8 Days Small Group Food & Wine Tour of Sicily (Max 8 Guests)

An Authentic Sicilian Food & Wine Journey: 8 Days with Sicily Activities

Sicily’s charm isn’t just in its landscapes but in its soul — its food, wine, and traditions. This 8-day small group tour offers a taste of all that, with intimate groups no larger than eight, ensuring you get personal attention and authentic experiences. You’ll visit Taormina, Syracuse, and Palermo, each city bursting with character, complemented by visits to Mount Etna and charming villages. The price of around $3,083 per person includes cozy stays in 4-star hotels, guided culinary adventures, wine tastings, and city strolls, making it an all-encompassing Sicilian immersion.

Two things really stand out: first, the personal attention from knowledgeable guides who are passionate about sharing their island’s culinary secrets; second, the variety of experiences, from street markets and pastry bars to vineyard visits and traditional farmhouses. These are the kinds of details that turn a trip into a memorable story. The only potential consideration? The schedule is packed, and some might prefer more free time to explore on their own.

This tour suits travelers who love good food, wine, history, and small-group intimacy. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler eager to understand Sicily beyond the postcard, this journey offers both depth and variety — all wrapped in warmth and authenticity.

Key Points

Personalized Experience: Small groups of no more than eight ensure meaningful interactions with guides and locals.
Culinary Variety: From street markets to farmhouses, enjoy seven curated food experiences, including five lunches and two dinners.
Cultural Highlights: Explore Taormina’s charm, the UNESCO-listed Noto, and Syracuse’s Ortigia with expert guides.
Wine & Land: Taste volcanic wines on Mount Etna and local wines in Syracuse’s wineries, discovering regional differences.
Comfort & Convenience: Stay in well-rated 4-star hotels in prime locations with included airport transfers.
Authentic Encounters: Engage with local farmers, fishermen, bakers, and artisans for genuine Sicilian hospitality.

A Deep Dive into Your Sicilian Food & Wine Adventure

Setting the Scene: An 8-Day Taste of Sicily

This tour promises a balanced mix of culinary exploration, cultural sightseeing, and scenic drives. Starting in Taormina, the jewel of Sicily, you’ll settle into a charming hotel before meeting your local guide for an evening walk. Imagine strolling through cobblestone streets, discovering cozy pastry bars, and sampling fresh seafood — all with a backdrop of Mount Tauro. The experience is designed to introduce you to Sicilian lifestyle in its most authentic form.

Over the next week, you’ll venture into market stalls, family-run wineries, and rustic farmhouses, learning how local ingredients and traditions shape Sicily’s food scene. The tours are thoughtfully paced, balancing guided activities with free time to relax or explore independently.

Day 1: Welcome to Taormina

Your arrival and transfer from Catania Airport set a relaxed tone. The evening’s walk reveals Taormina’s main attractions, all with stories from your guide, Massimo. You’ll stop at a seafood restaurant, a traditional bottega for cheese and wine tasting, and a pastry bar. These stops showcase everything from Sicilian seafood delicacies to sweet treats like cannoli and liquors. Reviewers love how this intro offers a flavorful glimpse into local life; one mentioned it was a perfect way to start because it combines sightseeing with delicious bites.

Day 2: Market & Cooking Class

Mornings begin with a visit to Taormina’s bustling food market, where lively vendors sell everything from fresh fish to ripe vegetables. The highlight? Participating in a hands-on cooking class led by a local chef. You’ll learn how to make homemade pasta, bread, and fish dishes, then enjoy your creations paired with local wines. The interactive element—learning recipes from a Sicilian chef—makes this experience stand out. One traveler noted, “It’s a great way to understand Sicilian cuisine beyond just eating.”

Day 3: Mount Etna & Local Wineries

Out of the touristy center, your guide Massimo takes you up Mount Etna’s slopes, passing through small villages with lava-stone architecture and lush orchards. The visit to an antique family-run winery is a highlight; you’ll walk through cellars and sample volcanic wines with organic Etna appetizers, all with breathtaking views. One reviewer raved that the wines here are distinct from those in Syracuse, adding depth to your understanding of regional differences.

A rustic farmhouse lunch follows, serving seasonal antipasti, homemade pasta, and pastries — a true taste of Sicilian farm life. The drive back to Taormina offers stunning vistas and a sense of the island’s volcanic landscape.

Day 4: Noto & Marzamemi

Traveling south, you’ll explore Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its baroque architecture. Walking through its streets, you can sample Modica chocolate and Sicilian ice cream — two sweet treats beloved by locals. Afterward, the picturesque fishing village Marzamemi provides a relaxed seaside lunch in a family trattoria, where you’ll enjoy fresh seafood with local wines. Reviewers love the blend of cultural sightseeing and culinary pleasures in this day.

Day 5: Syracuse & Ortigia

Settling into Syracuse, your evening walk through Ortigia highlights the town’s monuments and narrow alleys. As you sample fresh fish, Sicilian pastries, and regional wines, your guide shares stories about local customs and history. Many reviews praise how these guided food tours give an authentic taste of daily Sicilian life, not just tourist spots.

Day 6: Wineries & Palermo

The day starts with a visit to a Syracuse countryside winery, structured like a castle. Here, you’ll taste local organic wines, contrasting them with Etna wines, appreciating regional differences. A light lunch with organic products follows, adding a rustic charm. The journey then takes you up to Palermo, where you arrive in the evening for some well-earned relaxation.

Day 7: Palermo Street Food Tour

Your final day explores Palermo’s street food scene on a 3-hour walking tour. You’ll visit Vucciria and Mercato del Capo, tasting iconic treats like panelle (chickpea fritters) and arancini (fried rice balls). The tour explores Palermo’s less glamorous neighborhoods, revealing how street food reflects the city’s resilience and creativity. Many say this is a highlight — immersing you in the lively local atmosphere and flavors.

Day 8: Departure & Reflection

After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Palermo Airport, completing your culinary voyage through Sicily’s vibrant towns and landscapes.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

While the price may seem steep at over $3,000, the value lies in the depth and authenticity of experiences. With all accommodations, most meals, guided tours, and transportation included, you’re not only paying for the destinations but also the expert guidance and carefully curated activities. Several reviewers emphasize how the guides—like Massimo, Antonio, and Stefania—are knowledgeable, personable, and passionate, elevating the entire experience.

The small group size is a significant advantage, fostering a relaxed atmosphere where you can ask questions and connect with fellow food lovers. The inclusion of local wineries, farms, markets, and city walks ensures you get a well-rounded perspective of Sicily’s culinary and cultural landscape.

However, be prepared for a busy schedule with limited free time, as the itinerary packs in many highlights. If you prefer a more leisurely pace or more free exploration, this might be something to consider.

In essence, this tour is ideal for food and wine enthusiasts who want to see Sicily through its cuisine, along with those interested in cultural sights and scenic drives. It offers a comprehensive, immersive experience that balances guided activities with authentic interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included between destinations?
Yes, all ground transport in a Mercedes Minivan with air conditioning is included for the entire tour.

What’s the group size?
You’ll be traveling with a maximum of 8 guests, ensuring personal attention and a cozy atmosphere.

Are airport transfers included?
Yes, your arrival from Catania and departure from Palermo are covered with transfers, making logistics stress-free.

Can I expect guided tours at each stop?
Absolutely. The itinerary features guided walks, winery visits, market tours, and city explorations, all led by local experts.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes seven culinary experiences: five lunches, two dinners, and visits to markets and farms, with many tasting opportunities.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, the small group setting makes it easy for solo travelers to meet others and share a memorable adventure.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
While not explicitly stated, Sicily’s cuisine is quite flexible, and guides are usually accommodating — best to specify during booking.

What is the level of physical activity?
Most activities involve walking and some standing, such as market visits and city sightseeing. It’s suitable for most travelers in good health.

Are the accommodations comfortable?
Yes, all hotel stays are in 4-star hotels in prime locations, offering comfort and convenience.

How far in advance should I book?
Given the small group size, early booking is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

Final Thoughts

This 8-day small-group tour of Sicily expertly combines food, wine, culture, and scenery into a seamless experience. It’s perfect for those who crave authentic interactions, want insider knowledge, and love tasting their way through a land steeped in culinary tradition. With expert guides, intimate groups, and carefully curated experiences, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Sicily’s flavors and a suitcase full of delicious memories.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, authentic, and flavorful way to explore Sicily, this tour is a compelling choice. Just be ready for a busy, fun-packed week that’s as much about connecting with local life as ticking off sightseeing highlights. It’s a trip designed for curious food lovers who want to see the real Sicily—one bite, one glass of wine, and one story at a time.