We wanted to drop you a “note” to tell you we had a wonderful time on the trip to Italy. Thank you so much for your great work in putting it all together!
Delectable Vegan Cuisine
Active Volcano
Stunning Coastlines
Sicily Unveiled: A Vegan Adventure of Culture and Cuisine
Welcome to our first tour of ancient Sicily, where we blend the flavors of Sicilian vegan cuisine with the rich tapestry of history, architecture, and mythology that make this island a unique gem of the Mediterranean. Over ten days, we’ll explore Palermo, Siracusa, and Catania, immersing ourselves in each city’s vibrant culture and culinary traditions while delving into the captivating stories of Sicily’s long and storied past.
We’ve had many requests for this magical destination, and at last we’ve found the perfect partner to show us around. Tonia Brauer is an American expat living in Siracusa and her enthusiasm for her adopted homeland is infectious.
Why You’ll Love This Tour!
Experience three areas of the Mediterranean’s largest island paradise
Three vegan food tours and tastings and cannoli-making
Ancient Greek and Roman archeological sites
Click the Tabs to Find Out More
Essential Info
Essential Info
Price
$4925 USD/per person
*A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the tour cost, along with a registration form, are required in order to join the tour. Your space is not guaranteed until both of these are received.
Dates
November 1st – 10th, 2025
Tour duration
9 nights/10 days
Group size
8-12 people
Included
- 9 nights accommodations
- 9 breakfasts
- 8 lunches (two are food tours)
- 8 dinners
- Sightseeing and activity admissions (except free time)
- Transportation between cities
- Transportation from Palermo Airport to hotel
- All logistics are taken care of for you
Not included
- Airfare
- Travel insurance
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Travel insurance is highly recommended for any emergency expenses
About your guide
This tour will be led by Kim Giovacco and Tonia Brauer
Trip Overview
Our tour starts with transportation from Palermo Airport (PMO) to our hotel. If you arrive early and your room is not ready you will be able to store your bags. The hotel is in the historical center. On our first full day, we’ll take a bus to Cefalu, a relaxing coastal city with ancient history in a beautiful setting, where we will enjoy a food tour. On Day 3 we’ll have a walking tour in Palermo, followed by some free time. Day 4 will take us to Siracusa/Ortigia via bus, and that afternoon we’ll learn to make cannoli! On Day 5, we will have a vegan street food tour, followed by a little downtime and a wine and chocolate pairing tasting. Day 6 will have us sailing on the Mediterranean, with lunch onboard a small sailboat. On Day 7 we’ll take the train to Catania, our third overnight destination. We will have a walking tour in Catania on Day 8, and will ascent Mt Etna by jeep on Day 9.
Our final day will end after breakfast, and you may depart from Catania Airport.
Buon viaggio e buon appetito!
Itinerary
On Day 1, we will arrange a shuttle from the airport to our hotel where you can settle in and have some free time until we gather for a welcome dinner. Dive into the heart of Sicily’s capital city, where the fusion of cultures is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and history.
The next morning we’ll take a one-hour bus ride to Cefalu, a coastal city with stunning views, a 12th-century Norman cathedral, and a 17th-century fortress. We’ll learn about the area’s history and culture while enjoying a vegan food tour. After some free time, we’ll have dinner at a lovely seaside restaurant before heading back to Palermo.
Meals Included
Day 1: Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today we’ll explore the bustling energy of thriving Palermo where the present-day aromas fill the ancient streets. Immerse yourself in the stunning Arab-Norman architecture inspired by Nordic tradition and Islamic influence. We’ll enjoy vegan versions of traditional Sicilian dishes, and savor the modern plant-based restaurants that make this city the vegan hotspot of Sicily. During a morning walking tour we’ll visit a beautiful noble palace, followed by Ballaro Market, surrounded by gorgeous colors. In the Martorana Church, you’ll admire one of the most beautiful and interesting churches in the world, amidst shining mosaics. Between lunch and dinner you’ll have some free time to relax or explore on your own.
The next day our journey continues to the enchanting city of Siracusa, where history comes to life on the tiny island of Ortigia. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy lunch and then master the art of creating traditional Sicilian vegan cannoli in Ortigia’s exclusive restaurant, MOON.
Meals Included
Day 3: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
On Day 5, after a leisurely morning, we’ll wander through the enchanting streets, admiring the Baroque architecture and lively piazzas. We will dive into Sicilian mythology as we visit the Fountain of Arethusa, the Temple of Apollo, the Piazza of Archimedes, and much more. Absorb the ancient history in the Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to the legendary Greek Theater. You’ll feast on vegan versions of traditional Siracusan street food with Vegan Food Tour Ortigia guide, Tonia. After a little downtime, or time for an afternoon espresso, we’ll gather for an intimate vegan chocolate and wine pairing before dinner.
The next day will be spent sailing the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea on a small sailboat while noshing on a vegan lunch on board. We’ll then enjoy a last dinner in picturesque Ortigia.
Meals Included
Day 5: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
The next morning we’ll hop a train to Catania, nestled in the shadow of the majestic Mount Etna. After lunch, you’ll have some time to relax or explore on your own before we regroup for dinner.
On a walking tour the next morning, we’ll explore the winding streets of the historic center, adorned with magnificent Baroque buildings crafted from volcanic stone. You’ll learn about Sicily’s Greek, Roman, and Arab influences as we visit the ancient ruins of the Roman Theater and the Greek-Roman Amphitheater, and view Mount Etna from afar.
Meals Included
Day 8: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
On our final full day, we’ll witness the beauty and majesty of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano in a jeep tour. During the excursion, we will explore its lunar landscapes, fertile slopes, and breathtaking views of the eastern side of Sicily! We will pass idyllic Sicilian villages and some of Sicily’s most famous wine-growing regions and while gaining altitude, you will learn a lot about the country, the population, and its culture. You will certainly remember the impressive play of colors of the black lava and the extraordinary vegetation on Mount Etna. As we pass by the lava flows of recent years, we will see centuries-old forests and we will stop at some of the most beautiful places on Mount Etna. During an easy but impressive hike of 45 minutes on the surrounding craters, you will see the unique landscape with the old and new lava. We’ll then continue the adventure on an off-road track through the pine forests to gain further insight into the unique and diverse flora and fauna which inhabit the lava rocks. We will be equipped with helmets and flashlights to explore one of the famous lava caves on foot. Centuries ago, residents close to Mount Etna used these caves for ice production. At the end of the half-day tour, we will drive to the hardened lava flows, which destroyed the local ski lift during the last big eruption. Our final dinner will be back on Catania.
Our tour will end after breakfast the next day.
Meals Included
Day 8: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9: Breakfast
Good to Know
Amount of walking: 5-7 miles per day (approximate)
Please plan to fly into Palermo Airport (PMO).
Your tour cost includes lodgings; all meals; all sightseeing and activities mentioned above; and all transportation during the trip (excluding airfare).
Previous Guests Praise Veg Jaunts and Journeys
It was a special experience to explore Italy with like-minded, compassionate travelers. We saw the sights, plus we got to explore a cat sanctuary in Rome and a vegan cheesemaking business. This trip was a top 10 life experience.
Thank you Kim and Wendy for such a wonderful trip through Italy. I was so nervous traveling alone overseas but really enjoyed getting to know everyone in the group. Would love to keep in touch with all and maybe see you on another trip.
