An Olive Harvest Experience (2025)
October 3 – October 9, 2025
- Truly a hands-on experience like no other in the olive groves of Chiaramonte
- Harvest and crush your own bottle of olive oil to take home
- Tour Mount Etna and enjoy lunch and a wine tasting in its valley
- Join in the celebration of the Sicilian Harvest in Zaffernese
- Tour the historic city of Ragusa
Reserve Your Spot Today!
Trips Starting at $3,999
Day 1 – Friday, October 3
Welcome to Catania! We will gather everyone from the Catania airport in the afternoon to check into our charming Acireale Hotel. Feel the Sicilian air and maybe take a stroll to get acquainted with the town. In the early evening, let’s kick things off with a welcome drink and light meal together. The rest of the evening is yours to explore the local flavors and vibes of Acireale.
Day 2 – Saturday, October 4
Rise and shine! After breakfast at the hotel, we’re off to explore the majestic Mount Etna and indulge in some local wine tasting. Expect stunning views and volcanic landscapes. We will return to the hotel later in the day for some downtime. As evening approaches, we’ll gather for a delightful dinner in Acireale.
Day 3 – Sunday, October 5
Fuel up with breakfast before we head out to experience the lively Autumn Food Festival, The Ottobrata Zafferanese. Prepare for a burst of colors, flavors, and local crafts. Later, we will journey to Chiaramonte and check into our villa. Enjoy some free time before we come together for dinner and engaging conversation at the villa.
Day 4 – Monday, October 6
After breakfast at the villa, we’ll venture out for a wine tasting experience at Cantina Gulfi, where we’ll learn about their unique winemaking process. For lunch, we’ll enjoy a private location with breathtaking views perfectly paired with a meal prepared by Chef Danny. The rest of the afternoon is for you to relax or explore. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner and a leisurely stroll in Chiaramonte.
Day 5 – Tuesday, October 7
Start the day with breakfast at the villa. Then, get ready for an immersive experience with olives – we’ll learn about their significance in the region and even pick some ourselves! Enjoy a traditional lunch break. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the villa. Evening brings a visit to an oleificio (olive mill) and dinner.
Day 6 – Wednesday, October 8
Breakfast kicks off the day at the villa. We’ll then explore the beautiful Ragusa Ibla. Take your time wandering through its historic streets. We’ll regroup later in the afternoon. The evening will be filled with the delicious aroma of a BBQ at The Sardo Olive Farm.
Day 7 – Thursday, October 9
Enjoy breakfast based on your departure schedule. We’ll arrange transport back to flights from either Comiso or Catania, wrapping up our amazing Sicilian adventure.
Program Schedule
Day 1 Friday, Oct. 3
- 4 p.m.- 6 p.m. Arrivals in Catania
- Check-in to Acireale Hotel
- Free Time
- 7 p.m. Welcome Aperitivo
- Evening on Your Own in Acireale
Day 2 Saturday, Oct. 4
- 8 a.m. Breakfast at Acireale
- 9 a.m. Mount Etna & Wine Tasting
- 4 p.m. Return to Hotel
- Free Time
- 8 p.m. Dinner in Acireale
Day 3 Sunday, Oct. 5
- 8 a.m. Breakfast at Acireale
- 9 a.m. Autumn Food festival, The Ottobrata Zafferanese.
- 5 p.m. Arrive in Chiaramonte
- Villa Check-in
- Free Time
- 8 p.m. Dinner & Conversation at Villa
Day 4 Monday, Oct. 6
- 9 a.m. Breakfast at Villa
- 11 a.m. Wine Tasting Cantina Gulfi
- 2 p.m. Luncheon at il Projetto
- Free Time
- 8 p.m. Cena & Passeggiata in Chiaramonte
Day 5 Tuesday, Oct. 7
- 8 a.m. Breakfast at Villa
- 9 a.m. A lesson in Olives – why this is an area of importance- guests will pick their own olives
- 1 p.m. Traditional Lunch Break
- 3 p.m. Return to Villa
- Free Time
- 7 p.m. Visit to oleificio, Olive Mill
- 8 p.m. Dinner at Gerardo
Day 6 Wednesday, Oct. 8
- 8 a.m. Breakfast at Villa
- 10 a.m. Ragusa Ibla
- Free Time
- 2 p.m. Pickup at Ragusa Ibla
- Free Time at Villa
- 7 p.m. BBQ Evening at The Sardo Olive Farm
Day 7 Thursday, Oct. 9
- Breakfast based on departure
- Transport Back to Flights – Comiso or Catania
**Racing fans? Extend this week through Sunday for the Salita dei Monti Iblei. The Monti Iblei Cup (in Italian Coppa Monti Iblei) is a car competition, more precisely a hill climbing competition, occurring annually in Chiaramonte Gulfi (Sicily).