Tour Details
Our Palermo and the West tour is a food lovers’ adventure that plunges you into the exotic flavours of Sicily’s west coast. Our gastronomic footsteps take us from street food in Palermo to the vineyards of a pioneering winemaker in Marsala.
With an extraordinary cultural history and a geographical location that places it closer to Africa than Europe, the west of Sicily has a very different feel to the rest of the island. Some of this individuality is evident in its gastronomy and its remarkable history in winemaking but you’ll also find it in its fascinating towns, cities and archaeological sites.
Food, wine and cooking in western Sicily
Our gastronomic journey starts in Palermo’s markets, exploring its vibrant street food scene. From there, we continue to Erice to sample Maria Grammatico’s famous Genovesi pastries and, from our chef’s home in a magnificent location overlooking the Val di Erice, discover the secrets behind producing the perfect couscous alla Trapanese. At our second cooking class later in the week, we learn how to make busiate alla trapanese and traditional melt in the mouth Sicilian cassatelle pastries. Dinners are at fabulous handpicked local restaurants and trattorie, and at lunch, we feast on the product of our cooking class or, on the Egadi Islands, fresh fish straight from the sea.
For wine aficionados, the region represents a superb journey of discovery and we include several wine tasting experiences at a mix of traditional and smaller artisanal wineries.
Ancient temples and beaches
Alongside the culinary adventures, there are cultural visits to the ancient temple at Segesta and to the towns of Erice, Trapani, Marsala and Mazara del Vallo. And there’s also plenty of time to relax! During our two days on the Egadi Islands, we explore the islands’ hideaway coves and beaches by boat, pausing for refreshing swims in crystal clear bays and lingering lunches overlooking the water.
A single supplement of £250 is payable on the Palermo and the West tour.