Let’s face it: part of Sicily’s charm lies in its food!
Embark on an exclusive gastronomic adventure in search of Sicilian foodie gems in the town of Castelbuono and its surrounding countryside.
Meet Laetitia, your English-speaking guide, in the charming historic center of Castelbuono for the first espresso of the day – or a foamy cappuccino – paired with a slice of fresh panettone at the famous Fiasconaro bar. A food lover with Italian roots who grew up in France, she has been living in Sicily since 2009 and has handpicked the very best local specialties for you. Together, you’ll visit small producers to taste freshly made biscuits and incredible cheeses.
The experience continues in a unique countryside location just outside Castelbuono (15 min. drive), perched on a hill with stunning views of the Madonie Mountains. Mario, a former cook who decided 20 years ago to devote his life to nature, will welcome you to his land. You’ll walk (10 min.) through the Mediterranean scrub and learn about traditional cultivations such as olive trees, almond trees, prickly pear cactus, and ash trees used for manna production (see our Manna Experience). You will taste manna – the area’s iconic specialty – and discover a few of its secrets. Then Mario will pick a bottle of local craft olive oil and some fresh aromatic herbs to introduce you to the rich flavors of the Sicilian countryside.
The experience includes +20 tastings, among others:
– Espresso or cappuccino + panettone tasting at world-famous Bar Fiasconaro
– Biscuits tasting in an award-winning local bakery
– Visit and tasting at the Madonie’s best cheesemaker
– Local olive oil tasting
– Manna tasting
Please note that transport from Castelbuono to the country location is not included. If you don’t have a car, please contact us before booking.
Meet Laetitia at 9.30 am in Castelbuono (30 min. from Cefalù – 1½ hours from Palermo).
You will be provided with a map indicating the meeting point when you book.
Indicative timeline:
9.30 am – Espresso & panettone at Fiasconaro Bar
10.00 am – Biscuit tasting at artisan bakery
10.30 am – Cheesemaker visit and cheese tasting
11.30 am – Scenic drive to countryside (15 min)
11.45 am – Nature walk, olive oil and manna tasting
1.00 pm – Experience concludes
This exclusive food experience involves amazing – but busy – producers. This is why we invite you to contact us in advance to plan your Sicilian Food Adventure.
The price includes: +20 tastings in 4 places
2 adults: 192€ (96€ per person)
3 adults: 261€ (87€ per person)
4 adults: 324€ (81€ per person)
5 adults: 385€ (77€ per person)
6 adults: 426€ (71€ per person)
Children (6-12 years old): 55€
Children (0-5 years): free
More than 6 people: please contact us
Want to make this experience even more special? Contact us
You’re a Tour Operator? Contact us
Yes! Laetitia and Mario speak English fluently, and are experienced in guiding English-speaking guests. Meet our guides
Manna is the naturally dried sap from ash trees (Fraxinus angustifolia and Fraxinus ornus). When producers make precise incisions in the bark, the tree “bleeds” a sweet sap that crystallizes in the Sicilian sun. It’s completely natural and has been harvested here for centuries.
Yes! Piazza Margherita is the heart of Castelbuono’s historic center. You will receive a map with directions in the booking confirmation. We don’t recommend accessing the place by car, as traffic is limited in the area, so we’ll suggest parking options nearby.
Transport is not included in our services, but you may be able to ride in the guide’s car to reach the country place in the second part of the experience (please check with us before booking). A small additional fee may apply.
This experience is not a hike, but it involves some short walking. Please contact us if you have limited mobility, so we can adapt the tour to your needs.
We constantly monitor the weather to ensure that guests can enjoy the experience under the right conditions. Of course, this doesn’t mean the tour will only run with perfect sunshine, but in case of consistent rain or strong winds, Madonie Explorers will cancel the experience. Participants can rebook for another date or request a refund.
Solo travelers are welcome! Our minimum booking is two adults (€192 total), but you can book as a solo traveler at the 2-person rate, or we may be able to pair you with another solo traveler – please contact us to check availability. Private tours are available from one participant.
You can book online through this website until 6 p.m. the day before the experience. We encourage you to book or contact us as soon as possible to ensure we are available during your visit.
We fully refund bookings cancelled at least 48 hours before the excursion. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance are non-refundable. This policy is necessary for planning purposes and also ensures fair working conditions for our guides, who are independent professionals.
We suggest staying in Castelbuono, Cefalù, or the nearby area the night before, so you don’t have to drive far to reach the meeting place. Feel free to contact us for any additional information regarding accommodation.