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Come with us to Eastern Sicily for the adventure of a lifetime exploring the island's ancient and Baroque past. Discover vibrant, exciting towns and landscapes, meet the locals and enjoy experiences that you’ll keep in your heart forever.
Eastern Sicily is a heady combination of history, culture, local tastes, brilliant wine and artisan crafts passed down by generations. And of course, remarkable people. Our tour itinerary takes you to many of the island’s classic highlights. Plus, of course,, we uncover a myriad of hidden secrets. From breathtaking Taormina to the slopes of Mount Etna and charming Ortigia, you’ll experience ancient ruins, magical landscapes and the ultimate in Sicilian hospitality.
Our group trips are small and intimate. With a maximum of 10 guests on tour, we can enjoy more intimate settings and personal experiences than is possible with larger groups.
Leading our Sicilian immersion, your host Olivia is an Australian woman who has lived in Italy for 3 years. After spending several years living and working in the northern Piedmont region, she now lives in Rome. Olivia has a huge love for the land of la dolce vita, cooking, food and wine. She has spent the last few years learning Italian (not to mention some Piemontese dialect!), immersing herself in the culture, and working on organic farms, wineries and agriturismi across Italy. Check out Olivia's adventures in Italy on her Instagram @livguine
Sicily's second largest city, Catania, is a vibrant hub of contrasts. Visit the famous fish market to observe centuries' old traditions and stalls showcasing the catch of the day and admire the resplendent Baroque architecture - from churches to palazzi. Saint Agatha is the city's patron saint and there are buildings and items of devotion to her on every street corner. Of course, looming in the distance, Mt Etna is omnipresent and simply beautiful.
Sicilian food is fun, fresh and full of seasonal goodness from the surrounding hills and sea. We make sure you try the tastiest dishes - from street food like arancini and market fresh fish, to hearty eggplant pasta dishes and Sicilian sweets. Granita is served with warm brioche for breakfast and who could resist a freshly piped cannolo or two. Wine is an important part of life in Sicily also. We meet some up and coming wine makers who work magic with indigenous grape varieties.
Mount Etna is known as "Mother" to Sicilians. She is everywhere, smouldering in the background. This active volcano provides fertile soil for local crops - some of the world's best pistachios come from Bronte on the slopes of Etna. But, of course, her eruptions have been the source of much pain. We visit the volcano to understand its deep meaning for Sicilians and it place in their lore and culture.
It takes a special sort of person to buck the modern trends and dedicate themselves to continually improving a skill or craft. During our time in eastern Sicily you'll meet some of those people who create beautiful ceramics and traditional painting with care and attention. Meeting these people is an experience you'll never forget and we're sure you'll be inspired by their creativity and resilience.
Did you watch the second series of "White Lotus"? While the plot may not be to everyone's tastes, the scenery was definitely inspiring. Taormina was one of the top locations for the series and it's easy to see why. This charming town set on a hill overlooking picturesque Isola Bella, is blessed with a remarkable Ancient Greek theater and Etna smouldering away in the background.
Sicily, Italy 
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