Sicily Wine Tour – 12 day itinerary
Sicily 12 day itinerary includes: Palermo (3 nights), Trapani (3 nights), Enna (2 nights), Syracuse (2 nights), Taormina (1 night)
This is a sample itinerary which is completely customizable, ask us how.
Highlights
- Guided tour of Palermo and nearby Monreale
- Beach time in Cefalù and San Vito Lo Capo
- Wine tasting in Marsala, Mazara del Vallo and Caltanissetta
- Guided tours of Syracuse and Taormina with Greek Theatre
- Noto tour and winery
- Mount Etna jeep tour and lunch
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Palermo
Welcome to Palermo
Arrive in Palermo and settle into your high-end accommodation.
Afternoon VIP tour of Palermo, visiting key landmarks like the Norman Palace, Royal Chapel, and bustling market with your expert guide followed by a street food experience in the evening.
Overnight: Palermo
Day 2: Wine tasting and siteseeing in Monreale
Explore Monreale ending in a wine bar
Your guide will take you on a trip to nearby Monreale to marvel at the Cathedral adorned with gold mosaics. The area forms part of the broader wine-producing landscape, offering both red and white wines that we will sample with local delicacies at an enoteca (wine bar) in town.
Overnight: Palermo
Day 3: Excursion to Cefalu
Explore charming Cefalù on the coast
Day trip to Cefalù, a stunning beach town with an amazing Norman cathedral and a quaint old town full of artisanal shops and character.
Optional guided tour of Cefalù, hiking to the Temple of Diana, and strolling through the Old Town to visit and learn about the Duomo.
Overnight: Palermo
Day 4: San Vito Lo Capo & Erice
Stop in San Vito Lo Capo & Erice
Making your way to Trapani, your driver will stop at the stunning coastal town of San Vito Lo Capo followed by the old town of Erice, with its characteristic cobblestone roads and Norman architecture.
Arrive in Trapani, a large beach township with a fascinating past and stunning views. This will be your base for the second part of your wine tour.
Overnight: Trapani
Day 5: Excursion to Marsala
Sample Marsala wines at the source
Spend the day in Marsala, known for its wine production. On this special trip, you’ll visit a nearby winery and sample several wine types including dry and sweet Marsala varieties and everything in between.
Marsala is also famous for its salt mines, so we’ll be sure to stop at one of those.
Overnight: Trapani
Day 6: Tour of Mazara del Vallo and Winery Visit
Mazara del Vallo
Visit the quaint fisherman’s town of Mazara del Vallo which boasts a fascinating combination of Arab and Norman styles.
Visit a nearby winery in the afternoon for a personalized tour and of course, wine tasting.
Overnight: Trapani
Day 7: Transfer to Enna
Enna in central Sicily
Leave Palermo bound for Enna, a province in central Italy with a hilltop old town (Enna Alta) and a new town on the outskirts (Enna Bassa).
Settle into your accommodation in Enna Alta with an optional guided tour of the town or an evening degustation in an authentic restaurant.
Overnight: Enna
Day 8: Caltanissetta wine tour
Visit a winery in nearby Caltanissetta
Spend the day in Caltanissetta, a town of historical and cultural significance featuring Norman, Gothic, and Baroque architecture.
Explore the town center followed by local wineries for a wine tour sampling of varieties such as Nero d’Avola, Frappato, Grillo and Cattaratto.
Overnight: Enna
Day 9: Tour of Siracusa (Ancient Park and Ortigia)
Guided tour of Syracuse
Head to the picturesque Baroque city of Syracuse and discover the fascinating history with a private guided tour of the Archaeological Park, including the Greek Theater.
Check out the charasmatic island of Ortigia, famous for its old buildings and fun-filled atmosphere.
Overnight: Syracuse
Day 10: Tour of Noto and Winery Visit
Noto tour and winery
Head to Noto, a UNESCO town with stunning Baroque architecture.
This town is particularly renowned for its production of red and white wines that boast the Sicilia DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) appellation.
Spend the afternoon at a local winery, learn how they make DOC wine, and sample some varieties.
Overnight: Syracuse
Day 11: Etna and winery
Mount Etna tour with lunch at a winery
Finish in Taormina, perched on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea and the majestic Mount Etna.
Take a VIP jeep tour to Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest and most active volcano.
Etna produces exceptional wines thanks to its volcanic soil and high altitude. Conclude with lunch at a local winery to sample varieties such as Carricante and Nerello Mascalese.
Overnight: Syracuse
Day 12: Taormina tour
Take in Taormina
Enjoy a guided tour of the ancient amphitheater, Isola Bella, and the best panoramic views with a friendly local guide.
Spend your last afternoon exploring at leisure, taking photos and window shopping.
Not done yet? This tour can be easily extended to include a stay in Catania and an excursion to Bronte famous for pistachio.
Overnight: Taormina
Why Travel with Bellarome
Personalized Travel Services
Bespoke tailor-made itineraries put together by a local expert. You will be assign a dedicated consultant devoted to making your trip extra special.
Heritage Locator
Help with tracking ancestral roots and arranging to meet relatives with the help of a translator and local anagrapher.
Highly Rated & Trusted
Thousands of positive online reviews and happy repeat customers. ASTA members (US), ATOL protected (UK) and AFTA members (Australia) means peace of mind.
Local Presence & Knowledge
Local help desk available when you travel with 24/7 support included in the service.
FAQ
What is the best wine region in Sicily?
Sicily boasts several exceptional wine regions, but one that stands out is around Palermo. Palermo’s wine tours offer a perfect blend of historic charm and exquisite vineyards, making it a top choice for wine enthusiasts exploring Sicily. Sicily, an island steeped in history and sunshine, has some of Italy’s most vibrant and diverse wine regions. Due to the complexity of its geology as well as varying temperatures from place to place on the island, all the areas have their own unique flavor profiles.
What time of year is best for wine tours?
The best time for a Sicily wine tour is during the harvest season in fall, typically from September to October. This period allows visitors to witness the vineyards in full swing, participate in grape harvesting, and indulge in the vibrant atmosphere of wine-making in Sicily.
We also recommend Spring, May-June when the grapes start to blossom. These months provide you with the best weather conditions- warm yet not scorching hot- when vineyards are full of vegetation or getting down to action with harvesting, thus making it very interesting and picturesque.
Travelers’ Tip: For the nicest weather and busiest vineyard activities, choose late spring or early autumn.
Travel essentials: A camera to capture breathtaking views plus comfortable shoes for winery hopping.
Local Delights: Eat arancini, caponata, and fresh seafood while on a wine tour in Sicily.
What is the most popular wine in Sicily?
Sicily is renowned for its diverse wine offerings, but one of the most popular choices is the Marsala wine. This fortified wine from the region of Marsala is celebrated for its rich flavors, ranging from dry to sweet varieties, providing a quintessential Sicilian tasting experience.
What are the most famous Sicilian red wines?
Sicilian red wines are renowned for their strong flavors and fascinating scents. The most popular reds include:
Nero d’Avola: Often referred to as the noblest variety of Sicily, Nero d Avola produces full-bodied, fruity wines with a little bit spiciness; best tasted at vineyards from Noto and Ragusa.
Mascalese Nerello: This grape grown on Mount Etna’s slopes renders wines which have an outstanding minerality as well as flavors of red fruits plus balanced herbs.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria: An unconventional blend of Nero d’Avola together with Frappato has made this medium bodied wine taste like cherries and plums while capturing the best qualities from these two varietals.
What are some famous white wines from Sicily?
There are also amazing white wines that come from Sicily; easily identified by their crisp acidity and aromatic hints. Some of the major kinds include:
Carricante: Carricante wines, mostly grown on the eastern slopes of Mt. Etna, have great aromas of lemon and flowers.
Grillo: Grillo is a grape variety that produces age worthy bottles with peaches and lemons as well as lighter zesty ones.
Catarratto: Catarratto wines are generally soft and fruity with a nice minerality – one of the most common white types of Sicily.
What are some top-rated vineyards for wine tasting in Sicily, Italy?
For an exceptional wine-tasting experience in Sicily, consider exploring vineyards around Taormina. The region’s wineries not only offer exquisite wines but also provide breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, creating a truly unforgettable Sicilian wine adventure.
