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.
Feel overwhelmed by the exceptional biodiversity of Sicilian unspoiled nature
Discover the enchanting Baroque, enjoy the most remote parts of the island
Be fascinated feeling the intense force of active volcanoes
WHAT
Be surprised by the exceptional biodiversity of Nature in Sicily. Hike through the profound caves covered by luxuriant vegetation. Swim in a deep freshwater plunge pool. Visit the most remote landscapes of the centre of the island and feel overwhelmed by the beauty of the intense blue sea when joining the Aeolian Islands. Stromboli will captivate you with its constant, fascinating, eruptions. Culminating the itinerary, the majestic Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe where you will enjoy the wildest part of the volcano and the spectacular vineyards.
ACTIVITIES
-
Teatro dei Pupi (traditional puppets show)
-
Wine tasting in Noto area
-
Hike Cava Carosello and Pantalica
-
Visit at almonds and lemon farm
-
Off-road trip by 4x4
-
Visit at sulphur mines
-
Boat trip to see Sciara del Fuoco of Stromboli
-
Hike on Stromboli and Vulcano (Aeolian islands)
-
Hike on Etna Volcano
-
Wine tasting at Etna winery
WHERE
An 11-days (10-nights) itinerary to discover the south-east, the centre of Sicily, and the Aeolian islands. Discover the off-the-beaten-path towns of Enna and Piazza Armerina, Castiglione di Sicilia, baroque towns of Siracusa, Noto and Palazzolo Acreide (all World Heritage sites). Hike along the coast of Vendicari, through Cava Carosello and Asinaro Valley and prehistoric Pantalica and Anapo Valley. Hike volcanoes Stromboli, Vulcano and Etna.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
Hand-selected unique boutique hotels
-
English Speaking Local Licensed Guides and Cultural Experts. Naturalistic Guide for Hike.
-
Full Breakfasts Daily; Selected Meals Mentioned as per Itinerary, Including Beverage
-
All Transfers, Trips and Excursions with Private Driver and Air-Conditioned Van (included Departure Airport Transfer)
-
All Listed Activities, Visits, Workshops, Gastronomic Experiences, Winetasting, Boat trip, Entrance Fees, City Taxes, Gratuities Except for Tour Leader
-
Guaranteed Departure with Four Guests
-
Emotional Sicily Welcome Pack
-
24/7 Assistance
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
-
International roundtrip airfare
-
Transportation to the meeting point on first day
-
Meals and beverage not mentioned in the itinerary
-
Hotel incidentals (room service, laundry service, bar tabs)
-
Travel insurance
NATURE
Wild nature and
volcanoes
