Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and the largest of the 20 regions of Italy. To fully appreciate and understand this island one needs to take a deep look at its history. One of the most ancient historical areas in all of Italy is found here in the former Kingdom of Sicily.
Sicily by virtue of location and being an island has made it to be a melting pot of different cultures over the centuries. It held strategic importance in trade routes between north and south and Africa.
Leave Palermo for an adventure to the birthplace of Marsala wine where you will find the real thing! Taste Marsala wines that go back 50 years which will impress you with their complexity and flavor. After this, journey to the breathtaking center of the island where you will find the number 1 winery in the world Tenuta Regaleali which also houses the world renown Anna Lanza Cooking school.
Here you will have a private Chef class to hone your cooking skills. Continue on your exploration of Sicily with a closer peek of Mt. Etna ( Europes largest active volcano) and its world class wine region. Pietradolce, Graci and other Etna wineries will beguile you with their Pinot Noir type elegance and crunchy texture from the volcanic soil. A visit to an olive oil farm for a Masterclass on Olive Oil from a Master of Olive Oil. Continue to explore ancient Greek ruins in Agrigento and Siracusa to appreciate the past. In Modica you will find some of the best chocolate in all of Italy! Dive into the turquoise waters of the sea here and relax on the beach getting ready for the ultimate finish in a Michelin restaurant experience at Accursio.
The Golden Age for Sicily was between 1072- and 1194 when it was under Norman rule of Roger I and II. During this period the Greeks, Arabs, Jews and Normans worked together in harmony to create a cosmopolitan culture which was among the best in the world at the time. The architecture found in Palermo rivals that of Rome in terms of sheer numbers yet beats it when considering the variety of different types. The examples of architecture you will find is Roman, Greek , Spanish, Phoenician, Arabic and French. One of the best opera houses in the world is found in Palermo at Teatro Massimo. The city itself much like NYC appears to never sleep and has a vibrant night life scene as well. The delicious street food scene which was named the best in Europe is a testament to the mashup of different cultures coming together here over the centuries.
