Italy

Winter in Italy: Taormina & Sicily’s Culture & Cuisine

Program No. 22850RJ
There’s no better time to experience Sicily than winter! Delight in local cuisine, discover Mount Etna and learn about the Roman and Greek history of Taormina.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Oct 30 - Nov 6, 2024
Starting at
2,199
Nov 6 - Nov 13, 2024
Starting at
2,199
Full Inventory
Nov 20 - Nov 27, 2024
Starting at
2,199
Dec 8 - Dec 15, 2024
Starting at
2,199
Dec 14 - Dec 21, 2024
Starting at
2,199
Full Inventory
Jan 11 - Jan 18, 2025
Starting at
2,449
Jan 18 - Jan 25, 2025
Starting at
2,449
Full Inventory
Feb 2 - Feb 9, 2025
Starting at
2,449
Feb 9 - Feb 16, 2025
Starting at
2,449
Feb 23 - Mar 2, 2025
Starting at
2,449
Mar 9 - Mar 16, 2025
Starting at
2,449
Full Inventory
Mar 16 - Mar 23, 2025
Starting at
2,449
Mar 23 - Mar 30, 2025
Starting at
2,449
Full Inventory
Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2025
Starting at
2,449
Full Inventory
Nov 9 - Nov 16, 2025
Starting at
2,449
Full Inventory
Nov 30 - Dec 7, 2025
Starting at
2,449
Dec 7 - Dec 14, 2025
Starting at
2,449
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Oct 30 - Nov 6, 2024
Starting at
2,569
Nov 6 - Nov 13, 2024
Starting at
2,569
Full Inventory
Nov 20 - Nov 27, 2024
Starting at
2,569
Filling Fast!
Dec 8 - Dec 15, 2024
Starting at
2,569
Filling Fast!
Dec 14 - Dec 21, 2024
Starting at
2,569
Full Inventory
Jan 11 - Jan 18, 2025
Starting at
2,849
Jan 18 - Jan 25, 2025
Starting at
2,849
Full Inventory
Feb 2 - Feb 9, 2025
Starting at
2,849
Feb 9 - Feb 16, 2025
Starting at
2,849
Filling Fast!
Feb 23 - Mar 2, 2025
Starting at
2,849
Mar 9 - Mar 16, 2025
Starting at
2,849
Full Inventory
Mar 16 - Mar 23, 2025
Starting at
2,849
Mar 23 - Mar 30, 2025
Starting at
2,849
Full Inventory
Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2025
Starting at
2,849
Full Inventory
Nov 9 - Nov 16, 2025
Starting at
2,849
Full Inventory
Nov 30 - Dec 7, 2025
Starting at
2,849
Dec 7 - Dec 14, 2025
Starting at
2,849

At a Glance

Sicily’s idyllic location on the Mediterranean Sea has long made it a place of inspiration and respite for multiple cultures. In the heart of Taormina, experience the sights, sounds and flavors of Sicily as you explore this historic island during the quieter months, and learn how the Byzantines, Greeks, Romans and others influenced Sicilian life through the years. Marvel in the views of Mount Etna as you enjoy a field trip to a local market, sample ricotta cheese at a local family-run caseificio, try your hand at creating traditional cuisine and much more!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 3 to 4 miles on uneven terrain, standing for at least one hour, and stairs without railings.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Savor traditional Sicilian cuisine during a hands-on cooking class with Chef Massimo Tomarchio.
  • Get a taste of Sicily and learn all about ricotta cheese production during an exploration of a local family-run caseificio and enjoy a full Sicilian lunch.
  • Ride along the Circumetnea Railway around the base of Mount Etna, learning about one of the world’s most active volcanoes and taking in views of lava fields.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Massimo Tomarchio
Massimo was a curious child. He spent hours in the kitchen with his mother and grandmother as a child, preparing typical Sicilian foods. “My fondest memories are those hours passed in the kitchen with my grandmother,” says Massimo. He is inspired by Sicilian cuisine not only because of the variety of ingredients offered from the land but also “by the love that is cooked up behind the stove when cooking for loved ones.” Today Massimo is a private chef and teaches cooking classes in Sicily.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Massimo Tomarchio
Massimo Tomarchio View biography
Massimo was a curious child. He spent hours in the kitchen with his mother and grandmother as a child, preparing typical Sicilian foods. “My fondest memories are those hours passed in the kitchen with my grandmother,” says Massimo. He is inspired by Sicilian cuisine not only because of the variety of ingredients offered from the land but also “by the love that is cooked up behind the stove when cooking for loved ones.” Today Massimo is a private chef and teaches cooking classes in Sicily.
Profile Image of Rosa Rizza
Rosa Rizza View biography
Rosa Rizza was born in Palazzolo Acreide in the province of Syracuse in Sicily. She emigrated with her parents to the U.S. in 1967. After earning her high school diploma, she returned to Sicily in 1978 and made her home there. Rosa became a certified group leader in 1995, and has been working with Italian Exclusive Vacations ever since. She is passionate about her native island, art, culture, food, and wine.
Profile Image of Boris Behncke
Boris Behncke View biography
Boris Behncke is a volcanologist at the Osservatorio Etneo of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV-OE). He works predominantly on Sicilian volcanoes: their histories, eruptions, and their impact on nearby populations. He is coordinator of the working area “Observation of volcanic phenomena” and key contact person for Communication and Information during volcanic emergencies via Internet and social media. Boris is also part of the Communications and Public Outreach group at the INGV-OE that organizes events and activities with schools and the general public.
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