Naples and Sicily with Daniele Uditi

Benvenuti a Napoli! This is the beating heart of Italy’s Campania region, a city that pulses with ancient history, vibrant street life, and no shortage of bold and beloved flavors.

Once we settle in at the hotel, we’ll convene for a casual and exemplary welcome dinner. With our tastemaker at the helm we’ll wander down the road to one of the finest pizzerias in all of Naples

There’s no better introduction to the birthplace of pizza than an authentic foodie tour through the historic city center of Naples. With our tastemaker as our guide, we’ll wind through narrow alleyways and rickety market stands, sampling crisp pizza fritta and light-as-air sfogliatella as we breathe in the regal splendor of centuries-old squares and dreamy fountains dedicated to the gods.

After a surprise stop for lunch, we move onto the outskirts of town to Caserta, where sleek black buffalo roam alongside generations-old mozzarella farms. We’ll sample fresh mozzarella di bufala produced just hours before—it’s the perfect “aperitivo” before our elaborate dinner in the beating heart of Naples.

We’re up early this morning for the short flight over to Sicily. After landing in historic Catania, the ancient port city on the island’s east coast, we’ll head straight to one of the most enchanting villages on the island.

Our compass is fixed on verdant Taormina, the pearl of the Mediterranean, which we’ll explore by foot starting with its ancient Greek amphitheater, carved into rock overhanging the crashing surf below. From our perch here, at what’s arguably the most famous outdoor theater in the whole world, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Giardini Naxos to the south, and the toe of mainland Italy to the north.

Next, we’ll head into town to explore Taormina’s vibrant piazzas, Gothic cathedrals, and cliff-hugging terraces—and, perhaps, a scoop of Sicilian gelato in a traditional flavor like jasmine, cantaloupe, or pistachio.

After checking into our hotel, we’ll have time to relax and explore its lovely grounds, nestled among the vine-covered foothills of Mount Etna, before settling in for dinner. Every single dish on the hotel menu, from the creamy risotto with wild fennel to the sweet-and-sour rabbit, features ingredients from the property’s gardens.

After breakfast we’ll head out to visit majestic Mount Etna, an active volcano that towers almost 11,000 feet over the island — and occasionally glows red with lava! We’ll head to a local estate where heritage vines clamber up the volcano’s slopes to an altitude of over 3,000 feet, producing delicate whites and intense, fruit-forward rosés and reds.

Following our tasting, we’ll sit down to a family-style lunch under the benevolent eye of Le Mamme del Borgo, a collective of local grandmothers who will teach us how to knead the ancient flours into a supple pasta dough for our maccarruni, a typical Sicilian pasta that’s traditionally rolled by hand and served in a wild boar sauce.

You’ll have the afternoon and dinner on your own.

We’ll head for Siracusa today, wending our way across the island to this 2,700-year-old seaside wonder. The ancient heart of Siracusa is the island of Ortigia, and we’ll enjoy a walking tour of its narrow cobblestone alleyways, crowded with markets, seafood restaurants, and old-school purveyors of cheese, fruits and vegetables.

After ample time to breathe in Ortigia’s panoramic views, we’ll head to Tenuta CavaSecca for a visit to its olive groves and the ancient temple that now houses the gigantic vats of oil as they rest after harvesting and milling. From there, we’ll head to the ancient hall for a tasting of this liquid gold, followed by a family lunch straight from the garden.

In the late afternoon, we’ll check into our hotel and have time to rest and explore the sprawling grounds of this beautifully restored baglio, or fortified farm, before reconvening for a casual dinner.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Agrigento. This former Greek colony was established in the 6th century BC and was a leading city-state in the Mediterranean world. Agrigento’s magnificent Doric temples dominate the ancient town, much of which still lies intact among acres of olive, pistachio, almond and fruit trees.

We’ll drink in the sumptuous beauty of the gardens and ramble down the road for a special dinner. There, we’ll sit down for a picnic with a local shepherd, feasting on homemade ricotta and local pasta.

Inspired by this special experience, we’ll return to the hotel for some exquisite repose.

As we bid farewell to our current haven and set our sights on Palermo, our first stop will be the iconic Salt Plains of Marsala. Here, we’ll explore the striking landscape of salt water pools divided by narrow strips of land, known as “la via del sale” or the Salt Road, where ancient Phoenician salt culture meets modern-day production methods, offering a glimpse into centuries-old traditions.

Continuing our exploration, we’ll indulge in a delightful visit to a Marsala winery, where we’ll discover the secrets behind the production of this renowned fortified wine. Immerse yourself in the aroma of oak barrels and sample a selection of traditional Western Sicilian wines during a memorable tasting session. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch at the winery, savoring the flavors of Sicily’s culinary heritage.

Next, we’ll journey to the medieval hilltop town of Erice, where we’ll treat our tastebuds to a pastry tasting, sampling delectable treats crafted with love and tradition. As the day draws to a close, we’ll check into our hotel and prepare ourselves for beautiful Palermo tomorrow.

There’s no better introduction to freewheeling Palermo than the colorful Capo market; as we wander the stalls, listening to the singsong calls of vendors and inhaling an intoxicating swirl of aromas, we’ll be tantalized by the sharp tang of Sicilian citrus fruits, fragrant sesame-seed loaves pulled from a wood-fired oven, savory arancini (fried rice balls) and thick slices of sfincione topped with  sweet tomato sauce.

Next, we’ll be treated to a historical tour as we take in Palermo’s stunning seafront, its terraces and courtyards a tapestry of hanging gardens perfumed with subtropical essence. After a a few hours of independent exploration, we’ll meet up again for a truly magical farewell dinner.

Arrivederci Sicilia! We’re off this morning after nine immersive days of adventure and culinary adventure. After breakfast, we’ll say ciao to each other, knowing the memory of our adventure together will live in our hearts forever! We’ll organize a group transfer to Palermo’s PMO airport for flights to mainland Italy and beyond.