Sicilian wine and chocolate: a winning pair

Day 1 Arrival at hotel for 4 nights in half board accommodation.

Day 2 Full-day excursion to Noto, including wine-tasting session. The old Valley of Noto was inhabited by many different peoples: Sicilians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Spanish, and Byzantines etc., all of whom have left traces of their permanence. After the devastating earthquake of 1693, the City of Noto was fully rebuilt, and even attracted the attention of the UNESCO. Noto is a rich heritage of mankind thanks to its sights, churches and palaces dating back to the 18th century. In the afternoon, you will have the chance to taste the renowned Nero D’Avola (red wine), together with a light snack in a wine growing estate in the area of Noto / Ispica. Late afternoon, return to hotel.

Day 3 Full-day excursion to Ragusa and Modica, including a chocolate tasting session. The origins of the City of Ragusa date back to ancient times and are witnessed by the numerous findings in the area, some of which are now exhibited in the Archaeological Museum. There are traces of the Sicilian, Greek and Roman civilizations, such as the necropolises from the era of Ancient Greece and the ‘Grotta delle Trabacche’ from the Byzantine era. After the visit, we will proceed to Modica, one of the most important Cities from the Baroque period. The most interesting places of worship and at the same time the best examples of Sicilian Baroque art in Modica are: the San Giorgio church, the San Pietro cathedral, the church of Carmine, the church of San Nicolò Inferiore, built in a cave, the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the church of San Giovanni, with its adjacent belfry, the highest point in the city. Visitors may also admire palaces and paintings of outstanding beauty. The visit to Modica includes a taste of its delicious chocolate in the oldest chocolate factory of the entire region. Late afternoon, return to hotel.

Day 4 Full-day excursion to Caltagirone, wine-tasting session and visit to Donnafugata castle. Caltagirone is Sicily’s ‘Ceramic Centre’; ceramic can be found everywhere, alongside the omnipresent Baroque art. From the shops and workrooms of craftsmen to the fully tiled outdoor staircase, ceramic is to be seen in abundance in this city. In the earthquake of 1693, the city was almost completely destroyed, but subsequently rebuilt as a genuine ‘Baroque Dream’. After a wine-tasting session at ‘Tenuta del Nanfro’, we will proceed to Donnafugata castle. Donnafugata Castle is a sumptuous aristocratic residence dating from the late 1800s, which used to tower above the property of an ancient family. The Castle covers an area of around 2,500 m², with 122 rooms spread over three floors. Its broad façade is adorned with a very beautiful loggia with eight balconies in the Gothic-Venetian style. When visiting the rooms that still contain the original furnishings of the era, it almost seems as though you have jumped back in time. Each room is furnished to a different taste, according to its function: the Music Room, the Room of Arms, the Salon of Mirrors and the unmissable Bishop’s Apartments. The residence is surrounded by a park of eight hectares with a special “stone maze”. Due to its beauty, Donnafugata Castle is often used as a film set. Late afternoon, return to hotel. Farewell dinner and overnight accommodation in the hotel.

Day 5 Trip back home.