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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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.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Meals
14 Meals
6 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Vegetarian, Low Salt
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025
  • Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025
  • Oct 30, 2024 - Nov 06, 2024
  • Nov 06, 2024 - Nov 13, 2024
  • Nov 20, 2024 - Nov 27, 2024
  • Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 15, 2024
  • Dec 14, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024
  • Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 18, 2025
  • Jan 18, 2025 - Jan 25, 2025
  • Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 09, 2025
  • Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 16, 2025
  • Feb 23, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025
  • Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025
  • Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025
  • Mar 23, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025
  • Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025
  • Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025
  • Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025
  • Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025
6 nights
Taormina
On a hillside overlooking the city, the interior is cozy and charmingly appointed. The in-house restaurant and bar are relaxed and satisfying. Private garden. First class personal service. Please note there are 5 sets of stairs for a total of 104 stairs, spaced by terraces, from the Continental Hotel to the Duomo square in Taormina. You will need to manage these steps on day 3 when we visit Taormina, in the evenings when we go to dinners and on your free time.
6 nights
Taormina
On a hillside overlooking the city, the interior is cozy and charmingly appointed. The in-house restaurant and bar are relaxed and satisfying. Private garden. First class personal service. Please note there are 5 sets of stairs for a total of 104 stairs, spaced by terraces, from the Continental Hotel to the Duomo square in Taormina. You will need to manage these steps on day 3 when we visit Taormina, in the evenings when we go to dinners and on your free time.
6 nights
Taormina
On a hillside overlooking the city, the interior is cozy and charmingly appointed. The in-house restaurant and bar are relaxed and satisfying. Private garden. First class personal service. Please note there are 5 sets of stairs for a total of 104 stairs, spaced by terraces, from the Continental Hotel to the Duomo square in Taormina. You will need to manage these steps on day 3 when we visit Taormina, in the evenings when we go to dinners and on your free time.
6 nights
Taormina
On a hillside overlooking the city, the interior is cozy and charmingly appointed. The in-house restaurant and bar are relaxed and satisfying. Private garden. First class personal service. Please note there are 5 sets of stairs for a total of 104 stairs, spaced by terraces, from the Continental Hotel to the Duomo square in Taormina. You will need to manage these steps on day 3 when we visit Taormina, in the evenings when we go to dinners and on your free time.
6 nights
Taormina
On a hillside overlooking the city, the interior is cozy and charmingly appointed. The in-house restaurant and bar are relaxed and satisfying. Private garden. First class personal service. Please note there are 5 sets of stairs for a total of 104 stairs, spaced by terraces, from the Continental Hotel to the Duomo square in Taormina. You will need to manage these steps on day 3 when we visit Taormina, in the evenings when we go to dinners and on your free time.
6 nights
Taormina
On a hillside overlooking the city, the interior is cozy and charmingly appointed. The in-house restaurant and bar are relaxed and satisfying. Private garden. First class personal service. Please note there are 5 sets of stairs for a total of 104 stairs, spaced by terraces, from the Continental Hotel to the Duomo square in Taormina. You will need to manage these steps on day 3 when we visit Taormina, in the evenings when we go to dinners and on your free time.
6 nights
Taormina
On a hillside overlooking the city, the interior is cozy and charmingly appointed. The in-house restaurant and bar are relaxed and satisfying. Private garden. First class personal service. Please note there are 5 sets of stairs for a total of 104 stairs, spaced by terraces, from the Continental Hotel to the Duomo square in Taormina. You will need to manage these steps on day 3 when we visit Taormina, in the evenings when we go to dinners and on your free time.
6 nights
Taormina
On a hillside overlooking the city, the interior is cozy and charmingly appointed. The in-house restaurant and bar are relaxed and satisfying. Private garden. First class personal service. Please note there are 5 sets of stairs for a total of 104 stairs, spaced by terraces, from the Continental Hotel to the Duomo square in Taormina. You will need to manage these steps on day 3 when we visit Taormina, in the evenings when we go to dinners and on your free time.
6 nights
Taormina
On a hillside overlooking the city, the interior is cozy and charmingly appointed. The in-house restaurant and bar are relaxed and satisfying. Private garden. First class personal service. Please note there are 5 sets of stairs for a total of 104 stairs, spaced by terraces, from the Continental Hotel to the Duomo square in Taormina. You will need to manage these steps on day 3 when we visit Taormina, in the evenings when we go to dinners and on your free time.
6 nights
Taormina
On a hillside overlooking the city, the interior is cozy and charmingly appointed. The in-house restaurant and bar are relaxed and satisfying. Private garden. First class personal service. Please note there are 5 sets of stairs for a total of 104 stairs, spaced by terraces, from the Continental Hotel to the Duomo square in Taormina. You will need to manage these steps on day 3 when we visit Taormina, in the evenings when we go to dinners and on your free time.
6 nights
Taormina
On a hillside overlooking the city, the interior is cozy and charmingly appointed. The in-house restaurant and bar are relaxed and satisfying. Private garden. First class personal service. Please note there are 5 sets of stairs for a total of 104 stairs, spaced by terraces, from the Continental Hotel to the Duomo square in Taormina. You will need to manage these steps on day 3 when we visit Taormina, in the evenings when we go to dinners and on your free time.
6 nights
Taormina
On a hillside overlooking the city, the interior is cozy and charmingly appointed. The in-house restaurant and bar are relaxed and satisfying. Private garden. First class personal service. Please note there are 5 sets of stairs for a total of 104 stairs, spaced by terraces, from the Continental Hotel to the Duomo square in Taormina. You will need to manage these steps on day 3 when we visit Taormina, in the evenings when we go to dinners and on your free time.
6 nights
Taormina
On a hillside overlooking the city, the interior is cozy and charmingly appointed. The in-house restaurant and bar are relaxed and satisfying. Private garden. First class personal service. Please note there are 5 sets of stairs for a total of 104 stairs, spaced by terraces, from the Continental Hotel to the Duomo square in Taormina. You will need to manage these steps on day 3 when we visit Taormina, in the evenings when we go to dinners and on your free time.
6 nights
Taormina
On a hillside overlooking the city, the interior is cozy and charmingly appointed. The in-house restaurant and bar are relaxed and satisfying. Private garden. First class personal service. Please note there are 5 sets of stairs for a total of 104 stairs, spaced by terraces, from the Continental Hotel to the Duomo square in Taormina. You will need to manage these steps on day 3 when we visit Taormina, in the evenings when we go to dinners and on your free time.
6 nights
Taormina
On a hillside overlooking the city, the interior is cozy and charmingly appointed. The in-house restaurant and bar are relaxed and satisfying. Private garden. First class personal service. Please note there are 5 sets of stairs for a total of 104 stairs, spaced by terraces, from the Continental Hotel to the Duomo square in Taormina. You will need to manage these steps on day 3 when we visit Taormina, in the evenings when we go to dinners and on your free time.
6 nights
Taormina
On a hillside overlooking the city, the interior is cozy and charmingly appointed. The in-house restaurant and bar are relaxed and satisfying. Private garden. First class personal service. Please note there are 5 sets of stairs for a total of 104 stairs, spaced by terraces, from the Continental Hotel to the Duomo square in Taormina. You will need to manage these steps on day 3 when we visit Taormina, in the evenings when we go to dinners and on your free time.
6 nights
Taormina
On a hillside overlooking the city, the interior is cozy and charmingly appointed. The in-house restaurant and bar are relaxed and satisfying. Private garden. First class personal service. Please note there are 5 sets of stairs for a total of 104 stairs, spaced by terraces, from the Continental Hotel to the Duomo square in Taormina. You will need to manage these steps on day 3 when we visit Taormina, in the evenings when we go to dinners and on your free time.





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