Read some of the reviews written by people who have been our our tours over the years.
The philosophy of our tours is to deliver an authentic travelling experience. So not only are our photos of real people from our tours, but so are the reviews.
See what people have written about us or read the originals on our social media profiels.
"... I’d visited Sicily before, but Carmel provided a personal connection to our experience by introducing us to incredible makers of gelato, pizza, pasta and restaurateurs throughout southeastern Sicily..."
I joined Carmel Ruggeri on her Sicilian Food Tour in 2013. Travelling through beautiful Sicily with Carmel was an amazing adventure and I can't imagine anything else comparing. Carmel's family and friends embraced us, welcomed us into their lives, hearts and homes with such warmth and passion it was truly something wonderful. Two things you should know....
1. Be prepared to make lifelong friends
2. Be prepared to laugh until you cry.
We had the added bonus of having the incredible photographer, Gina Milicia, with us. Carmel and Gina together are not just your guides they doubled as a Sicilian comedy duo.
They are two very talented, very funny women who will make your trip unforgettable. I feel truly blessed to have experienced Sicily in such true Sicilian style and will cherish it always. Sincerest of thanks to you Carmel.
An authentic, real behind the scenes tour that leaves you wanting more Hanging out with Carmel, her family and trusted producers is an experience not to be missed. It's just magical.
I came away feeling like I was part of a family I didn't know I had, experienced life as it's meant to be lived and the food.
OMG the food. There is nothing like it - I'm not sure what they put in it but whatever it is, I'm buying!!
They say a child is raised not by one person but by a village and travelling with Carm on her Sicilian Food Tours exposed this truth for me.
We didn’t just taste Sicilian food and wine, we were plunged into authentic Sicilian life, openly embraced by Carm’s famiglia and her ‘village’. The experience has stayed with me every day since.
It was like travelling with a sister, who made me laugh and laugh and whose love of cannolli has inspired a lifelong addiction… not to mention a love of spaghetti vongole.
This trip is not just about restaurant meals, it’s about discovering the source of food we put on our plate. It’s about sharing the pure joy of food and wine together with friends. It’s a memorable journey that reminds you to celebrate.
Grazie mille.
Carmel’s charm, planning and “personality plus” made our group of disparate travelers aged 23-80 happy and at ease throughout a creative, comprehensive and fascinating itinerary.
If you enjoy great food and wine, and a mix of history, culture, laughter and local color, this is the tour for you.
I’d visited Sicily before, but Carmel provided a personal connection to our experience by introducing us to her family and friends, who just happen to be incredible makers of gelato, pizza, pasta and restaurateurs throughout southeastern Sicily.
Having traveled with Tauck, Rick Steves and National Trust for Historic Preservation Group tours over the years, I can honestly say that Sicilian Food Tours far exceeded my expectations and may have spoiled me for more conventional group experiences henceforth.
Can’t recommend Sicilian Food Tours highly enough. Hat tip to Valter DiCecco for adding so much to our journey with his humor and chef expertise!
My second adventure to Sicily with Carmel was as exciting as the first. I was lucky enough to join Carmel on her inaugural Sicilian Food Tour, the experience was amazing. We were exposed to All aspects of Sicily it’s food, wine, scenery and people.
This tour was like going home, we saw different areas of Sicily, ate more beautiful food, and met great people. Again Carmel’s wonderful family make everyone feel included and loved. It was a blessing to see Zia Maria, The cousins and their beautiful families again. You need to experience them to understand their generosity and friendship.
We shared many laughs with fun loving Carmel who goes out of her way to ensure that the group is satisfied. I highly recommend this tour (love you Carmel)
I have been on a number of tours over the years and this has to be the best one so far.
From the natural beauty of Modica, Siracusa and many more to the traditional family gathering, this tour is amazing.
From the moment you arrive, you feel like you are part of the family. Carmel and her family welcome you with open arms. They welcome you into their homes where you learn how to cook traditional food.
And let’s not forget the local cafe/bar we met at every day... yes a truly amazing and wonderful experience.
So do yourself a favor and book it.. you won’t regret it..
The week that we spent with Carmel and her extended family was amazing! The food was incredible, the scenery spectacular, but what makes this tour a "not to miss" event is Carmel and her generous extended family.
All the Sicilians we met were warm and inclusive - I felt that we had made friends in a few short days. Having lunch at Zia Maria's place and playing handball with Sicilian teenagers that hardly spoke English, chatting to fisherman on the shore outside our hotel, meeting Carmel's numerous cousins at the bar - these are experiences that you will never get on a standard tour.
I cannot rate this tour highly enough! If you are reading these reviews then do yourself a favour and book-you won't regret it!
The Sicilian food tour blew my mind away! the host Carmel was lovely and vivacious, the food like nothing I have ever tasted, the views, the country and amazing people I met on the tour will always remain in my heart.
My wife and i have now done 2 tours with Carmel and if you want to see the real Sicily then this tour is a must.
You will meet Carmels family,eat in there homes,vist all sorts of places that you will never see on bigger tours and be prepared to put on a bit of weight as the food is awesome and there is plenty of it.
We have done tours all over the world and i would say that this is the best.As it is a tour with a small number of guests you get to know all the others and its like a big family.Dont think about it just book it.
"...having traveled with Tauck, Rick Steves and National Trust for Historic Preservation Group tours over the years...
...I can honestly say that Sicilian Food Tours far exceeded my expectations..."
Carmel's Sicilian Food Tour is truly outstanding. If you want to experience all Sicily has to offer ... it's history, culture, food, family life and fun then this is the tour for you !
You will make authentic Sicilian Food and then delight in eating the fruits of your labour. The small group allows a friendly fun filled tour and Carmel and her team put their hearts and souls into making sure everyone has the greatest time.
What makes this tour so very special is how you are so warmly welcomed by Sicilian families throughout the tour and how you become immersed in their lifestyle.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Sicilian Food Tours.
This tour was so special on so many levels. The food choices were divine and we got to see parts of Sicily at the same time. The time we spent for our cooking class with Carmela’s family was such a treat.
They were so welcoming and though we don’t speak Italian, we were so comfortable. Carmela was beyond gracious in showing us around and helping us with our plans.
She even assisted with our plans when we left her. We also had my 3 yr old grandson with us who took to Carmela and at times she looked after him so my daughter and I could go off a bit.
Thank you so much Carmela (and the other Carmela. Lol) for a wonderful time.
I had a fabulous time in Sicily. Some absolutely wonderful scenery, the history is amazing... then the food... what can I say – fresh ricotta/still warm, tomatoes like I have never tasted before, a seafood banquet that we couldn't finish and the 10 course degustation dinner – to mention a few of the delights we encountered travelling with the lovely Carmel on the 2014 food tour! Thanks for a great time Carm!
What an extraordinary tour aimed at thrilling the soul and the senses. Carmel Ruggeri has managed to put together an extraordinary tour of her island that captures the essence of true hospitality and love.
She graciously opens the homes of her extended Sicilian family to you and makes you feel like you were a long lost beloved relative.
You will laugh till you can’t breathe. You will eat till you regret not wearing your fat pants. You will see Sicilian sights that make your eyes weep. Magic, magic, magic from start to finish.
This is by far the BEST tour I have ever been on.
This is a tour you must bring your posse on. Sicilian Food Tours is more than just a food tour, its a memory you will take to your grave
If you want to go on a really really good foodie tour go with Carmel, my wife and I did the last tour and it was as good as it gets. You will see Sicily like a local not a tourist and go to places you would have no hope of seeing without a local like Carmel to guide you.
My Partner and I experienced the expertise of Sicilian food tours on their tour of June 2016 and had a wonderful and brilliant experience, I highly recommend them to anyone who wants to enjoy the delights of Sicily
The tour is such a wonderful snippet of what the beautiful Sicilia has to offer. The tour guide Carmel and co are such amazing people who will make your journey even more exciting.
Sicily is so beautiful, tranquil and has amazing food. But it’s hard to capture the authentic, home style love for the culture, architecture and cuisine without an experienced guide who knows how to let you feel what it’s like to be a Sicilian for a while.
Carmel’s town Ragusa and the surrounding towns are pretty and unspoilt. If you want to see Sicily, don’t do it alone.
Go on the tour, besides all the great food, sites, warmth and love from Carmel’s family and friends you will be entertained in between and laugh a hell of a lot. Sicilian Food Tours is excellent !!!!
I loved this tour ! Carmel goes above and beyond to show everyone her beloved Sicilia. Great mix of history, culture, food and wine. I especially loved the cooking classes. Highly recommend !