8 Days Small Group Food & Wine Tour of Sicily (Max 8 Guests)

If you’re considering exploring Sicily through its tasty bites and fine wines, this 8-day small group tour might just hit the spot. It’s designed for folks who love discovering new flavors, meeting like-minded travelers, and avoiding the chaos of large tour groups. With a maximum of 8 guests, you’ll get a personalized experience that’s intimate and relaxed, all set against the stunning backdrops of Sicily’s most iconic towns.

What immediately caught our attention about this tour? First, the expert guides who seem to know their way around Sicily’s culinary scene inside out. Second, the carefully curated itinerary that balances wine tastings, street food, and cultural stops—giving a well-rounded taste of the island. One thing to keep in mind? The price tag is in the higher range, but considering the included experiences, many reviewers say it’s worth it. If you’re a foodie, wine lover, or someone who appreciates thoughtfully organized trips, this could be a perfect fit.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy small-group settings, want knowledgeable guides, and are eager to taste authentic Sicilian food and wine. It’s not necessarily designed for those looking for a high-activity adventure or family-friendly options, but more for mature travelers craving an immersive culinary experience.

Key Points

• Intimate Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 guests, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
• Diverse Culinary Activities: Includes visits to markets, wineries, farmhouses, pastry bars, and street markets.
• Authentic Sicilian Flavors: Tastes range from fresh seafood and homemade pasta to volcanic wines and traditional sweets.
• Comfortable Accommodation: 4-star hotels in prime locations like Taormina, Syracuse, and Palermo.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable and personable guides share insights into Sicily’s food culture and history.
• Balanced Itinerary: Combines sightseeing, tasting, and free time for relaxation or independent exploration.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Taormina’s Charm and Tastes

Arriving in Sicily, you’ll be greeted at Catania airport then driven over to charming Taormina. The hotel here is cozy yet upscale, giving you a comfortable base. The evening kicks off with a gentle walk through the town’s main streets, where your guide will introduce you to Taormina’s highlights and local lifestyle.

This first evening is food-focused. Expect three foodie stops: a seafood restaurant, a traditional bottega for cheeses, salumi, bread, olives, and wine, plus a pastry bar serving Sicilian sweets and liquors. It’s a relaxed introduction to Sicilian flavors and culture. Many reviews commend the lively yet intimate setting, noting it’s a wonderful way to start the trip.

Day 2: Market Tour and Cooking Class

Start your day with a visit to Taormina’s bustling food market, where local farmers, fishermen, and butchers sell their fresh produce. Here, you’ll choose products for your cooking class, guided by a local chef. You’ll learn how to prepare traditional dishes like homemade pasta, fish, and vegetables, all while sipping local wines.

This hands-on experience is highly praised: “We learned culinary secrets in a traditional Sicilian style,” one reviewer shared. The meal you cook is then enjoyed together, making it a memorable and delicious slice of local life. Afterwards, you have free time to relax or explore, which many travelers appreciate.

Day 3: Up to Mount Etna’s Villages

The adventure continues with a trip to Mount Etna’s villages, where lava stone houses and orchards paint a picture of countryside Sicily. The drive offers views of orange, lemon, olive, and almond trees—each adding to the sensory feast.

The highlight is a visit to an authentic family-run winery, where volcanic wines are tasted alongside organic Etna appetizers, all with scenic views. The day ends with a farm-to-table lunch—seasonal antipasti, homemade pasta, and pastries—offering a hearty taste of rural Sicily. Reviewers love this mix of natural beauty and genuine local flavor.

Day 4: Noto’s Baroque Splendor and Fish Lunch

The journey takes you to Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its Baroque architecture. A walk here includes tasting Modica chocolate and Sicilian ice cream, both local specialties. Then, head to Marzamemi, a quaint fishing village on the sea, for a seaside lunch in a family trattoria.

Afterward, you’ll transfer to Syracuse for a hotel stay. Many guests comment on the scenic drive and the charm of these coastal towns. The peaceful evening in Syracuse is a perfect way to unwind.

Day 5: Ortigia’s Food and History

In the evening, explore Ortigia, Syracuse’s historic island, with a local guide. The walking tour mixes sightseeing with food stops—think fresh fish, Sicilian appetizers, pastries, and regional wines. The guide shares fascinating stories about the town’s history and culture, enriching the tasting experience.

Guests rave about the blend of history and culinary discovery—“passionately sharing stories while tasting local treats,” as one reviewer put it. It’s a fantastic way to see a city and indulge at the same time.

Day 6: Winery in Syracuse and Transfer to Palermo

Visit an ancient Syracuse winery housed in a castle-like structure. Here, a guided tour of cellars and a tasting of local wines are followed by a light lunch with organic products. This day also includes a scenic drive to Palermo, giving you time to relax after the journey.

The winery visit is often highlighted as a special moment—”the wines produced here differ from the Etna wines,” a guest noted. The transfer to Palermo ensures you’re well-positioned for the next day’s street food adventure.

Day 7: Palermo Street Food Tour

The final full day features a 3-hour walking tour of Palermo’s street food scene. You’ll visit bustling markets like Vucciria and Mercato del Capo, sampling iconic treats like panelle (chickpea fritters) and arancini (fried rice balls).

Your guide will reveal stories behind each dish and the neighborhoods you pass through, including some of Palermo’s “poor areas,” which reveal a genuine slice of city life. Reviewers mention that this tour offers “a fascinating culinary world of Sicily’s capital,” and many say it’s the highlight of their trip.

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Palermo airport, concluding your flavorful journey. The seamless logistics and organized transfers are often praised, helping to reduce travel stress.

What Travelers Say

People consistently praise the knowledgeable, personable guides who bring Sicily’s food scene alive with stories and insider tips. Many reviews mention how the tours are well-organized, with a good mix of activities and free time. Several guests describe the experience as “the trip of a lifetime,” emphasizing the value of the small group setting for personal attention.

Reviewers also highlight the quality of the food and wine—from volcanic wines to homemade pasta and Sicilian sweets. They appreciate the authentic nature of the experiences, feeling immersed in local culture rather than just observing it.

A few reviews mention minor hiccups, such as the absence of onsite guides during some activities or the need to carefully read the itinerary beforehand. Still, most agree that the overall experience is thoughtfully curated and worth the cost, which averages around $3,083 per person.

The Practical Side: What to Expect

Transportation & Group Size

All ground transport is via a comfortable 8-seat Mercedes minivan, ensuring a smooth ride and enough space for everyone. The small group size—no more than 8 guests—means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, interact with guides, and share the experience with a close-knit group.

Duration & Pacing

Each day is packed with activities, but there’s also enough downtime to relax or explore on your own. The tour spans 8 days, offering a rich sampling of Sicily’s culinary and cultural highlights without feeling rushed.

Accommodation & Meals

Stays are in 4-star hotels in Taormina, Syracuse, and Palermo, all well-placed for sightseeing and relaxing. Most meals are included—five lunches and two dinners—covering a wide range of Sicilian specialties. Optional dinners are also available, giving flexibility if you want to try more local spots.

Price & Value

At just over $3,000, this tour isn’t cheap, but many guests comment that the experiences, guides, and quality of accommodations make it worthwhile. The inclusion of multiple culinary experiences, wine tastings, and private visits adds to the overall value, especially compared to booking each activity independently.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for food and wine enthusiasts who want an immersive, small-group journey through Sicily’s culinary treasures. It’s ideal for travelers who value guided experiences, cultural insights, and authentic local flavors. If you enjoy leisurely sightseeing paired with delicious tasting stops, this tour will suit you well.

It’s less suited for families with very young children, given the focus on wine tastings and more intricate culinary activities. Also, if your priority is high-energy adventure or nightlife, this may not be the best fit. But if your goal is a relaxed, in-depth taste of Sicily’s gastronomy and scenery, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Final Thoughts

This 8-day small group tour of Sicily offers a well-balanced, authentic, and intimate look at the island’s culinary scene. With passionate guides, a carefully planned itinerary, and a variety of tasting experiences, it delivers a true flavor of Sicily—literally. While it’s a premium experience, many guests feel the quality, personal attention, and memorable moments justify the cost.

If you’re eager to explore Sicily through its food, enjoy the company of a small group, and want knowledgeable guides who share stories and tips along the way, this tour could be a fantastic choice.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Is this tour suitable for people who don’t drink alcohol?
While wine tastings are a part of several days, you can always opt out or skip alcohol if preferred. The focus remains on authentic local flavors.

Are meals vegetarian-friendly?
Most meals include traditional Sicilian dishes, often with options for vegetarians. It’s best to check with the supplier if you have specific dietary needs.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 guests, creating an intimate atmosphere and allowing guides to give personalized attention.

Are accommodations comfortable?
Yes, stays are in 4-star hotels in prime locations, providing a good balance of comfort and authenticity.

How physically active is the tour?
Expect some walking, especially during city tours and market visits, but it’s generally manageable for most travelers.

What are the main highlights?
Expect visits to Taormina, Mount Etna villages, Noto, Marzamemi, Syracuse, and Palermo, with lots of tastings at markets, wineries, and trattorias.

Is transportation included?
All ground transport with air-conditioned Mercedes minivans is included, ensuring safe and comfortable travel between stops.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Closer cancellations are subject to the policy outlined.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically geared toward children, older kids who enjoy food and travel may find it engaging. It’s best suited for adult travelers.

How do I get to and from Sicily?
The tour starts with pickup at Catania airport and ends at Palermo airport, making logistics straightforward.

This tour offers a delicious way to see Sicily’s most beautiful towns while indulging in its wonderful cuisine. If you love good food, fine wine, and small-group travel, it’s definitely worth considering.