Tour description
Sicily Food & Wine Tour from Palermo to Etna
Discover the authentic essence of Sicily on this refined private food and wine tour crafted for discerning travellers seeking insider access, exceptional gastronomy, and boutique comfort. Explore the island’s historic cities, ancient Greek temples, UNESCO baroque towns such as Noto and Ragusa , and the volcanic vineyards of Mount Etna. Along the way, you will enjoy Palermo’s legendary street-food culture, market-to-table experiences in Ortigia, artisan chocolate in Modica, and exclusive wine tastings on Etna – all with expert guides, charming chauffeurs, and boutique accommodations selected for their character, comfort and local charm.
DAY 1 ARRIVAL PALERMO
Arrival in Palermo & Your First Taste of Sicily
Your Sicily adventure begins with a warm welcome at Palermo Airport, where our charming Palermo chauffeur will transfer you to your boutique hotel in the historic center. Depending on your arrival time and your preference, you might wish to enjoy your private Palermo tour, an excellent introduction to the island’s exuberant food culture with a guided stroll through atmospheric streets lined with cafés, bakeries, and colorful produce stands.
In the evening, enjoy an authentic Sicilian dinner – your first chance to experience the flavors, wines, and warm hospitality that will accompany you throughout your journey.
Tour in a Nutshell: Private airport transfer. Private Guided tour of Palermo. Boutique 4* accommodation in central Palermo.
DAY 2 PALERMO
Palermo’s Heritage & Street Food Culture
This morning, our engaging local guide will lead you through Palermo’s historic treasures, including the grand Massimo Theater, the elegant Palermo Cathedral, Piazza Bellini, and the iconic Quattro Canti. As you explore, you will dive into the heart of Palermo’s gastronomic culture at the Ballarò and Capo street markets, famed for their vibrant stalls, spice vendors, and traditional Sicilian specialties. A gourmet street-food tasting tour follows, with authentic panelle, arancine, sfincione, and local cheeses. You will learn about Sicily’s unique culinary influences – from Arab to Spanish to Norman – as your guide explains the stories behind each dish. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore Palermo’s galleries, artisan shops, and waterfront promenade.
Tour in a Nutshell: Private Guided tour of Palermo with food tastings. Overnight in Palermo.
DAY 3 VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES & SYRACUSE
Valley of the Temples & Arrival in Syracuse
After checking out, you will journey south with your charming local chauffeur to the Valley of the Temples, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean and a highlight of any luxury Sicily itinerary. On your private guided tour, our historian guide will bring to life the myths and history surrounding the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Juno, and the Temple of Hercules as you walk among their remarkably preserved Doric columns.
Following a relaxed countryside lunch featuring local produce and Sicilian wines, you will continue east to the island of Ortigia, the elegant baroque center of Syracuse, known for its sea-facing piazzas, narrow medieval streets, and golden limestone buildings.
Tour in a Nutshell: Chauffeured transfer. Private Guided tour of the Valley of the Temples with entrance tickets included. Local Cuisine Lunch. Overnight in a 4* boutique hotel in Syracuse (Ortigia).
DAY 4 SYRACUSE & ORTIGIA
Syracuse Archaeology & Ortigia’s Market Treasures
Your day begins with a private guided tour of the impressive Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to the legendary Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the evocative Ear of Dionysius. Our expert and fun guide will share fascinating stories about the significance of these monumental structures, which shaped the ancient Greek and Roman worlds.
Returning to Ortigia, you will explore its lively open-air food market, where local fishermen display the morning’s catch and artisans offer olives, capers, pecorino cheeses, and fragrant citrus fruits. A curated market-to-table tasting lunch will highlight traditional recipes and seasonal ingredients that define Syracuse’s cuisine.
The afternoon invites you to wander Ortigia’s charming baroque piazzas, boutique shops, and waterfront promenades.
Tour in a Nutshell: Private Guided Tour of Syracuse & Ortigia with entrance tickets included. Overnight in Syracuse (Ortigia).
DAY 5 NOTO & MODICA
Baroque Noto & Modica Chocolate Traditions
This morning, your friendly local chauffeur will take you south to the UNESCO-listed Baroque town of Noto, one of Sicily’s most beautiful UNESCO-listed Baroque towns. You will stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, admiring the graceful Noto Cathedral, Palazzo Ducezio, and the honey-colored stone façades that glow in the morning light.
You will then continue to Modica, celebrated for its unique cold-worked chocolate, a tradition preserved since the Spanish era. In one of the town’s most historic chocolate workshops, you will enjoy an exclusive tasting that showcases deep cocoa flavors blended with Sicilian ingredients such as orange zest, chili, and vanilla. Afterwards, you will visit Ragusa Ibla, another baroque jewel with panoramic views, winding lanes, and elegant palazzi.
Tour in a Nutshell: Chauffeured transfer. Private tasting at a historic chocolate workshop in Modica. Overnight in Syracuse (Ortigia).
DAY 6 TAORMINA
Transfer to Taormina & Private Tour of Sicily’s Famous Cliffside Town
This morning, your chauffeur will drive you north along Sicily’s scenic eastern coast to Taormina, a glamorous cliffside town famed for its ancient ruins, panoramic terraces, and boutique-lined Corso Umberto. After checking in at your boutique hotel, you will meet your expert and very charismatic guide for a private tour of Taormina’s historic center. Your visit includes the remarkable Greek Theatre, offering breathtaking views toward Mount Etna, the Bay of Naxos, and the rugged Ionian coastline. The tour concludes with a relaxed informal lunch overlooking the sea, where you will savor regional dishes and wines from eastern Sicily.
Tour in a Nutshell: Chauffeured transfer. Private Guided tour of Taormina with entrance tickets included. Local Cuisine Lunch paired with wines. Overnight in a 4* boutique hotel in Taormina.
DAY 7 MOUNT ETNA
Mount Etna Wine Country – Volcanic Vineyards & Gourmet Lunch
Today you will enjoy a private full-day excursion to the Mount Etna wine region, one of Italy’s most dynamic and distinctive viticultural areas. Traveling by off-road vehicle with your expert mountain guide, you will explore the dramatic Etna National Park, walking among ancient craters, lava flows, and forests shaped by the volcano’s ever-changing landscape. You will then visit a prestigious boutique winery on the northern or eastern slopes of Etna for an exclusive tasting of native varietals, including Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, and Carricante. A gourmet winery lunch will showcase the flavors of the volcanic terroir paired with exceptional Etna DOC wines.
Tour in a Nutshell: Private full-day Etna 4×4 tour, guided trekking, winery visit, volcanic wine tasting & lunch. Overnight Taormina.
DAY 8 TAORMINA
Coastal Leisure in Taormina & Farewell Sicilian Flavors
On your final full day you will surely enjoy some leisure time, maybe to explore Taormina’s elegant boutiques, unwind at your boutique hotel, or opt for a private boat excursion along the Bay of Taormina and the picturesque Isola Bella Marine Park. In the evening, enjoy a delicious farewell Sicilian dinner, featuring refined regional cuisine and a final selection of local wines.
Tour in a Nutshell: Leisure day in Taormina with personalized recommendations. Optional: Private boat excursion. Farewill Dinner paired with wines. Overnight Taormina.
DAY 9 DEPARTURE CATANIA
Departure from Catania
After a leisurely morning, your private chauffeur will transfer you to Catania Airport for your departure. You will leave Sicily enriched with memories of exceptional food and wine, world-class archaeological sites, and the remarkable warmth of its people.
Tour in a Nutshell: Chauffeured transfer to the airport.
Tour quotation
Custom Sicily Food & Wine Tour from Palermo to Etna Tour Details
We are excited that you are considering joining us on one of our fabulous custom-built tours of Spain, Portugal, SW France and/or Italy! Please fill in the form below and we will happily provide you with a non-committal initial quote for the sample tour itinerary chosen.
In case you would prefer us to build a personal tour proposal for you from scratch, please e-mail us at [email protected] and we will be delighted to start working with you on your personal and very special travel itinerary with us.