Sicily at the Table: A Culinary Journey Through Sicilian Kitchens, Vineyards and Villages

Sicily is a feast for the senses—a land where ancient civilizations, fertile volcanic soils, coastal traditions, and generations of family recipes have created one of the world's most distinctive food cultures.

Join us on an immersive culinary journey across the island as we cook with locals, explore vibrant markets, visit celebrated wineries and olive groves, discover charming villages, and experience the authentic flavors that make Sicily unlike anywhere else in Italy. From the bustling streets of Palermo to the slopes of Mount Etna, every day offers new tastes, stories, and unforgettable encounters.

A Fusion of Wine, Heritage, and Culinary Delights

Tour Type

Food & Wine

Tour Duration

9 Days

Lodging Comfort

Premier/Luxury

Activity Level

Easy

Early Oct, 2027

Pricing

from $7595 per person /dbl occ
Single Supplement
$1895

Availability

Private Group

TOUR INFORMATION

Overview

SICILY AT THE TABLE WITH C.C. FRIDLIN

Join C.C. Fridlin on a magical journey into the culinary heart of Sicily!

Food is the thread that weaves together every aspect of Sicilian life. Influenced by Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spaniards, and countless generations of island traditions, Sicily's cuisine reflects more than two thousand years of cultural exchange. This journey has been designed for travelers who want to experience the island through its kitchens, vineyards, markets, and family tables while also discovering the extraordinary landscapes and history that shaped its culinary identity.

Throughout the tour, you'll prepare traditional dishes with local cooks, sample wines from some of Sicily's most celebrated regions, taste world-class olive oils, visit historic wine cellars, and enjoy authentic encounters in villages rarely visited by tourists. Between meals and tastings, you'll explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, stroll through medieval and Baroque towns, visit ancient Greek temples, and stand on the slopes of Europe's highest active volcano. More than a sightseeing tour, this is an opportunity to understand Sicily through its people, traditions, and remarkable food culture.

Itinerary & Map

Day 1 - Ben Venuti a Sicilia!

Your Sicilian culinary adventure begins in Palermo, the island's vibrant capital and one of the Mediterranean's most fascinating cities. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Palermo has absorbed centuries of cultural influences that are still reflected in its architecture, traditions, and cuisine.

After arriving at your hotel, you'll have time to settle in before meeting your fellow travelers and tour leader. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner where you'll enjoy your first introduction to Sicily's rich culinary heritage. Local wines, regional specialties, and warm Sicilian hospitality provide the perfect beginning to a journey that will explore the island's flavors from coast to countryside.

Day 2 - Palermo, Monreale & the Flavors of a Thousand Cultures

Today you'll discover why Palermo is often described as the cultural and culinary heart of Sicily. For more than two millennia, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards all left their mark on the city, creating one of the most diverse cultural landscapes in Europe.

As you explore Palermo's historic center, you'll encounter magnificent churches, noble palaces, bustling squares, and extraordinary Arab-Norman monuments that reflect the city's unique blend of civilizations. Along the way, you'll experience one of Sicily's most beloved culinary traditions—its vibrant street food culture. The city's markets and food stalls have been feeding locals for generations and remain an essential part of daily life.

In the afternoon, travel to nearby Monreale, where one of the finest Norman cathedrals in the world awaits. Covered in shimmering Byzantine mosaics, the cathedral stands as a masterpiece of medieval craftsmanship and offers a stunning reminder of Sicily's rich cultural heritage.

Day 3 - Cooking Like a Sicilian & Coastal Cefalu

Today is your first opportunity to step into the kitchen and experience Sicilian cuisine firsthand. Traveling into the countryside, you'll participate in a traditional cooking class where local ingredients and generations-old recipes take center stage.

Under expert guidance, you'll learn techniques and dishes that reflect the island's deep agricultural roots and diverse culinary influences. The experience culminates in a leisurely lunch featuring the dishes you've prepared, paired with local wines and the warm hospitality for which Sicily is famous.

Later, continue to the beautiful seaside town of Cefalù. Nestled between dramatic cliffs and the Mediterranean Sea, Cefalù is one of Sicily's most picturesque coastal villages. Wander its narrow medieval streets, admire its magnificent Norman cathedral, and soak in the relaxed atmosphere that has attracted travelers for centuries.

Day 4 - Marsala Wines, Coastal Traditions & Sicily's Salt Road 

The western coast of Sicily reveals another chapter in the island's story today. Begin in Castellammare del Golfo, a picturesque fishing town whose harbor, castle, and winding lanes speak to centuries of maritime tradition.

Continuing south, you'll arrive in Marsala, one of Sicily's most important wine regions. Here you'll explore the historic Florio cellars, where generations of winemakers helped establish Marsala as one of the world's most famous fortified wines. Walking among the vast aging barrels, you'll gain insight into the production methods that have shaped the region's identity before enjoying a tasting that showcases the complexity and character of these remarkable wines.

Later, visit the iconic salt pans stretching between Marsala and Trapani. Windmills, shallow reflecting pools, and centuries-old harvesting traditions create one of Sicily's most distinctive landscapes. This unique environment not only produces sea salt but also supports an important ecosystem of migratory birds and wildlife.

Day 5 - Olive Oil, Fine Wines & Ancient Greece

Sicily's agricultural abundance is on full display today. The day begins with an exploration of one of the island's most treasured products: olive oil. Learn how climate, soil, and tradition combine to produce oils renowned for their richness and complexity while enjoying a guided tasting experience.

From there, continue to La Foresteria Planeta, one of Sicily's premier wine estates. Surrounded by vineyards and rolling countryside, you'll enjoy a guided visit, tasting, and lunch that highlight the excellence of modern Sicilian winemaking.

The afternoon transports you back more than 2,000 years as you explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Among the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, this UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves magnificent Greek temples that stand as reminders of Sicily's importance in the ancient world. Walking among these remarkable monuments offers a powerful connection between the island's past and present.

Day 6 - Village Life, Local Traditions & Ragusa Ibla

Today provides one of the most authentic experiences of the entire journey. Leaving the main tourist routes behind, you'll travel into the Sicani Mountains to visit Sant'Angelo Muxaro, a village where traditions remain deeply connected to daily life.

Rather than simply visiting, you'll become part of the community for the day. Stroll quiet streets with local residents, learn about village customs, sample regional cheeses, breads, wines, olive oils, and seasonal specialties, and gain insight into a way of life that has changed little over generations. A cooking experience and shared meal further deepen your connection to the local culture.

Later, continue to the stunning town of Ragusa Ibla. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in the late 1600s, Ragusa is considered one of the finest examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture. Elegant churches, grand piazzas, and honey-colored stone buildings create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and distinctly Sicilian.

Day 7 - Syracuse, Ortigia & Cooking in the Shadow of Etna

Ancient history and culinary tradition come together beautifully today. Begin in Syracuse, once among the most powerful cities of the Greek world. The archaeological park reveals the scale and importance of this ancient civilization through its impressive theater, amphitheater, and stone quarries.

The journey continues onto the island of Ortigia, Syracuse's historic center and one of Sicily's most enchanting places. Elegant piazzas, Baroque architecture, hidden courtyards, and seaside promenades invite leisurely exploration. Around every corner you'll find reminders of the many cultures that shaped Sicily over the centuries.

Later, travel north toward Mount Etna. Settled among the fertile volcanic slopes, you'll enjoy another hands-on cooking experience inspired by the ingredients and traditions unique to this remarkable region.

Day 8 - Mount Etna & Elegant Taormina

Today's exploration centers on one of Europe's most extraordinary natural wonders. Rising above the island at more than 10,000 feet, Mount Etna dominates both the landscape and the culture of eastern Sicily.

Travel through volcanic terrain shaped by centuries of eruptions, passing vineyards, orchards, forests, and lava fields that illustrate the mountain's immense power and surprising fertility. With a naturalist guide, you'll discover extinct craters, ancient lava flows, and panoramic viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas across the island and the Ionian Sea.

In the afternoon, continue to Taormina, Sicily's most celebrated resort town. Perched high above the coast, Taormina has attracted artists, writers, and travelers for generations. Explore its charming streets, elegant shops, and magnificent Greek theatre, where spectacular views of both Etna and the Mediterranean create one of the most unforgettable settings in all of Italy.

This evening, gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the friendships, flavors, and memories created during your journey through Sicily.

Day 9 - Arrivederci Sicilia 

After breakfast, your Sicilian culinary adventure comes to a close. As you depart for Catania Airport, you'll take with you memories of extraordinary meals, remarkable wines, ancient traditions, and the warm hospitality that makes Sicily one of the Mediterranean's most rewarding destinations. From bustling markets and family kitchens to volcanic landscapes and historic villages, you've experienced the island not merely as a visitor, but through the flavors and traditions that define its soul.

Hotels

Due to availability at the time of booking, hotels listed may change to similar hotels

Palermo - 4-Star bastione spasimo boutique hotel

The Bastione dello Spasimo was explicitly constructed in Palermo during the first half of the 16th century to protect the city against growing enemy attacks from the sea.  A military construction specialist named Antonio Ferramolino was hired in 1536 by the Viceroy of Sicily to design a structure that would strengthen the current observation system along the coast and be able to withstand enemy cannon strikes. Thus, the Bastione dello Spasimo was built, one of the most important landmarks in Palermo’s history. As it evolved over the centuries, the structure was used for various activities, including a spice warehouse and a Sicilian cart factory.

Today, the Bastione dello Spasimo is one of the few bastions still intact that retains its original form. Its rooms within the stone wall, were preserved in the restoration process and subsequently converted into hotel rooms with maximum comfort, thus creating the Bastione Spasimo Boutique Hotel.  Attention to detail is undoubtedly the defining quality of this elegant structure. Every detail has been carefully chosen to preserve the location's unique character. 

The hotel is in the heart of the Kalsa, Palermo's oldest district, situated in the center of the historic district.Our rooms are finely furnished and equipped with all comforts. Some are located on the ground floor carved out of the stone within the Bastion itself, and others are on the first floor of the building built in the early 1900s with a splendid view. Each room is unique and has its own identity. All of our rooms have a bar area that includes a Nespresso coffee maker, kettle, minibar, TV, and safe. You'll enjoy goods from the Nuxe bathroom line as well as premium bed linen and towels.

or

Palermo - 4-Star Palazzo liberty unique hotel

Palazzo Liberty Unique Hotel is the ideal place for your stay in Palermo: excellent location, beautiful interiors, professionalism of the welcome. In a word: quality.  The rooms are cared for in every detail and elegantly furnished, immersed in atmospheres and details Liberty, but with innovative elements that create a mix of elegant and functional style. They will make your stay in Palermo perfect.The common areas will amaze you with their sophisticated details.

In the Hotel, the good morning begins with a breakfast carefully chosen in the choice of products and their display. And for further moments of well-being and taste, in the nearby Hotel Federico II Central Palace (also from the Geocharme Collection) you will find a large Spa and the Aromi Mediterranean Mood Restaurant.  

The staff will always be ready to illustrate our services and make your stay pleasant and unforgettable. 


Marinella di selinunte - 5 Star momentum reseort 

Just a few kilometers from the archaeological area of Selinunte, the exclusive Momentum Wellness Bio Resort welcomes you for a holiday dedicated to wellness in Sicily, experiencing the island's most authentic and charming character.

In the evocative atmosphere of a traditional and entirely renovated Sicilian baglio , come discover a luxury resort that combines modern design and natural local materials to create relaxing environments with attention to the smallest details.

Conceived and designed around the physical and spiritual well-being of its guests, the Momentum Resort offers a spa, fitness area, bio-restaurant serving local products exclusively, a pool and sun terraces with a magnificent view of the surrounding olive groves.

The mastery of the Sicilian artisans meets contemporary design in the elegant rooms of the Momentum Resort. Spacious, comfortable environments with stupendous views, in which furnishings in natural materials, delicate colors and modern amenities create an ideal ambiance for your relaxation.


agrigento - **3 Star Villa La Lumia Suites and Apartments

Villa la Lumia, in the heart of Valley of the Temples Park, is surrounded by flourishing organic citrus groves with millennial-old Saracen olive trees, oaks and centuries-old vegetation, but just few minutes from the historic city center of Agrigento. The uniqueness of the place is the view of the Temples that can be admired both from the rooms and various relaxing points of the garden. Beautiful in the day, enchanting at night. The rooms and suites are all personalized and equipped with all comforts. All rooms have a garden view and, from most of them, you can admire the breathtaking view of the Valley of the Temples and the Mediterranean Sea. The atmosphere and harmony call the noble estate spreads over everything, where everything seems to have remained unchanged over the centuries, enhanced by the typical Sicilian welcome. Nothing will disturb you, except the nearby Temples, whose view will keep you awake in the night for a long time. Far from the noise, in an oasis of peace, Villa La Lumia guarantees a stay of absolute relaxation.

**Although technically listed as a 3 star, it's generally considered a 4 star property due to its high-end amenities, outdoor hot tubs, private terraces and premium views.


Ragusa - 4 Star Villa Boscarino Hotel & Spa

Experience the privilege of a time all for yourself.  At Villa Boscarino we take care of that.  

We have restored the venerable 19th century family villa to create a charming boutique hotel, strategically located in the centre of Ragusa, in the heart of the Val di Noto and its UNESCO heritage.  The charm of a country house, a green retreat in the centre of the city.

Villa Boscarino is a historic residence built in what was at the time the Hyblean countryside, and is today a Boutique Hotel in the centre of Ragusa. A nineteenth-century villa that’s been skilfully renovated to preserve the magical atmosphere of times past in an idyllic space surrounded by greenery, in what is now the heart of the city.  An ideal structure, with all the comforts of contemporary hospitality, midway between the vibrant outside world and a sanctuary for quiet moments, immersed in a book, including reading sanctuary, for those seeking contentment and relaxation or as a strategic stop for a business trip.

Fourteen rooms, a large Mediterranean garden with swimming pool and communal areas in a continuous dialogue between past and future are what make the villa a one off and unique space: the old chapel - with Latin engravings on its walls - houses the bar, with the historic courtyard and winter garden as a backdrop to the special hallowed breakfast, a breakfast featuring local products.

A place where we celebrate the cult of wellbeing, food and excellence, where you can savour each momentary bliss, the changing seasons, the light as it embraces the eclectic architecture, nature with its sounds and perfumes. And as a celebration to nature we’ve created an olfactory pathway that winds its way into the villa itself, from the magical garden where you can breathe in the Mediterranean scents all the way to the rooms, where exclusive organic Sicilian fragrances are diffused in an exclusive selection curated by Sicilian perfumers Ciurì.


Riposto - 4 Star donna carmela resort & lodge

An island of hospitality and absolute comfort, between the Ionian Sea and Etna.
A nest where you can take refuge to fully experience nature, culture and relaxation.
An Eco Resort inspired by Sicilian aristocratic traditions and respect for unique and uncontaminated biodiversity.

Donna Carmela is the name that pays homage to Carmela Torrisi Faro, the hostess. A woman who, in every detail, expresses the fundamental values of the Faro family: the love of beauty, the passion for nature, the obsessive care given to hospitality. With her, in 2009 a nineteenth-century residence was transformed into today's resort: 18 suites and 8 lodges nestled in a garden of Eden, expertly furnished in a way that manages to enhance the comfort of every detail.

Sicilian hospitality thus brought to life with flair, elegance and a sense of cosiness, making everyone feel right at home.

A 10,000-square-metre garden where you can get lost and rediscover yourself.
Rooms and Lodges are surrounded by greenery, amidst thousands of tropical and Mediterranean plants.
Here, total respect for all forms of life is reflected in every choice: that of the Faro family and its historic love for greenery.

Obsessive attention also limits any kind of waste, chooses plastic-free solutions, zero-kilometre and even zero-centimetre cuisine: Donna Carmela is synonymous with care for the environment in every action, big and small.

History, design, and love for beauty characterise every room.
Inside, utmost privacy and comfort; outside, nature reigns supreme.
On the horizon, the power of the volcano and the aroma of the sea.

For everyone: concierge, swimming pool, gourmet restaurant, fitness room, electric charging stations.
For those who seek them: terrace, garden, Jacuzzi and private pool.
For an unparalleled relaxing experience.

Image Gallery

What's Included

What´s Included

  • 3 nights dbl occy accom in the 4 Star Bastione Spasimo Boutique Hotel or similar, Palermo
  • 1-night dbl occy accom in the 5 Star Momentum Resort or similar, Marinella di Selinunte
  • 1-night dbl occy accom in the 3 Star Villa La Lumia Suites & Apartments or similar, Agrigento
  • 1-night dbl occy accom in the 4 Star Villa Boscarino Hotel or similar, Ragusa 
  • 2 nights dbl occy accom in the 5 Star Donna Carmela Resort & Lodge or similar, Riposto
  • 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
  • 3 wine tastings (plus regional wines explained at every lunch and dinner)
  • All lunches and dinners include 1 bottle water and 1 bottle local wine per couple
  • Olive oil tasting
  • Private English-speaking Local Tour Leader from Day 1 to Day 8
  • Private coach with driver from Day 2-Day 7
  • Private local guides for various tours: Palermo, Monreale, Cefalu, etc
  • Welcome dinner with beverages included
  • Lunch with street food tasting in Palermo
  • Private cooking class with lunch in a Sicilian country house
  • Private guided walking tour with tasting of local products in Castellammare del Golfo
  • Private visit with wine tasting and lunch in Cantine Florio in Marsala
  • Guided walking tour of Marsala Salt Pans with salt tasting in Marsala
  • SELINUNTE: dinner included in the hotel
  • Guided visit and tasting of olive oil in Selinunte area
  • Private visit with wine tasting and lunch in La Foresteria Planeta
  • Private local guide in Valley of the Temples – 2 hours
  • AGRIGENTO: dinner included with meat and fish menus
  • Village Experience and cooking class with lunch in Sant’Angelo Muxaro
  • Private English-speaking local guide in Syracuse and Ortigia – half day
  • Cooking class with dinner in Etna area
  • Private English-speaking Naturalistic guide with jeep 4x4 for Etna experience
  • Farewell dinner
  • Entry tickets: Real Palace and Palatine Chapel in Palermo, Martorana church in Palermo, Monreale Cathedral and Cloister, Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse, Ortigia Cathedral
  • City tax
  • All tips except for your primary local tour leader

What´s not Included

  • Meals not specified in itinerary
  • Beverages at meals unless specified in itinerary (all group meals include 1 bottle water and 1 bottle local wine per couple)
  • Trip Cancellation/Interruption and Medical Insurance (strongly recommended), call for details
  • Single supplement charge
  • Items of a personal nature; phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Arrival and Departure transfers
  • International airfare, tour begins at the hotel in Palermo on the afternoon of Day 1, and ends at the hotel in Riposto on the morning of Day 9
  • Tip for the primary local Tour Leader
  • Any costs associated with options or free time

what our Travelers are saying...

This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to collect information about how you interact with our website and allow us to remember you. We use this information in order to improve and customize your browsing experience and for analytics and metrics about our visitors both on this website and other media. To find out more about the cookies we use, see our Privacy Policy.