The magic of Sicily in winter
Sicily Winter Tour
Sicily is not just sea and summer sun: in winter the island reveals itself in all its beauty, with unique landscapes and an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.
Tour features
Sicily’s charm doesn’t fade with the seasons — in fact, winter offers a more intimate and authentic experience.
Mild weather, warm hospitality, and festive traditions make it an ideal time to uncover the island’s treasures.
Whether you’re skiing on Mount Etna, savoring a glass of Nero d’Avola by the fire, or strolling through Baroque towns adorned with holiday lights, Sicily in winter will surprise and enchant you.
Breakfasts – Lunches – Extra – Dinners
- Sicilian Breakfasts
Lunches
- Lunch with best arancino
- Lunch at “Rifugio Ragalbo”
(Typical cuts and cheesery, wild boar ragù tagliatelle and tiramisù) - Wine tasting + lunch of 3 meals plus dessert
- Typical Sicilian lunch
- Street food lunches in Palermo
Extra
- Hot chocolate break
Dinners
- Dinner at “Rinaldi”, traditional “Paninaro”
- Dinner at “Chalet dei ragazzi” a rustic meal
- Festival dinner in a nearby village (food stalls)
- Dinner in Ortigia featuring freshly caught seafood
- Dinner at a traditional trattoria, savoring winter dishes like “pasta con le sarde” (sardine pasta)
or “baccalà alla ghiotta” (cod with tomatoes and capers)
DAY 1 – Arrival and visit of Catania
Arrival in Catania
13:00 Lunch with best arancino
14:00 Visit of the city (Duomo, Fish Market and Via Etnea)
– Special activity: visit a local artisan shop creating traditional Sicilian nativity scenes (presepi), a popular winter tradition
18:30 Free time
19:30 Dinner at “Rinaldi”, traditional “Paninaro”, panino with meat (horse is the best one) with a lot of condiments to choose
Back at the hotel
DAY 2 – Mount Etna Winter Adventure
9:00 Explore Mount Etna with seasonal activities:
– Skiing or snowboarding (if snow conditions allow)
14:00 Lunch at “Rifugio Ragabo”
(Typical cuts and cheesery, wild boar ragù tagliatelle and tiramisù)
16:00 Guided trekking with snow-shoes to accessible areas of the volcano
– Exploring lava caves with winter-appropriate gear
18:00 Hot chocolate break
19:30 Dinner at “Chalet dei ragazzi” a rustic meal at a mountain lodge featuring seasonal dishes like pasta with broccoli (arriminati) or sausage with wild fennel
Stay at Etna chalet for the night
DAY 3 – Etna’s wine Tasting & Taormina
10:00 Breakfast
11:00 Visit a winery on the slopes of Etna for a wine tasting +
Lunch of 3 meals plus dessert
13:00 Stop at Alcantara Gorges
14:00 Discover Taormina
– Visit the Greek Theatre, the public gardens, and artisan shops
18:00 If in season, participate at Festival in a nearby village, featuring processions, food stalls, and winter desserts
– Alternative Activity: take a Sicilian cooking class focusing on winter dishes like caponata or festive cookies
21:30 Return to your hotel
DAY 4 – Syracuse and Ortigia with Winter Fishing Experience
09:30 Breakfast
11:00 Explore Syracuse and Ortigia
13:00 Typical lunch
15:00 Embark on a traditional fishing excursion near Ortigia, followed by a cooking session to prepare your catch
18:00 Free time
20:00 Dinner in Ortigia featuring freshly caught seafood
21:30 Back at the hotel
DAY 5 – Transfer to Palermo and First Day in the Capital
09:00 After breakfast, transfer from the eastern coast to Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital city.
Check into your hotel and start exploring the city
12:00 Midday Activity: stroll through the historic center, starting with the Palermo Cathedral, a mix of Arab-Norman and Gothic styles, and the majestic Norman Palace with its golden Palatine Chapel
14:00 Visit the bustling “Ballarò” or Capo markets, filled with fresh produce, seasonal street food, and vibrant local life. Try winter specialties “Sfincione” (thick Sicilian pizza), and freshly fried “Panelle” (chickpea fritters)
18:00 Free time
20:00 Dinner at a traditional trattoria, savoring winter dishes like “pasta con le sarde”(sardine pasta) or “baccalà alla ghiotta” (cod with tomatoes and capers)
DAY 6 – Palermo and departure
9:00 Breakfast
10:00 Explore the picturesque “Quattro Canti” square, the elegant “Piazza Pretoria”, and the “Baroque Church” of the “Martorana”
14:00 Participate in a winter-themed cooking class where you can learn to make “cassata al forno” (baked cassata) or other festive Sicilian desserts
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a leisurely walk along the “Foro Italico” seaside promenade or visit the serene “Orto Botanico” (botanical gardens)
Transfer to Palermo airport for departure
(The tour may be subject to changes based on your arrival and departure flight times).
Additional Winter Highlights:
– Handicraft Workshop
Learn to paint traditional Sicilian ceramics or create “Teste di Moro”
– Seasonal Food Events
Participate in winter food festivals like the Black Pig Festival of the Nebrodi (January)
– Thermal Spa Day
Visit Acireale or other nearby hot springs for a relaxing soak
ACTIVITIES
- Visit of the Catania
- Explore Mount Etna with seasonal activities: Skiing or snowboarding (if snow conditions allow)
- Guided trekking with snow-shoes to accessible areas of the volcano
- Exploring lava caves with winter-appropriate gear
- Alcantara Gorges
- Discover Taormina: visit the Greek Theatre, the public gardens, and artisan shops
- Explore Syracuse and Ortigia Embark on a traditional fishing excursion near Ortigia
TRANSPORT
- Round trip airport transfer included
- Driver/Guide in English Plus minibus for all the tour
The tour may be subject to changes based on your arrival and departure flight times.
HOTEL – VILLA // BUDGET OF 400€
For a 4 stars hotel or a Nice Villa
NOT INCLUDED
- Tips (optional)
- Upgrade Accommodations
- Extra drinks and extra bottle
- Optional (Ortigia boat tour)
PRICE 5000$
Exclusive couple discount for basic tour from 10000$ to 9200$
Image gallery
Transport & guide
Private car with driver for journey
Accommodation
Stay in a 4 Star Hotel
incl. Breakfasts – Lunches – Extra – Dinners
Other tour services
Enjoy natural scenery & local life
