Sicilian Food Adventure in Castelbuono

Local Gastronomy
FromEUR€96
Local Gastronomy
FromEUR€96
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Visit the best producers, taste local delicacies and explore the deep connection between Sicilians and their food through your taste buds

  • Duration3½ hours
  • WhereCastelbuono and surroundings (30 min. from Cefalù - 1½ hours from Palermo)
  • Private TourGreat for foodies and travelers curious about Sicilian food culture (couples, families, groups of friends), corporate activities
  • Included in the experience+20 tastings in 4 different places
  • WhenStarting time 9.30 am - All year round
  • PriceFrom 96€ per person

Why you will love this experience:

  • Taste +20 of the best local productsCheese, olive oil, biscuits, manna, bread, panettone and more
  • Become Sicilian for a few hoursEat and shop like locals, chat with artisans
  • Amazing panoramic views
  • Veggie, gluten/lactose free options

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.

Have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when to meet?

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.

Prices

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 specialContact us
You’re a Tour OperatorContact us

What to Bring

  • An empty belly!
  • Comfortable shoes suitable for trail walking
  • Clothes suitable to the weather conditions(e.g. summer hat, sunglasses, etc.)

Madonie Explorers' Guarantee

  • English-speaking guidesLaetitia and Mario have been sharing with travelers their passion for Sicily's nature and traditions for about 15 years. They are both nature guides members of AIGAE (Associazione Italiana Guide Ambientali Escursionistiche). Read more about Madonie Explorers' guides
  • 10% Discount on the second experience or excursionYou will find the discount code in the first booking confirmation email
  • Free cancellationUp to 48 hours before the tour
  • Rescheduling or cancellation with refund in case of bad weatherIf Madonie Explorers cancels the excursion because of bad weather conditions, you can choose to reschedule the excursion or to be refunded

Optional Extras

  • Transport from Castelbuono to country locationParticipants must have a car. If you don't have one, please contact us before booking and we will find the best solution.
  • Multiday immersive experiencePlease contact us.

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the guide and the manna producer speak English?

Yes! Laetitia and Mario speak English fluently, and are experienced in guiding English-speaking guests. Meet our guides

What is manna exactly?

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.

Is the meeting place easy to find?

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.

What if I don't have a car?

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.

Do I need to be fit for this experience?

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.

What if the weather is bad?

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.

I'm travelling solo. Can I book for one?

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.

What if I want to book last minute?

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.

What if I change my mind/can't do the tour at the last minute?

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.

Where to stay before the experience?

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.