Event Details
Join us to explore the best of the east coast of Sicily with its centuries-old food culture and impressive towns and cities as well as visits to producers of wine, pistachios, buffalo milk, gelato and chocolate.Ā We start in Catania and explore some of the ancient sites including the Greek Amphitheatre, Ursino Castle and Cathedral.Ā Weāll explore the famous open-air market and eat at one of its bustling restaurants;Ā crunch through the volcanic soil of Etna and taste wines from one of Sicilyās top wineries; swim at a private beach in Ortigia with a picnic of the best panini on the planet; spend time in produce markets and with producers including a buffalo milk farm with exceptional buffalo ricotta cannoli.
Highlights include tasting seafood right on the water; enjoying an evening aperitivo on a stylish rooftop at sunset; eating at some of our favourite local restaurants and enjoying a unique cooking class where we grind our own flour from ancient grains at a 17th century mill to make scacce – a typical street food in Ragusa.
Our guide in Sicily is Placido who is an accredited guide and a pistachio farmer on the slopes of Etna – he offers a special perspective of food and culinary history on the island.
We catch the fast ferry to Malta and at dusk sail in to Vallettaās magnificent harbour with its sandstone ramparts, church domes and impressive buildings and marinas.
Weāll have 3 glorious nights in the 5-star Phoenicia Hotel before catching the ferry for 3 nights in the luxurious 5 -star Kempinski Hotel in Gozo. Across the islands we are guided by locals who share their insights into their unique country across with bespoke experiences including an evening with a farmer and a chef and some hands-on cooking in the wood fire. We visit salt producers and bakers, musicians and cheesemakers and immerse in the food traditions of Malta and nearby Gozo.
Highlights include a morning in speedboats visiting picture perfect coves and caves with clear turquoise water, a Michelin star dinner with one of the top chefs and travelling across the breathtaking harbour to immerse in history told through food.
This itinerary allows you time to explore other parts of Sicily before joining us…and you have the option of staying further on Gozo or Malta.
Carol H –
āMaeve’s planning and passion gave us behind the scenes access to hidden food gems -an absolute dream tripā Carol H
June 2026 –
ā This trip has been absolutely amazing and above my expectations. All our guides have been outstanding and know their countries with an added sense of personal love for each place they have shown us! The best!!ā
Chris M –
“To say it was wonderful is really an understatement, it was so much more than I ever imagined. Thank you from the bottom of my heart” Chris M
Ali S –
“A fabulous trip with many varied experiences we were unlikely to find without Maeveās ability to connect with such passionate locals. Their commitment and enthusiasm for what they produce with pride lingers. Some of it is a blur but the memories are vivid of the colours of the markets especially red tomatoes of different shapes, the incredible blues of the seas, the glistening white of the sea salt and yellows and citrus shades of the limoncellos and fingers ( and some tops ) stained with ripe mulberries ! Thank you Maeve and Gourmet Safaris – Ali S
Jenny T –
“I think meeting the ālocalsā – guides, producers, hosts made the travel feel more intimate, thanks to your excellent choice of events and venues.
I canāt choose a favourite moment as they were all great. And I learnt a lot about the lives of the people here, their history, their passions, their daily life thanks to our wonderful guides. The food experiences were very special, always with a surprise enhancement from the owners, including the local band!
The swims were a lovely relaxation and in gorgeous spots. An all round fabulous holiday” Jenny T
Marg S –
“This safari opened doors and took us places weād never have found on our own – giving genuine insight into local culture. The best tours in the world.ā Marg S
JM –
Maeve has scored another bullseye with the Sicily and Malta Gourmet Safari. We hoped for unique, local food experiences and an understanding and appreciation of the two cultures, and the tour delivered in spades. Sicilian and Maltese guides helped us interpret what we were experiencing, and gave us the localās āinside trackā.
We went to restaurants, farms, market stalls and peopleās homes we would never have discovered by ourselves, and everywhere Maeve was welcomed with open arms. The personal connections are real and invaluable. (Oh, and we also swam in the sparkling blue Med a couple of timesā¦bliss).
The itinerary was well paced, the organisation was excellent and the hotels were lovely. Most of all, Maeveās knowledge and enthusiasm are infectious. She has the knack of energising the group while making everyone feel special individually. All in all a memorable trip. JM 8/7/26
Chris & Catherine –
We didnāt get time yesterday to thank you and say goodbye. We had a most wonderful time and loved everything. Thank you for your work in organising us, finding the best eating places, luxury hotels and wonderful experiences! My sentence/few words you asked for:
UTTERLY FABULOUS š¤© Catherine and Chris
NN –
This safari opened doors and took us places weād never have found on our own – giving genuine insight into local culture.
2025 guests –
“The Sicily/ Malta safari needs to go on the top of your āmust doā list. The hotels are stunning. We tried amazing food across all styles, from cafes, home-cooked meals and hospitality, a Michelin-star restaurant as well as cooking classes and demos. We visited a pistachio farm and ate a feast on Mt Etna, swam in the crystal clear waters on both Sicily and Malta, had a delicious home cooked meal on Gozo. The highlight of the tour for me was the fantastic guides that Maeve finds who showed their genuine love of their country, its history and culture and introduced us to the locals that made us feel so welcomed.” Sue
ļ»æ”My highlights of the trip in Sicily visiting Mount Etna and eating at Nino’s family restaurant, the generosity of his wonderful family …also the pistachio farm, Ortigia beautiful accommodation on the harbour . Malta ..wow !! Valletta boats and swimming in the stunning colours of the ocean …beautiful people and our host Leanne in Gozo with a fun night of family and food and music šµ wow what can you say Thanks Maeve for the best trip ever!! Jane
“My idea of heaven. The most fabulous food!!! From a Michelin Star restaurant to a truck stop diner we did it all, and my oh my it was good. Amazing luxurious hotels and great company. This was my first Gourmet Safari but definitely won’t be my last. My only problem now is which tour to do next. Elisabeth
“Sicily and Malta…JUST DO IT… with Maeve, of course! ā Kerrie
“An absolute fabulous tour with so many unique experiences. From visiting farms, wineries, going to a bakery in Malta, eating delicious food from Michelin-star restaurants to eating in someone’s home, history and culture tours of cities and towns, swimming in the Mediterranean, a concert in a church and staying in amazing accomodation. Maeve and all her guides and contacts made this trip very unique and special.ā Rosy
“Stand outs for me are the quality and knowledge of the guides as well as the fabulous hotels we stayed in. The average person could not possibly arrange all the intimate experiences we had on Gozo courtesy of the wonderful Leanne from Tastes of Gozo!” Neil
“Once again Gourmet Safari has delivered in its unique and wonderful style. With Maeve as the conduit bringing us food, cultural and life experiences some of which I know we would not have been able find for ourselves, never taking the easy option, thanks Maeve and team.ā Matt
Lynda –
I was scrolling through my photos today ā¦ what an amazing holiday! Such good companyā¦ so many great memories! (Lynda, 2025)
Alan –
To say this trip exceeded our expectations is an understatement. We loved every minute and every mouthful.
Alan and David