Contessa Consulting – How to Sicily

Unforgettable trips especially created for travelers who dream of Italy

HOW ABOUT SICILY
AS YOUR NEXT DESTINATION?

Discover Contessa, the Sicilian tour operator that creates exclusive, fully customized experiences for discerning travelers, managing every detail of your trip for a completely stress-free vacation.

Complete the quiz below by filling in the requested information.

This will allow us to prepare a personalized proposal crafted exactly around your preferences.

Why choose Sicily?

Because Sicily is different.

It’s an island with more than 3,000 years of history, three seas, Europe’s highest active volcano, and a food-and-wine culture unlike anywhere else.

It’s authentic Italy – far from the most crowded tourist routes.

But planning a trip to Sicily is often logistically complex.

Getting around between towns, the language barrier, navigating local dynamics, and finding experiences that are both truly traditional and genuinely high-end can make things trickier than they seem.

That’s exactly why we’re here.

We are a licensed Sicilian Tour Operator specialized in ALL-INCLUSIVE luxury travel.

We don’t offer standard packages.

We design a bespoke journey shaped around your needs and desires, handling every detail from start to finish.

Sicily, visited with us, becomes the perfect vacation

A journey crafted with care, completely safe and stress-free. Ideal for families, groups, and couples – and we also cater to the solo traveler.

Perfect for anyone who wants to be guided by a dedicated hospitality team and multilingual local guides – people who were born here and can reveal this island the way only a true local can.

Whether your interest in Sicily is long-standing or just beginning to take shape…

You should know that there are several ways to experience this island in an exclusive, meaningful way.

Over time, we’ve met three types of travelers who turn to us:

Those who have dreamed of Sicily forever and already know what they want to see.

Those who have only heard about Sicily’s beauty and feel tempted to finally visit.

Those who haven’t yet chosen a destination for their next vacation.

No matter which category you belong to…
Everything you need is already on this page, along with the custom experiences we can offer.

Immerse yourself in the authentic essence of Sicily and bring back memories that feel unforgettable

Some places in the world deserve to be seen at least once in a lifetime.

Sicily is unquestionably one of them.

Thanks to the climate, lifestyle, and food heritage…
It offers experiences that are unique, unforgettable, and wonderfully effortless.

The moments you’ll experience are fun and exciting, but – as all our guests discover – also opens the door to something more meaningful.

Taste dishes with irresistible aromas, savor unforgettable sensations…
Let yourself be seduced by delicious and distinctive Sicilian wines…

And enjoy the warmth of the Sicilian sun, illuminating breathtaking views you’ll never forget.

Golden reflections on the sea at sunset…
Untouched wild landscapes…
Enchanting alleys in ancient towns…
And the majestic silhouette of a smoking volcano.
All unforgettable experiences…

And with everything seamlessly arranged for you, they become even more enjoyable.

And we like to think that in a small part of those memories…

We’ll always be there, too.

Because those who have already traveled with us speak of extraordinary, fun, and impeccably organized experiences:

Those who have already traveled with us know that what we offer is truly exceptional.

Our experiences go far beyond even the highest expectations – and far beyond the standard packages offered by most local tour operators.

Below, you’ll find a selection of testimonials from guests who have already lived one of our tailor-made journeys.

And I’m sure you’re familiar with some of these names:

If you want a stellar food and wine-focused tour, contact Brittany Carlisi.

Katie Parla

Client Testimonials

Brittany Carlisi's dynamic tours of Italy are the best way to experience Italian wine, food, and culture in a true hospitality professional fashion. Her years of working in the US with Italian wine plus living while giving personally guided tours in Sicily and Rome for years magically create the perfect journey into the past and present of Italy - you won't want it to end. There's so much to see, taste and experience through all that Brittany puts together. Her tours are the way to visit Italy!

Shelley Lindgren

Client Testimonials

Having been lucky enough to travel around the world and throughout Italy, I would be hard-pressed to find a more passionate, dynamic, fun & talented person than Brittany Carlisi. Her knowledge and contacts on Mount Etna helped make Sip Trip, my travel documentary, complete. From granita to wine, Brittany KNOWS who to meet and where to eat!

Jeff Porter

Sommelier & Host of Sip Trip

I’ve worked with Brittany Carlisi for over a decade in the Italian wine business, both in events and sales. Brittany is an expert in Italian food, wine, and culture. She is the go-to person for an authentic, immersive experience regarding all things Italy, with an emphasis on Mount Etna. Brittany is a natural and charismatic host who uses her passion for creating a fun and educational environment for her guests.

Joe Bastianich

American restaurateur, winemaker, author, television personality

Shelley Lindgren

Client Testimonials

If you want a stellar food and wine-focused tour, contact Brittany Carlisi.

Katie Parla

Client Testimonials

Jeff Porter

Sommelier & Host of Sip Trip

Joe Bastianich

American restaurateur, winemaker, author, television personality

Who stands behind Contessa, shaping these extraordinary journeys through Sicily?

Now that you know what we do, it’s time to introduce ourselves.

Brittany Carlisi

I’m Brittany Carlisi, as a Sicilian American, I have dedicated my life to the exploration of food, wine and culture across Italy, with a special focus on my heartland, Sicily.

My grandparents were born on this island before emigrating to the United States, and the stories, flavors, and traditions they passed down shaped my entire life. Every memory I have of them – every meal, every scent, every family gathering – pulled me a little closer to Sicily long before I ever set foot here.

I’m a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Masters Sommeliers and an Italian Wine Specialist, and my path in the world of wine eventually brought me home. In 2013, my work introduced me to Mount Etna, where I represented Alice Bonaccorsi – “The Quintessential Etna Goddess”, as I call her.

During the harvest, as well as the winemaking, I worked alongside Alice and was immediately captivated by Mamma Etna’s power, her unique terroir, and the vibrant life she nurtured. That experience changed everything for me. It’s the same magic I now share with travelers: the land, the flavors, the stories, and the women who shape them.

When I finally arrived in Sicily as an adult, I understood my purpose:

To help others experience the beauty, soul, and authenticity of this island – the same way I did.

A land like this cannot be compared to anything else.

Read the articles that feature me and let me guide you into the heart of Sicily.

“Sicilian Wine Experiences on Mt. Etna: Brittany Carlisi is a level II sommelier and she and her team have close, personal relationships with the owners of each winery. Just ask us today how we can help set you up with Brittany for a truly unique, personalized Sicilian experience.”

Source: immersiveitaly.com

“To really experience Mount Etna, beyond just getting the view of it from Catania, you should stay in one of its surrounding towns. […] If you want a stellar food- and wine-focused tour on the volcano, contact Brittany Carlisi.”

Source: katieparla.com

“Brittany Carlisi, a wine educator based in Catania, arrived with the producer Antonio Benanti and brought bottles from his winery on Mount Etna.”

Source: Food and Wine Magazine

“Contessa Consulting, the brainchild of Brittany Carlisi, unlocks the secrets to a spectacular Sicilian vacation, leveraging a lifetime of experience in the wine and restaurant industry.”

Source: Men’s Journal

Another mind behind Contessa, crafting extraordinary journeys through Sicily

Cristian Fazio

But I’m not alone in this adventure.

Alongside me is Cristian Fazio, born in Messina – a true Sicilian and an expert on the island.

Years spent in hospitality and mixology between Sicily and Monte Carlo shaped both his fluency in Italian, Sicilian, French, and English, and his approach to high-end service.

His ability to welcome discerning guests, manage complex situations with discretion, and create experiences that feel effortlessly seamless makes him an anchor for our international travelers – someone they trust from the moment they arrive.

Cristian joined me to expand Contessa with a clear intention:
to stand apart from all other tour operators in Sicily.

We offer an authentic, pure, and fully customizable experience shaped around each traveler’s personal needs.

Immerse yourself in the flavors and aromas of a timeless land

Among the many full-experience activities we can include in your trip, you’ll find unforgettable culinary experiences such as:

Little gems to savor and experience — flavors that leave lasting memories on your palate and in your heart.

You can let yourself be carried away by the authentic tastes of arancini, pasta alla Norma, Sicilian cannoli, and the best granita you will ever try.

Or you can take part in exclusive cooking classes, where you’ll learn the secrets behind the traditional recipes of this land.

Among the culinary experiences you can enjoy with us, you’ll also find:

And to finish, you can savor the finest wines from local estates, letting your palate explore every nuance offered by Sicily’s diverse and expressive vineyards.

Fill your glass with the vibrant colors and rich textures of our territorial wines, each one distinctly unique thanks to the unparalleled soil and climate of this special island in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Because every sip – just like every bite – is a journey into the heart and soul of this ancient land.

Because every corner of the island tells a story waiting to be discovered, admired, and lived.

Because Sicily is extraordinary – a breathtaking island embraced by three seas, offering landscapes and views found nowhere else.

And if you think the sea looks beautiful from the shore, perhaps you’ve never seen Sicily from the sea: a sublime perspective.

That’s why, if you truly want to experience this land at its best, you should admire it from its waters…

Step aboard luxury yachts or catamarans and cruise along Sicily’s enchanting coastline.

Sicily is surrounded by three seas and countless breathtaking coastal landscapes.

With us, you can board luxury yachts and catamarans to discover Taormina, Catania, San Vito Lo Capo, Ortigia, Marzamemi, Cefalù, Favignana, and the Aeolian Islands… or you can simply remain on board, mesmerized by the slow sway of the sea, indulging in an array of delicacies, savoring a glass of fine wine, and enjoying the unforgettable view of Sicily through the eyes of the deep.

Then… set down your glass and follow us back on land - the adventure continues.

Sicily isn’t only about prestigious vineyards, unforgettable flavors, and a breathtaking coastline best enjoyed from a yacht at sunset.

With us, you can also explore the island’s natural, historical, and architectural wonders…

Discover the enchanting Baroque towns of Noto and Modica…

And admire the majestic Mount Etna — the highest active volcano in Europe.

But don’t worry…

Etna is considered a safe volcano.

Its eruptions are characteristically slow and easily monitored, rarely extending far from the crater.

So if you’ve ever dreamed of visiting an active volcano, this is the place where you can do it with complete peace of mind.

And there’s more: during our Etna experience, we can arrange exclusive activities such as:

And all of this is just a glimpse of what we can create for you. With Contessa, every moment is planned and personalized step by step, ensuring that your journey is unforgettable — and entirely tailored to you.

Here’s how your journey unfolds, from the first message you send us to your arrival in Sicily.

1 – Your desire to experience Sicily is the beginning of everything. Simply fill out our short discovery quiz, designed to help us understand your preferences, travel style, and wishes – so we can begin crafting a journey truly tailored to you.

2 – We read your answers to understand what YOU love, what YOU enjoy, and what YOU dream of experiencing.

3 – We reach out to craft your personalized itinerary together – choosing destinations, experiences, and activities that match your tastes, your pace, and your budget.

4 – From the moment you land, our team is by your side. You’ll be welcomed at the airport by our fleet of luxury Mercedes vehicles, ready to take you wherever you need to go.

And once you’re in Sicily, you can relax completely - we handle every aspect of your vacation to ensure total comfort and peace of mind.

With us, you receive far more than what any standard guide can offer.

A seamless, end-to-end coordination of your hotels, transportation, excursions and every activity throughout your stay.
A dedicated concierge available 24/7 for any special request.
Luxury yacht and catamaran charters.
Private jets and helicopter transfers for seamless, time-saving travel.
Private chefs for unforgettable dinners.
English-speaking assistance and multilingual support.
Babysitting services and tailor-made activities for the whole family.
Experiences you can customize at any moment, even once your trip has already begun.

So don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity…

Experience Sicily in an authentic, unforgettable, tailor-made way

Answer the quiz below, tell us about yourself, and describe the journey you want to create.

Your answers will allow us to prepare a custom proposal crafted entirely around your wishes.

We can’t wait to meet you in Sicily.

Brittany Carlisi e Cristian Fazio

Experience Sicily in an authentic, unforgettable, tailor-made way

Answer the quiz below, tell us about yourself, and describe the journey you want to create.

Your answers will allow us to prepare a custom proposal crafted entirely around your wishes.

We can’t wait to meet you in Sicily.

Brittany Carlisi
e Cristian Fazio

FAQ: frequently asked questions

What is the best time to travel to Sicily?

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are the best periods to visit Sicily, due to the mild climate and lower tourist affluence. August is not recommended due to excessive heat, while the winter period is especially popular for hiking Mount Etna and visiting art cities.

Do I need to know Italian to join the tours?

No, it is not necessary to know Italian. Our tours are designed specifically for an international audience and are, therefore, led by bilingual staff who speak fluent English and are accustomed to meeting the needs of an international visitor.

Which are the main tourist attractions included in all-inclusive packages in Sicily?

Our packages are fully customizable to the needs and tastes of visitors. Our team will help you choose the experiences to be had on-site. The tours can, therefore, be enriched with visits to classic destinations present on the island such as Palermo, excursions to the volcano Etna and the Valley of the Temples, or carefully selected places among small local enterprises and wineries that offer exclusive food and excellent wine little known to mass tourism, or again there is the possibility of joining exciting tours aboard luxury yachts and catamarans, to take a look at the island from the sea. Contact us to find out about all the experiences we can offer you.

Do all-inclusive tours offer food and wine tours for specific diets?

Yes, we recommend that you let us know, at the time of booking, any needs related to any special diet (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) or the presence of food intolerances, so that on-site food and wine experiences can be planned to the fullest and with the full support of local partners.

What kind of clothing is recommended?

We recommend that you bring light, comfortable clothing for the months between April and October, with a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. For winter, it is helpful to have warm, layered clothing.

Are vineyard tours or wine tastings planned?

Yes, Sicily is an ideal destination for discovering different types of wine. Our all-inclusive tours include visits to local vineyards and exclusive tastings in wineries. Our Brittany is an experienced sommelier and, over the years, has traveled the length and breadth of Sicily in search of small winemaking businesses producing valuable labels mostly unknown to the masses. Today she can promote these establishments, personally accompanying visitors to an exclusive taste experience.

What is the recommended duration for an all-inclusive trip to Sicily?

The duration of our all-inclusive tours is up to you, as our trips are fully customizable in these terms as well. On average, an all-inclusive trip to Sicily can start from a few days or go as long as two or more weeks on the island.

Is it safe to travel to Sicily?

Yes, your stay in Sicily will be perfectly safe. Our organization takes care of everything and our partners are also ready and prepared for any unforeseen events. Sicily is a hospitable land. Don’t let a few misconceptions spoil your expectations and your experience on the island.

Is it dangerous to visit Mount Etna?

Etna is the largest volcano in Europe and among the most active in the world. However, this does not make it dangerous for hikers who have an experienced guide to accompany them.

Excursions to the volcano may include a visit to the main crater during periods when there is no ongoing magmatic activity, but may also include a safe visit to secondary craters. These can also be visited during periods when the volcano is active, providing exceptional displays of moving lava.

Are air travel and accommodation included in your full-experience tours?

No, our full-experience tours, as well as individual experiences in the area, include all the activities you can experience in Sicily.
Air travel is not included, as it is a service provided by other travel operators.

The last two days have been incredible, definitely every day has been better than any other day in my life. But each day had a certain connection with each other. Yesterday was the best, as well as today. Both were like a symphonic work, where you programmed the wine to harmonize with every element: the people, the environment, the wine itself, everything. Also, today's excursion was mind blowing and helped make everything even more special. And then there's Giovanna and Mariarita, their sincerity was truly unique. I'm really excited and wish I could participate in a full year of planned activities like this. It's amazing, everything was phenomenal. We are fully involved in everything that is happening here. Thank you very much and see you soon.

We used Contessa Consulting to plan, on very short notice, an intensive gastronomic R&D tour of Sicily for me and my two business partners, and we were pretty amazed at the itinerary Brittany helped create for us. She was extremely responsive to our very particular desires and needs, and was able to provide really sound, informed advice about how and where our skeleton of a plan could be filled out for maximum interest and enjoyment. Furthermore, given our tight time schedule, her deep connections on the island were instrumental in unlocking doors , of wineries, restaurants, that would otherwise have been closed. She was even able to work with us mid-trip to make some spur-of-the-moment adjustments, and checked in several times to make sure all was well. Add to that her responsive, positive communication style and you have the complete support package for all manner of Sicilian adventuring. Highly recommend!

Phenomenal trip to Sicily! - Just home from the most phenomenal family trip to Sicily—all 12 of us! We’re still glowing. 🇮🇹 This journey was extra special because we celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary right in the middle of a Sicilian cooking class—surrounded by delicious food, laughter, and the people we love most. A huge thank‑you to Contessa Consulting, especially Cristian Fazio and Founder Brittany Carlisi, who poured their hearts into planning every detail. From intimate cooking classes, a winery lunch, and a chocolate tasting tour (yes, it was as amazing as it sounds!), to an unforgettable hike up Mt. Etna, every day brought something new and meaningful. They worked within our budget, added thoughtful surprises, and truly made this a trip of a lifetime. If you're dreaming of something unique, personal, and unforgettable—Contessa Consulting is the team to call. With full hearts, Helen & Richard Mancini and the entire Mancini Family.

Really Special - Use Contessa Consulting only if you're looking for: Personal Service, Consulting by listening first, recommending AND discussing later, Collaboration, Curated planning, Personalized experiences that you wouldn't find on your own, Hidden gems that are off the beaten path - really, Not a crumb left out of place, Twice or more daily follow ups, Mid-game changes or additions based on the above, Food/Wine/Culture extraordinaire. As much or as little as you need (you can never do it all). Plenty of options - these foods, these hotels, these sights - and in every town. We did 8 days in Sicily, we took on a lot but Cristian nailed it based on how much we wanted to take on. We saw what we needed to see, we had the down time we needed (early mornings) and our true highlights were in Ragusa and in Mt Etna, incredibly special places and experiences. Not to be missed if you love food, wine and nature. I'm VERY happy to heartily recommend Cristian, Britany and Contessa Consulting, it was a remarkable week, one we'll treasure in a long list of Italian memories.

Brittany planned an absolutely magical trip for me around Mt. Etna! I wasn’t super familiar with the area but had a general idea of the kinds of things I wanted to do and see. After a quick conversation about my interests, she suggested several activities that were a perfect fit and planned a few days in this special place that I’ll never forget! Brittany is connected with seemingly everyone around Etna, and we were welcomed warmly and treated like family everywhere we went. From incredible winery tours and wonderful dinners to the most special visit to a local pistachio farm and gelato making with an absolute master of her craft, Brittany totally nailed it. I’d highly recommend working with her to plan your food and wine excursions around Etna. She’s deeply knowledgeable about the area and planned such a fun-filled (and wine-fueled!) adventure. If you’re thinking about working with her to plan your trip, stop thinking and just do it. You won’t be disappointed! Thank you again for planning such an incredible trip! It really was wonderful.

If you’re looking for the best guide to everything vinicultural, oenological, and gastronomical in the environs of Mount Etna, then you must look up the fabulous Ms. Brittany Carlisi. Steeped in the wine business in both Italy and the US for many years, Brittany finally decided to settle back in Sicily, the land of her family heritage. Through the personal relationships she has developed with all the key players in Mount Etna’s resurgent wine industry, she can get her clients in the door to many properties and fantastic small producers that would otherwise not be accessible to the casual visitor. She has a real passion for the terroir and will organize any kind of wine and food-based tour you could dream of in this wonderful area. If you go at the right time, she might ask you to help harvest artichokes from her garden or pick crocus stamens with the locals for your own fresh batch of saffron to take home. Super fun, bilingual, and well organized, I recommend her without hesitation for your next gastronomic experience in Sicily.

Amazing Sicily experience with Contessa - We are so grateful we found Contessa Consulting -- our trip to Sicily was made ever more special because of the experiences Brittany and her team lined up for us. Working with Brittany to plan the trip was simple and easy, and she immediately understood the vibe and experiences we were looking for. Our accommodations were quaint and gorgeous (with a memorable dinner -- I will never forget the incredible antipasti spread), the wine tastings were intimate and led us to off the beaten track, small producers, and the other experiences truly felt like an opportunity for cultural exchange (for example, a private tour with a pistachio farmer and lunch at her house, made by her mother). It was everything we were looking for and more, and I couldn't recommend them enough!

Many thanks to Brittany and her team. Our family had the most wonderful and memorable experience in Sicily. The communication was perfect and every detail was accounted for. Our 2 days were tailored made for us and took into account our dietary and physical limitations. The experiences were as authentically Sicilian as one could hope for in a 2 day period. Day one made us appreciate the awesomeness of Mount Etna and it's overall influence on the culture and people. Thanks to Marco, our tour guide and volcanologist. Day two was such an adventure starting with a pistachio lunch prepared by the mother of pistachio producer, Samantha. We then tasted the lovely wines of Filippo Grasso with Mariarita Grasso at her lovely house overlooking the vineyard. We finished up making and tasting granita and gelato with the legendary Giovanna Musumeci in Randazzo. Everyone was so open about their life in Sicily which gave another pleasing dimension. If you are thinking of a holiday to Sicily, I highly recommend you get in touch with Brittany.

The BEST Sicilian Travel Experience Planners! - Contessa Consulting is the very best travel concierge in Sicily. I was fortunate enough to meet Brittany Carlisi in Los Angeles at an event and knew immediately that I'd be reaching out to her someday to help plan a trip to Sicily. Her partner Cristian met with me virtually, and put together the most professional looking package of a plan for our trip to the Mount Etna wine region. The itinerary that Contessa planned for us was incredible, and we were lucky enough to be joined at each of our plans by Brittany, which made the experience that much better. Book with Contessa to make your trip easier, but most importantly book because you will have more FUN! We will meet again in the beautiful Mount Etna and hopefully within even more parts of Sicily.

I highly recommend Contessa Consulting for your travel in Sicily. Brittany and Cristian put together a wonderful itinerary that felt like it was planned by a best friend, completely tailored to all my interests. We ate well, took in Mt Etna’s beautiful views, and learned so much about local life in Sicily. Unlike other tours that feel impersonal and run according to the convenience of the tour company, my experience with Contessa Consulting was the complete opposite. Their tours are personal and one-of-a-kind, often taking place in people’s kitchens and living rooms. I highly recommend Contessa Consulting for a unique and off-the-beaten-track adventure in Sicily.

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