Flavors of SicilyItinerary

Day 1: En Route from U.S.

Day 2: Arrive Catania, Sicily | Giarre
Settle in at Don Arcangelo all'Olmo, an enchanting villa featuring lush gardens and views of Mount Etna. Explore the property before becoming acquainted with your travel companions during dinner served with Sicilian wines and specialties of the region.
Overnight: Don Arcangelo all'Olmo (R,D)

Day 3: Taormina
Spend the day touring Taormina, an idyllic town perched on a rocky hillside. With your local guide, delight in exploring the town's network of winding streets and ancient Greek theatre—one of Sicily's most picturesque and well-preserved. Charming streets open to stunning panoramas of popular beaches, the warm Ionian Sea, and snow-capped Mount Etna. This afternoon, stroll down the pedestrian-only Corso Umberto with leisure time to discover the lively shops and restaurants.
Overnight: Don Arcangelo all'Olmo (B,D)

Day 4: Piazza Armerina
Today visit Sicily's archaeological masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Villa Romana del Casale. During a guided tour, explore the famous 4th-century site that offers the best preserved and most extensive examples of Roman mosaics in the world. The villa offers a glimpse into a wealthy Sicilian family's lifestyle from centuries past. 
Overnight: Don Arcangelo all'Olmo (B,L,D)

Day 5: Viagrande | Catania
This morning, browse the colorful and culture-rich outdoor street market in nearby Catania, a local tradition dating back to the 9th century. Then venture to Benanti, an award-winning winery, for a unique cooking lesson followed by a vineyard tour and wine tasting.
Overnight: Don Arcangelo all'Olmo (B,L,D)

Day 6: Siracusa | Ortigia
Welcome to the historic city of Siracusa, a 2,700-year-old fortified seaport founded by Greek Corinthians and Teneans. During the Athenian Empire, Siracusa rivaled Athens in size and importance.  Cicero described Siracusa as the greatest and most beautiful of the Greek city-states. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it features many structures dating back to the 5th century B.C. Visit the storied island of Ortigia, the heart of the ancient city. See the massive Greek theater as well as the “Ear of Dionysius”—the famous stone quarry nearby. In the old city, the kaleidoscopic markets overflow with local seafood, dairy, meat, and succulent produce, such as ruby-red tomatoes, tender figs, and dark green capers.
Overnight: Don Arcangelo all'Olmo (B,D)

Day 7: Mount Etna
Today you can opt to visit Sicily's greatest natural attraction, Mount Etna—another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the highest active volcano in Europe. Lovingly known locally as "The Etna," at almost 11,000 feet, it has four craters at the summit and more than 300 vents on the flanks. Marvel at its enormity as you take in its unique, dominant features and view the destruction of previous eruptions and lava flows.

Guests opting to relax at the villa in the morning instead of taking part in the high-elevation hike up to 9,580 feet can rejoin the group in the afternoon for a wine tasting and delicious lunch at Donnafugata. This family created winery leads you in a sensory discovery of wines from precious small productions and gastronomic specialties through genuine Sicilian hospitality. 
Overnight: Don Arcangelo all'Olmo (B,L,D)

Day 8: Taormina
After a leisurely morning, travel to Villa Britannia to experience a hands-on cooking class of traditional Sicilian fare with a celebrated chef who selects only locally grown, hand-picked ingredients to concoct a unique menu for the group. You'll have an opportunity to create a variety of mouth-watering dishes made from the freshest ingredients chosen daily. These might include: marinated prawns, caponata, pasta alla Norma, seafood risotto, zuppa di pesce, veal rolls, chicken alla cacciatore, and desserts, such as Sicilian cassata, tiramisu, and crespelle.

Following the cooking class, enjoy a farewell luncheon and wine pairing at Villa Britannia on the terrace with views of the sea and Taormina. Celebrate capping off a fabulous week of new memories and adventures.
Overnight: Don Arcangelo all'Olmo (B,L,D)

Day 9: Giarre | Catania | Depart for U.S.
After breakfast, guests departing during the suggested times take a complimentary transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, R = Reception

Activities are generally not very strenuous, however, we expect that guests on this program can enjoy two hours or more of walking, are sure-footed on cobbled surfaces, and can walk up and down hillsides and stairs without assistance. Historic city centers are usually more accessible by foot than vehicle. Due to the structure of some buildings, facilities for the disabled may be limited. Also, dexterity to use kitchen tools and participate in lessons is not necessary, but adds to the enjoyment of this program.