At Contessa Consulting, we don't just plan trips; we craft extraordinary journeys that immerse you in the heart and soul of Sicily.
Our exclusive, tailor-made adventures are designed to captivate your senses and fulfill your travel dreams with experiences that are as unique and vibrant as the island itself.
With Contessa Consulting, your journey through Sicily is not just a trip—it's a transformative experience that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul. Let us handle every detail while you savor the beauty and magic of Sicily.
I was introduced to Italian food and wine culture through my immigrant Sicilian grandparents. My professional career in restaurants arose out of a curiosity and love of the culinary experiences that I remembered having with my family.
After college, I moved to Rome, Italy to immerse myself in Italian culture before starting my career in the wine business, selling fine Italian wines throughout California. I have been living between Italy and the United States for more than 15 years, working in wine trade in both New York and California, as well as food and wine tourism in Rome, Italy and on Mount Etna in Sicily.
I am a Certified Sommelier level 2 with the Court of Masters, as well as an Italian Wine Specialist with the North American Sommelier Association and North and Central Italy certified with Ian d’Agata’s 3iC Italian wine curriculum. I divide my time between Italy, New York and California, working as an ambassador for select Italian wine brands, and curating culinary experiences in Italy and the USA
Cristian, originally from Messina, Sicily, is deeply rooted in the culture and
language of his birthplace. After honing his skills in hospitality, craft cocktails, and mixology in Monte Carlo, Monaco, he gained an innate understanding of the marketing industry, with a sharp business acumen and a constant commitment to learning, he is proficient in four languages - French, Italian, Sicilian, and English, he is an invaluable asset to our company.
Please reach us at Info@contessaconsulting.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Due to the mild climate and lower tourist affluence, Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are the best periods to visit Sicily.
August is not recommended due to excessive heat, while winter is especially popular for hiking Mount Etna and visiting art cities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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 that uses her passion for creating a fun and educational environment for her guests.”
Joe Bastianich – American restaurateur, winemaker, author, television personality, and musician
Copyright© 2024 Contessa Consulting LLC - All Rights Reserved.
“To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything.”
– Goethe
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.
Book a Consultation Call and let us create your unforgettable experience