 wine tastings, 1 cookery class and 5 food tastings/lunches included.London flights (if booking incl. flights)Airport transfers (if booking group flights or alternative flights arriving before or at the same time as the g
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All accommodationAll breakfasts, 2 wine tastings, 1 cookery class/lunch and 4 produce tastings (3 of which are also considered lunch)London flights (if booking incl. flights)Airport transfers (if booking group flights or alternative flights arriving befor
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— All accommodation — All breakfasts, 2 wine tastings, 1 cookery class/lunch and 4 produce tastings (3 of which are also considered lunch) — London flights (if booking incl. flights) — Airport transfers (if booking group flights or alternative flights arr
What's Not Included
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City taxes (approx. €10-15)
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Travel insuranceÂ
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Single accommodationÂ
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Visa or vaccinations
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Travel insurance Single accommodation Visa or vaccinationsCity taxes (approx. €10-15)
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— Travel insurance — Single accommodation — Visa or vaccinations — City taxes (approx. €10-15)
Food
All breakfasts, 2 wine tastings, 1 cookery class/lunch and 4 produce tastings (3 of which are also considered lunch) are included.
Sicilian cuisine is a melting pot of all the different cultures that have occupied the island, from the Arabs to the Normans. The island itself is incredibly fertile, enjoying a perfect climate which is ideal for the cultivation of fresh produce such as olives, oranges, lemons, eggplants, tomatoes, pistachios, almonds, grapes, and more—not to mention all of the seafood, tuna and swordfish fished right off the coast. The result? A cuisine that’s fresh, varied, and absolutely delicious! Sicilian wines are also superb and known to be strong and syrupy, like Marsala and Moscato. These are some of the regional specialities we recommend to try during this trip:
Caponata: a tasty salad made with eggplant (aubergines), olives, capers and celery, makes a great appetizer.
Sfincione: a local form of pizza made with tomatoes, onions and (sometimes) anchovies. Prepared on a thick bread and more likely found in a bakery than in a pizzeria.
Pane e pannelle: A favorite street food of Palermo, panelle—or chickpea fritters—are served between bread, like a sandwich.
Arancini (also known as arancine): fried rice balls stuffed with meat or cheese.
Pani ca meusa: The name of this street food means, literally bread with spleen! But don’t let that scare you. It is delicious speciality of Palermo!
Cannoli: tubular crusts with creamy ricotta (made from sheep's milk) and sugar filling. A must!
Cassata siciliana: A sponge cake is soaked in liqueur, its slices layered with sweetened ricotta, and the whole thing covered in almond paste, then icing. It is also studded with candied fruits and other goodies.
Pasta alla Norma: it’s made with fried eggplant, tomatoes, basil, and salted ricotta.
Pasta with pistachio pesto.
Pasta con le sarde: Sardines are popular in Sicily, so it’s common to see them as a topping for pasta. One common variety is bucatini with sardines, fennel, saffron, pine nuts, and raisins.
Frutta martorana: Other places call this 'marzipan' but here in Sicily, the almond paste is molded into little (incredibly realistic) fruits—hence fruits of Martora, or frutta martorana.
Granita: The perfect summer refreshment, granita, originally from Sicily, can now be found all over Italy. It’s just ground ice with sugar and fresh fruit, simple but truly delicious.
Involtini di Pesce Spada: Little rolls of thinly sliced swordfish are stuffed with pine nuts, raisins, bread crumbs, anchovy filets, orange juice and lemon juice, eggs and grated pecorino.
Tonno e Spada Affumicata: Smoked tuna and swordfish shaved paper thin, and layered on a plate. These can be accented with shaved fennel and oranges, or olives and sun-dried tomatoes, or can be served with just a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and some good crusty bread.
Accommodation
On this Sicily trip, we use comfortable three- and four-star hotels. Some have been chosen for their warm hospitality and typically Sicilian character and others for their convenient location. They are often near the historic centres we visit so we can easily explore the towns in the evenings or during our free time. Below are the hotels normally used:Â
Palermo: B&B Hotel Quattro Canti (nights 1-2)Â
Our first stop is Quattro Canti, a three-star hotel in the historic centre of Palermo. For foodies, the highlight may well be the rooftop restaurant, which serves Italian cuisine with views over the city.Â
Marsala: Villa Favorita bungalow (night 3)Â
In Marsala, we stay at the Villa Favorita resort. It was built by wine entrepreneur Salvatore Amodeo in 1860 and we typically stay in simple igloo-style accommodations within the property. There’s also a pool with loungers, plus plenty of green space to wander. Â
Agrigento: Hotel della Valle (night 4)Â
After visiting the Valley of the Temples, we head to the nearby Hotel della Valle. Relax post-exploration with a dip in the pool or dine together in one of the two restaurants, which serve a mixture of Sicilian and international cuisines. Â
Ragusa: Hotel Mediterraneo or Hotel Barocco (night 5)Â
In Ragusa, we either stay at Hotel Mediterraneo (above) or Hotel Barocco, depending on availability. The former is a modern hotel within a few minutes’ walk of Ragusa Ibla (the old town); it has a restaurant-bar serving Mediterranean cuisine. The latter is within Ragusa Ibla and has a restaurant-pizzeria.Â
Catania area: B&B Hotel Catania (nights 6-7)Â
We spend our final two nights at the modern Hotel Catania. It’s well placed for our activities, and, when we’re not out exploring, it has a lobby shop for food and drink and a solarium with showers and loungers on the terrace. Â
Check out our Q&As
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.