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.
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