Sip of Sicily
Grapetrotters Grand Wine Tour of the Island October 2024
Indulge in "A Sip of Sicily," the quintessential journey tailored for wine and food enthusiasts. Over six full days, we'll traverse the island from west to east, pausing at its most iconic wineries while immersing ourselves in the rich history and culture of this magnificent destination. Our accommodations in wine resorts and boutique hotels will provide a delightful backdrop as we savor delicacies and sip our way from the port of Marsala to the lofty heights of the Etna volcano.
Arrival – Sunday, October 13, 2024
FIRST WINE TOUR & WELCOME DINNER
Arrive and settle into our initial accommodation, conveniently located just 10 minutes from the Trapani airport in the afternoon. We gather for an enlightening winery tour, followed by a tasting experience extending through dinner, showcasing the distinctive flavors of typical dishes from the Western region of Sicily.
Monday, October 14, 2024
ERICE & MARSALA
After breakfast, our journey commences with a visit to the medieval village of Erice. You'll have a bit of free time to leisurely stroll, capture some photographs, meander through the charming streets, and marvel at the incredible views.
Next, we make our way to one of Sicily's distinguished wineries for an enriching wine tour and a delightful wine-pairing lunch featuring the finest wines of the estate alongside Sicilian delicacies.
In the afternoon, our exploration leads us to a more intimate winery specializing in the production of the fortified wines that have made Marsala renowned. Here, we'll delve deep into the nuances of these exceptional wines.
Following a brief period of relaxation, the evening unfolds with a tapas-style dinner back at the hotel.
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
LUNCH AT WINERY & SELINUNTE
Before bidding farewell to Marsala, our journey takes us to yet another renowned winery, celebrated for its revival and creation of extraordinary Marsala wines. We then set our course for Castelvetrano. En route, we pause at a winery nestled in a natural park, distinguished for crafting a dessert wine from Grillo grapes. Here, a delightful lunch awaits, perfectly paired with the winery's offerings.
Following our vineyard interlude, we venture to the Selinunte archaeological park, where we amble amidst ancient temples and ruins. Our knowledgeable guide will illuminate Sicily's ancient history during this captivating exploration.
Our destination for the next two nights is a green resort. Here, we'll relish an extraordinary dinner with a panoramic view of the vineyards and the sea.
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
INTERNATIONAL GRAPES IN SICILY
Our journey leads us inland to the Planeta winery, where the Sicilian wine revolution began with the revelation of the potential of international grapes for high-quality viticulture. The surroundings are captivating, and we'll engage in a guided tour and tasting, culminating in a delightful lunch at the winery.
We visit to an olive mill, delving into the diverse Sicilian olive varieties and the intricate world of olive oil production. Subsequently, we visit to an olive mill, delving into the diverse Sicilian olive varieties and the intricate world of olive oil production.
Upon returning to the wine relais, the afternoon unfolds with opportunities for relaxation, including a leisurely stroll through the vineyards and savoring the splendid location of the resort.
As the day transitions into evening, we gather for another delightful dinner, accompanied by a tasting of additional wines.
Thursday, October 17, 2024
CERASUOLO DI VITTORIA & RAGUSA
We conclude our stay at the hotel and journey southeastward to explore the unique DOCG Cerasuolo di Vittoria, the island's only designation of origin with this prestigious status. Our visit takes us to a winery that has left an indelible mark on the region's history and currently stands as a pioneer in biodynamic practices on the island. A delightful lunch awaits, featuring the exquisite wines crafted by the winery.
Post-lunch, we proceed to the charming city of Ragusa, where our accommodations await in a distinctive hotel set within a former convent.
For dinner, the evening is yours to savor in beautiful Ragusa, offering a plethora of dining options, including one of Sicily's most esteemed restaurants.
Friday, October 18, 2024
BAROQUE EAST: MODICA, NOTO & TAORMINA
We bid farewell to our hotel and make our way to the nearby town of Modica, where we pay a special visit to Sicily's oldest chocolate maker.
Satisfying our sweet tooth, we proceed to Noto, the southeastern part of Sicily, to explore a charming winery showcasing the rich flavors of the local Nero d'Avola grape. A delightful homecooked tapas lunch, expertly paired with the winery's offerings, awaits us.
Our journey continues with a stop in the Baroque town of Noto for a leisurely stroll before heading northeast to Taormina. Finally, we reach our accommodation nestled on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, where we will spend the last two nights. The evening unfolds with a Sicilian dinner at our inn.
Saturday, October 19, 2024
CHEESE & NORTHERN ETNA WINE TOUR
On our final day, we explore a cheese maker located on Mount Etna, indulging in a delightful Sicilian cheese tasting. By midday, our journey takes us to a picturesque winery on the north side of the volcano, where we partake in a delightful wine-pairing lunch.
The afternoon is reserved for relaxation and packing back at our enchanting inn. As the day draws to a close, we gather for a farewell toast to a week filled with unforgettable experiences on the incredible island of Sicily, bidding arrivederci to our newfound wine companions.
Sunday, October 20, 2024
TRANSFER & ARRIVEDERCI
As our journey concludes, following breakfast, our shuttle will transport us to Catania airport at approximately 10 am. If you're extending your travels, you have the option to take a short shuttle or taxi into the city of Catania.
What's included
7 nights in winery resort or boutique hotels with ensuite bathrooms and breakfast every morning.
Private bus with driver for 3 full days
6 light lunches, and 6 dinners (only 1 dinner on your own - in Ragusa)
8 winery visits with tastings
Food tours at artisans such as chocolate makers, cheese makers, olive mills
Guided walking tour of Selinunte Archeological park
City lodging visitor tax (called Tassa di soggiorno)
Grape Tours' tour leader (Rebecca Christophersen Gouttenoire - Italian Wine Scholar)
Not included
Airfare & travel to and from starting/departure point.
Drinks at meals unless host-ordered
Entry to any museums, historical sites unless noted
Personal charges, laundry, phone calls, internet, mini fridge consumed items
Travel Insurance
Gratuities for maids, baggage handlers, drivers or guides
Other trip details
🗓️ When? 13 - 20 October 2024 - fall in Sicily is beautiful!
🌍 Where? We start in the Western part (fly into Trapani - connections from all major airports of Italy and some European cities) and end on the East coast (fly out of Catania - larger airport with many destinations)
🎟️ Limited Spaces Available! Reserve your spot for an unforgettable journey.
Pricing
All-inclusive cost per person (based on double room occupancy): 4800 euro
(single occupancy 5400 euro/p.p.)