A LONG-AWAITED RETURN TO SICILY

In the early 20th c., over 1 million Sicilians emigrated to the United States. Now, a century later, their descendants have the opportunity to return to the motherland. On this eleven day journey, we will explore the best that Sicily has to offer and soak up its life-giving spirit. From the magical, ancient island of Syracuse to a farmhouse hotel on the slopes of Mount Etna to the unforgettable hilltop town of Taormina, this is a trip meant to appreciate and pay homage to the unmistakable Sicilian culture.

Ever since we first visited Sicily, we have dreamed of sharing it with you. We feel lucky to have the opportunity to make this dream a reality. We hope that you can join us, and we invite you to invite your friends.

See you in Sicily!

-Adam & Blake

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive vintage Fiat 500s to the hilltop towns from The Godfather
• Make pasta with a Sicilian chef at our farmhouse hotel on Mount Etna
• Stay in a 100 year old hotel in the mountainside resort town of Taormina
• Shop in the bustling street market of lively Catania
• Enjoy three nights on the beautiful, ancient island of Ortigia, Syracuse
• Attend a fall festival in the small, charming town of Zafferana Etnea
• Make, fry, and eat your own delicious cannoli
• Enjoy a wine tasting and explore the famous wines of Sicily
• Take a boat ride on the Mediterranean Sea around Syracuse
• Marvel at ancient Greek temples and theaters from over 2,000 years ago
• Enjoy a slow paced, culturally immersive travel experience

11 DAY ITINERARY

3 NIGHTS ON THE ISLAND OF ORTIGA, SYRACUSE
Originally settled by the ancient Greeks, Syracuse has been continuously inhabited for 2,700 years. Located on a small island just off the coast, we will enjoy three nights in the historical center of this romantic Baroque city.

Day 1 and 2 - Arrival
Depart USA, arrive Catania, and transfer to our centrally located hotel in the center of Syracuse. (D) 

Day 3 - Syracuse
In the morning, we begin with a cultural orientation to life in Sicily while sipping espresso at a local cafe. We then continue to Syracuse’s famous cathedral, the Duomo, which incorporates giant columns from a Temple of Athena that was once built on the same site. We then continue to Syracuse’s local market and the ancient Tempe of Apollo before enjoying a leisurely afternoon. In the evening, we gather together for dinner al fresco at a local trattoria. (B,D)

Day 4 - Syracuse, Boat Ride
The morning is at leisure to explore Syracuse, shop in the many boutiques, tour the ancient ruins, or take an optional excursion to the nearby Baroque town of Noto. In the afternoon, enjoy a sunset boat ride along the coast of Syracuse. (B,D)

3 NIGHTS AT AN AGROTOURISMO ON MOUNT ETNA
Mount Etna, Europe’s largest volcano, dominates eastern Sicily and has created its fertile soils from millennia of volcanic deposits. We will head to a countryside “agrotourismo” (a working farmhouse hotel) for three serene nights as we soak up the traditional culture and cuisine of Sicily.

Day 5 - Catania Street Market, arrive Agrotourismo
Departing Syracuse, we visit Catania, the major city of Sicily’s eastern coast. After visiting the grandiose Cathedral of Saint Agatha and the famous Elephant Fountain, we explore Catania’s lively streetside market. Enjoy lunch on your own from one of the colorful stalls and take a stroll down Via Etnea, Catania’s main shopping street. In the afternoon, we check in to our countryside farmhouse hotel and enjoy our first dinner of farm-raised specialties. (B,D)

Day 6 - Cooking Class
Today we learn how to make pasta and traditional Sicilian specialties as part of a cooking class and wine tasting. Depending on the season, we also have the opportunity to harvest olives and make olive oil at a local mill. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the countryside, including a walk to a nearby 2,000 year old Chestnut tree. (B,L)

Day 7 - Zafferana Etnea Street Festival
Today we visit the Ottobrata street festival in the charming town of Zafferana Etnea, celebrated since the 70’s. This lively festival celebrates the traditional produce of the town, including its famous honey, as well its artisans and entertainers. (B)

3 NIGHTS IN STUNNING TAOROMINA
For over 150 years, artists, celebrities, and royalty have retreated to Taormina to enjoy its stunning mountainside views, stunning gardens, and ancient wonders. We’ll enjoy three nights in one of Taormina’s best placed hotels with a celebratory conclusion to our time in Italy.

Day 8 - Castelmola, Taoromina
Departing the Mount Etna region, we visit the stunning mountainside village of Castelmola to appreciate its beautiful scenery. We then continue to the quaint resort town of Taormina, where we settle in for three nights. (B,D)

Day 9 - Taormina, Greek Theater, Cannoli Making
Today we get to know Taormina through a walking tour of town, including its main square, walled gates, Nymphaeum, and its world-famous Ancient Greek theater with its stunning views. In the afternoon, we enter the kitchen of a local restaurant to make and enjoy our own traditional cannoli. (B) 

Day 10 - Fiat 500 Tour to the Towns of the Godfather
After a free morning, we hop into vintage Fiat 500s, Italy’s most famous (and tiny!) car, and delve deep into the Sicilian countryside to visit two beautiful hilltowns that were used by Francis Ford Coppola when he filmed the Godfather. Enjoy a treat at Bar Vitelli and enjoy the beautiful drive along the coast. In the evening, we gather together for a final, celebratory dinner. (B,D)

Day 11 - Depart
Transfer in the morning to Catania for a return flight back to the States. (B)

RESERVE YOUR SPOT ON THIS TOUR

We'd love to travel with you! 

If you'd like more information about this tour, please contact us or give us a call at (214) 493-3027.

PHOTO GALLERY