Contessa Consulting – How to Sicily

Unforgettable trips especially created for the travelers who dream of Italy

HOW ABOUT SICILY AS YOUR NEXT DESTINATION?

Plan Your Personalized Sicilian Adventure – Book individual local experiences or an organized tour of the island now!

There are three types of travelers when we talk about Sicily:

Those who have always dreamt of Sicily and already know what they want to see.

Those who have heard about Sicily’s beauty and, therefore, the urge to book a trip to Italy is very strong.

Those who haven’t yet picked a destination for their next holiday.

Whatever your circumstances, this is where you will find the answers to why Sicily is the ideal destination for your holiday

Some places simply need to be seen at least once in a lifetime, and Sicily is certainly one of them.

It is, in fact, an island that – due to its climatic characteristics, the way of life of its inhabitants, and the cuisine that distinguishes it – can offer a unique, unforgettable, and definitely enjoyable experience.

The experience we provide is a full immersion in the authentic Sicilian lifestyle through all of your senses.

You will have the opportunity to discover the true essence of this island.

You will enjoy the tastes and scents of dishes with irresistible smells and flavors experiencing feelings you will remember forever.

You will be captivated by the enveloping and unmistakable expression of the terroir and the region’s fine grape varieties, perfect to complement unforgettable local delicacies.

The Sicilian sun will provide a show that your eyes will hardly want to miss: the golden reflections of the sea at sunset, the wilderness of a yet untouched land, the charming lanes and old town centers of thousand-year-old cities, and the majestic silhouette of a smoking volcano.

Unique experiences that will forever be etched in your memory and that you can enjoy without worrying about anything, thanks to the full-experience formula.

Not to mention that you will meet the Sicilians, unique people who will welcome you with smiles and open arms, with such warmth you would never expect to find so far from home.

All your senses will be caught up and drawn to new, unique, and special emotions, sensations, and experiences.

And you know what? It will only hit you once you’re back how unbelievable this trip was, and the fun you had.

When you look at the photos of your vacation in Sicily, then you will notice that smile on your face.

Happy to have experienced this land the proper way: carefree, and with your eyes yearning to discover yet another piece of it.

And then, you’ll picture yourself walking again through the picturesque alleys of ancient villages, feeling the warmth of the Mediterranean sun on your skin and tasting the unmistakable flavors of Sicilian cuisine and wines.

Because your experience in Sicily will be totally different from anything else!

Brittany is a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Masters and a certified Italian Wine Specialist.

Brittany’s journey in the Italian wine industry led her to Mount Etna for the first time in 2013, where she represented Alice Bonaccorsi, a winemaker she calls “The Quintessential Etna Goddess.”

During the harvest, she worked alongside Alice and was immediately captivated by Mamma Etna’s energy, her exquisite terroir, and the abundance of life she nurtures. This retreat is an invitation to experience that same magic—through the land, the flavors, and the women who shape them.

Her deep connection to Sicily stems from her Sicilian heritage, inspired by the memories of her grandparents who emigrated to America. Today, she is dedicated to sharing the island’s rich wine culture and traditions with travelers from around the world.

Unlike the conventional travel agencies, I wanted to create a truly unique experience, tailored to your own needs and personalized

Read more about what they say about me and let me take you by the hand on this adventure!

Brittany Carlisi has been mentioned in Rick Steves Sicily Guide,
Katy Parla Sicily Guide and other local newspapers.

“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

“During our visit, Brittany Carlisi recollected the impact of her first harvest experience right there, demonstrating her deep connection to the tradition and craft of winemaking.”

Cheese, Wine and Bread by Katie Quinn

So, in a nutshell, here's what is going to take place on your trip to Sicily:

It all starts with your getting in touch with us, and for that, here is a helpful form that you can fill out to book your appointment.

We will read your message and understand your preferences and expectations.

We will get back to you and, during the interview, we will craft your trip to Sicily, tailore-made for you: together we will decide on the stops, visits, and experiences that best suit your tastes, schedule, and budget.

Upon your arrival in Italy we will provide you with all the assistance you need to enjoy the experiences you have requested and, if you have selected it, we will be at your service from the moment you arrive at the airport, with our fleet of luxury Mercedes vehicles ready and waiting for you.

A truly one-off and fully customized journey ranging from the single experience to the exclusive full-immersion tour!

These are some of the testimonials that those who have already had one of the travel experiences we offer left for us

Those who have already been on one of our holidays know that what we have to offer is priceless and exceeds all expectations without fail… and that is why it is appreciated by all our customers.

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

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.

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

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

Katie Parla

Client Testimonials

A journey through the flavors and fragrances of a thousand-year-old land

Among the many full experience programs we can suggest to put together your dream holiday, there are also exclusive and unforgettable food and wine experiences such as:

Such little treasures are to be enjoyed and savored and will leave great memories and delightful sensations on the palate and in the heart.

Taste fine wines from local wineries, attend exclusive cookery classes to learn the secrets of this land’s traditional recipes, and be overwhelmed by the authentic flavors of arancini, pasta alla Norma, Sicilian cannoli, and the tastiest granita you’ve ever had.

Some of the Cooking Lessons you can take with us include:

Let your palate enjoy every nuance of flavor that Sicily’s many varied vineyards offer.

Fill your goblet with red wonder, white awe, and sparkling cheer.

Every sip, as well as every bite, will be a journey into the heart and soul of Sicily’s age-old culture.

When the tasting is over... put your glass down and follow me! You will not regret it

There is more to Sicily than prestigious vineyards and great food.

Your wish is our command: just ask, and we will take you on an exploration of the natural, historical, and architectural wonders of this land: you will get to discover the captivating Baroque cities of Noto and Modica, and contemplate majestic Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe…

But fear not: Etna is considered a safe volcano, as its characteristic is that it has a very slow and therefore easily controllable eruption that rarely reaches great distances from the volcano’s crater. Therefore, if you dream of visiting an active volcano, you can do so here in total safety!

Some of the activities we offer related to the volcano also include:

Every corner of the island tells a story that is just waiting to be discovered, admired, and experienced.

Sicily is an incredible land, an unbelievable island, surrounded by three seas that present unique landscapes and breathtaking views. And not simply because the sight of the sea from land is magnificent, but also because land seen from the sea is sublime.

Precisely for this reason, if you want to experience them to the full, all you have to do is board our catamaran or luxury yacht and skirt the enchanting Sicilian shores.

Here is just a taste of the wonders that are awaiting you in Sicily:

You will thus realize that there isn’t just one way to visit and discover Sicily and its most famous locations: Palermo, Trapani, Modica, Noto, Lipari and the Aeolian Islands, Marzamemi, Salina, and many other characteristic places you’ve probably never even heard of.

You can cruise on crystal-clear waters, discover hidden caves, or enjoy a refreshing dip in secluded and picturesque coves, while surrounded by nature that is often still untouched.

Or you can stay on board sipping good wine, and enjoying some delicious treats while being charmed by the slow rocking of the waters and a unique view of Sicily: the island seen through the eyes of its sea.

We'll make sure you fall in love with Sicily

Our mission is to offer you a unique, authentic, and customized experience.

We strongly believe that every trip should be an enriching experience, that leaves a deep mark and enables the traveler to change for ever and for the better.

To this purpose, we have designed some tours that can make people enjoy, even in a limited time, the main experiences, sensations, and emotions felt by those who live the Sicilian lifestyle everyday.

We deeply know this wonderful island in every one of its facets and wish to convey to you, too, our endless love for this land and its people, its many varieties of wine, and its unmistakable aromas and flavors.

We want to share its most fascinating and best-kept secrets, with full-experience tours, where you will not have to think about anything except enjoying this magical island, or individual experiences that will always live in your heart.

Just let the slow pace of the island envelop you and regenerate you. We'll take care of the rest!

Your trip to Sicily starts here

Don’t miss the unique opportunity to live this authentic and unforgettable experience.

Answer the questions in our quiz by telling us a little more about yourself and describing the type of trip you would like to make.

The information you provide us with will be used to provide you with a personalized package tailored to your requests.

I look forward to meeting you face-to-face,

Brittany Carlisi

Your trip to Sicily starts here

The information you provide us with will be used to provide you with a personalized package tailored to your requests.

I look forward to meeting you face-to-face,

Brittany Carlisi

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 and accommodation are services that we do not offer because they are the prerogative of other tourist providers.

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.

created by StrateGenius Agency