Sicily Food & Traditions

Palermo, Madonie Natural Park, The Temple Valley & Cefalù

8 nights

Embark on this women-only tour to Sicily, a journey inside the most authentic soul of Sicily.

We’ll meet the local people, dine with them , learn about their work and take a deep dive into the ancestral traditions of the island.

Embark on this journey to discover the enchanting world of Parco delle Madonie, where women artisans are not only the guardians of tradition but also the torchbearers of empowerment, sustainability, and creativity.  Their crafts tell stories of resilience, heritage, and timeless beauty of this remarkable region.

Let them inspire and empower you.

Itinerary

Day 1: Palermo Stroll & Welcome Dinner in Local cook’s House

  • You’ll arrive at Palermo airport where our driver will meet you and take you to the hotel 4* centrally located.

  • After some time to relax and refresh, we’ll meet all together and start our Sicilian adventure.

  • Our local guide will introduce you to Palermo through a pleasant walk in the center of the city. Palermo is the city of contrasts. In order to appreciate its beauty, it’s necessary to tolerate its flaws. The strong personality of the citizens, the colors of the churches, the smell of the open-air markets and the story of the traditions make Palermo unique in the world.

  • Then our group will be hosted by a passionate local cook at her house for an evening of wine and chatter. She will prepare a delicious dinner and introduce you to authentic Sicilian cooking. You will sit together around the table and share food, stories and laughter – all the right ingredients to start our holiday at the best!

Day 2: Local Markets & Street Food Tour

  • Today accompanied by our local guide you’ll get into the real soul of Palermo: the food markets.
  • The tradition of Sicilian open-air markets constitutes a legacy dating back to the 9th century Arabic period when they were crucial points for the trade established between the East and West of the Mediterranean area.
  • These crowded and noisy places, surrounded by an incredible artistic heritage are the heart of the city: the vibrant colors of the vegetables, the fish freshly arrived from the nearby sea, the fragrances of genuine street food together with vendors, local people and visitors are an incredible melting pot that will make this experience a unique dive into humanity!
  • Here you’ll have the chance to taste the Sicilian gastronomy at the Vucciria market, famous for its street food vendors active from the morning till late night.

Day 3: Monreale, Cefalù & Sicilian dinner in old granary

  • Today reach Monreale and visit its sumptuous Duomo in Arab-Norman style. The magnificence of the golden mosaics, decorating the inside, will leave you absolutely astonished.We will conclude the visit with a pleasant stroll into the elegant Benedictine monastery cloister of the XII century, enriched by inlaid columns and sculptured capitals.
  • Proceed towards the Madonie area. Visit to Cefalù, an amazing medieval fisherman village on the coast where you can enjoy a walk on the seaside and take your time for a fish lunch.
  • Arrival at an eco-boutique hotel immersed in the nature of Madonie Natural park.
    Enjoy a dinner in the restaurant set in an old granary.

Day 4: Activity in nature and cooking class

  • Today you will be involved in a funny hands-on activity in nature. We’ll discover the authentic flavours of the Sicilian land working in harmony with the seasons, at an old farmhouse in the heart of the Sicilian countryside.
  • Depending on the period (from June to September) we’ll experience the tomatoes harvest, cherries pick up, vegetables gathering or a walk through the golden wheat field.
    You will be greeted by one themed cocktail , then time to make our experience in nature and then a themed cooking class will await you.

Day 5: Piazza Armerina & Villa Romana del Casale with wine tasting

  • The roman mosaic town Villa del Casale is a Roman villa which represents one of the biggest and best preserved roman mosaic surfaces in the world. In 1997 with its 3500 mq of mosaics, became a UNESCO world heritage site. we’ll discover it with an expert local guide.
  • On the way we’ll stop in a local winery for a wine tasting accompanied by local specialities.

Day 6: Agrigento Temple Valley, Cannolo making and Lunch in cook’s private home

  • Today start your day visiting the town of Favara. You will be welcomed by a local female chef in the central piazza who will take you for a pleasant walk in the city centre discovering the Castle and the pictoresque alleys.
  • You’ll then reach one of the oldest pastry shops in Favara for a yummy stop: you will learn how to fill a cannolo like a true Sicilian and experience its fragrant and juicy taste.
  • Let’s proceed our walk till our chef’s private home to enjoy a typical lunch all together. The dessert will be freshly prepared in front of you.
  • Later in the afternoon, reach Agrigento to visit the Temples Valley escorted by our expert guide.
  • Back to your charming country hotel.

Day 7: Madonie Natural park,The women behind the crafts & pottery workshop

  • Nestled in the heart of Sicily, the Parco delle Madonie is not only a breathtaking natural wonder but also a hub of creativity and craftsmanship. Within this enchanting landscape, we celebrate the talented women artisans who have not only preserved traditional art forms but have also empowered themselves through their skills and ingenuity.
  • A journey into the most authentic Sicily made of stories, traditions, and crafts from pottery and weaving to lace-making and jewelry design. Learn about the techniques passed down through generations and how they continue to evolve with modern influences.
  • Departure for Polizzi Generosa to visit Roberta, a producer of the special fagioli badda.
  • And Giovanni, an artisan ceramicist, here you’ll hand paint a traditional tile.
  • Rustic lunch at a local salumeria.

Day 8: Regenerating massage, Farewell Dinner in the Fields with Moon & Stars gazing* 

  • For our last day in Italy we’ve looked for the perfect blend of relaxation, nature, and culinary delight. An experience that will leave you rejuvenated, inspired, and grateful for the beauty of the world around you.
  • We’ll start in the morning with a relaxing massage to regenerate body and mind. Rest of the day to enjoy the nature around you.
  • But the journey doesn’t end there. You’ll find yourself in a truly magical place for an exclusive sunset dinner in the fields of gold, an experience unlike any other. Picture this: you’re surrounded by a vast wheat field, the golden grains swaying gently in the breeze. The sun is setting, casting a warm and inviting glow over the landscape. The atmosphere is nothing short of enchanting.
  • As you take your seat at a beautifully set table, you’re greeted with the finest culinary delights and a selection of exquisite wines. Every bite is a burst of flavor, every sip a celebration of the senses. You’re dining immersed in nature itself, and it’s a feast not just for your taste buds but for your soul.
  • This is a multi-sensory experience like no other, a true escape from the ordinary. You’re immersed in the colors of the night, the sounds of nature, and the beauty of the starlit sky. It’s a moment to cherish, a memory to hold onto and the perfect way to end your trip.
    *from June to September

Day 9: Departure and Arrivederci!

  • Private transfer to Palermo Airport for departure. Arrivederci!

Good to know

  • 9 days/8 nights
  • Nearest airport: Palermo

Trip vibes

  • fun & relax with your group of closest girl friends

Best time to go

  • from June till September

What to bring

  • A straw hat
  • Sunglasses & Sun protection
  • Comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll explore various towns and nature areas.
  • Lightweight and breathable clothing, such as cotton or linen, to stay comfortable in the Mediterranean climate.
  • Dressy outfit for special dinners

What to expect

  • Immerse yourself in a sensory journey through Sicilian gastronomy with a visit to local markets and a street food tour
  • Meet the locals, share stories and feel at home
  • Get hands-on with a nature-inspired activity, such as harvesting tomatoes or cherries, followed by a themed cooking class in the heart of the Sicilian countryside.
  • Indulge in a magical farewell dinner amidst a wheat field, under the stars, with exquisite cuisine and wines, creating unforgettable memories

What you get

R

Accomodation

2 nights in Palermo, boutique hotel
6 nights in Madonie Natural Park, eco boutique-hotel

 

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Meals

  • all breakfasts
  • welcome dinner in Palermo
  • street food at local markets on day 2
  • Dinner in old granary on day 3
  • Lunch on day 4
  • Wine tasting in historic winery with local specialities on day 5
  • Lunch at chef’s home on day 6
  • Rustic lunch on day 7
  • Farewell dinner in the fields on day 8
R

TRANSFERS

  • private transfers during the whole tour
R

GUIDED EXCURSIONS & EXPERIENCES

  • As per programme
Q

not included

  • International flights
  • Local city taxes (to be paid on the spot)
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance (suggested)

Price on request, suitable for a small group up to 15 pax

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