Discover the Allure of Sicily with Food I Am: A Fully Escorted Culinary and Cultural Exploration
Join Food I Am for an unforgettable culinary journey to Sicily, Italy’s largest island, where dramatic coastlines, exquisite food and wine, pristine beaches, charming fishing villages, picturesque Borghi nestled in the hills, baroque towns and a treasure trove of archaeological wonders await your exploration.
Sicily, basking in its warm Mediterranean climate, boasts an agricultural landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. Through the ages, it has been a stage for Greeks, Romans, Arabs and various European powers, each leaving an indelible mark on the island’s culture, art, architecture and cuisine.
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey like no other, where every bite tells a story. The gastronomic legacy of Sicily is a fusion of diverse influences spanning centuries of history. Savour time-honoured dishes, including pasta infused with the bounty of the Mediterranean Sea – sardines, tuna, anchovies and prawns – all adorned with capers, olives and aromatic herbs. From indulging in the vibrant street food scene to immersing yourself in the secrets of Sicilian cuisine, meeting local artisans, and a cooking class with Italy’s original and most loved chef… Nonna, you’ll uncover the heart and soul of this culture. Enjoy a delectable chocolate tasting in Modica, where centuries-old traditions meet artisanal craftsmanship. Relish traditional dishes at local trattorias and fine dining experiences. Delight in a private picnic set against the backdrop of ancient temples, creating memories that will last a lifetime. We’ll take you on a journey to an exceptional herb farm, where you’ll discover the aromatic treasures of Sicily and have the opportunity to meet the passionate farmer behind it all. For those with a sweet tooth, we have plenty in store for you. Sicily is renowned for its world famous sweets and desserts, from the best gelato you will ever taste to sinking your teeth into the crisp shells and luscious cream fillings of cannoli, a Sicilian specialty.
Of course, no Sicilian journey would be complete without an exploration of its globally renowned wines, which include the robust Etna Rossa and the crisp Grillo whites, each encapsulating the island’s rich terroir. During your visit, you’ll have the privilege of indulging in private wine tours and tastings at Mount Etna and in an ancient abbey. A visit to the Mount Etna volcanic region is a must, along with sailing the beautiful Grotto Azzurra with your private chef on board.
This tour has been curated by Food I Am in collaboration with Italian Chef Melina Puntoriero, ensuring that your journey through Sicily is an authentic experience far from the well-worn tourist track. Join Food I Am on this adventure as we immerse ourselves in some of the Mediterranean’s finest culinary and cultural experiences.
Tania Sibrey - Food I Am Creator & Global Food Explorer
PLEASE NOTE: Your place on the tour isn’t confirmed until you have paid your deposit, received a deposit receipt from Culinary Curious Travel Pty Ltd and email confirmation from Tania Sibrey at Food I Am.
Places are allocated according to deposit payment date, the sooner you pay your deposit and confirm your booking the sooner your place on this tour is secured.
We enjoy a Sicilian street food lunch today, savouring a selection of typical street foods such as arancina (rice balls stuffed with ragu or caciocavallo cheese) as well as panelle and croche (chickpea and potato fritters). We meander through the markets, cafes and bars learning about the beautiful local produce. Palermo’s market overflows with seasonal abundance from the land and sea, it has been this way for over 1000 years. Strong Arab influences, resembling an eastern souk, are evident. Next to mounds of ricotta and caciocavallo cheeses, barrels of olives and fat slabs of swordfish sit saffron and other spices, as well as sacks of beans, indigenous fruits and local vegetables. Here we will have the opportunity to taste typical Palermitano street food.
Cefalù, a bustling seaside village and one of the most evocative destinations on the island which you will find it charming to explore - beautiful beaches, ancient ruins and a hilltop castle. Take a plunge into the Mediterannean in your free time!
Castelbuono is our destination this morning. The organic soul of the farm, vineyard and abbey we visit today in the Madonie Park will captivate you. A tasting and lunch in the Abbey is a unique experience that begins with the land and continues in the cellars.
Capturing the secrets of true Sicilian cuisine, our multi course lunch will include a collection of produce picked by our chef from the garden and farm, accompanied with estate wines.
Discover the incredible UNESCO listed Valley of The Temples by guided tour - the temples of Agrigento are a sight to behold. They are a collection of ancient temples and one of the largest and best preserved archaeological sites in the world.
In the heart of the Valley of temples we find a lush ancient oasis, known as Kolymbethra Garden, where we will be the envy of those around us as we enjoy a private sumptuous Sicilian picnic lunch with housemade preserves, local meats, cheeses, cannoli and of course, some local wine to wash it all down.
‘The aromas of Sicily’, a herb farm like no other! Situated on a hill between Samperi and Scicli overlooking the sea - an idyllic setting. You will love the infectious energy of this Sicilian family as we stroll with the owner through the herb garden picking and scrunching herbs while learning about the many varieties. We then enjoy a delicious Sicilian lunch where the chef utilises the farm herbs and produce. These idyllic surroundings will certainly be unforgettable.
Modica, famous for it’s unique Sicilian Baroque architecture and chocolate! Modica is custodian of the 400 year tradition of Sicilian chocolate-making. We will enjoy a guided walking tour taking in the baroque labyrinth of this medieval village then visit a chocolatier, and of course enjoy a chocolate tasting.
The island of Ortigia is a world heritage site and the heart of Syracuse. Our street food walking tour begins at Apollo temple and takes us through the Ortigia food market where we will meet some of the traders, into a vintage delicatessen and lunch will be samples of typical Sicilian appetisers and local wines, finishing with a visit to one of the most famous Siracusa bars for a granita tasting.
Taormina is home to the world famous resort town known as “the Ionian Pearl”. For most, Taormina’s stupendous views of Mount Etna, history and seaside location make this a destination not to be missed. Our transfer to the historic centre will be by cable car and then we enjoy a guided walking tour visiting the famed Greek-Roman Theatre.
Get ready for a memorable evening! Late afternoon we board a private sail boat and explore this enchanted area. We visit the beautiful Grotto Azzurra, so called because of the bright colour the water takes on inside. We stop at Isola Bella for a swim or snorkelling to admire the seabed. With the backdrop of Taormina at sunset we will enjoy aperitivo as we sail the pearl of the Mediterranean Sea. On board our captain will prepare a Sicilian feast with regional specialities for our dinner along with local wines.
The extreme environmental diversity of this area will surprise you: thick forests, deserted lands covered in magmatic rock, often snow capped mountains and towns clinging to slopes, make for a unique landscape. A visit to the crater is a must. This morning we will meet our off-road drivers for a private 4WD tour of the Mt Etna volcano region. Along the way we will stop to enjoy a breathtaking view of the North-East Crater and Calabrian coast.
Sicily, Italy 
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