Compare Sicily: A Dream With Open Eyes by Trinus International vs Culinary Delights of Sicily - Small-Group Tour by Omega Tours

Day 1: Sciacca

Arrival at the Hotel / BB and meeting with our guide. Afternoon visit to the city of Sciacca. Overnight at Hotel / BB.

Day 2: Sciacca - Eraclea Minoa – Caltabellotta

Breakfast in Hotel / BB. Departure by bus from Sciacca to the archaeological area of Eraclea Minoa, which offers a breathtaking glance overhanging the sea. The most fascinating remains are the theater and the ancient houses. To visit the Antiquarium with finds from the Necropolis. Continue to the main attraction of the area, the Scala dei Turchi, a cliff with a characteristic white color, on which the wind and the rain have carved a natural staircase immersed in clear and transparent waters. In the afternoon visit of the town of Caltabellotta. Caltabellotta is one of the most beautiful towns of Sicily, full of charm and history, and enjoys a splendid view over most of southern Sicily. The oldest traces still visible are the Punic tombs carved into the rock wall and the prehistoric necropolis near the small church of Santa Maria della Pietà. The most interesting part of Caltabellotta is the so-called "Pizzo", it is the highest and oldest part of the town where the old Matrice Church rises, built by the Normans in the eleventh century and overlooked by Monte Castello, where you can admire the remains of the walls surrounded by the city and the ancient tower. Return. Overnight at Hotel / BB.

Day 3: Sciacca - Riserva dello Zingaro - S. Vito Lo Capo

Breakfast in Hotel / BB. The tour will start from Sciacca and arriving in the port. The visit of the coast will begin to offer a breathtaking show with the beautiful Cala Bianca, Cala Rossa and Grotta dei Colombi where there will be a short stop. The navigation will continue towards the Zingaro Reserve: a string of pearls along seven kilometers alternating with rugged headlands, sheer cliffs, magnificent coves of pebbles and sand that are reflected in a pristine sea, always limpid and quiet and composed. To welcome you will be Cala Marinella where you can go down and swim. Leaving the Zingaro you will head towards the village of S. Vito Lo Capo and during the navigation the crew will offer a typical lunch consisting of appetizer, first course, fruit, dessert and water. You will have about 2 and a half hours to visit the village, discover the beautiful beach. On the way back is mandatory to stop at the Faraglioni of Scopello, where in addition to immerse yourself in the beautiful waters, you will have the opportunity to observe one of the most beautiful Sicilian tuna. Return. Overnight at Hotel / BB.

Day 4: Sciacca - Selinunte

Breakfast in Hotel / BB. Transfer to the De Gregorio Cellars for a guided tour of the vineyards and cellars. An ancient village of countryside born around a sighting tower of the '400. One day in the company of their winemaker in the countryside among the rows, with the opportunity to help the farmers while they harvest or prune a vineyard. Tasting directly from the barriques the Chardonnay that ripens slowly before going into the bottle or the Nero d'Avola just poured out of the large barrels. Climb to the top of the tower like the ancient guardians, to observe the territory that ranges from Sciacca, at the foot of Mount Kronio, to the sea to the mythical Selinunte and from there control the vineyards and olive groves. Visit the ancient cellar of the '700, today a tasting room, waiting for the chef to prepare dishes of the Sicilian tradition to combine with the wines that you will enjoy during lunch. Return. Overnight at Hotel / BB.

Day 5: Punta Secca - Scicli - Modica

Breakfast in Hotel / BB. Departure from the Hotel with Minibus, destination the

Baroque Sicily where the series of episodes of the Commissary Montalbano has

been turned, taken from the famous novels of Andrea Camilleri. First stop the beach of Punta Secca to admire the house of Montalbano. Continue to the city of Scicli to visit the eighteenth century Via Mormino Penna declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, rich in monuments of fine Baroque style, one of the most beautiful streets of Sicily, in the scenography of fiction the street of the building of the ""Commissariat of Vigàta "". This is where the police cars arrive and depart, where the Commissioner's ""Type"" is parked, where Montalbano, in moments of relaxation, walks with his Mimi Augello and, where he meets Fazio and the other policemen. Continue to Modica to admire the Palazzo Polara, the episode ""Il Cane di Terracotta"", the staircase leading to the house of the coroner and the Cathedral of S. Giorgio, from the episode ""Gita a Tindari"" to finish the visit continue to Ragusa Ibla (Vigata) with its beautiful center full of Baroque palaces including that of Donnafugata, where you can see the office of Rag. Gargano, from the episode ""The smell of the night"". Following visit to the Castle of Donnafugata 15 km from Ragusa, home of the Sinagra boss. Return. Overnight at Hotel / BB.

Day 6: Sciacca

Breakfast in Hotel / BB. Excursions from Sciacca with a beautiful wooden boat of 14 meters with a toilet on board, ladder / platform to comfortably swim offshore, covered area and sunbathing area. Port of Sciacca, Cammordino and its faraglioni, Vecchia Tonnara, Baia Renella, Capo San Marco with a swim stop.

Afternoon free for shopping. Return and overnight in Hotel / BB.

Day 7: Departure

Transfer to the airport. Departure.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL & TAORMINA LIFESTYLE, GOURMET WALKING TOUR

Upon arrival at Catania airport be greeted by your driver, who will bring you to your charming hotel in Taormina. Once it starts to cool down, take an easy walk in Taormina city center with your local guide who will meet you in the lobby.

Discover the main attractions of the town, its soul and lifestyle, the best places for traditional pastries, ice cream, coffee, food and handicraft shopping, and anything else that might be interesting for you. Pass the most important monuments and highlights of Taormina by listening to the stories of your guide. Have three foodie stops, first in a family trattoria for fish selection and white wines, second in typical Bottega for cheeses, salumi, bread, olives, and red wine tasting. And third in a small pastry bar for a tasting typical Sicilian sweets, liquors, and coffee. After the tour, enjoy a free evening in sparkling Taormina. Meals: D

Accommodation at the Hotel Ariston, Sea View Room, Taormina, or similar

DAY 2: TAORMINA COOKING CLASS IN FAMILY TRATTORIA

After breakfast start your foodie experience from the city center with the local guide/chef. Have a visit to Taormina’s Food Market, where local farmers, fishermen, and butchers sell their fresh goods. Select products for your class and with personal guidance from your chef learn culinary secrets of cooking homemade bread, pasta, fish, and vegetable dishes in a traditional Sicilian style. While eating what Your own hands made, enjoy the taste of local wines. After tour free afternoon and evening in Taormina to relax on picturesque beaches or hang out on your own. Meals: B, L

Accommodation at the Hotel Ariston, Sea View Room, Taormina, or similar

DAY 3: ETNA COUNTRYSIDE FOOD & WINE LOVERS TOUR

After breakfast, start your “out of beaten path” trip to Mt. Etna with a pick-up from your hotel by a local foodie guide. Drive through small typical Etna villages admiring authentic lava stone houses, orange, lemon, olive, and almond trees plantations, while listening to charming stories about Sicilian culture, traditions, and food. Proceed up until 1000 meters above sea level and discover the breathtaking views of volcanic land. Have the first stop in an antique family-run winery, where after a guided visit of cellars, try volcanic wines with organic etna appetizers in an astonishing lava stone open-air amphitheatre. Meals: B, L

Continue your gastronomic experience to an authentic picturesque farmhouse and enjoy the lunch with lots of seasonal antipasti, homemade pasta, and typical pastries. Drop off to Taormina and free time.

Accommodation at the Hotel Ariston, Sea View Room, Taormina, or similar

DAY 4: NOTO WALKING TOUR WITH SEAFOOD LUNCH IN MARZAMEMI, TRANSFER TO SYRACUSE

After breakfast, meet your private driver in front of Your hotel at 10.00 am and move to magnificent Noto. Enjoy an easy walk with a local guide in a town of UNESCO heritage – a jewel of baroque. While walking taste a famous Modica chocolate and Sicilian ice cream with extraordinary taste. After the tour move towards Marzamemi an astonishing typical Sicilian fisherman's village on the seaside to have Your sea lunch in a family trattoria. Be transferred to your charming hotel in Syracuse and enjoy this romantic town at night. Meals: B, L

Accommodation at the Hotel Domus Mariae Benessere, Classic Room, Syracuse, or similar

DAY 5: ORTIGIA FOOD & WINE WALKING TOUR

Meet your foodie local guide when it starts to cool down. Enjoy a walking tour of Ortigia, Syracuse old town, and taste fresh fish, typical Sicilian appetizers, homemade Sicilian pastries, fragrant wines, and liquors in three different food venues. Eat and drink as locals do. During the tour, your guide will share with you a lot about the history, culture, lifestyle, and gastronomy of the area while passing the most important monuments and little hidden gems of the town. Tour will finish in the heart of Ortigia so after you can still enjoy the town at night. Meals: B, L

Accommodation at the Hotel Domus Mariae Benessere, Classic Room, Syracuse, or similar

DAY 6: SYRACUSE WINERY TOUR WITH LUNCH & TRANSFER TO PALERMO

After breakfast, be picked by your driver to start the day with a visit to an ancient winery located in Syracuse’s countryside and wonderfully structured as a castle. Will be welcomed by the owner, have a guided visit of the cellars and the old millstone. Enjoy a light lunch with local organic products and wine tasting in the magnificent courtyard. Appreciate the taste of wines produced in this Syracuse area and discover their difference with Etna wines. After lunch continues to drive around 2.5 hours to reach colorful Palermo. Time to relax and free evening. Meals: B, L

Accommodation at the Hotel Garibaldi, Classic Room, Palermo, or similar

DAY 7: PALERMO STREET FOOD WALKING TOUR

On this day sample, the best of Sicilian street food during a 3 hours Walking tour of Palermo. This food tour, led by a local expert guide, explores the fascinating culinary world of Sicily’s capital and includes a visit to the famous and bustling Vucciria and Mercato del Capo outdoor markets, tasting of five different Sicilian treats along the way — including ‘panelle’ (chickpea fritters) and ‘arancini (deep-fried rice balls). Pass through Palermo old town and the most important highlights listening to the stories of your guide. After the tour, enjoy a free evening in Palermo. Meals: B, L

Accommodation at the Hotel Garibaldi, Classic Room, Palermo, or similar

DAY 8: TRANSFER TO PALERMO AIRPORT

After breakfast, transfer to Palermo Airport. Arrivederci! Meals: B