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.
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.
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.
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.
Receive your Emotional Sicily Welcome Pack and a personalised digital photobook which we will carefully prepare for you.
Due to the worldwide situation related to COVID-19, Digging Deep itinerary, originally planned from 23 to 30 May 2020, will be shifted to dates to be determined.
Visit our Homepage for information on new 2021 dates.
Digging Deep
A Sicilian Journey
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.
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.
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.
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.
Receive your Emotional Sicily Welcome Pack and a personalised digital photobook which we will carefully prepare for you.
Digging Deep
A Sicilian Journey
Is for you if:
You don’t want to miss this unique and exclusive opportunity reserved for only 6 people.
You are looking for an authentic travel experience, where you can connect with locals and be amazed by the Sicilian way of life.
You enjoy sharing your experience with like-minded people.
You aim to support locals, as Emotional Sicily sustains craftsmen empowering the handmade culture with the purpose of preserving it.
You feel delighted to participate in the launch of Emotional Sicily by giving your active contribution, feeling identified with its values, vision and mission.
Your escort
Manila Di Maira
I have created Emotional Sicily inspired by my very personal vision of my homeland. The deep connection with my roots that I have inherited from my family, have strengthened over the years.
Originally from the centre of Sicily, I have been travelling the island far and wide. My intense relationship with my land and culture together with my passion for sharing it with others, allow me to create unique experiences where I accompany you as a friend introducing you to the special people and places we will meet and visit together.
Digging Deep
A Sicilian Journey
ITINERARY
Day 1 – 23 May
Welcome to Sicily – visit Catania
We will meet in the afternoon at Catania where, our local guide, will accompany us in a walking tour of the town that will culminate with an amazing dinner and a plunge into authentic Catania nightlife.
Day 2 – 24 May
Etna hike – wine tasting - Enna
We will reach Etna where Vincenzo, our nature guide, will lead us on a hike of the eastern slopes. After a lunch paired with Etna wine at a historic winery we will move to Enna, where our local guide will accompany us on a relaxed walking tour. For dinner we will have probably the best Arancini in Sicily.
Day 3 – 25 May
Ricotta making – Villa Romana del Casale – Piazza Armerina
We will learn from a local shepherd how to make Ricotta cheese in the traditional way and will taste it still hot with fresh bread and a glass of red wine: the old farmers’ breakfast. We will then move to the majestic Roman Villa del Casale and visit Piazza Armerina, the Medieval town, where we will have our dinner.
Day 4 – 26 May
Caltagirone – Ceramic workshop - Ragusa Ibla
Head to Caltagirone, capital of Sicilian ceramic tradition. The Master Potter, Floridia will welcome us at his workshop and introduce us to a hands-on pottery masterclass. After lunch and a walking tour we will resume the travel to Ragusa. We will have a visit of the Carrettieri workshop. Free evening
Day 5 – 27 May
Ragusa – Cooking Experience – Modica – Chocolate tasting
Our walking tour of Ragusa will end at the old water mill where we will participate in a hands-on cooking class preparing 3 different kinds of fresh pasta. We will then visit Modica and have a delicious chocolate tasting. Free evening.
Day 6 – 28 May
Noto Antica – Cava Carosello hike – Noto – Syracuse
From the top of Noto Antico, we will descend through Cava del Carosello and along the Asinaro River, led by Vincenzo, our nature guide. After a stop at one of the plunge pools to freshen up in its clear water we will have an informal lunch in a natural spot. After a visit of Noto we will resume our trip to Syracuse.
Day 7 – 29 May
Ortygia – Teatro dei Pupi show – last night
Mila, our local guide, will accompany us on a walking tour of Ortygia,Syracuse old town set on an island. Afterwards you will have a free time. In the afternoon we will attend the Opera dei Pupi, the traditional Sicilian marionette theatre and visit the workshop. Be prepared for our last evening together where we will have a special activity.
Day 8 – 30 May
Transfer to Catania Airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Catania Airport, where you will arrive at 12 midday or to Catania city-centre (arrival 12.30 pm). If your flight departs in the afternoon or at night, it is possible to organize an activity for you.
What is included
Practicalities
Accommodation (double room) in unique boutique hotels and country houses (single room occupancy +800€) - All the breakfasts, five lunches, four dinners (not included: 1 lunch and 3 dinners) - All activities, workshops, gastronomic experiences and guided tours by licensed guides, admission fees and city taxes - All the transfers starting from Catania city centre and finishing at Catania airport with a private driver (not included transfer from airport to Catania city centre on arrival). We highly recommend to contract personal travel insurance (not included).