Included in the trip price is:
Hotel Gutkowski in Ortygia, Siracusa, Sicily - 4 nights
The Hotel Gutkowski is a charming boutique hotel with 26 unique rooms situated on a waterfront promenade in Ortygia, a small island in the historical centre of Syracuse.
The hotel consists of two beautiful and recently renovated 19th century buildings just a few steps from the sea, which retain their charming Mediterranean atmosphere. With the hotel's central location, hotel guests can easily walk to all the sights of Ortygia.
Alba Palace in Favara, Sicily - 3 nights
In the heart of the most authentic Sicily, a few kilometres from Agrigento and the magnificent Valley of the Temples, stands Alba Palace: a 4-star luxury hotel located in the charming historic centre of Favara. An exclusive architectural concept that encapsulates the true essence of Sicilian hospitality. The hotel originates from the renovation of an old aristocratic palace from the 19th century, restored with a contemporary twist, blending tradition and innovation.
Tenuta San Michele in Santa Venerina, Catania, Sicily - 3 nights
The Tenuta San Michele farmhouse is located on the east side of Mount Etna, between the sea and the volcano, in an area that has been suited to viticulture for centuries. In these beautiful vineyards, since 1860, we have been producing fine Etna Doc wines, sparkling wines and Etna Dop extra virgin olive oil.
Restaurants
We will provide lists of restaurant recommendations for the days you are on your own for dinner.
Electricity
In Sicily they supply 220v. For computers, phones and camera chargers, you will need a 2 or 3 prong plug adapter designated for ‘Southern Europe’. A converter is necessary only for heat-drawing electronics such as a hair dryer or razor.
Language
All Sicilians speak Italian. But Sicilian is also an oral language. It has many dialects across the island and, for the most part, is spoken in families and between friends.
Money
The currency used in Italy is the Euro.
Most credit cards are accepted (except American Express and Discover) in hotels and restaurants.
ATMs are all over the island, but not as accessible as in the USA. Most have cash withdrawal limits around E250 to E500 daily. Sometimes the ATMs are “down,” so always make sure you have cash on hand.
Can I drink the water?
The water in Sicily is not unsafe but owing to old pipes, the culture is bottled water. I use a Brita refillable water bottle with a filter so I can get water from the tap and not contribute to the landfills. They are available online and not expensive.
Walking
Any visit to Sicily will include walking on inclines, climbing some steps, and encountering uneven surfaces, especially in agricultural settings. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are highly recommended. Carrying a lightweight, foldable walking stick is a good idea if you require support.
What should I wear?
Dress in Sicily is generally casual, with smart casual for dinners.
What can I bring home for souvenirs?
Leave room to bring things home with you such as packaged cheese, wine, honey, olive oil, and ceramics.
Seeking Sicily by John Keahey
A wonderful read and good overview of Sicily including history, mythology, and a travel writer’s view of the people and their traditions.
The Peoples of Sicily by Louis Mendola
A very readable history to explain the cultures, dominations, and layers.
The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
A classic piece of literature that considers the Risogimento of the late 19th century. Love, politics, ageing and Sicily all wrapped into one magnificent read.
The Wine Dark Sea by Leonardo Sciascia
Short stories written by one of Sicily’s most important authors and political activists of the 20th century.
The Florio’s by Stefania Auci
An historical fiction that depicts the life of this very important Sicilian family beginning in the 18th c. A fascinating read of the developing merchant class of that period.
Bitter Almonds: Recollections & Recipes from a Sicilian Girlhood by Maria Grammatico
This light read will tell you about the life of a girl raised by the nuns when her family couldn’t afford her, and what she learned that has served her well even today.
The Dangerously Truthful Diary of a Sicilian Housewife by Veronica Di Grigoli
This book had me laughing out loud. Leaving London city life to marry into a Sicilian family has its moments and quite a demanding adjustment phase. Veronica is very funny and still quite happily married!
Almonds - anything made with almonds
Arancini – stuffed fried rice balls
Cannoli - made with sheep’s milk ricotta
Casatelle – sweets with ricotta cream
Cassata cake – made with ricotta cream, marzipan and more!
Citrus – lemon and oranges
Gelato or Granita with Brioche
Fish, fish, fish, fish
Marzipan – and cookies made with almond paste
Pasta alla Norma (a classic)
Pasta – Busiate with Pesto alla Trapanese
Pasta – Nero di Seppia (squid ink)
Pistachios – anything made with pistachios
Pizza – it’s delicious
Sarde a Beccafico
Sicilian wines from the various areas.
Torrone – almond nougat
Upon arrival at Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, you will be met by a Bucket List Travel representative.
At 11:30 a.m., we will depart the airport and begin the tour.
We'll stop along the way for lunch at Tenuta del Gelso wine estate and orange plantation, under a centuries-old wisteria. The wines are combined with a three-course lunch and are paired with the different dishes.
We will drive the rest of the way to Ortigia, an island in Sicily that's part of the city of Syracuse. (About 50 miles of Catania, our arrival city.) It's known for its history, restaurants, and bars
We'll check into the charming seaside Hotel Gutkowski in Ortigia, and this evening enjoy a gourmet welcome dinner at the hotel.
Meals: lunch and dinner
Hotel: Hotel Gutkowski, Ortigia