Sicily - From the eolian islands to etna and beyond
Monday 7th September - Sunday 13th September 2026
Have you tried Sicilian granita?
For Sicilians, granita isn’t just a refreshing treat – it’s a ritual. You enjoy it with a special soft pastry.. which you must dip into it, starting right from the tuppo (the bulge). Even within the island, there are variations in the way granita is made, and one sunny mid-morning, at a small cafe in the middle of a historic district, I accidentally discovered the best kind...
After years of thoroughly researching the island, its architecture, cuisine, and wines, I have a lot to share with you.
I want to show you how Sicily has evolved from making very rich and over-ripe alcoholic wines, to wines of great elegance and character. I would love to take you on a walk through the cobbled streets of historic districts, where you can admire the great examples of Sicilian baroque architecture. During our journey, I can also recommend the best places to try simple yet delicious local delicacies, and introduce you to the masterpieces of some of the great local chefs.
What To Expect
I’ve personally hand-picked every hotel, every restaurant, and every wine you'll experience. The hotels on the route are boutique gems that whisper relaxation and style the moment you step foot there. I’ve picked the restaurants to give you a cross-section of Sicilian cuisine. Besides the hidden-gem restaurants that we’ll visit, I`ll show you where to try the best local favourites, like tasty Arancini.
It’s probably the most imitated food in the world, but you have to try them here as they are masterpieces of regional cuisine. Under their crispy shell is a soft heart made of saffron-flavoured rice, either with caciocavallo, a typical seasoned cheese, and minced meat with tomato, onion, celery, carrots, red wine and peas or with butter, mozzarella cheese and
ham for a delectable treat.
We always cater for any dietary requirements you may have, all you need to do is state it on your booking form.
All your meals will be perfectly paired with the best local wines. The wines I’ve selected are great expressions of their area. Some of the local gems I've chosen for you are:
Probably the best expression of Cerasuolo di Vittoria (taste and judge for yourself)
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Hauner wines from Salina
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Pre-phylloxera wines from Etna
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Faro from the northernmost extreme of the island
The winemakers and owners are good friends of mine, and they will share meals and their stories with us during our private visits to their wineries. So, get your taste buds and your cameras ready!
Tour Highlights
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Your tour begins the morning of Sunday 3rd May 2026 in Palermo. We'll then be heading off along the north coast to Cefalù where we'll visit the beautiful Abbazia di Santa Anastasia estate, trying their wines with a light lunch down at the marina of Cefalù. Having reached the port of Milazzo in the afternoon, we'll be whisking you away on a fast crossing to the island of Salina. Here, a beautiful boutique hotel awaits you for a two night stay.
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The next day, you will enjoy a private visit on the island of Vulcano, where we'll be visiting some of the most beautiful vineyard sites I have ever seen. A secret restaurant on the water will host your lunch, before heading back to Salina to visit the Hauner winery for drinks and dinner.
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Day 3 begins with a ferry trip back to Milazzo, where you'll be picked up and taken to one of the smallest appellations of Italy; Faro. There, we will visit one of the most innovative and advanced wineries in the northeast of Sicily, Le Casematte. And who better to accompany us than Gianfranco, the charming owner of the winery! After his personal guided tour, we will enjoy a delightful lunch overlooking the Strait of Messina
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Taormina and its UNESCO heritage Greek theatre is a must on our way towards the majestic Etna in the evening. After a relaxed dinner overlooking the Med, we'll be finishing the day with our check-in to a luxurious hotel at the foot of Etna where the staff are wonderful and the service is impeccable
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Day 4 is all about Mount Etna. Professional guides will accompany us in jeeps up the volcano to discover some of the immense lava flows and eruptions of recent times. After lunch in a mountain "baita" (chalet), we'll be heading back down to enjoy a special evening at the resort after a tasting of some very limited production of Nerello Mascalese from one of the most quoted and established wineries of the mountain
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Etna is not only an incredible natural phenomenom, but she (as the Sicilians refer to the mountain as such) has managed to create some of the most characterful and refined wines of recent decades. Thanks partly due to many pre phylloxera vines of local origin, the micro-climates and the local know-how, both whites and reds can reach exceptional levels here. On Day 5, we'll be discovering some of the most unique and special ones of the area before heading south to Ragusa and Vittoria for a second winery visit and a dinner overlooking the ancient town of Ibla.
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Departing for Noto after a leisurely breakfast in Ibla, we'll be taking you to one of the best wineries in Italy for Nero d'Avola (probably the island's most established and renowned grape varietal). We'll taste their wines over a light lunch and then continue onwards to Ortigia where you'll be taken back in time ...! After a moment to relax and enjoy your "secret hotel" right in the heart of the old town, we'll be dining at a lovely local gourmet restaurant closely after an aperitivo with the local friends.
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Day 7 finishes the tour leaving you with an understanding of the immense history and culture of the island. All your senses will be evoked from the intense and wonderful aromas of the market, the taste of some of the local dishes (and wines..), the sights of the monuments and buildings dating back through several millenium and to finish; the feel of the Mediterranean from a boat excursion to discover this unique coastline. In the evening we'll be heading to Catania where we will be saying "arrivederci" ... "Goodbye until we meet again".
Explore the map above to view a few key places we will be visiting.
If you would like to receive a detailed tour itinerary please click here.
Top Wines To Taste From This Tour
Experience the Best of Sicily with Phil
Those were just a few of the many highlights and wines that I have in store for you. My goal is to show you Sicily through my eyes, which have been immersed in its land, cuisine, wines, and people for over a decade. By the end of this trip, I want you to be able to look back with a smile and reflect on the fact that you have seen and tasted the very best that Sicily has to offer. I can't wait to welcome you and embark on this unforgettable journey together!
What To Know Before You Go
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Tour Fitness
Please note our tours are active holidays. Walking, stair-climbing and standing around for lengthy periods are unavoidable aspects of every tour. These features should not present problems for anyone of normal fitness, but our tours and events are not suitable for those who walk slowly, need support, or lack stamina. Please read our Tour Fitness page before booking.
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Dietary Requirements
All diets can be catered for please just let Maestro Tours know what they are on your booking form.
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Accessability
Unfortunately due to the physical nature of these tours they are not wheelchair friendly.
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What's Not Included
Flights/travel to and from Italy. All guests must have their own insurance and show proof of this at the start of the tour. Extras (eg minibar or bar drinks) at the hotels.
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Getting There
Every guest of Maestro Tours will be personally welcomed at the airport by our founder Phil Langford. Spot the Maestro Tours sign as you walk out of arrivals! All guests are required to arrange flights that will arrive on the tour start date. Tour start times will vary. We understand arrival times will also vary. Please inform us of your arrival time either by email or on your booking form. For this tour we reccommend you arrive into Catania airport by 12pm. If you are arriving by a different mode of transport and will not arrive at the airport, you can arrange to meet either in the centre of Catania or directly at the hotel in Ragusa Ibla. Check in at the hotel will be from 3pm.
A Personalized and Intimate Tour Experience
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to discover the enchanting island of Sicily with an experienced and passionate host. Phil Langford's extensive knowledge of the region's cuisine, wines, and culture will take you on a personalized journey through the most captivating and less-traveled corners of the island. With a limited group of only 6 guests, this seven-day tour promises an intimate, comfortable, and safe experience that will leave you with lifelong memories.
Book your space now and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure that will delight all your senses.