Sicily: Vineyards and Volcanoes

You’ll arrive at the airport and enjoy complimentary VIP lounge access before your flight. On arrival into Catania, you’ll be greeted and transferred to the Donna Carmela, a contemporary boutique resort surrounded by over 10,000sq metres of lush gardens of Mediterranean and subtropical plants - a reconnection to nature.

This evening you’ll dine on the best of local traditions, typical Sicilian cuisine, elevated by produce grown from the resort’s own gardens. From appetisers to dessert, Sintesi brings true authentic flavours to each bite, paired with only the best wines. After dinner, settle into your romantic lodge, surrounded by verdant gardens and plantation views. A panoramic terrace with a warm and soothing lava stone jacuzzi of lava stone will invite you each evening to relax both the body and mind.

After enjoying breakfast at the resort, a local guide will greet you and take you for a day of exploring the local countryside. By vehicle, you’ll embark across the woods and up the slopes of the most iconic volcano on the island – Mount Etna. As you climb higher, you’ll discover some of its storied past, including the ruins of a former hotel destroyed by lava on the Etna Nord. You’ll also have the opportunity to hike a little closer to the ruins  and to enjoy the magnificent island views. Afterwards, with a torch in hand, visit a lava grotto to learn more about the geological nature of volcanoes.

As you return to the resort, one final stop at a local vineyard will help wrap up this exciting day. Sample refreshing wines which are unique to the region and terroirs.

Today is at leisure and a time to connect with nature. You may choose to explore the grounds further, or finally dive into that book you’ve been saving. Alternatively, arrange a special treatment at the spa or head into Catania to see the city.

This evening, dine at Sintesi or opt to upgrade to a gourmet meal at La Cucina di Donna Camela where you’ll witness the brilliance of chef Piergiorgio Alecci. His take on enogastronomy will seal the taste, understanding and experience of food and wine on the island of Sicily, in a pure and exalting menu.

Today, you’ll head to the small village of Solicchiata, located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna and home to Pietradolce. The vineyards of Pietradolce cover 11 hectares and sit at an elevation of between 600 and 900 feet above sea level. This elevated position, coupled with the mineral-rich volcanic soil, help the native varieties of grapes flourish. The winery, with its contemporary design and local art, was built with a sustainable future in mind.

You’ll visit the pre-phylloxera vineyards, the cellar and the barrel room, which houses the ageing wines, and learn about the philosophy and culture of Pietradolce. Of course, you’ll also sample fine wines with an eight wine guided tasting session included.

After a final indulgent breakfast, your private transfer will take you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.