Photo Credit: Alexandra Talucci
Arancini, Cannoli & Nero d’Avola
Sicily Italy 2024
Dates: March 10 - 17, 2024 (7 nights, 8 days)
Price: Check: $4,750 Credit Card: $4,950 (Single Supplement additional $850 check/cc)
"Italy is the ultimate dream date: impossibly good-looking, impeccably cultured and obscenely good in the kitchen. Endlessly inspiring and naturally flirtations, it will leave you swooning long after that bittersweet 'Arrivederci'."
-Christian Bonetto, Lonely Planet
Itinerary
Sicily has been at the intersection of cultures for the past 4000 years. Influenced by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Muslims, Spaniards, Swedes, and North Africa, this has created an architectural and culinary melting pot that is unique in Italy. Whether you are sipping a bold red of Nero D’Avola, finding the best cannoli on the island, or tasting the flavorful arancini, you will be richly fulfilled.
Sam Talucci has assembled a curated food, wine, and culture trip to the Island of Sicily, Italy. The trip begins and ends in Palermo. The trip is seven nights and eight days. We will circum-venture the island stopping for the evening in small iconic towns and wineries to experience this island like a local. Did we mention eating the local cuisine or tasting the bold wine? We will enjoy three different wine tastings, and lunches and dinners are at locations that are either Michelin-starred, Bib Gourmand or Plate restaurants, or Gambero Rosso designated restaurants. Have we enticed you yet?
We will start and end in Palermo, the capital city of Sicily. This port city encompasses 12th-century architecture and bustling markets. After meeting in Palermo, we will enjoy the afternoon and evening in this vibrant city. On day 2, we travel to Cattedrale di Monreale, begun in 1174 this is one of the finest examples of Norman Architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, we head out into the mountains and visit Alessandro Camporeale Vineyard (top five 5 producers Gambero Rosso) for a wine tasting and light lunch in the mountains west of Palermo. In the afternoon, we head to Planeta La Forestiera (top five 5 producers Gambero Rosso) for a relaxing afternoon, a great meal, and wine tasting at the vineyard. The following day, we will drive to Selinunte (628 BCE) and visit the Greek temples and museum. Next, visit the Donnafugata Vineyard for a wine tasting and light lunch. Then, on to our lovely hotel for the evening and dinners; the original buildings date back to the 13 century- Hotel Forestiera Baglio della Luna. On day 4, we visit Agrigento, where we experience the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas in the Valley of the Temples. This archaeological site has impressively well-preserved Greek temples (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Onto Syracuse, where we will spend the 2 nights in a refurbished 1920’s city post office Ortea Palace Hotel. The following day (5), we will visit the Val di Noto and its famous Baroque Architecture (UNESCO World Heritage site); we will stop off at Feudo Maccari vineyard (top five 5 producers Gambero Rosso), for a wine tasting and light lunch. Spend the night in Syracuse. The following day (6), visit Syracuse’s Greek and Roman ruins. Continue our adventure driving up the SE coast of the Island towards Taormina, visit the Roman amphitheater, and spend the 6th evening. The following day, we will visit a vineyard on Mt. Etna unless it is rumbling too much! Then, settling back into Palermo for our final evening. We will say our farewells that evening and enjoy a leisurely breakfast as we depart this enchanted island.
We are offering a rate via check for $4,750 (fill out this form) otherwise to pay online is $4,950 for a credit card transaction per person based on double occupancy, there is a single occupancy up-charge of $ 850.00 check/CC. If you are ok to have a shared same-gender room partner you can forgo the up-charge. Find out what’s included here.
For a more detailed itinerary and the all-inclusive trip details please contact us taluch@taluch.com
Region
Sicily has lured voyagers for centuries. Seducing them by its beauty, and lavishness. Surrounded by the glistening, deep emerald blue of the Mediterranean. This island continues to entice travelers to explore the richness of this part of Italy. Classic ingredients include shellfish, tuna, and swordfish along with pistachios, almonds and ricotta, Indulge in the flavor of arancini, the sweetness of cannoli and the boldness of Nero D’Avola.
Highlights
Agrigento, where we experience the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas in the Valley of the Temples. An UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area extends over 1,300 hectares. Dating back to the 6th century B.C
Witness Mt. Etna and the beauty it brings to this place. A stratovolcano, and the largest in Europe, reaching just under 11,000 ft. The fertility of the volcanic soil is responsible for the agriculture and vineyards.
Sam Talucci
Taste the freshness of the seafood, fruits and vegetables. This island is full of richness from the warm Mediterranean sun, the salty sea air, and nutrient filled volcanic soil from Mt. Etna.
Witness the intersection of cultures and periods of history as they influenced each other on this island. Listen to the local dialects, the slight differences of family recipes, open your senses to this part of the world.
Culinary Adventure Guide, Facilitator of Fun, Libations and Viands
Sam Talucci is a Chef, Restaurateur, Educator, Leadership and Organizational Development Consultant and Entrepreneur who’s personal and professional mission is to help individuals and groups identify the patterns that exist in their relationships. He brings this skill to meld groups of diverse travelers.
Sam brings 25 years of expedition and trip leadership experience. He has designed, developed and led NOLS alumni trips in Italy and Ireland for the past eleven years. Sam holds a current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certification.
Sam grew up in Milano, Italy. He speaks Italian fluently. His love for the culture, food, history and landscape was fostered early on in life. Sam has a great eye for culinary experiences, and a knack for finding the local and favorite restaurant. Sam has nearly four decades of experience in the restaurant/hospitality industry and a culinary degree in Classical French Cooking. Sam was the owner and operator of the award-winning Magnolia Café in Philadelphia.
Sam brings his love of travel, food, wine and culture to these trips. From hotels to restaurants and vineyards, join us and spend time with Sam in some of his favorite places with some of his amazing colleagues and friends.
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