Visit to the olive grove, oil tasting and lunch at the farm

Experience the Heart of Sicilian Olive Oil Culture

Imagine wandering through a sun-drenched olive grove in Sicily, surrounded by rows of gnarled trees that have grown here for generations. For about two hours, this tour takes you into the roots of Sicilian tradition, starting at a family-owned olive mill where you’ll see traditional machinery in action. At just $71.15 per person, this experience offers an authentic taste of Sicily’s olive oil heritage, with a warm welcome from the hosts and a chance to learn in an intimate setting.

What we really love about this tour is the opportunity to walk among the olive trees and breathe in the landscape’s history. The highlight? The virtual reality experience that puts you at the center of the harvest, making the process of turning olives into golden oil feel surprisingly immediate. Plus, the included lunch—featuring local cheeses, salami, bruschetta with pesto, and a sweet ricotta or honey dessert—really rounds out the day with a true farm-to-table flavor.

A possible consideration is that private transportation isn’t included**, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to get to the meeting point in Sortino. The tour itself is quite manageable in length and size, making it suitable for most travelers, especially those interested in authentic culinary traditions and rural Sicilian life.

If you’re someone who loves gastronomy, traditional craftsmanship, and scenic landscapes, this tour will suit you perfectly. It’s especially engaging for those eager to see and taste the real Sicily beyond the typical tourist spots.

This experience made our article of What Are The Best Lunch Experiences In Sicily? Our Top 15 Picks.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Visit a family-owned olive mill and walk through the actual olive grove.
• In-Depth Tasting: Sample high-quality extra virgin olive oil and local Sicilian products.
• Interactive Learning: Enjoy a virtual reality experience that makes the harvest process come alive.
• Hearty Lunch: Indulge in a simple yet flavorful farm-to-table meal with wine included.
• Small Group Setting: A maximum of 25 travelers ensures a more personal, engaging experience.
• Good Value: For a little over $70, you get both a cultural experience and a delicious meal.

A Detailed Look at the Olive Oil Tour and Tasting Experience

The journey begins at Terra Surti, a family-run olive oil mill located in the scenic countryside near Sortino. The setting itself is an essential part of the appeal—you’re stepping into a working farm where traditions have been preserved over generations. The hosts greet you warmly, eager to share their love for Sicilian olive oil production.

Once you arrive, the atmosphere feels genuine—no overly commercialized nonsense here. The first part involves a tasting session of their extra virgin olive oil, which is often described as delicious and generous. Such tastings are a fantastic opportunity to understand what makes Sicilian olive oil special: the flavor profiles and the craftsmanship behind every bottle.

The highlight of the tour is the visit to the oil mill, where you’ll see traditional machinery in action. Watching the process of crushing olives and extracting oil brings a new appreciation for the work involved. For a modern twist, the tour also offers a virtual reality experience—an innovative way to follow the harvest from olive to bottle as if you were right there with them under the Sicilian sun. One reviewer, Hilary, noted the tour as “very informative about growing and producing olive oil in Sicily,” appreciating how authentic and comprehensive the experience was.

The scenic walk through the olive grove itself deserves special mention. We loved the way the landscape contributes to the sense of connection with the land and tradition. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for soaking in the aroma of fresh olives and the rustling of leaves.

After the educational part of the tour, the focus shifts to food. The included lunch is a straightforward, tasty affair—bruschetta topped with pesto, local cheeses, salami, and seasonal stuffed pasta. The food is prepared with care, and the local olives and simple bread complement the olive oil tasting beautifully. The dessert—made with ricotta or honey—adds that sweet, creamy finish, and the wine helps wash it all down comfortably.

The entire experience, from the olive grove walk to the lunch, is designed to give you an intimate taste of Sicilian rural life. The small group size (up to 25 travelers) keeps things personal, allowing plenty of time for questions and conversation with the hosts.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The combination of hands-on learning, authentic product tasting, and a home-cooked meal creates a well-rounded experience that’s both educational and enjoyable. Unlike generic tours, this one focuses on local family traditions, which makes it feel more genuine. The virtual reality component is a clever touch, transforming what could be a simple tasting into an immersive experience.

The quality of the food and wine is another highlight, with several reviews praising the generous portions and excellent selection. These details add significant value, especially considering the tour price.

However, a small consideration is the lack of included transportation. Travelers should plan to arrange their own way to the meeting point in Sortino, which might add a bit of logistical planning but also offers flexibility.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for food lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about traditional Sicilian agriculture. It’s ideal if you want a hands-on, small-group experience that combines education, tasting, and scenic beauty. Travelers interested in authentic farm visits and local culinary traditions will find this especially rewarding.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a thoughtfully curated glimpse into Sicily’s olive oil heritage, framed by the stunning landscape and warm hospitality of a family farm. At a reasonable price, you get a well-rounded package: guided insights, interactive elements, a delicious meal, and beautiful scenery. It’s a great choice for those wanting to deepen their understanding of Sicilian culture beyond typical sightseeing.

While it’s not a day-long adventure, the balance of education, taste, and scenery makes it a meaningful highlight of any trip to Sicily. Perfect for travelers who appreciate authentic, local experiences and want to enjoy Sicily’s culinary bounty in a relaxed, intimate setting.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, private transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point in Sortino.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately two hours.

What is included in the price?
You get a guided visit to the olive mill, tastings of extra virgin olive oil and other local products, and a lunch with wine.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, making it suitable for families and individuals alike.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 25 travelers, ensuring a personal experience.

What kind of food is served during lunch?
A simple, flavorful meal featuring local cheeses, salami, bruschetta with pesto, stuffed pasta, and a ricotta or honey-based dessert.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled tour.

What makes the virtual reality experience special?
It allows you to live the harvest process as if you were there, providing a more immersive understanding of olive oil production.

Are the tour guides knowledgeable?
Yes, the hosts are passionate and eager to share their family traditions and expertise.

How does the price compare to similar experiences?
Considering the guided tour, tastings, and full meal, the price offers good value for an authentic Sicilian experience.

This tour is a delightful way to connect with Sicily’s agricultural roots and enjoy some of the finest local flavors. Whether you’re a culinary lover, a history buff, or simply seeking an authentic Sicilian adventure, it’s a well-priced, memorable experience worth considering.