We realise that just getting to Sicily is a little more complicated so we have organised the tour to be light with arrivals in the afternoon of Saturday with the first full day on Sunday. We also suggest people to arrive in on Friday to acclimatise and recover from the flight if taking time off work is not an issue.
Taormina where we will base ourselves for the first three nights has one of the most privileged views over the bay of Naxos and Etna. You can just lose yourself in the view with a wine for hours. The hotel we have chosen is the best price/quality with exceptional management and outstanding views, but this is not a five-star hotel. It is a small intimate three-star hotel with four-star services and five-star location and views. Please do not let Taormina's fame put you off. Day-trippers hardly leave the main drag and like Venice you are just one turn away from the maddening crowd. We will taste many wines of Etna and we will actually only visit the wineries on two days. So expect the day 3 on Etna to push your wine limits. We will meet the winemakers in many cases, which is of course one of the joys of visiting smaller more personal wineries. We could add in more winery visits, but Sicily is too rich in history not to enjoy some of her most important sites of interest.
This tour is a confident mix of sightseeing, winery visits and informal tastings, great meals and relaxation. The tour will have Tim Robertson as the director and we will have specialist guides jump on and off the tour as we need them. We will visit the city of Syracuse and its amazing island of Ortigia and the Necropolis. We then move on to the famed late baroque towns of Noto, Modica and Ragusa, the Mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. So we will in fact cover five of the six sites of UNESCO in Sicily. It is fair to say that you will have a fantastic overview of Sicily and were you not to ever return you will have enjoyed the main attractions and will have left Sicily with a great understanding of her wines.
Now, let's talk about the food. Well it is simply one of the most interesting cuisines of Italy as it has so many influences due to the massive amount of invasions and immigrations Sicily has enjoyed through its history. Expect deserts from Middle East, cous cous, wonderful fish and raw seafood. Restaurants have been chosen less for decor or style, but really just being all about the food. There are a couple of world-class restaurants we will be booking a la carte as non-included dinners and people are more than welcome to take a break and grab a pizza if they so wish. We are fortunate to have our second accommodation, Locanda COS, an extremely famous winery of Sicily that we love and know well. We have hired the whole structure that means we can almost use it like our own villa. Rooms are huge. Communal spaces and pool area are where we will be spending most of our time. Once we have enjoyed the southeast of Sicily on Day 7, we pack up and move to Palermo. A longer journey … about 4 hours in the transport in total, but the journey is broken at the Valley of the Temples that is probably Sicily's biggest archaeological park and most intact temple.
Palermo, Sicily's capital, is a bustling and frenetic city, a veritable melting pot of cultures, decadent and fun. Our first day here we will take time out to rise up to Monte Caputo to the beautiful village of Monreale with is spectacular cathedral and cloisters. Our final winery visit is Ceuso, where we will enjoy a vertical of their top wine. We will finish off in reaching the clouds in Erice giving us views over Trapani & San Vito Lo Capo. On our last day in Palermo we will have time to enjoy the markets, take in some of the most important historic sites and make a fun and informative cooking experience with some 'slow food' chefs. On Monday 1st June 2015 we will check out and head to the Palermo Airport for your flights home.
Please NOTE that we are asking you to pack light. There are only two restaurants one would want to be slightly smart for, otherwise informal and comfort are the watchwords. May is a very pleasant time to visit Sicily: it is one of the driest months with twelve hours of sunshine a day (Lows 54F & Highs 67F). We are working now on the pricing and will have it for you all as soon as we can.
WHY CHOOSE RWT?
The reason for choosing us is simple: we are wine lovers and want to share with you our insights and the things we love most: outstanding wines with excellent food, great company and stunning landscapes. Our main objective is for you to gain a great understanding of Italy and its people while tasting amazing wines and superb cuisine in the time you have available. RWT has over 10 years of experience and excellence. Italy is a country you can return to often, so let us try to show it to you from a new perspective: through its foods and wines. Many of our guests have been to other great wine regions in the world. Italy sometimes surprises our guests with what appears to be backward technology and time tested winemaking techniques, which seem to be in big contradiction to all the New World's winemaking bells and whistles. It is fascinating to speak to winemakers about their perspective on the wines of Italy, the wine industry and global markets.
Table of contents
- Villa Schuler, Taormina
- Locanda COS, Ragusa
- Palazzo Brunaccini, Palermo
- Tour Outline – Sicily – Wine & Food Experience for a Group – 9 Nights
- Tour Day by Day – Sicily – Wine & Food Experience for a Group – 9 Nights
Villa Schuler, Taormina
VILLA SCHULER
Villa Schuler is a gracious and decorated hotel in an elegant and traditional style. It is located close to Corso Umberto in Taormina, but separated from the confusion by a very beautiful garden, ensuring quiet nights and a great sleep. It is not a five star hotel and the rooms are not massive, but we have chosen the best rooms for our groups. The views are without doubt the best going. It is also only a few minutes away from numerous restaurants, shops and sites of interest. The attention given by the owner of Villa Schuler, Gerhard Schuler, is evident everywhere. The villa has been in the Schuler’s family for over 100 years, surviving two world wars. The hospitality of this family is exceptional. Enjoy the breakfast in the shade with wonderful scenery on the sunny terrace. We can make tastings on this terrace that is by itself a great selling point. For me, PQR it is the place to be and frankly is where the smart not big money stay.
Locanda COS, Ragusa
Palazzo Brunaccini, Palermo
PALAZZO BRUNACCINI
Located in one of most historic and interesting areas of Palermo with the ancient market of Ballarò and the Quattro Canti Square just a stone’s throw away, we think this is the perfect place to enjoy Palermo up-close. Also staying in the centre of Palermo is the only way to understand and feel the city. The hotel enjoys eighteen rooms and suites in the heart of the old town of Palermo. This ancient historic mansion, originally owned by the Peeress Lucrezia Brunaccini, has been restored and offers all modern luxuries a well-travelled and demanding client may require with soft neutral tones, exposed wooden beam ceilings, romantic poster beds, furnished patios. Most rooms enjoy a great mix of antique period furniture coupled with modern bathrooms and amenities. We like the rooms and suites on the top floor that enjoy the most favourable views and sound insulation. Wi-Fi is free but it is by no means perfect in all of rooms. The only five star hotels of note in Palermo are outside of the city with an almost resort feeling that we don’t want for you. The breakfast is the only food service here and is a superb buffet spread of sweet and savoury delights of Sicily. Palazzo Brunaccini is our choice for Palermo.
Tour Outline – Sicily – Wine & Food Experience for a Group – 9 Nights
TOUR OUTLINE
DAY 01: Arrival IN / Taormina / Welcome Wine Tasting & Dinner / Villa Schuler
DAY 02: Wineries of Etna: Benanti & Taormina
DAY 03: Wineries of Etna: Passopisciaro / Destro & Frank Cornelissen
DAY 04: Siracusa / Noto / Wineries of Noto: Riofavara / Locanda COS
DAY 05: Ragusa / Modica / Wineries of Vittoria: COS
DAY 06: Villa Romana del Casale & Wineries of Vittoria: Arianna Occhipinti
DAY 07: Valley of Temples Archaeological Park / Palermo / Palazzo Brunaccini
DAY 08: Monreale / Wineries of Trapani: Ceuso / Erice
DAY 09: Sightseeing Palermo: Cooking Experience
DAY 10: Departure OUT
Tour Day by Day – Sicily – Wine & Food Experience for a Group – 9 Nights
BREAKFAST / LUNCHES & DINNERS
In this itinerary we make it clear where meals are included:
Þ (B) Breakfast
Þ (L) Lunch
Þ (D) Dinner
TOUR DAY BY DAY
DAY 01 – Arrival IN / Taormina / Welcome Wine Tasting & Dinner / Villa Schuler
Arrival IN at Catania Airport (CTA)
Reception at Catania Airport with Driver of RWT
Private Transfer to Taormina
Arrival & Check IN at Villa Schuler
Afternoon Free Sightseeing Taormina
Welcome Wine Tasting & Tour Orientation at Villa Schuler with Tim Robertson
Welcome Dinner Included with Wines at Osteria Rosso di Vino in Taormina
Please Note: 10-Minute Walk / Chef Fabio Scordo
Sleep at Villa Schuler / Room Category: Superior Single Use with Sea View
(D)
DAY 02 – Wineries of Etna: Benanti & Taormina
Departure from Villa Schuler with Tim Robertson
Private Transfer to Viagrande
Visit at Benanti Winery
Lunch with Wines at Benanti Winery
Private Transfer to Taormina
Guided Walking City Tour of Taormina with Expert Local Guide of RWT
Arrival at Villa Schuler
Afternoon Free Sightseeing Taormina
Suggested Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Ristorante Da Andrea in Taormina
Please Note: 10-Minute Transfer Included
Sleep at Villa Schuler / Room Category: Superior Single Use with Sea View
(B) (L)
DAY 03 – Wineries of Etna: Passopisciaro / Destro & Frank Cornelissen
Departure from Villa Schuler with Tim Robertson
Private Transfer to Contrada Guardiola
Visit & Wine Tasting at Passopisciaro Winery
Private Transfer to Contrada Montelaguardia
Visit & Wine Tasting at Destro Winery
Private Transfer to Randazzo
Lunch with Wines at Ristorante San Giorgio e il Drago in Randazzo
Please Note: Focusing on the Wines of Girolamo Russo Winery
Private Transfer to Solicchiata
Visit & Wine Tasting at Frank Cornelissen Winery
Private Transfer to Taormina
Arrival at Villa Schuler
Suggested Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Ristorante La Capinera in Taormina
Please Note: 10-Minute Transfer Included / 1-Star Michelin Restaurant / Chef Pietro D’Agostino
Sleep at Villa Schuler / Room Category: Superior Single Use with Sea View
(B) (L)
DAY 04 – Siracusa / Noto / Wineries of Noto: Riofavara / Locanda COS
Check OUT & Departure from Villa Schuler with Tim Robertson
Private Transfer to Siracusa
Guided City Tour of Siracusa with Expert Local Guide of RWT
Lunch with Wines at Ristorante Don Camillo in Siracusa
Please Note: Chef Giovanni Guarneri
Private Transfer to Noto
Guided City Tour of Noto with Expert Local Guide of RWT
Private Transfer to Ispica
Visit & Wine Tasting at Riofavara Winery
Private Transfer to Vittoria
Arrival & Check IN at Locanda COS
Welcome Dinner with Wines at Locanda COS
Sleep at Locanda COS / Room Category: Double Room Single Use
(B) (L) (D)
DAY 05 – Ragusa / Modica / Wineries of Vittoria: COS
Departure from Locanda COS with Tim Robertson
Private Transfer to Ragusa
Guided City Tour of Ragusa with Expert Local Guide of RWT
Private Transfer to Modica
Lunch with Wines at Ristorante Fattoria delle Torri in Modica
Please Note: Chef Ninni Radicini
Guided City Tour of Modica with Expert Local Guide of RWT
Please Note: Including Chocolate Tasting Experience
Private Transfer to Vittoria
Arrival at Locanda COS
Visit & Wine Tasting at COS Winery
Departure from Locanda COS with Tim Robertson
Private Transfer to Pedalino
Suggested Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Ristorante La Piazzetta in Pedalino
Private Transfer to Vittoria
Arrival at Locanda COS
Sleep at Locanda COS / Room Category: Double Room Single Use
(B) (L)
DAY 06 – Villa Romana del Casale & Wineries of Vittoria: Arianna Occhipinti
Departure from Locanda COS with Tim Robertson
Private Transfer to Piazza Armerina
Guided Visit of Villa Romana del Casale with Expert Local Guide of RWT
Lunch with Wines at Ristorante Al Fogher in Piazza Armerina
Please Note: Chef Angelo Treno
Private Transfer to Vittoria
Visit & Wine Tasting at Arianna Occhipinti Winery
Private Transfer to Vittoria
Arrival at Locanda COS
Afternoon Free Enjoying Locanda COS
Departure from Locanda COS with Tim Robertson
Private Transfer to Scoglitti
Suggested Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Ristorante Il Sakalleo in Scoglitti
Private Transfer to Vittoria
Arrival at Locanda COS
Sleep at Locanda COS / Room Category: Double Room Single Use
(B) (L)
DAY 07 – Valley of Temples Archaeological Park / Palermo / Palazzo Brunaccini
Check OUT & Departure from Locanda COS with Tim Robertson
Private Transfer to Agrigento
Guided Visit of Valley of Temples Archaeological Park with Expert Local Guide of RWT
Lunch with Wines at Ristorante Il Re di Girgenti in Agrigento
Please Note: Chef Salvatore Avenia
Private Transfer to Palermo
Arrival & Check IN at Palazzo Brunaccini
Suggested Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Ristorante Lo Scudiero in Palermo
Please Note: 15-Minute Walk
Sleep at Palazzo Brunaccini / Room Category: Suite Single Use
(B) (L)
DAY 08 – Monreale / Wineries of Trapani: Ceuso / Erice
Departure from Palazzo Brunaccini with Tim Robertson
Private Transfer to Monreale
Guided City Tour of Monreale with Expert Local Guide of RWT
Private Transfer to Contrada Vivignato
Visit at Ceuso Winery
Lunch with Wines at Ceuso Winery
Please Note: Including Vertical Tasting of Ceuso Rosso Sicilia IGT
Private Transfer to Erice
Guided City Tour of Erice with Expert Local Guide of RWT
Private Transfer to Palermo
Arrival at Palazzo Brunaccini
Suggested Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Ristorante Gagini in Palermo
Please Note: 10-Minute Walk / Chef Gioacchino Gaglio
Sleep at Palazzo Brunaccini / Room Category: Suite Single Use
(B) (L)
DAY 09 – Sightseeing Palermo: Cooking Experience
Departure from Palazzo Brunaccini with Bonetta Dell’Oglio & Tim Robertson
Walking Visit at Local Food Markets for Shopping & Tasting of Local Products
Cooking Experience & Wine Tasting at Ristorante Brunaccini / Palazzo Brunaccini
Lunch with Wines Based on Your Creations at Ristorante Brunaccini / Palazzo Brunaccini
Guided Walking City Tour of Palermo with Expert Local Guide of RWT
Arrival at Palazzo Brunaccini
Farewell Dinner with Wines at Ristorante Castello A Mare in Palermo
Please Note: 15-Minute Walk / Chef Natale Giunta
Sleep at Palazzo Brunaccini / Room Category: Suite Single Use
(B) (L) (D)
DAY 10 – Departure OUT
Check OUT & Departure from Palazzo Brunaccini with Driver of RWT
Private Transfer to Palermo Airport
Arrival at Palermo Airport
Departure OUT from Palermo Airport (PMO)
(B)
END of SERVICES
ITINERARY INCLUSIONS
Airport Transfers
9 Nights of Accommodation in the Hotels Included in the Itinerary
Overnight Tourist Taxes
Private Transport with Driver & Air Conditioning
Expert Bilingual Guiding
Daily Breakfast
8 Lunches & 3 Dinners with Wines
Entrance Fee & Wine Tasting at 8 Wineries
2 Wine Tastings (Welcome & Cooking) & 1 Cooking Experience
Other Activities Included in the Itinerary
Please NOTE that this itinerary is subject to small adjustments due to changes in the availability in the wineries or the restaurants and you can expect a final itinerary to be received one week prior to travel.
ITINERARY EXCLUSIONS
International & Domestic Flights
Lunches & Dinners Not Included in the Itinerary
Gratuities for Meals
Gratuities for Drivers & Guides
Entrance Fee to Museums & Sites
Personal Expenses & Others Costs Not Included in the Itinerary
Other Activities Not Included in the Itinerary