Sicily’s southernmost island is truly a sight to behold.
Immerse yourself in its traditions on this experience-based itinerary.
Your day starts with a visit to the oldest of the island’s wineries and the only one still adhering to all the traditional production methods. Here, you’ll experience a unique degustation of the island’s famous passito (a DOC sweet wine) and other reserve wines, accompanied by a selection of gastronomic treats. After this, your local guide will take you off the beaten path to explore the island from the back of a Vespa.
As you venture down dirt tracks and main roads, you’ll be nourished with a knowledge of the island only its natives ever get to discover. Pantelleria is a place of millennia-old tradition; in the afternoon, you’ll meet someone who keeps this tradition alive through their ability, ingenuity and creativity of their craft. Battista, a young farmer, dedicates his time to fashioning hats, bags, and other everyday objects by the age-old art of weaving palm leaves and olive branches. Talking to him will feed your curiosity as you discover the secrets of the sustainable lifestyle.
Today, you’ll be taking to the turquoise waters surrounding Pantelleria, exploring its beaches and coves from a traditional wooden ‘lancia pantesca’ boat. Embarking at Lungomare di Pantelleria, you’ll circumnavigate the island, stopping off to swim and snorkel in the warm transparent waters the lap the coast. Lunch will be served onboard: a typical menu of fresh mixed salad, spaghetti and seasonal fruits accompanied with water, wine and coffee. As the day draws to a close, we’ll make our way back to shore. Fully wind down by enjoying an atmospheric aperitivo on the seafront as the sun sets behind the Mediterranean.
Your morning itinerary consists of a cultural excursion across the island. Discover quaint Pantescan churches, quaint rural hamlets, byzantine tombs and expansive landscapes, ending up at the island’s oldest caper producer for a unique, eco-sustainable tasting session. We’ll indulge in a rich selection of island specialities: paté, pesto, dried tomatoes, olives and marmalade made from locally picked citrus fruit. During the degustation, the agronomists will explain how they cultivate their capers and other produce while disclosing other guarded secrets of their work. A unique experience awaits in the afternoon when you visit a young sculptor who crafts his creations from the island’s famous basalt. But this is not his only craft: he also follows the island’s tradition of fashioning everyday objects from wicker and cane.
Today, we’ll take you to an artisan essential oil producer who cultivates wild herbs of the island among an oasis of scents and colors. This multisensory experience will nourish you with a knowledge of these herbs and their use in cooking, medicine and cosmetics, give you the chance to sample snacks made from the herbs and fruits cultivated here, and offer you the opportunity to get involved in producing them yourself.
Your last day’s itinerary takes you on a stunning scenic route through the Pantellerian mountains to the small hamlet of Siba. Trekking across the Kufurà, Kaffefi, Kannaki and Sillume valleys, marvelling at the lava flows of Gelfiser that have shaped the landscape over centuries. This route will take you to the Bugeber district which offers a sweeping panoramic over Lake Specchio di Venere (‘Mirror of Venus’). Gaze out over it and you’ll see just why. In the afternoon, you have the choice of visiting the Volcanology Museum, situated just to the east of the lake, and discovering the natural history of the island with a local expert. Or we can continue on the short distance to Punta Spadino: a stunning vantage point at the north of the island looking out towards distant Sicily.
Immerse yourself in Ponza’s alluring traditions. Take to its bountiful waters in search of your fresh catch before returning to land to indulge in its renowned seafood.
Discover the unique blend of culture, cuisine, and natural curiosities that make South Tyrol one of Italy’s must-see regions.
Unlock a true taste of Italy on this rich and fulfilling seven-day itinerary.
Yes I would like to receive Italy with Class’s newlsletter and other updates on Italian travel.
OFFICE PH. (+39) 06 9451 6240
© 2022 ITALY WITH CLASS – P.IVA 15591851009. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.