- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- 10 Days
- Limited to 12 Travelers
From $12995
Just off the toe of Italy’s boot, Sicily has drawn visitors for centuries. Its central location in the Mediterranean made it a coveted target for trade and control, and a host of conquests—Carthaginian, Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, Spanish and more—left their imprint, creating a multicultural melange. In the east, vineyards and olive groves flourish in the mineral-rich soil of Mount Etna, whose commanding profile dominates the island. Europe’s most active volcano, it shapes Sicily’s farms, wines and way of life with its primal presence. To the west, explore fishing towns, shimmering salt flats and coastal lagoons, and North African influences in Marsala. Sicily’s greatest hallmark, though, is its people, renowned for their lively character and hospitality. On this intimate survey, meet Sicily like a local, as few visitors are fortunate to do.
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 11
Trip Highlights
-
Wine & Dine at Farms, Vineyards & Family Homes
Savor Sicily's famous food in private settings—lunch with wine pairings in a vineyard, dinner on an herb farm, olive oil tastings, and fresh fish by the sea
-
Experience Sicily's Vibrant, Richly Layered History
Centuries unfold as we explore ancient Greek temples, Baroque villages, colorful fishing ports, North African flavors and the little-visited Egadi Islands
-
Meet Sicily's Lively People Through Our Personal Connections
The very best of Sicily is its proud and hospitable residents, and we'll introduce you to its chefs, farmers, fishermen, winemakers, artisans and more
Our Unique Itinerary Reveals Sicily Past & Present Through Its People
Go Beyond the Monuments with Our Personal Introductions
While we visit many of Sicily’s important historic sites, some of the most meaningful moments happen in unexpected settings: the atelier of a Sicilian cart master, a family home in Marsala, a fishermen’s quarter in Sciacca, and a locally run workshop on Favignana. Instead of hearing only about traditions from a guide, we meet people who still practice them and speak to us from their own experience.A Small Group Allows Exclusive Access
With a group capped at no more than 12 travelers, we’re able to enjoy home-hosted meals, close observation in artisan workshops and personal conversations with working fishermen. We can gather around a chocolatier’s worktable in Modica and sit together over lunch in a Marsala home. These are spaces designed for intimate interactions, which are not possible on bus tours.Relax with Longer Stays at Fewer Bases
Rather than moving from place to place each day, we spend three nights in Ragusa Ibla and another three in the Marsala countryside. From Ragusa, we visit Noto and Modica while returning to the same hotel between outings. In western Sicily, one base puts us within reach of Marsala, Erice, Favignana and the salt pans without changing rooms each night.Our Expedition Leader Connects Sicily’s Many Histories
Our itinerary passes through terrain influenced by Greek, Arab, Norman and Spanish conquests over millennia, often layered in the same town. Our knowledgeable Expedition Leader, an expert on Sicilian history and culture, connects what we see in architecture with food, crafts and local customs. Local specialist guides add depth where it matters most.Experience Sicily's Legendary Culinary Traditions
Dining in Sicily is deeply intertwined with its rich cultural heritage. In Ortigia’s famous market, stalls are heaped with fruit, cheese, spices and fresh fish. Modica’s chocolate dates back more than 300 years to Spanish rule, with processing rooted in Aztec traditions. Couscous in Marsala reflects exchange with North Africa, while Marsala wine became an industry identified with the city itself. Taste these foods and many others as we learn how and why they were established here.Explore Western Sicily’s Coastal Heritage Through Its People
From the fishing boat harbor at Sciacca to Favignana’s tuna industry in the Egadi Islands and the ancient salt pans of Marsala, these settings put us in touch with local people whose livelihoods have relied on the sea for centuries. Meet individuals who share history and contemporary practices, deepening our appreciation for their influence on Sicily’s identity.