Come join Kate Kerrigan on an extraordinary journey through Sicily on a curated tour combining two of her passions, mosaic and wine!
She will share her professional insights and together we’ll discover the very best of Sicily! We will start in Palermo on October 19, 2026 and make our way around the island until October 28, 2026, where you will depart from Catania.
Date
Oct 19 - 28
Year
2026
Group Size
12 - 18
Tour Escort
Day 1 to Day 10
About this trip
Come join Kate Kerrigan on an extraordinary journey through Sicily on a curated tour combining two of her passions, mosaic and wine! She will share her professional insights and together we’ll discover the very best of Sicily! We will start in Palermo on October 19, 2026 and make our way around the island until October 28, 2026, where you will depart from Catania. Along the way, we will explore baroque towns and mosaics, taste wine at exclusive estates, savor authentic Sicilian cuisine and traditions, relax in boutique hotels, and even make some of your own mosaic to take home. This will be a trip you’ll never forget.
Minimum Group Size
Pricing is based upon a minimum group of 12 paying travelers. If Wine Lovers Travel does not achieve this minimum before final payment is due, the trip is subject to cancellation and WLT will refund all payments made in full.
Inclusions
- 3 Nights in Palermo at 4* Hotel Politeama with breakfast (Oct 19-22, 2026)
- 2 Night in Agrigento at Resort Fontes Episcopi with breakfast (Oct 22-24, 2026)
- 2 Nights in Syracuse at 4* Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel with breakfast (Oct 24-26, 2026)
- 2 Nights in Taormina at 4* Hotel Caparena with breakfast (Oct 26-28, 2026)
- Private airport transfers
- Professional tour escort throughout your trip
- Entrance and tastings at multiple local wineries
- Entrance tickets to key landmarks mentioned
- Private mosaic workshop in Monreale
- Private transfers from city to city
- Private guided tours of the cities mentioned
- All meals mentioned in the itinerary
- 24-hour concierge service while in the country
Exclusions
- All meals not included above
- All activities not included above
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Hotel city tax
Available Packages
Paying by ACH or direct bank transfer has no processing fee. Credit card payments will include a standard processing fee.
If paying by credit card, we recommend using a card with no foreign transaction fees. At checkout, when it asks whether you want to pay in US Dollars or Euros, we recommend selecting Euros because your bank likely offers more favorable conversion rates.
Per person double occupancy
Available until January 1, 2026
$7,975
Deposit: $2,325
Per person single occupancy
Available until January 1, 2026
$9,200
Deposit: $2,760
Per person double occ- paying separately
Available until January 1, 2026
$7,975
Deposit: $2,325
Arrive in Palermo
Benvenuti in Italia! After arriving at the Palermo airport, a private transfer will take you to your 3 night accommodations in Palermo at Hotel Politeama, a 4-star retreat just steps from the historic center that blends modern elegance with the warmth of Sicilian hospitality. Check-in and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere before we head to an equally welcoming atmosphere, a private dinner inside a locals home. She will cook for you in her villa while you enjoy local wine. Then, back to the hotel for the evening.
Palermo, Monreale and Mosaic Class
We will start our Palermo exploration with a walking tour of the city. You will visit Palazzo dei Normanni, from where you will follow the different stages of its historical urban development. You will admire the Cappella Palatina with its glittering gold mosaics, complemented by marble floors and a wooden mugqarnas ceiling. Along the ax which crosses ancient Cassaro, we will discover some of the footprints of the Phoenician settlement, the Cathedral, the hybrid styles of San Cataldo and Martorana churches, and the artistic masterpieces of the Spanish rule. During the tour, you will also see the famous Opera House Teatro Massimo from the outside.
Next, we will discover the highlights of Monreale with another guided walking tour. Monreale is a very old little town that dates back to the 12th century, when the Norman kings preferred to rest after their military efforts in a more peaceful place than the crowded Palermo. You will visit Monreale Cathedral, recently nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The magnificence of the golden mosaics, decorating the inside, will leave you absolutely astonished. Your tour ends with a pleasant stroll into the elegant Benedictine monastery cloister of the XII century, enriched by inlaid columns and sculptured capitals. You will also experience the ancient art of mosaic of Monreale, visit one of the oldest artisan workshops in the town. The workshop of an artist who has been creating mosaic works of extreme technical and aesthetic refinement for 40 with passion, dedication and attention to detail.
Last, we will embark on a unique creative journey with a one hour experience in Monreale dedicated to beginners, providing an opportunity to craft a small mosaic masterpiece. The lesson includes guidance and hands- on experience in creating a mosaic kit tailored for beginners. Unleash your artistic potential and take home a piece of your own mosaic creation as a cherished memory of your time in Monreale.
Cefalu and Winery in Castelbuono
Today we will start by driving to Cefalu, followed with a walking tour in this charming small town. Still preserving its Medieval atmosphere in the narrow streets running up and down from the sea to the main square on the top of the city. The highlight is visiting the Duomo Cefalu and your tickets are included. It is a sight you won’t want to miss.
After you enjoy lunch on your own in Cefalu, you will head into the heart of the Madonie Mountains, where native vegetation, traditional crafts and fascinating small cities, still preserving their enchanting atmosphere, will nicely welcome you.
Experience the charm of a local winery in the Castelbuono area with a guided visit through the vineyards and cellar. Learn about traditional winemaking techniques and the unique characteristics of the region’s grape varieties. After the tour, enjoy a tasting of the winery’s selected labels (Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Syrah and Nero D’avola). A relaxed and authentic introduction to Sicilian wine culture.
In the timeless setting of Palazzo Arone dei Baroni di Valentino and in the heart of the historic center, enjoy a private dinner inside its prestigious dining room. A Sicilian buffet dinner will leave you breathless. Every detail in this palace is taken care of with the love that this place rich in history and full of memories requires.
You will discover the flavors of Arone’s home, ancient recipes handed down from generation to generation and the history of a prestigious Sicilian family.
Agrigento and Valley of the Temples
After breakfast and check-out, depart for Agrigento. On the way stop at Tenuta Sallier de La Tour, just a short drive from Palermo. In the gentle hills of Sallier de La Tour, this private experience invites you to explore the richness of Sicily through its wines, landscapes, and family heritage. Guided by the story of five unique estates, you’ll embark on a tasting journey across Sicily’s diverse terroirs. The experience includes a full traditional Sicilian lunch, featuring three seasonal antipasti, a pasta course, a main with a side, and a house-made dessert—each dish carefully paired with the wines to enhance the journey.
Afterwards, we will head to your next hotel in Agrigento, Resort Fontes Episcopi, for two nights. In the heart of the Sicilian countryside, not far from the Valley of the Temples, lies Fontes Episcopi Bio Resort: a peaceful retreat with an antique charm, renowned for its authentic Italian hospitality. Originally built in the 19th century as the country residence of Bishop Gerlando Genuardi, the estate dates to a time when Sicily was a favored destination for cultured and aristocratic European travelers seeking beauty, inspiration, and a mild climate. The property retains its authentic allure, unfolding around a central courtyard. Where once stood the farmers’ quarters and the large main hall, now lay warm, welcoming common spaces, including the kitchen, the real heart of the home, where guests can savor or help prepare traditional dishes made with organic produce from the estate’s garden. Upstairs, the noble rooms are decorated with understated elegance, natural materials, handcrafted details, and warm tones. The former stables and wine press have been transformed into a wellness oasis: the SPA, where guests are embraced by the scents of medicinal herbs and essential oils and invited to follow sensory paths that blend the regenerative power of nature with the ancient wisdom of Mediterranean traditions. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the Sicilian countryside, the crystal-clear waters of the pool offer the perfect place to unwind under the warm Sicilian sun, gazing at the landscape and surrendering to a timeless sense of harmony.
After settling into your second hotel room, you will meet your guide and discover the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, one of the most fascinating and best-preserved archaeological sites of the Greek world. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it represents the ancient city of Akragas, founded in the 6th century BC. During the tour, you will admire the Temple of Juno, the Christian necropolis with its arcosolia, the Temples of Concordia and Hercules, and the famous Telamon in the Temple of Zeus. Enjoy a pleasant stroll through one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Valley of the Temples Tickets are included.
Last on the agenda for today is to reach Casa Barbadoro, situated in the Valley of the Temples, for a beautiful food experience. Set in a unique location enjoy a light lunch filled with local fresh produce. Casa Barbadoro has helped the entire valley with cultivating certain products as they once did, naming this brand Diodoros. Walk amongst the terrain, that includes some artifacts, to see olive groves and other local produce.
Piazza Armerina and Caltagirone
Meet your guide and discover one of the richest and largest collections of Roman mosaics in the world: Villa Romana del Casale UNESCO World Heritage Site. See unique and exquisitely preserved mosaics during an informative guided tour. For the exceptional richness of its architectural and decorative elements, this late Roman structure has become of highly prominent importance within the program for the safeguarding and valorization of Sicilian heritage. Villa Romana del Casale Tickets are included.
Afterwards, we will enjoy lunch at Tenute Leano Agriresort. Enjoy your 4 course meal with wine included.
Step into the heart of Caltagirone, Sicily’s ceramic capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, with this guided walking tour through its charming streets, rich in history, art, and tradition! Visit the city’s most iconic landmark — the Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte. Climb its 142 steps, each one decorated with hand-painted ceramic tiles, telling the story of centuries of Sicilian craftsmanship. As you stroll through the historic town center, your local guide will lead you past beautiful Baroque churches, noble palaces, and scenic viewpoints like San Giacomo Church and San Francesco’s Belvedere, offering stunning views of the Sicilian countryside. You’ll also visit a traditional ceramic workshop, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the centuries-old techniques of molding and painting ceramics — a true cultural treasure still alive today. Enjoy a relaxing walk through the Public Garden, a peaceful 19th-century park filled with sculptures, ceramic details, and panoramic views.
Enjoy your evening at leisure.
Syracuse
After breakfast and check-out, we will depart for Syracuse. Along the way, we will stop for a visit of Gela and at a winery and enjoy wine tasting and local culinary specialties. In Gela, discover the key sites of Operation Husky through a compelling journey into the events of July 1943. The tour begins at Ponte Dirillo, a strategic point during the invasion where remnants of Italian army bunkers still stand amidst the countryside. It continues along the beaches of Macchitella and Manfria, where Allied troops first set foot on Sicilian soil. Along the coast and nearby fields, visitors can still spot WWll-era bunkers built by Italian and German forces. The tour ends near a medieval castle, where the Peace Monument offers a moment of reflection on the cost of war and the value of reconciliation.
Next, An exciting journey that begins with a guided tour to discover Donnafugata’s sartorial savoir-faire in the Vittoria Estate, from the vineyard to the cellar. The journey continues with the tasting of 5 of the most representative wines of all the Donnafugata estates, paired with 5 surprising culinary specialties.
After Donnafugata, we will head to our next hotel, 4* Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel, located just steps away from the sea, in the heart of Ortigia’s historic city center. We will spend two nights at this refined historic building that houses the hotel is the result of the fusion of multiple buildings dating from 1700 that combine medieval and Sicilian Baroque elements. Each room comes with antique furniture and a private bathroom with decorated tiles. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine using ingredients that are organic and locally produced.
Ragusa and Modica
Explore the baroque city of Ragusa with your guide, then enjoy a light lunch at a traditional watermill. Continue to Modica for a chef-hosted lunch and chocolate-making class. Modica Chocolate is famous all over the world for its unique texture, intense and natural flavor. It is a tradition that has been maintained for centuries within families, passing down the recipe and the characteristic molds from mother to daughter. Our chef will share the family recipe with you, so you can make your own chocolate bars and bring the ancient gestures to life, which will continue to be repeated in other parts of the world.
After breakfast and check-out from your hotel in Syracuse, depart to reach Taormina and along the way you will stop at Gambino winery, at the foot of Mount Etna, for a wine tasting and lunch.
Experience the rich flavors of Sicily with a guided wine tasting at a charming winery in the Catania area. Learn about the region’s unique terroir and the winemaking process, influenced by the fertile volcanic soils of Mount Etna. After the tasting, enjoy a delightful lunch featuring local Sicilian dishes, made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and perfectly paired with the winery’s selection of wines. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Catania region, this experience offers a perfect blend of exceptional wines, traditional cuisine, and beautiful landscapes.
Afterwards, we will head to our last hotel for the final two nights in Taormina at 4* Hotel Caparena set in Mediterranean gardens. The warm and inviting ambience of the Hotel Caparena, with its terracotta floors and the elegant fabrics provide complete sensory experiences to be discovered and absorbed. Hotel Caparena offers a restaurant, an outdoor pool and a sea-view terrace, just a few steps from a private beach. The on-site spa provides relaxing facilities including a hot tub and steam room. This is the “Home” for people who love the sea and nature.
Spend the rest of your day at leisure. Simply relax and enjoy the area at your own pace. Taormina has so much to offer!
Start your adventure with an exploration of Mt. Etna, Europe’s largest volcano and one of the most active volacanoes in the world! Visit the area of the Silvestri Craters, where four major craters lie, and explore the intriguing volcanic landscape with its solidified rivers of lava, carters, lava caves, nature trails and stunning views of the countryside and the sea.
For your last Sicilian adventure, embark on a memorable journey to a winery in the breathtaking Etna region, where the volcanic soil imparts unique flavors to the wines. Enjoy a guided tour of the vineyards and cellar, where you’ll learn about the distinctive winemaking techniques used in this area. After the tour, indulge in a wine tasting featuring the winery’s exceptional selections, paired with a delicious lunch that highlights the best of local Sicilian cuisine. With stunning views of Mount Etna as your backdrop, this experience offers a perfect blend of nature, tradition, and delicious food and wine.
After breakfast and checkout, enjoy a private transfer to Catania Airport for your flight home. Arrivederci—until next time in Italy!
