Our Taste of Sicily tour is our flagship tour. This is the tour that started it all. Long time connections collided with a desire to create authentic experiences – the result a tour that sells out every year.
If you are looking to see more than just the sights. If you are interested in delving deeper, meeting locals and getting a real taste of Sicily, this tour is for you. While the food and wine of Sicily play a central part of our 11 days in Sicily we will take in the history, culture, architecture and landscape.
“The Taste of Sicily tour was an absolute delight! Vicki was an outstanding guide — knowledgeable, engaging, and genuinely passionate about sharing the local culture. She introduced us to small producers creating incredible food with such pride and heart. The whole experience felt authentic and memorable — a true taste of Sicily!” – Sue, Taste of Sicily 2025
Highlights
We will –
- Wander through the markets of Palermo with a local enjoying some of the best street food in the world.
- Roll up our sleeves and cook local specialty busiate alla trapanese in the hilltop town of Erice.
- Join a local chef in his kitchen to learn to make the quintessential Sicilian dish, caponata, while taking in the magical view in Modica.
- Whiz around the tiny streets of Modica in fiat bambinas
- Visit the ancient salt pans of Marsala
- Enjoy the magnificent Greek ruins of Agrigento as the sun sets
- We will eat the original Cannoli from a convent in Palermo, traditional pastries in Erice, the best almond granita in Noto, panini in the market of Ortigia and couscous with locals in Trapani. We will enjoy fresh hazelnuts, olive oil and some of the best wine around.
- Spend a day out on Mt Etna with locals discovering hazelnuts, olives, cheese, grapes and more.
- Raise a cocktail admiring the view in Taormina
When
Our Annual Taste of Sicily tour runs mid-September every year. This is the perfect time! The weather is still warm (25-29C) but not stifling like the 40C in August.
From 2027 we will also be scheduling a tour in June. Again, the weather is perfect with temperatures in the mid 20s
The shoulder seasons also mean less crowds than in July and August.
Itinerary
Day 1- Palermo
Our tour kicks off with an aperitivo overlooking the skyline of Palermo. After introductions we will head to a private palazzo for an introduction to Sicilian wines.
Day 2- Palermo
Today we explore the heart of Palermo via its bustling markets with a local. We’ll discover the history of why Palermo is world famous for its street food, from arancino to cannoli, sfincione to panelle to name a few.
Click here to read more about what and where to eat in Palermo
Day 3 – Trapani
Today we head to the charming hilltop town of Erice. Here we will visit a converted convent an learn to make a local dish.
After lunch we will wander around town before enjoying a café and local pasties from the wonderful Maria Grammatico (made famous by the book Bitter Almonds https://www.mariagrammatico.it/)
Dinner is in Trapani, our base for the next 2 nights and we are in for a treat. Hidden in the back streets is a local favourite serving the best couscous in town.
Day 4 – Trapani
Today you are in for a treat. We head to Marsala to learn about the ancient art of making salt. We then take a short boat ride to Mozia Island for a picnic lunch. This was where the Phoenicians first settled in Sicily and is now a living museum and archaeological site.
In the afternoon we head to our friend Pietro. We will wander through his vineyard before heading to his winery and home to explore his sprawling garden while enjoying fabulous wine and more!
Day 5 – Mandranova
As we head to Agrigento we will stop off to taste and discover local treasures like Marsala wine and Castelvetrano olives.
Our base for the next two nights is Mandranova resort a working olive and almond farm.
We will arrive in time for you to settle in and enjoy a swim or stroll before a beautiful dinner under the stars with produce from their own garden.
Day 6 – Mandranova
We are halfway through the tour so today is yours to rest and relax. Lunch is a casual affair cooked by me.
Mid afternoon we will head to the Valley of the Temples where we will meet our local guide to learn about the magnificent ancient site. Valley of the Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most outstanding examples of ancient Greek architecture in the Mediterranean world.
Day 7 – Modica
This morning, we head to Modica to discover the unique local chocolate. After lunch we will get our thrills speeding around the tiny streets of Modica in the quintessential Italian Fiat Bambina.
Dinner is a magical affair in the hills of Modica enjoying the twinkling lights below. We will begin by joining the chef in their kitchen to learn more about caponata.
Day 9 – Modica
Today we visit a working water mill, grinding flour to make our lunch just as it has for centuries. + we visit a buffalo farm and enjoy the results – mozzarella cheese
Day 8 – Taormina
Today we continue further into the beautiful baroque towns, first stop Noto. We will stop for café and granita at the famous Café Sicilia.
Then we head to Ortigia where we will enjoy the best panini ever in the bustling market.
After wandering around the gorgeous town we will head to our final stop for the tour, Taormina
Day 9 – Taormina
Locals Chris and Barbara are showing us around their hometowns and the fertile Mount Etna. We will visit their hazelnut farm, meet local olive oil makers, a local cheese maker. We will lunch a winery and enjoy granita .
Day 10 – Taormina
Our time in Sicily is nearly over. Today we head to Catania to enjoy the vibrant sights as well as the market where we will pick up beautiful local produce for our final dinner together.
The afternoon is free to enjoy Taormina before we meet for our family style dinner.
Day 11 – Home
Time to say arrivederci.
“This food tour to Sicily whetted the appetite from the outset. This is a tour that I would love to do again, with a family group and again with groups of friends. Having said that, I have made some very special new friends that I have already continued contact with. The stunning history, the surprising (and gruesome stories), the buildings, the challenges of roaring around harrowingly narrow streets in a Fiat Bambina, the markets, the food, the wineries, the people, all put together made the most magic tour. The range of experiences were unique from the amazing salt farm (one of my favourites) to wining and dining in a palazzo, Mt Etna, everything formed an absolutely unforgettable experience. Vicki and her team were the ‘icing on the cake.’ we could not have had a more fun, inclusive and experienced team. There will be people queueing to be part of the 2024 tour.” – Kathy Colville, Taste of Sicily 2023
What’s included.
- Welcome drink on the first night, cocktail in Taormina.
- Daily breakfast
- 9 lunches (often including wine!)
- 7 Dinners, including wine.
- Local Sicilian Guides + Kiwi host
- 3 cooking classes
- 3 winery visits and tastings
- Local delicacies including Chocolate of Modica, Marzipan of Erice, Arancini of Palermo, Granita of Noto, and more.
- 3 food market visits
- 3 UNESCO Sites visits (one with expert local tour guide) and 1 National Park visit.
- Transfer from Taormina to Catania (airport or train station)
Not Included
- Flights
- Transfer from Palermo airport
- Tips
Optional extras
- Additional night in Palermo before the tour
- Trip to Morreale
- Excursion to Scala dei Turchi
“Wow what a way to explore Sicily – The small and intermit nature of the trip made it extra special. A perfect way to explore the island of Sicily with passionate knowledgeable local guide, supremely organized tour leaders and equally passionate adventurers and foodies. Be prepared for an action-packed week that really does showcase the diverse landscape and cultural offerings of Sicily.” – Mandy Jarvis, Taste of Sicily 2023
Accommodation
We have cherry picked accommodation that combines great location (think the heart of Palermo and Taormina) with authentic Sicilian hospitality (like Mandranova resort).
At each stop we spend 2 nights so you can enjoy the space, towns and enjoy a leisurely pace to travel.
“For a foodie and someone who loves to understand the history of places and people, the Nourish Taste of Sicily tour was an awesome experience. Ten days of learning and experiencing wines, regional dishes including a range of variations of the well-known caponata, confectionaries, olives, olive oils, cheeses, salt, chocolate, colazione (breakfast – foods to die for), the history of 4000 years of civilization, Greek temples, cathedrals, impact of the earthquake in 1673, Mt Etna with not one but two extraordinary guides who knew how to infect us with their love of Sicily and its people.” Marijke van Basten Batenburg, Taste of Sicily 2024
Group size
Taste of tours specialises in small group tours. We limit guests to 12.
This allows us to enjoy meals in local restaurants and cafes. No flag waving guides or audio commentary, you can actually ask our guides or host questions.
Activity Level
While you don’t need to be super fit to enjoy our Taste of Sicily tour a certain level of mobility is required.
Several Sicilian towns are pedestrianized, which means vehicle access is limited. The truth is you can’t see and enjoy what is on offer any other way but on foot.
Our suggestion is you should be able to walk 10,000 steps in a day. If you have concerns or mobility issues, please discuss this with us and we will let you know if we think you can still enjoy the tour.
Packing tips
- Battery pack – it’s hot and you will be taking a lot of photos, both drain your battery so be prepared!
- A light scarf – while churches may not be everyone’s cup of tea churches often offer a window into history, art and architecture. A scarf on standby means you can enter respectfully if dressed for a hot Sicilian day.
- A reusable water bottle. The water is drinkable in most of Sicily, so do the planet a favour and use a reusable water bottle.
- Comfortable shoes – there is nothing worse than sore feet. The cobbled streets of Sicily can be harder on your feet than normal so make sure you come prepared and comfortable.
Check out more of my tips here https://tasteoftours.com/2025/08/03/top-ten-travel-tips/
What our guests have said
“Loved it, Vicki. We had so many different experiences and tastings which I would never have experienced on an individual trip.” – Ngaire Wilkinson, Taste of Sicily 2023
“There is something great about a small group of kiwis, somewhere in the world, enjoying a country and its experiences from the security of their group.
Sicily was all about DOP, and boy did we get a good taste. I so appreciated that we were on a food trip, but Rosario made sure we appreciated the historical context of the island and the wonderful food stories that came out of that history. Think of those salt pans, dating back to 2 centuries before Christ!” – Andra Neeley, Taste of Sicily 2023
“Trip of a lifetime! The repartee, knowledge humour, respect was perfect. Nothing seemed to be too much so that at all times I felt included and valued. Superb!” – Kathy Colville, Taste of Sicily 2023
“Vicki’s local knowledge was great and her expertise in all matters food and wine related added another level.
This is a tour that opens up experiences not normally available due to the knowledge of the local guide. So many wonderful experiences.” – Kay Schulda, Taste of Sicily 2023
“The Taste of Sicily Tour Oct 23 was fabulous. The history, ancient buildings, great food and wine and weather, people and culture made for such an amazing trip. I’d highly recommend!” – Pip Purvis, Taste of Sicily 2023
“I felt extremely well looked after, and you all certainly went that extra mile for us each day.”– Kathy Ashby, Taste of Sicily 2023
“Vicki’s love of food came through in every conversation we had, and I envy her doing what she does……although I am sure I would come home waddling like a duck having tried all the wonderful food on offer.” – Linda, Taste of Sicily Tour 2024
“Vicki was an understated tour guide who knew her stuff on foods and the ways of Sicilians – loved her infectious laugh and storytelling.”- Marijke van Basten Batenburg, Taste of Sicily 2024
“A trip of a lifetime! Amazing fun filled days, superb meals, wines and oils, educational tours, fun and time to relax, all thrown into one package. Vicki’s enthusiasm for food, wine and travel is incredible, and she shares it with everyone. A trip where strangers become friends.” Jennie Gallagher, Taste of Sicily 2024
FAQ
I’m travelling solo, what are my options?
More than half our guests a solo travelers. If you are travelling alone our tours are a great way to meet likeminded travelers.
If you want your own space paying a single supplement will mean you have your own room.
If you are an easy-going traveler and happy to share, we can introduce you to other solo guests to see if you would get on. We leave the decision to you if you want to share.
What is the average age of travelers?
Our youngest guests was 24, our oldest 85. The majority of our guests are aged between 55-75 years old.
As they say age is just a number, and like life the real requirement is a great attitude!
What fitness level do I need?
While we don’t go on any hikes or walk miles each day, we are on our feet a lot as the best way to see the towns of Sicily is on foot. Cobbled streets and the heat can also take their toll.
With this said we are here to help you enjoy your time so please let us know before booking if you have any mobility issues so we can keep this in mind and offer alternatives when we think it best.
What’s Included?
A lot! This is a food tour, so we include almost all your meals, and this includes wine at lunch and dinner. All the activities listed are included as well as local guides, a Kiwi host, air-conditioned transport, 4-star accommodation and a few surprises.
What’s not included?
Flights, travel insurance, tips and transfers to Palermo from the airport.
How do I book?
Fill out the booking form here. https://tasteoftours.com/book/
As soon as the tour meets its min number, we will be in touch along with an invoice for your deposit (25% non-refundable). Once the deposit has been paid your place is secured.
The balance for the tour is due 0 days before the tour begins.
If you would like to set up a payment plan please let us know and we can break the tour cost into monthly or weekly instalments.
How do I get there?
The tour begins in Palermo. Palermo airport is well connected to Europe. From NZ the most direct route is via Rome, from where it is approx. an hour’s flight.
Palermo airport is around 1 hour from the city. You can catch a train from the airport or more conveniently a taxi. My recommendation is to book a transfer which is usually a little cheaper than a taxi.
Our tour begins at 5pm. It is our advice that you fly in by midday at the latest if arriving on the day the tour begins. Alternatively, you can arrive the day before and we can organise an additional night’s accommodation for you along with some tips on what to see and do.
The tour ends in Taormina. We will organise a transfer for you that morning to Catania, either the airport or central train station.
Can I extend my stay?
Of course! This is your holiday.
We often have tours that connect either our Taste of Puglia tour in September or our Taste of Emilia Romagna tour or our Taste of Malta in June.
Or if you want to, we can give you some tips on nearby destinations like the wonderful Cefalu or maybe beautiful Malta.
I’m gluten free, is this an issue?
No! If your gluten free diet is a lifestyle choice, we think you will be surprised that the gluten (pasta and bread) in Sicily do not have the same effect on your body as they do in NZ. In fact, every one of our clients who have said they were gluten free ended up enjoying everything the group did. Having said that it is your body and your choice, and we can definitely ensure gluten free alternatives for you.
I’m vegetarian, is this a problem?
No! In fact, Sicily is the best part of Italy for vegetarians to travel. You will love the produce driven cuisine!
Do you organise private tours of Sicily?
Yes. We love Sicily and love showing people around. Give us a call or email to discuss the options.
