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Combine Eastern and Western Flavours in Sicily
Overview
Introduction
The Agriturismo Il Granaio is located within the Val di Noto, a 5-minute drive from Modica, and welcomes its guests into a tranquil family atmosphere. This rural property, built on the foundations of an old farmhouse, stands in the deep Iblean countryside, characterised by wide fields and unending pastures, with the dry stone walls typical of the area and the Mediterranean machi’ of aromatic plants, vivid with colour in springtime. Hospitality is very good here, the owner Giovanni will even suggest places for you to visit in the area.
The ancient family of Planeta, whose prestigious wines are renowned both in Italy and abroad, have opened the doors of their guesthouse ‘La Foresteria’ to visitors who would like to discover the world of Bacchus, devote themselves to cookery lessons, or simply enjoy the archaeological and natural beauties of the surrounding countryside. This elegant wine estate extends over 35 hectares and lies on a vine- covered hillside, from where panoramic views stretch as far as the sea and Menfi itself which, in 2014, received its sixteenth blue flag from the Foundation for Environmental Education and whose sandy beaches stretch for nearly 10km.
Wine has been made in Sicily since ancient times. The soil and climate are ideal for the purpose and most farmers and smallholders would have had their own vineyard, producing wine for the family. Many varieties of grape are now cultivated and many different wines produced in what has become a wine-lover’s paradise.
Itinerary includes:
- Outbound flight from London Gatwick to Catania Airport (other airports on request)
- Return flight from Palermo Airport
- 8 days Car hire (one way drop off fee - payable locally)
- 3 Nights at Agriturismo Il Granaio, Modica (Bed & Breakfast)
- 4 Nights at La Foresteria, Menfi (Bed & Breakfast)
Agenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
Arrive at Catania airport, collect your hire car and drive to Modica (117km).
Overnight at the Agriturismo Il Granaio, Ragusa.
Agriturismo Il Granaio, Ragusa
Day 2 - Day at leisure
Day at leisure - Spend the day visiting some of the island’s most important Baroque towns, notably Noto, Modica, Ragusa Ibla and Syracuse (Ortigia Island), located in the south eastern corner of Sicily. Opportunity to taste the rich dark chocolate produced in Modica following ancient Aztec recipes and the delicious local cakes and pastries with their unique flavours. Enjoy a home-cooked meal (payable locally) at Il Granaio's restaurant - local recipes prepared by the owner's mother.
Overnight at the Agriturismo Il Granaio, Ragusa.
Syracuse (Ortiga Island), Sicily
Day 3 - Day at leisure
Day at leisure. Drive to Piazza Armerina (116km) and visit the ancient Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fabulous Roman Villa contains a collection of some of the most important, well-preserved mosaics in the world.
Overnight at the Agriturismo Il Granaio, Ragusa.
Ragusa, Sicily
Day 4 - Day at leisure
Day at leisure. After breakfast, drive to your next property in Menfi (231km). This picturesque, family-run winery is located in Sambuca di Sicilia in the Valle dei Belice, on Sicily's west coast. During the harvest season (Aug-Sep), guests are invited to participate in the winemaking process. En-route stop off in Agrigento to visit the impressive Valley of the Temples. This ancient, archeological park has six Greek Temples including one of the best preserved Doric Temples in the world.
Overnight at the La Foresteria, Trapani.
Agrigento, Sicily
Day 5 - Day at leisure
Day at leisure. Take a cooking class (Sunvil can prebook a place if required), led by Chef Angelo Pumilia, using recipes from ‘Sicilia, the cooking of Casa Planeta’ cookbook. In the evening enjoy some wine tasting and an intimate meal (payable locally) in the substantial wine cellar.
Overnight at the La Foresteria, Trapani.
Sicilian lemons
Day 6 - Day at leisure
Day at leisure. Visit the Cantine Florio in Marsala (60km). The Woodhouses, the Inghams and the Whitakers were late 18th century English traders and merchants who became wealthy through exporting Marsala wine to England and the United States. They fortified the local wine with alcohol, using the Spanish solera system, thus enabling it to survive the long sea journey back to England and across the Atlantic. This was hugely successful and their successors continue to this present day, although there are no longer any members of the family left in Sicily. At the Cantine Florio, one can still admire (framed on a wall) Nelson’s original order for wine for the Royal Navy, with which it was understandably very popular, signed by him as Duke of Bronte. After the Battle of Trafalgar it became, for a time, known as ‘Victory Wine’.
Overnight at the La Foresteria, Trapani.
Admiral Nelson - 'Duke of Bronte'
Day 7 - Day at leisure
Day at leisure. Visit La Planeta family cellars and oil mills for tastings and lunch (payable locally), or head to the coast to sunbathe on Menfi’s 10km stretch of sandy beach.
Overnight at the La Foresteria, Trapani.
Wine cellar
Day 8 - Day of departure
After breakfast, drive to Palermo airport (108km) for your return flight home.
Accommodation
Agriturismo Il Granaio - Night 1 to 3
Within the Val di Noto, a 5 minute drive from Modica, the Granaio welcomes its guests into a tranquil family atmosphere.
Within the Val di Noto, a 5 minute drive from Modica, the Granaio welcomes its guests into a tranquil family atmosphere. This rural property, built on the foundations of an old farmhouse, stands in the deep Iblean countryside, characterised by wide fields and unending pastures, with the dry stone walls typical of the area and the Mediterranean machi’ of aromatic plants, vivid with colour in springtime.
Hospitality is good here, the owner Giovanni will suggest places for you to visit and will sometimes even be your guide.
Accommodation:
- 14 air-conditioned rooms including classic rooms, deluxe rooms, junior suites and suites
Amenities/Leisure:
- Buffet breakfast – served on the terrace in summer
- The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner with an a la carte menu of meat and fish, everyday except Wednesday. The staff will be happy to propose alternative places to dine close-by within 3-7km
- A menu with sandwiches and salads are served at the gazebo overlooking the pool - open daily for lunch from 12:30 to 14:00 (Jun-Sep)
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the property
- Outdoor swimming pool (9 x 16m) with children’s area and sun terrace, open June-Sept (earlier if weather permitting), with deck chairs and parasols
- Gazebo
- Small play area for children
- Spa with sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi and offering various treatments (payable locally) - reservations required
- Nearest beaches at Sampieri (33km), Marina di Modica (29km) and Pozzallo (25km)
- Cava d’Ispica (7.5km) and Scicli (18km)
- Free parking
- Products grown at the property: Cereals, beef, vegetables and seasonal fruit. Fresh produce available seasonally
La Foresteria - Night 4 to 7
The ancient family of Planeta, whose prestigious wines are renowned both in Italy and abroad, have opened the doors of their guesthouse to visitors who would like to discover the world of Bacchus, devote themselves to cookery lessons, or simply enjoy the archaeological and natural beauties of the surrounding countryside.
The ancient family of Planeta, whose prestigious wines are renowned both in Italy and abroad, have opened the doors of their guesthouse to visitors who would like to discover the world of Bacchus, devote themselves to cookery lessons, or simply enjoy the archaeological and natural beauties of the surrounding countryside. This elegant wine estate extends over 35 hectares and lies on a vine- covered hillside, from where panoramic views stretch as far as the sea and Menfi itself which, in 2014, received its sixteenth blue flag from the Foundation for Environmental Education and whose sandy beaches stretch for nearly 10km.
The scent of the herbs surrounding the wine resort enrich the dishes created in the kitchen, a real treasure house of flavours from a territory of excellent wine.
Accommodation:
- 14 air-conditioned rooms including dependance rooms, rooms with a view and junior suites
- Wine tasting and intimate meals in the substantial wine cellar
- Cooking classes, led by Chef Angelo Pumilia, are available (minimum two people, payable locally) using recipes from ‘Sicilia, the cooking of Casa Planeta’ cookbook
- Visits to the Planeta family cellars and oil mills with tastings and lunch (payable locally)
- Mountain bikes (no charge). 500m from a paved bike path (5km long) following the route of an old railway line which connects Menfi to Porto Palo across the rolling hills and vineyards
- The Secret Nature Trails: three trekking routes (of varying length) amongst the nature and vineyards that surround the lake
- Active participation in the grape and olive harvests (payable locally)
Amenities/Leisure:
- Buffet breakfast
- Restaurant with à la carte menu served in the Garden Room overlooking the vineyard or in the dining room at one large table to encourage interesting conversation. The cuisine is traditional Sicilian based on old family recipes. Dinners can be accompanied with wine tasting (extra charge)
- Bar
- TV lounge with game tables (cards/checkers/chess) and complimentary use of a computer with an internet connection
- Lounge areas
- Outdoor swimming pool (14 x 7m) and a sun terrace with deck chairs and parasols during the summer (April-October)
- Small fitness area with exercise bikes, treadmills and Turkish bath (no charge)
- La Foresteria Beach Club at Lido Fiori (sandy beach) within a few minutes drive (sun-loungers, parasols, WiFi and changing facilities – free entrance for guests between June-September
- Free parking
- Products produced: DOP extra virgin olive oil, wine, oranges, peppers, aubergines and fresh herbs. Fresh produce available seasonally
Sambuca di Sicilia and the secret nature trails (22km), Sciacca (22km), Belice Nature Reserve (23km), Selinunte (32km), Caltabellotta (40km), Museum of the dancing Satyr, Mazara del Vallo (49km), Torre Salsa nature reserve Siculiana (65km), Scala dei Turchi (72km), Segesta (74km), Mothia Island and the Whitaker Museum (77km), Agrigento and the gardens of Kolymbetra (83km), Salt museum, Paceco (104km) and Erice (111km)
Route Map
Best time to go
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- JUN
- JUL
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- SEP
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Time Difference
GMT + 1 hour
Currency
Euro
Language
Italian
Average flight times
2 Hours 55 minutes
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
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