Sicily’s cuisine is shaped by centuries of cultural exchange, and this tour brings that story to life through hands‑on encounters. You’ll meet winemakers, olive‑oil producers, bakers, and chefs who carry on age‑old traditions. From street food to refined regional dishes, each meal and tasting is woven into a broader narrative of history, landscape, and local identity.
‘One of the 50 best holidays in Italy.’
–Â The Times
‘One of ‘The 50 Best Cultural Tours’
–Â The Telegraph
‘Embark on the Gastronomic Tour of Sicily for a mouth-watering vacation.’
–Â USA Today
Eastern Sicily is home to a vibrant culinary tradition that mixes delicious local produce with cooking styles drawn from its many foreign rulers – Byzantines, Arabs, Normans and the Spanish. Each adding new ingredients from their far-flung empires to further enrich the Sicilian repertoire and make the island a perfect pilgrimage for a cultural and gastronomic tour.
It’s no accident that in ancient times the island was regarded as the special preserve of Demeter, the goddess of fertility, grain and agriculture: its agricultural abundance is renowned. The rolling hills and expansive, bounteous plains produce seemingly unlimited quantities of fresh fruit, nuts and vegetables, while teeming flocks and herds produce delicious cheeses and meats. These terrestrial riches are surrounded by plentiful fishing grounds, filling the busy stalls of the vigorous markets with an enormous range of marine delicacies. To complete the picture, Sicily now produces some of the most highly regarded new wines in Europe, the perfect accompaniment to its long-renowned ices, fruit drinks and digestifs. This veritable cornucopia of delights provides all the ingredients for a magnificent voyage of discovery: our wonderful food tour of Sicily.
The History of Sicilian Cuisine
The modern cuisine is one of the defining creations of the uniquely diverse past of this great island and its history, culture and archaeology will be fundamental elements of our journey. As we travel through the ever-changing landscapes of Eastern Sicily we will discover how the profusion of the landscape’s gifts created remarkable ancient powers here, notably the famed ancient city of Syracuse, whose people quickly built outposts like the ancient city of Acrae at Palazzolo Acreide to secure the benefits for themselves, not forgetting to build shrines to Demeter to offer her thanks, and to fascinate us today. Under her kings, and then the Roman governors, Syracuse grew yet further to be garlanded with an enormous theatre, an altar of prodigious size – the final destination of many an animal from those vast herds in the plains – and a spacious amphitheatre. The quarries, today with a garden-like feel, testify to other sources of wealth, and a darker past.
Later ages bring the picture-perfect towns of Noto, Scicli and Ragusa Ibla, wreathed atmospherically in tiers round steep hills and blessed with remarkable churches from the time of Spanish rule. Spain, like her predecessors brought contacts with – and cargoes from – a wider world, and ushered in a Sicilian fascination with new flavours and reputation for skill in creating them. We’ll combine story and delectation as, to pick one treat from many, we sample almond granitas in Noto, one of the most beautiful baroque towns in Europe.
Your guide on this Sicily food tour has lived and worked in this region for many years. She has drawn deeply on her personal knowledge of land and people to bring to bring to you a tour that combines practical cooking experience with highlights of the region’s cuisine and visits to key historical and cultural sites.
Embark on Your Sicily Food Tour with Peter Sommer Travels
As this Sicily tour relies so closely on seasonal produce, the itinerary may change slightly to take advantage of the best culinary delights on offer. We are certain that any food and wine lover will be in raptures over this week-long cultural and gastronomic feast.
Looking for a longer trip in Sicily, then take a look at our Exploring Sicily tour.
Our Tours receive an average rating of 5 out of 5 from 360 reviews, according to AITO reviews.
Day 1: Arrival in Catania. Transfer from the airport to our hotel in Siracusa approximately 45 minutes away. We enjoy our first meal all together, a welcome dinner in which we introduce you to some of the tastes and flavours of Sicily.
Day 2: We begin with an introduction to the Borgata area of Siracusa before meeting our culinary expert for a stroll through the Borgata street market. Under his guidance we sample the local produce in preparation for a private master class in his restaurant, where we’ll get to know how to prepare particular foods, followed by a delicious lunch. In the afternoon we will explore Siracusa’s long history by taking a walking tour of the Ortygia historic centre as the sun sets. The evening is free to dine at your leisure.
Day 3: The day begins with a tour of the beautiful baroque town of Noto and a granita tasting. Later we head to an artisanal almond and dairy Farm where we take an exclusive tour before experiencing a rustic Sicilian lunch. We return to Ortygia in the late afternoon and, after a brief rest, enjoy a Sicilian wine-tasting aperitivo with our expert Sommelier who will initiate our journey into the fascinating world of Sicilian oenology.
Day 4: In the morning we will visit the Syracuse Archaeological Park before heading to a nearby olive farm where the owners are producing award-winning organic extra virgin olive oil from centuries-old native olive trees. We tour the farm before enjoying a wonderful lunch of local delicacies. In the afternoon we head for Ragusa, check in to our hotel and take an early-evening walk around the historic centre of Ragusa Ibla before dinner in a unique and beautiful setting.
Day 5: A day to delight the senses begins with a walking tour of the historical centre of Scicli, and a visit to a beautiful herb farm for an aromatic tour that will inspire cooks and gardeners alike. The visit will conclude with a tasting lunch on a terrace overlooking the beautiful southern coast. In the afternoon we visit Modica for a guided tasting of traditional Modicano chocolate. In the late afternoon we return to Ragusa and the evening is free for you to dine at leisure.
Day 6: We journey to Vizzini to visit and tour a fabulous biodiversity farm before meeting up with our expert chef and rolling up our sleeves for a pasta-making class followed by a splendid lunch. We then continue on to Mt Etna to check into our final hotel and, after some time to relax, enjoy dinner in the restaurant of our hotel matched with superb wines produced by the owners.
Day 7: We spend the morning on a guided hike on the slopes of Mt. Etna. We’ll stroll through verdant woods of pine and silver birch before ascending to a lunar landscape of lava flows and ash-filled craters with incredible views all around. Afterwards we visit a local winery to enjoy a rustic lunch and sample the award-winning wines that thrive on Etna’s slopes in the company of our expert Sommelier, who will focus on the history and culture of wine making on Etna. A last chance to relax, then a sumptuous farewell dinner.
Day 8: The end of our our gastronomic tour of Sicily. Transfer to Catania airport, just over an hour’s drive away.
I would like to book, what else do I need to know?
For information not covered below please refer to our FAQ’s or contact us directly on [email protected]
Arrival and Departure Information
Arrival Airport – Catania (Fontanarossa)
Departure Airport – Catania (Fontanarossa)
Check in time at your hotel in Syracuse is after 14:00 so we recommend choosing a flight that arrives mid to late afternoon. Check out time from your hotel on Mt. Etna is 11:00 am. We will arrange local transfers from Catania airport and to Catania airport at the start and end of the tour.
Booking Flights
The cheapest way to book flights is with the airline online.
If you prefer to book with a travel agent, we are happy to recommend specialists in a number of countries around the world, please contact our office for more details.
Travel Insurance
We consider adequate travel insurance to be essential. You should ensure that you take out a suitable policy, to make sure that your trip is properly covered. Please be advised some insurers may require you to take out a policy within 15-20 days of booking your holiday to receive all of their insurance benefits.
The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border management system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of 29 European countries using the system. The EES will modernise border management of the Schengen countries, gradually simplify border controls and prevent identity fraud. ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for non-EU visa-free nationals.
You find out more about EES & ETIAS using the link below
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/pb
Visas
For UK Nationals, You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Italy, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
Citizens of European Union or Schengen Treaty member states need no visa for Italy, those from the United States, Canada and Australia do not need to apply for a visa to visit Italy for trips of less than 90 days duration.
Tour Includes:
Accommodation – we use high standard 3-5* hotels with character
All meals (except 2 dinners) including water, tea and coffee and wine with dinner
The services of your expert tour leader throughout the entire trip
Airport transfers on first and last day of tour
Travel by private minibus
All entrance fees
All tips to restaurant and hotel staff
Hotel taxes
Not included:
Flights and airport taxes
Visas
Travel insurance
Tips for drivers
Tips for guides
Lucia Iacono
Born and bred in Siracusa (Sicily), Lucia studied for a BA in foreign languages and literature at the University of Catania. After a brief stint working as an English language teacher, she followed her heart and become a qualified tourist guide, specialising initially in the South-Eastern provinces of Ragusa and Siracusa.
Lucia has over 20 years’ experience in this field, but still works with the same passion and enthusiasm with which she began. She loves introducing people to the unbelievable wealth of art, archaeology and culture that Sicily has to offer, and is always on the lookout for something new, exciting and interesting that reveals the true quirks of Sicilian culture.
What previous guests have to say about Lucia:
"My husband and I have recently returned from 'A gastronomic tour of Sicily'. One of the major highlights was having the wonderful Lucia as our guide. Lucia was outstanding, 10 out of 10 excellent, and the setting, southeast Sicily, was dramatic and curious, scenic and historical. We did not feel like tourists!" Rosemary Farkas
"I hope if I ever have the good fortune to come back to Sicily, I will have Lucia to guide me. She was excellent in every way." Lisa Bain
"Our tour guide was fabulous! Lucia was SO nice, knowledgeable, approachable..." Garrett Hughes
"Lucia was delightful! She really provided so much variety - history, experience, local knowledge. Lucia guided our group through delicious local meals, through markets and around farms and more. She personally knew the farmers, the wine experts, producers, and that rapport made it even more meaningful. And eastern Sicily is beautiful! Our little group had a dream that we could reconvene with Lucia for a trip in the western part of Sicily! Just wonderful!" Lenore Davis
"Lucia was incredible! She was a consummate professional. She was fantastic, amazing, incredibly knowledgeable, very engaging. It felt like she was an old friend. A fantastic trip - I loved every minute of it. I would book with her again." Jennifer Hollyer
"Lucia was extremely knowledgeable, had great relationships with the people we visited, and was there to help if anyone had problems during the trip. Simply exceptional … professional from start to finish! It was our guide, Lucia Iacono, and local experts that made the experience most memorable. Lucia provided a wonderful introduction to the food, wine, culture and people of Sicily. Her joy and enthusiasm were infectious. She took care to ensure our group experienced the best of what Sicily has to offer." Sally Macon
"Lucia quickly picked up on the group's interests and tailored the experience to meet them. This trip was my first group tour experience and I was a single on the tour. Lucia was extremely welcoming and incorporated me into the group at the very first dinner. She kept the group engaged and seamlessly coordinated with the drivers and our intended destinations. She had deep knowledge and strong relationships wherever we went, which made it very special. I've been recommending the trip and Peter Sommer Travels to everyone since I returned. For those who want to travel in style, enjoy incredible food and excellent wines, and not feel like they're on a cookie-cutter tour, it's Peter Sommer Travels all the way." Megan Muoio
What makes this tour ideal for lovers of food, wine and local culture?
How large is the group?
This trip has room for just 10 guests, the lowest maximum number of any of our trips, because of space restrictions in certain kitchens and other sites. This makes the tour extra special and ensures a friendly, convivial atmosphere and allows our guide and hosts to offer personal attention, answer questions fully, and create the sense of shared discovery that defines our tours.
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
We select small, characterful hotels that reflect the warmth and charm of eastern Sicily. Whether set in a lively Baroque town or overlooking the sea, each property is chosen for comfort, atmosphere, and a strong sense of place – perfect bases for exploring the island’s culinary traditions.
Who leads this tour?
This tour is led by Lucia Iacono, a highly experienced and deeply knowledgeable Sicilian guide born and raised in Siracusa. Lucia studied foreign languages and literature at the University of Catania before following her passion and qualifying as a licensed tourist guide more than twenty years ago. She brings an infectious enthusiasm to everything she does, introducing guests to Sicily’s extraordinary food culture, archaeology, art, and traditions with warmth, humour, and insight. Always curious and always learning, she delights in revealing the island’s hidden stories and distinctive quirks, making her an exceptional companion for exploring Sicily’s rich gastronomic heritage. Please click on the tour expert’s name under the tour dates to read a full bio and testimonials.
What kinds of meals and tastings are included?
This tour is a celebration of Sicilian flavours. You’ll enjoy a wide range of experiences: market tastings, vineyard lunches, seafood feasts, traditional pastries, artisanal cheeses, and dishes shaped by Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences. Meals are unhurried and generous, offering a delicious insight into the island’s culinary heritage.
How much walking is involved on this gastronomic tour?
Although this journey focuses on food and wine, many of our visits include gentle walks through markets, historic towns, vineyards, and artisan workshops. Terrain can be uneven at times, but we move at a relaxed pace, with plenty of pauses to taste, observe, and enjoy. Comfortable shoes and a moderate level of fitness will help you get the most from the experience. The tour is rated 2 out of 5 on our intensity scale, meaning it is classed as moderate. You can find out more by visiting the fitness levels page on our website.
