The largest island in the Mediterranean is arguably the most beautiful and certainly the densest with history and humanity. Sicily’s complex culture is matched only by its stunning natural beauty and the incredible, diverse landscape: rolling hills and valleys swathed in grapevines, miles of aquamarine coastline and a series of archipelagos that can be reached via a quick boat ride. Tourissimo is thrilled to announce a new 8-day culinary cycling tour of the region. The tour includes guides, accommodation in 4-star hotels, most meals, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, all activities, and bike rentals. For more information, visit https://www.tourissimo.travel/western-sicily-bike-tour.
“Sicily has lured conquerors and visitors for centuries,” said Tourissimo founder Beppe Salerno. “Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans have all contributed to the many layers of its vibrant culture. We’ll steep ourselves in the sights, scents, and flavors of the western part of Sicily, an area less exploited by tourists. We’ll swim in pristine waters, sample the finest wines of the island at a local producer, and learn about the Greek heritage of Selinunte, a stunning waterfront village that is a UNESCO Archeological Site.”
Sicily is a region renowned for its Baroque and Norman architecture, for its artistic importance (many poets, writers and intellectuals were born here), and of course, its excellent food! The cuisine in Sicily is different from the rest of Italy because of the various cultures it has been exposed to. In addition to its great wines, dinner in Sicily usually consists of vegetables (tomatoes, eggplants, artichokes), plenty of seafood, and yes, lots of pasta and olive oil. Its lemons, oranges, figs, almonds and apricots are among the best in the world.
“Sicily has received lots of attention for its organized crime, and the Mafia has become a literary and Hollywood phenomenon,” said Salerno. “True to the Tourissimo experience brand promise, guests will learn the historical roots of Sicily’s history through the people who, with courage and pride, are winning the battle against organized crime.”
Highlights:
• Palermo and its Arab-Norman architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Corleone
• Selinunte ruins
• Swimming in the blue Mediterranean waters
• Saline (salt farms) near Trapani
• Ghost towns of Gibellina and Poggioreale
• A lesser-traveled, bucolic Sicily
• Seafood and Slow Food dishes and specialties
• Cooking demonstration
• Sicilian wine production
• Overnight stay at a stunning countryside abbey
