Price

$1519

Available: 0 space

Secure your place on this trip with $350 deposit. Final payment due 60 days before departure.

    Sorry, this program is full. Please provide your information below so that we can add you to our waiting list.




      We are also running a Southern Sicily program on April 27 to May 4. Both programs run concurrently with our full two-week Sicily program.

      • Hotels: Standard Class

      • 04/21/2024 - 04/27/2024

      • Max Participants: 16

      • 7 Days / 6 Nights

      Overview

      During this week-long tour through Sicily’s northern coast, you’ll stroll through the seaside city of Cefalù, take in the gorgeous scenery of the Aeolian Islands, and spot breathtaking volcanoes along the way. Visit Northern Sicily, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.

      What's Included::
      • Orientation Walks in Palermo, Cefalù, Taormina, and Syracuse
      • Panarea & Stromboli Islands Boat Excursion
      • G Adventures Tour Leader throughout
      • 6 breakfasts – allow $260-340 USD for meals not included
      • Hotels (6 nts)
      • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities by private vehicle and ferry
      What's Not Included::
      • International air travel
      • Incidentals
      • Travel health and cancellation insurance
      • Applicable visas
      • Tips or gratuities
      • Airport taxes
      • Beverages
      • Meals not mentioned in itinerary
      • Optional tours and admissions
      • Airport transfers

      Itinerary Download PDF

      You may arrive in Palermo at any time today. There are no planned activities today, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city. We will have a group meeting in the evening around 6:00 p.m. There will be a note at the front desk to let you know the exact time and location of the meeting. The note will also tell you what time to meet in the lobby in the morning if you arrive too late for the meeting. If you miss this meeting, please don't worry; your tour leader will go over everything with you in the morning.

      Head out for an orientation walk of Palermo's historic city center. The city has been the crossroad of many civilizations: Phoenicians, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards. You will see baroque and gothic façades, neoclassical theaters such as Teatro Massimo (the biggest in Italy and one of the largest in Europe), unusual squares such as Quattro Canti, and the majestic Palermo Cathedral. Continue to Cefalú, often cited as one of Italy's most beautiful townships, and stroll through cobbled streets to a picturesque cove by the beach. Enjoy a brief walk with your tour leader. The squares, streets, and churches of this medieval town are so postcard-pretty that it's no wonder director Giuseppe Tornatore chose to set parts of his much-loved film Cinema Paradiso here. With free time, observe local fishermen working on their boats, or simply wander around town. Cefalù's crescent-shaped beach is one of the most popular along the whole Sicilian coast. The Salita Saraceni is an enormous staircase that winds up through three tiers of city walls. Opt to take 30 to 45 minutes climbing up to the summit of La Rocca – from here, you'll have wonderful views of the town below. Opt to end the day with an aperitivo in Piazza Duomo and visit the 12th-century Duomo di Cefalù, one of the jewels in Sicily's Arab-Norman crown. Climb the towers for great views of the area. Approximate travel time: 1.5 hrs by private vehicle.

      Travel to the Aeolian Islands, a small archipelago of volcanic lands known as "the pearls of Italy" for their intriguing natural formations and named after Aeolus, the god of the winds. Take a car and ferry to reach Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore. Opt to visit the island's most popular swimming spot, the long, pebbly strip at Canneto, or take another short ferry (12 euros) to the island of Vulcano to see its active crater. The word volcano, and its equivalent in several European languages, derives from the name of this island, which in turn derives from Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. Approximate travel time: 2 hrs by private vehicle, 1 hr by ferry

      Take the morning to relax or leisurely wander through Lipari. Later, set sail for a journey through the stunning Aeolian Islands, stopping at Panarea and Stromboli. On Panarea, visit Cala Junco beach and wander through the village. Then see Basiluzzo, the smallest of the Aeolian Islands. Continue to Stromboli and enjoy free time to explore local shops in town. As sunset approaches, cruise back to the islet of Stombolicchio and arrive just as it starts to get dark at the Scara del Fuoco, considered the best spot for viewing Mount Stromboli's eruptions. This is the last stop and, for many, the most awaited. (Please note: this activity begins at 2 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. We recommend bringing a sweater, as the evening breeze gets chilly aboard the boat!) Approximate travel time: 8 hrs by boat

      This morning, travel from Lipari to Milazzo by ferry and then finish the journey to Taormina by private vehicle. Once in Taormina, join your tour leader for a brief introduction to this beautifully situated hilltop town, once part of the "Grand Tour" many affluent Europeans took in the 18th and 19th centuries. After the orientation walk, enjoy free time when you may opt to visit the stunning Teatro Greco, an ancient Roman amphitheater with commanding views of Mount Etna. You could also visit the Corso Umberto I, Taormina's pedestrian-friendly, boutique-lined thoroughfare, or the Villa Comunale Gardens, beautiful public gardens that offer breathtaking views of the coast and Mt. Etna. Travel to Catania and opt to join your tour leader for another short walk around this elegant and lively city. Approximate travel time: 1 hr by ferry, 2.5 hrs by private vehicle (1.5 hrs Milazzo-Taormina, 1 hr Taormina-Catania)

      In the morning, your tour leader will take you around Catania so you can get your bearings and see some of the city's main sites. If something catches your eye, there will be plenty of opportunity for you to return during your free time after the walk. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Catania's central piazza is a set piece of contrasting lava and limestone, surrounded by buildings in the unique local baroque style and crowned by the grand Cattedrale di Sant'Agata. La Pescheria, Catania's raucous fish market, takes over the streets behind Piazza del Duomo every weekday morning and is pure street theatre (open from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.). Shoppers will enjoy a stroll through Catania's main shopping street, Via Etnea, which runs straight from Piazza del Duomo to the foothills below Etna. Visit the Giardino Bellini gardens and watch local life unfold.

      The program ends today, and you can depart Catania at any time. Want more adventure? Book two or more GEEO trips in the same year and receive a discount! GEEO will give you 10% off of the lesser value program(s) (up to 3 programs). If you don’t see a program that interests you that pairs with this trip, but still would like to extend your time abroad, let us know. We will work with you to find a non-teacher trip from our tour operator’s much larger catalog. Even better, if you are an educator, we can still offer you a discounted price on the trip you choose!

      Details

      Frequently Asked Questions
      Please click here to go to our general FAQ, which has essential information that applies to all of our programs.
      Resources to Learn & Teach about Italy
      Visit our recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have lesson plans and Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.
      Terms and Conditions
      It is very important for you to visit our Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.
      GEEO Program Confirmation Process
      We require a minimum of 6 participants for most GEEO programs. We officially confirm that a program will run once at least 8 people have signed up, which provides a margin for individual cancellations. Nearly all GEEO programs ultimately meet this enrollment quota, and in the rare event that a program does not meet the minimum requirement and GEEO cancels the program, we will work with you to find a suitable alternative or provide a refund of your deposit if you prefer. We encourage you to sign up for any program that interests you, and we will notify the entire group once 6 people are booked and again once 8 people are booked. We always emphasize the importance of exercising caution when making non-refundable travel arrangements, especially given the unpredictable nature of travel. For example, we typically recommend booking flights with flexible change/cancellation policies.
      Cancellation policy
      All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in written form by emailing your request for cancellation to travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your written cancellation request, please call us at 1-877-600-0105. Verbal cancellation requests will not be honored.
      • If you cancel 60 days or more prior to departure, all your program fee payments will be refunded besides your $350 deposit which is kept on file for future use
      • If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to departure, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit is kept on file for future use
      • If you cancel within 30 days of departure, you will receive no refund, but your deposit is kept on file for future use
      Trip Notes
      1. LUGGAGE: In Europe, it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels, or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses, etc., and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times. We highly recommend traveling with a backpack or duffel bag over any wheeled luggage options.
      2. LOCAL GUIDES: It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides, all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks that will show you the layout of each town and city, as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places
      3. ACCOMMODATION: On this trip, you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions, which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning, or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations. Note that most accommodations in Europe do not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your tour leader to organize one for you with reception.
      Group Leader Description
      All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure's group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. Our itineraries often have plenty of free time to explore on your own. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.
      Fitness Level
      This trip includes light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels. In the cities, you can split apart from the group to go at your own pace. It is very hot in Italy during the summer, so make sure you stay hydrated.
      Single Travelers
      Half of GEEO’s participants travel by themselves, so please don’t worry if you do not have a travel companion for your trip. Our program fee is for one traveler in double-occupancy accommodation, and GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender if you do not have a travel companion. Most of our programs have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that you can pay to have a room to yourself. You will only incur an additional charge if you specifically request a single room. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please find your program on our extra services page. If you want to room alone, please email travel@geeo.org to request a single room. Please be aware that single-room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller than double-occupancy rooms.
      Joining Instructions
      Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned. Upon arrival to the city on Day 1, or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation with us, please make your way to the joining hotel. Check-in time will be in the afternoon. Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note at reception from your tour leader. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on Day 1, usually between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., at which you will get a chance to meet your tour leader and other travelers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details! If you miss the Welcome Meeting, your tour leader will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need and with instructions for the next morning. There are a variety of transportation options to choose from to travel from the airport to your hotel, including a taxi, bus, and train. A taxi (around €35 EUR) is the quickest and most convenient travel option, as they offer 24/7 door-to-door services. The Prestia e Comandè bus is cheaper (€6.30 for a one-way ticket to the city center), and the Trinacria Express connects the Palermo airport and Palermo Centrale. The train costs €5.90, departs every 30 minutes, and takes approximately one hour. Your hotel is approximately 20 minutes from Palermo Centrale on foot.
      Emergency Contacts
      Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS G Adventures Office London, United Kingdom During Office hours (weekdays, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. local time): +44 20 7243 9870 For absolute emergencies after office hours please contact: +441858378000 If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, and your call will be returned as soon as possible. If you are unable for any reason to contact the G Adventures local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with the Sales team who will happily assist you. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
      Packing List
      Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them up and downstairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels. As a rule, we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags, which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30 lb. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. No XXL bags, please! A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person plus a daypack per person. In Italy, shoulders should be covered while visiting churches and cathedrals. Ask your tour leader for more specific advice. Health & Safety
      • N95/KN95 Face masks (at least a few just in case there is an outbreak within your group)
      • Hand sanitizer
      • Quick Covid Test/Antigen Tests (at least 3)
      Suggested Checklist
      • Light windproof/waterproof jacket or umbrella
      • Personal clothing for cool to mild weather – we recommend packing 8 outfits so you only have to do laundry once
      • One set of modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders
      • Sturdy walking or running shoes
      • Sport sandals or flip-flops
      • Bathing suit and towel
      • Daypack
      • Sunblock
      • Sunglasses
      • Sun hat
      • Water bottle
      • Watch or alarm clock
      • Toiletries – Important: Some hotels do not give you soap and shampoo
      • Camera
      • First-aid kit, including lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking
      Optional Checklist
      • Travel pillow
      • Money belt
      • Phone/Tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
      • Chargers for electronics as well converters/adapters, if needed
      • AirTags or Tile trackers
      • Packing cubes
      • Earplugs
      • Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can buy snacks when you get there too, so don't go crazy here
      • Ziplock bags
      • Reading/writing material
      • Hand sanitizer/baby wipes
      • Light fleece top
      Document Checklist
      • Passport (with photocopies)
      • Travel insurance (with photocopies)
      • Airline tickets (with photocopies)
      • EUR/USD cash
      • Credit or debit card
      • G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information, and dossier
      • Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
      • GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent 10-30 days before departure
      Laundry
      Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge, or ask your tour leader where the closest laundromat is. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry, so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
      Passports and Visas
      All visitors to the EU (European Union) and EEC (European Economic Community) countries require a valid passport (with a minimum of 6 months validity). Please see our general FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double-check the information we provide below by searching here. Americans do not need a visa to travel to Italy. Non-American participants should check with their government to find out if they need a visa.
      Money Exchange
      Italy is part of the Eurozone, and the unit of the currency is the euro (EUR). As currency exchange rates fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. ATMs are also widely available that distribute the local currency, and this is what we recommend as your primary source of cash while traveling. Please make sure you bring at least $200 USD in cash as emergency money just in case you have trouble with the ATMs or lose your bank card. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. Visa and MasterCard are useful for cash advances in an emergency situation. Please note that if you are carrying U.S. Dollars, they should be in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and printed recently.
      Tipping
      It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers such as waiters if you are pleased with the service (€1-2 EUR for snacks or 10% of a meal bill). Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Also, at the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference. As a budgeting guideline, €30-40 EUR per person per week can be used.
      Flights
      We find the best prices for flights are often available 60 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year. We advise that you wait until this trip is confirmed before booking non-refundable and non-changeable flights. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. Your trip begins in Palermo and ends in Catania. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Palermo. You can depart from Catania at any time on the final day of the trip.
      Plugs and Converters
      There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers. The adapter is the plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two to three-pronged power cord to match the prongs required by the local outlets. The transformer changes the local voltage to that required by your device. Italy uses a European-style two circular prong plug. Their voltage is 220-240 Volts. U.S. outlets are 120V. Most new devices (phones and laptops) can handle the different voltage rates, but some devices only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device to see what voltage range it handles. Most transformer blocks will have an "Input" line that defines their voltage capacity. For example, "Input: 100-240V" means that it will work on voltages from 100V to 240V. If your transformer can't handle the different voltage, you'll need to purchase a voltage converter. You can find world regional voltage converters power packs at various vendors.
      Expectations
      Before you decide on traveling with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program you are considering. Remember, our programs are quite adventurous.
      • The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe, well-located place for you to sleep. Sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised, but do not expect luxury as we are trying to keep these trips as inexpensive as possible. Sometimes the accommodation is not air-conditioned.
      • The same goes for transportation. We use a mix of transportation that gets our guests from location to location safely. Sometimes you will have full days and nights of transportation as our trips tend to cover a lot of ground. Transportation will often be an adventure in itself.
      • You must be able to carry or roll your luggage easily, so do not over-pack.
      • Many of our programs occur in locations where it is very hot during the day. Please make sure you have thoroughly read the itinerary and can handle the group activities, which sometimes include day hikes with your daypacks.
      • We recommend always carrying snacks with you because sometimes meals can be far apart.
      • Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip as they are not the traditional “guide” you may be expecting. While our trips are educational, they aren’t study/lecture trips. We want you to learn through exploring and much of your experience will be based on how active you choose to be in acquiring knowledge and interacting with locals.
      Hopefully, this is the kind of adventure you are interested in!
      Itinerary Disclaimer
      While it is our intention to adhere to the routes described on our website, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The information on our website is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
      Weather
      April is a great time to visit Sicily. Average daily temperatures in Sicily range between 46-60°F across the island, though evenings will require you to have warmer layers on hand. Palermo has slightly warmer averages (52-66°F), and around Catania, warmer still with even less rain. Dress in layers to counter all kinds of weather and have your sunglasses and umbrella on hand. And while sea temperatures are still a little chilly (61°F/15°C), pack your swimsuit as the days could be sunny and warm enough for a lie out on the beach.

      Costs

      Please keep in mind that this trip offers some free time to pursue activities that interest you. Make sure you look over all of the optional activities and note these additional costs when deciding whether you can afford this program. The prices below are rough estimates for budgeting your trip.
      Tour Company Fee
      See our price in the top right corner
      Optional Activities
      $75-200 USD
      International Airfare from the United States
      Roughly $600-1,300 USD If you require assistance in booking your international airfare, we would be happy to help you.
      Insurance
      $79-200 USD Please note: It is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance as well.
      Tipping
      We recommend €30-40 EUR for your G Adventures tour leader. Budget another €20-30 for tipping local guides and drivers.
      Meals Not Listed in the Itinerary
      $260-340 USD
      Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, etc.
      Make sure you budget for these types of expenses
      Airport Transfers
      $50-100
      Souvenirs
      Variable. At your personal discretion.
      Non-Educator Donation
      $100 USD (Suggested donation) This is only for non-educator guests traveling with an educator on a GEEO trip. Educators and retired educators should not make this donation.

      Optional Activities

      Most optional activities are booked and paid for locally in the local currency. You do not have to decide in advance which activities you would like to sign up for. The prices listed are based on the latest information we have received from our participants and G Adventures. They are not guaranteed to be accurate. Please feel free to use them as a guide for budgeting your trip.
      Cefalù
      Cefalù Beach Visit: Free Cefalù's crescent-shaped beach is one of the most popular along the whole Sicilian coast. Enjoy a quick dip in the waters, or simply lounge on the beach. Salita Saraceni Visit: Free The Salita Saraceni is an enormous staircase that winds up through three tiers of city walls. Spend 30 to 45 minutes heading up to the summit of La Rocca, where you'll have wonderful views of the town below. Duomo di Cefalù: Free Have an aperitivo in Piazza Duomo and visit Cefalù's cathedral, one of the jewels in Sicily's Arab-Norman crown. Opt to climb the towers themselves for great views of the area.
      Lipari
      Town Centre Visit: Free One of Lipari's great simple pleasures is going for a passeggiate (afternoon stroll) around the island's streets, taking in its laid-back atmosphere. Head to Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the liveliest street in town, and visit one of its many inviting bars, cafes, and restaurants. Spiaggia di Canneto Beach Visit: Free Head to the island's most popular swimming spot, the long, pebbly strip at Canneto, and spend a day on the beach like a local.
      Vulcano
      Ferry to Vulcano Island: €12 EUR per person Take a 10 min ferry ride to nearby Vulcano, a small volcanic island visited since ancient Roman times. Opt to take an hour-long crater hike.
      Catania
      La Pescheria Visit: Free Catania's raucous fish market, which takes over the streets behind Piazza del Duomo every weekday morning, is pure street theatre. Open from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Piazza del Duomo: Free A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Catania's central piazza is a set piece of contrasting lava and limestone, surrounded by buildings in the unique local baroque style and crowned by the grand Cattedrale di Sant'Agata. Via Etnea Walk: Free Stroll through Catania's main shopping street, which runs straight from Piazza del Duomo to the foothills below Etna. Visit the Giardino Bellini gardens and watch local daily life unfold.
      Taormina
      Teatro Greco Taormina: €10 EUR per person Built in the 3rd century BC and still in use today, Teatro Greco is one of the most dramatically situated Greek theaters in the world. Corso Umberto I Visit: Free Taormina's chief delight is wandering this pedestrian-friendly, boutique-lined thoroughfare. Villa Comunale Gardens: Free Created by Englishwoman Florence Trevelyan in the late 19th century, these beautiful public gardens offer breathtaking views of the coast and Mt Etna.
      Mount Etna
      Mt. Etna Excursion & Wine Tasting Tour: Price varies Take a guided tour of Mount Etna and learn about the history of this ancient volcano from local naturalist guides. Walk through old-growth forests, unique lava formations, and a volcanic cave (weather permitting). After, continue to a vineyard and enjoy a late lunch of cheeses, salami, olives, and bread, paired with excellent local wines.