Celebrate The Harvest

September 18 – September 24, 2025

  • Sicilian-led private cooking classes
  • Mount Etna Hike and Wine Tasting
  • Private Dinners with Chef Danny Mellman
  • An Introduction to the Olive Harvest
  • Visit to the island of Ortigia

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Trips Starting at $3,999

Day 1: Arrival in Charming Chiaramonte.

You arrive at Catania (CTA) or Comiso (CIY) airports, where after landing, you will be transported to your accommodations in Chiaramonte Gulfi. Once you are settled into your space, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the idyllic Sicilian town of Chiaramonte, nestled among softly rolling hills, the tranquility working its magic on you, refreshing you from your travels. As a perfect introduction to your Sicilian escape continues we will all join together in the evening for a traditional welcome dinner, a taste of the many culinary delights to come, and a chance to connect with fellow travelers.

Day 2: Unveiling History and Savoring Flavors.

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast. Midmorning, you will immerse yourself in Sicily’s captivating history during a unique “Sense of Place” lesson, followed by a tasting of the exquisite local olive oils and wines – the essence of this land. This journey of flavors continues as you venture to Locandi Gulfi for further wine discoveries, finishing with a delectable luncheon at Il Progetto. Return to the villa with time to relax and savor the memories of a day steeped in history and taste. Later in the evening, we will head to the city’s heart for a charming “Chiaramonte Evening” complete with a classic aperitivo and refreshing gelato in the piazza.

Day 3: Market Vibrancy and Wine Delights.

Join the authentic rhythm of Sicilian life with a morning visit to the bustling market in Vittoria. Witness local produce’s vibrant colors and aromas, a true feast for the senses. Later, you will indulge in a curated Wine Tasting at Occhipinti, where you’ll expand your appreciation for the region’s distinguished wines. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon however you wish before dinner at Gerardo as evening approaches.

Day 4: Farm Life and Olive Grove Serenity.

After a leisurely breakfast at the villa, we will embark on a journey to Giannavi for an immersive Agriturismo experience. Here you can discover the heart of Sicilian agriculture with a guided farm tour and participate in a hands-on cooking class, culminating in a mouthwatering Agriturismo Luncheon featuring the fruits of your labor. As the sun sets, you’ll find yourself at The Sardo Olive Grove for a truly memorable dinner amidst the ancient olive trees, a magical end to a day connected with the land.

Day 5: Coastal Beauty and Island Charm of Ortigia.

An early start takes you to the captivating coastal town of Ortigia. Prepare to be mesmerized by a scenic Boat Sightseeing tour, gliding through marine grottoes and taking refreshing dips in the crystal-clear waters of Siracusa. A delicious Seafood Lunch by the sea further enhances this idyllic experience. Explore the enchanting streets of Ortigia in your free time before checking into your hotel in Acireale, where the evening is yours to discover local culinary gems for dinner.

Day 6: The Majesty of Mount Etna and Volcanic Wines.

Today, an unforgettable adventure awaits as you journey to the awe-inspiring Mount Etna. Take in the history of this active volcano’s raw power and beauty, an experience unlike any other. Adding a unique twist to your day, you’ll partake in a Wine Tasting featuring the distinctive flavors imparted by the volcanic soil. Return to Acireale for an evening of relaxation and our final dinner.

Day 7: Farewell Sicily, Lasting Memories.

Enjoy a final breakfast, cherishing the last moments of your Sicilian sojourn. Depending on your departure schedule, arrange for convenient transport to Catania airport. This journey will stay with you long after you bid arrivederci.

Program Schedule

Day 1 Thursday, Sept 18

  • 4 p.m.- 6 p.m. Arrivals at Chiaramonte, Check-in, Free Time
  • 8 p.m. Traditional Sicilian Welcome Dinner – Chiaramonte

Day 2 Friday, Sept. 19

  • 8 a.m. Breakfast at Chiaramonte
  • 10 a.m. A Sense of Place – Sicilian history lesson with olive oil and wine tasting
  • 11 a.m. Depart for Locandi Gulfi Wine Tasting
  • 2 p.m. Luncheon il Projetto
  • 5 p.m. Return to Villa
  • 8 p.m. Chiaramonte Evening, Apperative & Gelato

Day 3 Saturday, Sept. 20

  • 8 a.m. Market Tour Vittoria
  • 11 a.m. Wine Tasting Occhpinti
  • 1 p.m. Return to Villa, Free Time
  • 7 p.m. Dinner at Gerardo

Day 4 Sunday, Sept. 21

  • 8 a.m. Breakfast at Villa
  • 9 a.m. Departure for Giannavi (1-hour drive)
  • 10/10:30 Agritourismo Giannavi, Tour of the Farm and Cooking Class, Agriturismo Luncheon
  • 4 p.m Villa
  • 7 p.m. Departure for Dinner
  • 8 p.m. Dinner at The Sardo Olive Grove

      Day 5 Monday, Sept, 22

      • 7 a.m. Departure for Ortigia
      • 10 a.m. Boat Sightseeing, Excursion to the beautiful marine grotto and the island of Ortigia to swim in the waters of Siracusa
      • Noon – Seafood Lunch, Afternoon Free Time Ortigia
      • 4 p.m. Departure Ortigia
      • 6 p.m Check in Hotel Acireale, Free Time and Dinner on Own

      Day 6 Tuesday, Sept. 23

      • 8 a.m. Breakfast at Acireale
      • 9 a.m. Mount Etna & Wine Tasting
      • 4 p.m. Return to Hotel for free time
      • 8 p.m. Dinner in Acireale

      Day 7 Wednesday, Sept 24

      • Breakfast based on departure
      • Transport Back to Flights – Comiso or Catania

        Reserve Your Spot Today


        The Fine Print

        Program Fee Inclusions

        The Fine Print

        The per-person program fee includes 6 nights of hotel accommodation, most meals, daily cultural and culinary activities, cooking demos, tips/ gratuities on Lit’l Pond Productions, LLC meals, and other scheduled activities, hired transportation services, and expert guides.

        What is not included in the Program Fee? Air travel, non-refundable passport fees, visas, excess baggage charges, optional excursions, extensions, meals not detailed in the itinerary, tips to tour escort and long-distance bus driver, expenses incurred during free periods, airport taxes that are collected on the spot in foreign airports, departures taxes, airport fees, airline and federal security fees and ticket handling fees, surcharges due to changes in currency, any mandatory new or increased fees/taxes/fuel surcharge (if any) levied on airline tickets, hotels, incidental expenses in hotels, hotel room upgrades, and transport to/from the airports. Transportation from Catania or Comiso airports on arrival and departure days, as outlined in the itinerary, are included. The Land Package Travel program begins after you arrive at the hotel accommodation. If traveling outside the arrival and departure days, participants must make their round-trip travel arrangements and join the program at the hotel accommodations. Lit’l Pond Productions, LLC, Daniel Mellman, and Michelle Moran are not responsible for the participant in any way when the participant is not part of the main group.

        Luggage

        Please check with your air carrier directly for their specific baggage liability limitation. Some airlines are strictly adhering to their policy of one carry-on bag. Airlines are not responsible for any act or event during the time the participants are not on board their planes or conveyances. Luggage travels at the risk of the participant, and Lit’l Pond Productions, LLC is not responsible for any delay, loss, or damage to it or its contents. When issued, the participant’s contract in use by the airline shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the participant. Any transportation companies mentioned herein shall have or incur no responsibility for liability to any traveler aside from their liability as common carriers.

        Cancellations

        June Tours. If canceled before April 15, 2024, by the traveler for any reason, deposits and program payments will be reimbursed in full, except for a cancellation fee of $375. Between April 15, 2024, and May 31, 2024, 50% of the total tour price, including the deposit, is forfeited. As of June 1, 2024, no refund is possible.

        September tours. If canceled before July 1, 2024, by the traveler for any reason, deposits and program payments will be reimbursed in full, except for a cancellation fee of $375. Between July 2024 and August 31, 2024, 50% of the total tour price, including the deposit, is forfeited. As of September 1, 2024, no refund is possible.

        There are no exceptions to this policy. We understand that emergencies of all nature do arise. However, there are no exceptions to this cancellation policy. Of course, if the trip is canceled for reasons force majeure (such as the pandemic, war, or natural disaster), Lit’l Pond Productions, LLC will fully refund the registration.

        Waiver

        Participants waive and release Lit’l Pond Productions, LLC, Daniel Mellman and Michelle Moran, its affiliates, agents, directors, officers, and employees including any person or entity employed or utilized by Lit’l Pond Productions in any foreign country, from all claims arising from any injury, loss, damage, accident, delay, or expense resulting from events beyond its control, including without limitation, acts of God, war, terrorism, strikes, incidents of politically- motivated violence, sickness or quarantine, government restrictions or regulations, and, in the absence of its gross negligence, arising from the use of any vehicle or Lit’l Pond Productions selection of, or from any act or omission by any bus or car rental agency, steamship, airline, railroad, taxi or tour service, hotel service, hotel, restaurant, school, university, or other firm, agency, company or individual.

        Participants understand that Lit’l Pond Productions, LLC will take pictures and videos during the tour that may appear on social media, online, and in email communications.
        Lit’l Pond Productions.

        Changes in Itineraries and Program Assignment

        Lit’l Pond Productions, LLC, reserves the right to change fees, departure cities, itinerary sequence, trip direction, hotels, optional excursions, and activities. Lit’l Pond may cancel a program due to insufficient enrollment, unforeseen operational difficulties, lack of projected availability, or other reasons.

        Medical & Travel Insurance

        We will require all participants to procure medical insurance for their travel time. Proof of insurance should be submitted with final payment. While we cannot offer travel insurance for the cost of the trip or your air travel, here are three widely used travel insurance companies: Allianz, Travelex, Travel Guard by AIG.