Tour overview
Days 1-3 INTRODUCTION TO SICILY, Taormina, Etna and Catania
Days 1-3 INTRODUCTION TO SICILY, Taormina, Etna and Catania
Days 1-3 INTRODUCTION TO SICILY, Taormina, Etna and Catania
For our first 3 Days in on our Chef hosted Sicily tours we are based in the stunning town of Taormina by the sea where we stay in the family operated Villa Schuler, well known for that fabulous views and old world hospitality. While in Taormina we will be shown the gardens, the Greek theater and many more of the fantastic sites and vist
For our first 3 Days in on our Chef hosted Sicily tours we are based in the stunning town of Taormina by the sea where we stay in the family operated Villa Schuler, well known for that fabulous views and old world hospitality. While in Taormina we will be shown the gardens, the Greek theater and many more of the fantastic sites and vistas in the breathtaking village. With Taormina as our home base we take daily excursions to very local experiences. Experience Sicily with a chef! We have a HANDS ON COOKING CLASS in Catania hosted by my chef friends with COTUME. We break bread with owners of family Hazelnut and Pistachio farms on Mount Etna. And of course we visit legendary Etna Wineries.
Days 4-5-6 SICANI HILLS, AGRIGENTO AND MENFI
Days 1-3 INTRODUCTION TO SICILY, Taormina, Etna and Catania
Days 1-3 INTRODUCTION TO SICILY, Taormina, Etna and Catania
This is what really makes my tours different and priceless. We will connect with my great friend Pierfilippo Spoto for a true immersion into everyday life in the small villages. We will witness the making of fabulous cheeses (of course we taste), enjoy a fish auction and cook the fish ourselves. We will taste amazing olive oils at their
This is what really makes my tours different and priceless. We will connect with my great friend Pierfilippo Spoto for a true immersion into everyday life in the small villages. We will witness the making of fabulous cheeses (of course we taste), enjoy a fish auction and cook the fish ourselves. We will taste amazing olive oils at their source. We will visit fantastic but contrasting wineries - Planeta, the country's largest and a local micro natural winery. What about visiting a herbalist and shaman in the Sicani hill who makes us a lunch of wild food on his mountain property? We will do that too. and of course, while we are Agrigento, we MUST visit the Valley of the Temples where will will be given a tour of some of the Mediterranean's best preserved Greek Ruins.
Days 7-8 The PALERMO EXPERIENCE.
Days 1-3 INTRODUCTION TO SICILY, Taormina, Etna and Catania
Days 7-8 The PALERMO EXPERIENCE.
I must say, that since I have begun visiting here, Palermo has become one of my Favorite cities in the world. It's simultaneously ancient and modern. It is lively, full of energy and pride. We will see some of the world renown sites like Teattro Massimo Opera House, Fontana Pretoria, and magnificent catherdrals. We will walk the Corsos, s
I must say, that since I have begun visiting here, Palermo has become one of my Favorite cities in the world. It's simultaneously ancient and modern. It is lively, full of energy and pride. We will see some of the world renown sites like Teattro Massimo Opera House, Fontana Pretoria, and magnificent catherdrals. We will walk the Corsos, shop (AND EAT) with the local rock star chef Ariana in the CAPO market, Enjoy apertivos in the Vuccheria and just immerse ourselves in this thriving, constantly evolving tragically beautiful city while staying at the Grand Hotel Piazza Bor
A Few of Our Accommodations and Highlights
Fontes Episcopi, Aragona
Hotel Villa Schuler, Taormina
Hotel Villa Schuler, Taormina
One of our homes near Agrigento, The Bio Resort Fontes Episcopi is only 12 km from the archaeological area of the Valley of the Temples and from the historic center of Agrigento. The hearth kitchen and agrarian grounds will lure you into the kitchen for our cooking class lunch. (Lunch is more like Sunday Dinner!)
Hotel Villa Schuler, Taormina
Hotel Villa Schuler, Taormina
Hotel Villa Schuler, Taormina
This family owned hotel is our home in Taormina as we explore Etna, Bronte, Catania and the North East of the Island. Each breakfast on the terrace offers gorgeous views of the Bay of Naxos AND Mt Etna! and It is walking distance to the lovely village.
Case Graffeo, Menfi
Hotel Villa Schuler, Taormina
Case Graffeo, Menfi
The charming Case Graffeo is a cosy family run villa. It is on a wine and olive estate by the sea in lovely Menfi. The family cooks us an authentic home cooked meal, just like Nonna
More Highlights of Sicily 2022
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, Palermo
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, Palermo
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, Palermo
A grand hotel in the European tradion, The Borsa is a few steps from the exciting Vucciria market place and Palermo's dynamic Nightlife. It is also a few walking blocks from the historic Piazza Marina
Valley of the Temples, Agrigento
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, Palermo
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, Palermo
The stunning Valley of the Temples is home to the best preserved Greek temples in the world. We will get a private tour of these magnificent structures overlooking the sea, because you can't visit Sicily without experiencing this.
Piano Degli Albanesi
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa, Palermo
Piano Degli Albanesi
Piano Degli Albanesi is a 500+ year old Albanian settlement in the Hills just outside of Palermo. Yes, they are known for the world's best Cannoli, but there is so much more. We will meet my friend Giovanni and hos family, make cheese tgether and enjoy an Al Fresco lunch made in the wood fired oven
More of our connections
Planeta Winery, Menfi
Capo Market and Historic District
Capo Market and Historic District
the Planeta family has owned the land of this winery for 17 Generations. They are Sicily's biggest and best known winemaker. They are a benchmark for modern winemaking in Sicily making fresh, clean and delicious wines. This location is gorgeous and the lunch and wines are perfectly Sicilian.
Capo Market and Historic District
Capo Market and Historic District
Capo Market and Historic District
One of Europe's Oldest street markets, Capo is the home of some of Palermo's best street food. We will get a lunch from Arianna, the famous woman who makes amazing Arancini, panelle, croquette and of course the legendary pani cà meusa, or spleen sandwich. This vibrant market is just a short walk from the Teatro Massimo opera house and Corso Cassaro
Fontana Pretoria
Capo Market and Historic District
Fontana Pretoria
On our walking tour of Palermo, the historic buildings, fountains and cathedrals are everywhere. The Fontana Pretoria is one of my personal favorites. Just outside the Church of Santa Caterina, the Piazza Bellini is the site of many important historic gatherings and now of site for assemblies for peace, anti mafia e , and human rights marches.