A Taste of Sicily - Palermo to Syracuse

4.9Based on

Carbon neutral

8 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Palermo, Italy

Ends

Catania, Italy

Highlights

Weeklong gastronomic journey across Sicily from Palermo to Syracuse

Visit a traditional Sicilian farmhouse to enjoy fresh produce and delicious flavours

Visit Sicily's most famous Classical remains in the Valley of the Temples

Itinerary

Embark on a gastronomic journey across Sicily, from Palermo's vibrant streets to the historical wonders of Syracuse. Traverse this sun-kissed Italian island pausing to try iconic delicacies such as arancini and cannoli. Explore local vineyards, sipping on indigenous wines, and in Modica, sample the unique chocolate, steeped in age-old Aztec techniques. This voyage is a celebration of Sicilian cuisine and culture.

Farm-to-table dining - Visit a Masseria, a traditional Sicilian farmhouse estate, to enjoy fresh produce and delicious flavours at their source.

Agrigento - Explore Sicily's most famous Classical remains in the Valley of the Temples with its remarkable Doric architecture.

Corleone - Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and learn all about the rich history and mafia connections.

day 1 - Join trip in Palermo

Our trip starts today in Palermo, Sicily's capital with a rich tapestry of Greek, Roman, Islamic and Byzantine culture all merging into a fascinating mix of architecture and customs.

Due to a number of flights arriving late today, our tour leader will meet you tomorrow morning (Day 2) at 9am for the welcome meeting. There will be a chance to meet the Tour Leader at 6pm in the hotel reception for those who are here, and you may wish to go for dinner together after. There are no other activities planned today, so you\ re free to arrive in Palermo at any time. If you\ d like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Palermo's Falcone-Borsellino International Airport (PMO), which is around a 45-minute drive from the airport.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to visit the Gothic Cathedral with its extensive mosaics and beautiful cloisters. To get away from the summer heat the Botanical gardens are also well worth a visit. The city centre is compact with a network of narrow streets and expansive piazzas with a great choice of places to eat. Palermo is well known for its colourful and bustling open-air markets with a wide range of food on offer from pane e panelle (a Sicilian sandwich stuffed with chickpeas) or a wholesome bowl of homemade, fresh spaghetti with sundried tomatoes, olives, capers and topped with breadcrumbs.

To get the most from our Sicilian gastronomic journey, it's important to approach it with an open mind and willingness to explore. This experience is not well-suited for individuals with specific dietary restrictions.

Accommodation:Hotel Mediterraneo (or similar)

day 2 - Palermo walking tour of street food markets

Today we'll follow our local guide on a culinary journey through the vibrant world of Sicilian street food. We'll visit the historic Ballaro open-air market, reminiscent of Sicily's Arabic heritage with its souk-inspired layout. Then on to the bustling Capo market where it's easy to get lost amidst the lively, aromatic stalls brimming with local delicacies and fresh produce. Following our local guide is our passport to uncovering the very best of Palermo's culinary treasures and understanding the essence of Palermitan culture. We'll hear insider tips and stories that can't be found in guidebooks, and even acquire new recipes to recreate the magic of Sicilian cuisine at home. Of course, we'll sample many treats on our tour, from deep-fried arancini, filled with cheese and rice, to the crisp and thin chickpea fritters known as 'panelle' and the fragrant sfincione (distinct from pizza!) - each bite tells a story of Sicily's distinct flavours.

This afternoon you\ re free to explore more of Palermo at your own pace.

Meals:Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation:Hotel Mediterraneo (or similar)

day 3 - Visit Monreale, overnight at a traditional Masseria with oil tasting and cookery lesson

Driving into the hills just a short distance out of the capital, we'll head out this morning to visit the majestic Norman Cathedral of Monreale. Founded in 1174 by William the Good, the cathedral is also famous for its extensive mosaics, as well as its beautiful cloisters showing both Romanesque and Islamic influences. We'll have free time here for lunch and enjoy its picturesque streets and squares, as well as lovely views of the surrounding countryside. The town has a charming, old-world atmosphere and is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Palermo.

After lunch, we'll make the short drive to our Masseria, a farmhouse with a large agricultural estate, where we'll spend the night. On arrival, we'll set off on a guided walk through the estate to see the olive grove and vines growing. We'll also see their milk and cheese production and learn about the cheese-making process.

Next, we'll head to the kitchen for an oil tasting, then a cookery lesson and demonstration where the agriturismo's cook, the grandmother or 'Nonna' will share all her secrets through a hands-on cooking experience based on the farm's fresh products. You'll get to know how to reproduce the best Sicilian flavours at home, testing your skills by taking it in turns to help create a local dish. The cooking class will then be followed by dinner, including the delicious specialities you'll have contributed to creating.

Our agriturismo has a swimming pool to cool off in, however, it's only open during high season, between the end of May and the end of September. It can also sporadically be closed due to weather conditions. A single room is not available for this particular night of the trip. For all other nights, single rooms will be provided as booked. On this night, at the agriturismo, solo travellers will be accommodated in shared rooms with fellow guests of the same sex, with a maximum of four people per room. Each room has its own private bathroom. The setting is beautiful, and the experience of staying in this authentic rural accommodation is truly special, well worth the one-night compromise of sharing with fellow travellers.

Meals:Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation:Agriturismo Ponte Calatrasi (or similar)

day 4 - Visit Corleone, cannoli and wine tasting then drive to Agrigento

Waving goodbye to the agritourismo this morning, we'll take a short drive to Corleone. The town has a long history dating back to ancient times and features historical sites, churches, and natural beauty in its surroundings. It's perhaps best known for its association with the Mafia, a criminal organisation that has had a significant presence in Sicily and other parts of Italy. We'll visit the Mafia information centre to gain a greater understanding and learn about the real meaning and history of the Mafia, which may be surprisingly different from the common stereotype.

Following free time for lunch, we'll visit a historic pastry shop and get our hands on a cannolo, a crisp, fried pastry shell that is tube-shaped and filled with a sweet, creamy filling. The traditional filling for cannoli is made from ricotta cheese, which is blended with sugar, vanilla extract, and sometimes other flavourings like chocolate chips, candied fruit, or citrus zest.

In the afternoon, we'll drive to Morreale wine estate. Sicilian winemakers produce a broad spectrum of wines which are all rich and robust thanks to the island's fertile soil. The Morreale family grow several varieties of grapes including Grillo which is believed to have originated from this estate in 1874. We'll tour the estate, learn the family story, and sample a few wines before our final drive of the day, just 15 minutes to Agrigento where we'll spend the night.

This evening is free to relax after our busy day.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Colleverde Park Hotel (or similar)

day 5 - Valley of the Temples visit, drive to Modica and chocolate tasting

We'll wake up in Agrigento this morning, which was once one of the most prosperous cities in Sicily. The ancient acropolis, now the modern city, overlooks a southern ridge, misleadingly named the Valley of the Temples. Visiting these temples with a local guide, we will walk around the ruins of the largest Doric temple ever constructed - the Temple of Zeus. Standing next to this monumental structure you are only as tall as the first few entry steps and so you tend to feel very small staring up at the gigantic pillars above you. We will also explore the perfectly proportioned Doric columns of the Temple of Concord, as well as the oldest temple in the complex, honouring Hercules.

After visiting the temples, we have free time for lunch then meet again to continue our journey heading east. Our next stop is Modica known for its stunning Baroque architecture, rich history, and unique culinary traditions, particularly its renowned chocolate. We visit a chocolatier see their laboratory and a demonstration of the process used dating back to the Aztecs. It is a type of 'cold-processed' chocolate, which means it is not subjected to high temperatures during production. The cacao beans are ground at low temperatures, preserving more of the natural flavours and giving the chocolate a grainy, granular texture. After a tasting session here, we drive to Scicli our home for the night. Scicli has gained fame as a location for several film and television productions, including the popular Italian detective series Inspector Montalbano. The town's picturesque streets and historic buildings have provided a captivating backdrop for these productions but surprisingly is still not really on the tourist map and as such offers a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for us today.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Albergo Diffuso (or similar)

day 6 - Tomato farm lunch, picturesque Noto for Granita, drive to Syracuse

Today we'll continue our culinary adventure in search of the secrets behind an excellent tomato sauce. Sicily is very well known for its tomatoes, its Mediterranean climate, with abundant sunshine and fertile soil, creates ideal conditions for tomato cultivation. Sicilian tomatoes are used in a wide range of dishes in Italian cuisine, such as tomato sauces, salads, bruschetta, and fresh pasta dishes. They are known for their rich, sweet flavour, making them a popular choice for both local and international chefs. This morning we'll visit a tomato producer and learn about the process and enjoy some of the end products with our tomato-based lunch.

After lunch, we'll drive to the baroque town of Noto. Noto is surrounded by almond orchards; the blossom is stunning during spring. After a short orientation walk with the Tour Leader we will stop for a granita, a refreshing and delightful Italian frozen dessert. It has a texture that falls somewhere between shaved ice and sorbet, and it's known for its icy, crystalline consistency. Granita is typically made from just a few simple ingredients: water, sugar, and flavourings, particularly popular in this part of Sicily. Once we are finished in Noto we drive 40 kilometres to Syracusa where we spend the last two nights of this holiday. Our accommodation is in a fantastic location just inside Ortygia island. This means you can enjoy this delightful Island once the day trippers have left. The accommodation we use is a small, family-run hotel and all rooms have en-suite facilities, it is though perhaps the simplest hotel we use on the trip.

Meals:Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation:Hotel Palazzo Cavalieri (or similar)

day 7 - Walking tour of Ortygia Island, try traditional coffee and enjoy a seafood dinner

This morning, we'll discover Ortygia Island on foot with our Tour Leader. This small island is the historical centre of the city and home to many landmarks such as the Fonte of Aretusa, Temple of Apollo ruins, Maniace Castle, and the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter with its old baths found under the Residenza Alla Giudecca Hotel. Ortygia Island is also a great place to go to a local cafe and sit and watch the world go by. Sicilian coffee bars are known for their distinctive and often ornate decor. Many have a classic, old-world ambience with marble counters, brass fixtures, and intricate tilework. We will visit one with our Tour Leader who will explain the coffee traditions of the island while we all enjoy a cup.

The rest of the afternoon is free for exploration. Tonight, we'll meet for our last dinner and sample Syracuse's seafood cuisine. It is a reflection of the region's strong connection to the sea, and you'll find that the dishes are prepared with a focus on freshness and simplicity, allowing the natural flavours of the seafood to shine through. Whether you prefer classic Sicilian preparations or innovative twists on seafood dishes, there will be something on the menu to suit everyone.

Meals:Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation:Hotel Palazzo Cavalieri (or similar)

day 8 - Trip ends at Catania Airport

Departing Syracuse after breakfast this morning, we'll drive for one hour to Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), arriving around 9.30am, where our trip ends.

The earliest your flight can depart today is 11.30am.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel Mediterraneo (or similar) (2 nights)Agriturismo Ponte Calatrasi (or similar) (1 night)Colleverde Park Hotel (or similar) (1 night)Albergo Diffuso (or similar) (1 night)Hotel Palazzo Cavalieri (or similar) (2 nights)

Meals

7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Transport

Bus

Guide

Explore Tour Leader

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about A Taste of Sicily - Palermo to Syracuse

4.9

based on 8 reviews

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1 week ago

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AnonymousVerified Traveler

Oct 23, 2025

4.0

4.0 out of 5

Of an 8 day tour, there were only 6 active days and a lot of time even in the active days was self guided. The tour leader wasnt a good time keeper so we frittered away time and got places late and had interesting things cut short. She didnt factor in time for comfort breaks especially on the longer drives which wasnt good. Generally when we walked places she stormed off ahead leaving the older, slower walkers way behind. On the saturday she had the whole afternoon to herself but still took us to the wrong restaurant for dinner. Also the coach was very uncomfortable as the seats were very small and if you were squeezed in the window side you burned your ankles on a metal strip that ran the length of the bus. The driver always seemed reluctant to put the air conditioning on. Also there was no toilet on the bus which would have eased the problem of comfort breaks. When on of the group asked would there be a comfort break on the 3 hour journey so he could decide if had a beer, she said no. This was also a day when my husband had an upset stomach, which made the journey more stressful for us In general the itinerary was misleading examples of this were: On day 3 we were supposed to look at grapevines, olive groves and cheese production and have a cookery class. What we saw was cows being milked and the room where the cheese is made, we saw no olive groves or grapevines. The 'cooking' class involved rolling reading made paste and filling it with a mix of ricotta and chocolate which was already made and shaping ravioli, this would have been basic for a room full of kids, we didnt learn anything so I don't think it could be called a class. There were positives the olive oil tasting was what was promised an the meal in the evening was good. Day 4 we waited at the Teatro Andromeda noone answered the bell, we waited more than half an hour, they came out when we only had 10 mins to spend. They were there but wouldnt come put because of the rain. the guide said this had had happened on other occasions so I dont quite understand why it is still on the itinerary if the people there are unreliable. Only because someone in the group pointed out we had missed out on the theatre were we offered aperativo instead.I dont drink which was no use for me, it seemed like a poor swap. The winery tour wasnt particularly interesting and we werent given any explanation of how to properly taste wine, just given wine and food,it felt like that was a missed opportunity. On day 6 the tour of the tomato farm started as looking into 2 empty green houses and being told the same thing pretty much twice. We saw the processing room but there wad nothing being made. On the positive side, the people were lovely and they made us a really nice meal. When we arrived at our last hotel the guide told us it wasnt possible to drive over the bridge to the island, which was clearly not true as we we drove over it to get out thid morning I assume it was because the driver wanted to get away back to Palermo, the guide mentioned he had a three hour drive back, its a shame that was prioritised over our comfort. In summary the trip fell short of our expectations if this had been our first Explore trip we definately wouldnt have booked another one. We appreciate a number of these activities are seasonal, that being the case maybe it shouldnt be offered this late in the season or adjusted to include other elements? This has put us off booking with Explore again

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