Gastronomy Of Sicily

Holiday overview

This is your chance to discover the traditional charms of Sicily with a trio of stays in boutique, farmhouse properties. Here, open kitchens serve up indulgent treats and look out over vineyard contours showcased by tasting tours. And, with the use of a hire car throughout, your short-but-scenic drives will afford you the flexibility to explore. Pretty coastal routes and country backroads will bring you between Agrigento's temple wonders, the Baroque gems of the island's southeast and, yes, those golden-sand beaches.

Holiday itinerary

Days 1-2: Menfi

After relaxing in your complimentary airport lounge, fly into Palermo where you'll pick up your hire car to plunge into the Sicilian countryside. You'll soon arrive at your stylish accommodation where rooms offer stunning views over rural surrounds. Owned and run by the Planetas, Sicily's most celebrated wine producers, taste your way through its vineyards or enjoy a glass while relaxing by the pool. You’ll also want to visit the nearby Greek temples at Selinunte or take part in a cooking course to learn about the region's outstanding produce; expect everything from eggplant stews to swordfish rolls.

Days 3-4: Agrigento

Moving down the coast, you’ll arrive at Mandranova, a working olive oil farm run by welcoming owners Giuseppe and Sylvia. This casale country house offers the best in fresh-from-the-garden cooking. Learn more with a cooking class or head out to explore; a collection of delightful beaches and Agrigento’s magnificent Valley of the Temples are both on your doorstep. As Sicily’s finest archaeological site, it hosts 1,300 hectares of Byzantine tombs, 5th century BC altars and crumbling city walls. The Temple of Concordia even lent its 430 BC edifice to the UNESCO logo. And, your boutique accommodation is just 20 minutes from it all.

Stay: Mandranova  (Superior)

Days 5-7: Ispica

Continue along the coast to Sicily’s scenic southeastern tip and the fig-tree-shaded gardens of your delightful accommodation – Relais Torre Marabinol. Here, cooking courses, indulgent multi-course dining and expert-led tasting tours of the estate’s very own wine cellar are all served up to expansive views of the surrounding Sicilian countryside. It's all predicated on the hotel's own organic gardens and winery. However, you’ll also want to get out and about to explore its surrounding quartet of Baroque gems. There’s charming Modica’s medieval tumble, Ragusa’s aristocratic palazzi and Ispica’s basilicas and monasteries. 

Stay: Relais Torre Marabino  (Superior)

Day 8: Departure

Drive from Ispica to Catania airport in time for your onward flight.

Holiday pricing

Includes:

• Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
  
• Return economy flights into Palermo and out from Catania
• 2 nights stay at La Foresteria Planeta in a Vineyard & Sea view Double Room on B&B basis
• 2 nights stay at Aziena Agricola Mandranova in a Double/Twin Room on B&B basis
• 3 nights stay at Relais Torre Marabino in a Suite on B&B basis
• Economy car hire car - pick up from Palermo airport, drop off Catania airport

Low Season : April & November 

High Season : June - September 

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