ARTS & CRAFTS
Traditions of Sicily
FOOD & WINE
To the roots
5-12 June 2021
Be one of the six Digging Deep Voyagers who will have the unique opportunity to explore Sicily through A Sicilian Journey, at a very special reduced price for a one and only experience.
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Connect with locals discovering Sicilian traditions, with the craftsmen in their workshops, making your own piece of ceramic, attending the Teatro dei Pupi show and visiting the workshop where the marionettes are crafted.
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Explore the nature and feel overwhelmed by the dramatic landscape of the Etna volcano or by the luxuriant Cava Carosello natural reserve where you can have a swim in one of the deep freshwater plunge pools.
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Imagine the scent of wild herbs and inebriating orange blossom, while indulging in a delicious meal served at a farmer’s table or prepared by you at a special hands-on cooking class. Make Ricotta cheese in the traditional way with a local shepherd and rejoice in a tasting of splendid wines on the slopes of Etna.
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Receive your Emotional Sicily Welcome Pack and a personalised digital photobook which we will carefully prepare for you.
Participate in amazing hands-on workshops side by side with expert craftsmen
Take a step back in time immersing yourself into local traditions
Be delighted by sublime artisanal food
WHAT
The multi-cultural legacy of Sicily’s history has clearly coloured the diversity of its craftsmanship. You will be impressed by traditional pottery and basketry techniques, refined Baroque engravings, folk music and dance, the magic of Teatro dei Pupi, and, of course, amazing artisanal food.
ACTIVITIES
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Teatro dei Pupi show and workshop
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Visit at Olive Grove and oil tasting
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Pottery, basketry and stonecutter workshops
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Chocolate tasting
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Private house cooking experience
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Folk dance and frame drumming show
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Visit at a traditional boatyard
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Workshop medieval music insstruments
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Wine tasting at Etna winery
WHERE
This 12-days (11 nights) itinerary develops entirely in the East of Sicily, visiting the charming towns of Siracusa, Ragusa, Catania and Caltagirone (World Heritage sites), the fisherman’s village Aci Trezza, the Natural Marine Reserve Riviera Ciclopi, the small mountain villages Palazzolo Acreide and Buscemi, concluding with a hike on Etna volcano and the visit of Castiglione di Sicilia and Medieval town of Randazzo.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
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Day 1 - Montalbano Elicona - Welcome to the Nebrodi mountainsLet yourself be seduced by the medieval hamlet of Montalbano Elicona, nestled in the Nebrodi park. You will walk down the streets of the hamlet and observe the row of small houses in sandstone built along an uphill slope that leads to the castle, situated in the highest area of the village. You will visit the Cathedral and the majestic castle of Frederick II where he established his residence in 1300. Then you will taste the rich local cuisine in one of the trattorie of the hamlet.
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Day 2 - Argimusco and Bosco di Malabotta - Immersion in nature by e-bikeExplore the surroundings on an e-bike along with your guide. The sight of the mysterious megaliths of the Argimusco area with anthropomorphic and zoomorphic characteristics will take you back to a time far away in which it was chosen as a magical place to carry out sacred rituals and contemplate the vastness of the sky. You will continue your visit towards the splendid woods of Malabotta, one of the oldest in Sicily. A bag lunch will be prepared with local specialities.
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Day 3 - Farm Experience at Roccella ValdemoneLeave Montalbano behind and ride your e-bike down the Nebrodi mountains towards the Valle dell’Alcantara. Upon reaching the farmstead, the owners will welcome you to tell you about the territory and the fertile valley. You will get to know the local varieties of olives and grapes and taste oil and wine produced in this farmstead. A moment of welcome and communion around a set table will complete the experience. You will continue the journey down in the valley and you will reach your accommodation.
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Day 4 - Jeep ride and trekkink on Etna 2850 altitude and button craters of 2002Once again on your e-bike, you will cross the pine forest of Ragabo to reach Piano Provenzana, the starting point to explore the North and South-East summit craters. By jeep, you will be accompanied to the volcanological observatory situated at 2850 meters above sea level. Along the way, among ancient craters and lava flows, you can admire the locations of scenographic volcanic eruptions and the majestic panorama of the coast. After the excursion you will reach the nearby mountain refuge to savor the typical dishes of the area.
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Day 5 - Sartorius button-lined craters: Trekking + Lunch with Etna wine masterclassFeast your eyes on a naturalistic marvel: the Sartorius button-lined craters, with its extinct craters and its birch woods with white trunks. At the end of the trek, prepare for an exquisite lunch in a garden accompanied by a masterful lesson on Etna wines. You can enjoy the breathtaking panorama on the Ionian Sea and on the vineyards.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
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Hand-selected unique boutique hotels
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English Speaking Local Licensed Guides and Cultural Experts. Naturalistic Guide for Hike.
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Full Breakfasts Daily; Selected Meals Mentioned as per Itinerary, Including Beverage
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All Transfers, Trips and Excursions with Private Driver and Air-Conditioned Van (included Departure Airport Transfer)
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All Listed Activities, Visits, Workshops, Gastronomic Experiences, Winetasting, Boat Tour, Entrance Fees, City Taxes, Gratuities Except for Tour Leader
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Guaranteed Departure with Four Guests
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Emotional Sicily Welcome Pack
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24/7 Assistance
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
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International roundtrip airfare
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Transportation to the meeting point on first day
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Meals and beverage not mentioned in the itinerary
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Hotel incidentals (room service, laundry service, bar tabs)
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Travel insurance
