Vegan Happy Hour Tour

An Authentic Vegan Experience in Ortigia with Expert Guidance

The Vegan Happy Hour Tour in Sicily offers a unique chance to explore Ortiga’s vibrant vegan scene. Priced at $91.45 per person for approximately 2 hours, this small-group experience is limited to six participants, ensuring personalized attention. Led by Tonia, an American expat with 17 years of vegan life, the tour combines delicious tastings with engaging storytelling, making it perfect for anyone curious about plant-based lifestyles or simply craving a fun evening out on this stunning island.

What truly sets this tour apart is its exclusivity as the only 100% vegan tour in Siracusa and Ortigia. The focus on local products, paired with expert guidance, offers a genuine taste of Sicily’s vegan offerings. While the experience suits most, note that children under 18 are not allowed, and the tour emphasizes adult beverages paired with divine chocolates and cheeses. This is an ideal pick for those seeking an intimate, educational, and flavorful introduction to vegan Sicily.

Key Points

• Only 100% vegan tour in Ortigia with small groups of up to six participants
• Led by Tonia, a passionate guide fluent in English with extensive vegan experience
• Includes chocolate, vegan cheeses, and artisanal drinks paired perfectly
• Two main stops: a Modica dark chocolate shop and MOON restaurant for vegan cheese and drinks
• Duration of about 2 hours, starting at 6:00 pm with a flexible ending point
• Includes alcoholic beverages and snacks, with optional dinner reservations at MOON

Starting at the Chocolate Haven: Sabadì in Siracusa

The tour begins at Sabadì, a renowned Modica dark chocolate shop in Siracusa, where Tonia greets the group. This shop specializes in vegan-friendly, organic chocolates made locally, setting a delicious tone for the evening. At Sabadì, guests are introduced to Ramona or Chiara, chocolate and vermouth pairing specialists, who serve a flight of three vegan Vermouths paired with intense Modica dark chocolates.

The pairing showcases the complex flavors of Sicilian chocolates, which have a distinctive texture and taste due to their unique production process. After the tasting, visitors are welcome to sample additional chocolates—perfect for those wanting to buy gifts or indulge further. The shop provides an authentic, hands-on introduction to Sicily’s vegan confections, making this stop both educational and delightful.

A Scenic Walk Through Ortigia’s Historic Streets

Following the chocolate tasting, Tonia guides a short walk through Ortiga’s narrow, ancient streets. This scenic stroll offers a glimpse into the island’s historic charm, with its charming architecture and lively ambiance. The walk is a chance to enjoy the island’s beauty before arriving at the next highlight, MOON.

This brief walk emphasizes the close-knit atmosphere of Ortigia, where small alleyways and picturesque views await at every turn. The leisurely pace allows guests to absorb the local vibe and prepare their palates for the next course: a luxurious vegan cheese experience.

The Vegan Cheese Board at MOON: A Showstopper

The second stop at MOON, a well-loved vegan hotspot on Ortigia, centers around the signature Vegan Cheese Board. This luscious appetizer features a variety of housemade vegan cheeses, expertly paired with classic cocktails or a glass of wine. Guests can enjoy a relaxing aperitivo, with water included, as Tonia stays to chat or allows guests to unwind on their own.

This cheese board highlights the creativity and skill involved in plant-based cheese making, offering a mindblowing tasting experience that rivals traditional dairy options. The pairing with vegan cocktails or local wines enhances the experience, showing how versatile and delicious vegan food and drink can be. For those wanting to extend their evening, Tonia can reserve a table for dinner at MOON, making it easy to turn this happy hour into a full night of indulgence.

The Inclusion of Fine Drinks and Chocolates

Throughout the tour, alcoholic beverages are included, with Vermouths, cocktails, and wines expertly paired with chocolates and cheeses. The expert pairing at Sabadì emphasizes local, organic Vermouths and dark chocolates, while the MOON cheese board is complemented by signature cocktails. These carefully curated pairings showcase the flavor harmony achievable with vegan ingredients and Sicilian craftsmanship.

Guests appreciate the high quality of drinks and the knowledgeable guidance explaining the flavor profiles and production methods. The experience balances sophistication with approachability, making it suitable for adults who enjoy good drinks and conversation.

Flexibility to Extend the Evening with Dinner Reservations

After the two-hour tour, guests have the option to reserve a table at MOON for dinner. The guide offers to make reservations in advance, ensuring a seamless transition from happy hour to dinner. This feature allows visitors to enjoy the vegan cuisine of Ortigia beyond the tasting experience, making the evening more relaxed and complete.

This flexibility is a definite advantage for those looking to turn the tour into a full night out, especially since MOON is celebrated for its vegan-friendly menu. It’s a thoughtful touch that enhances the overall value of the experience.

Logistics and Group Size: Personalized and Convenient

The meeting point for the tour is at Sabadì, located at Via Pompeo Picherali, 4, Siracusa. The tour begins promptly at 6:00 pm and concludes at MOON on Via Roma. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is near public transportation, making access straightforward.

With a maximum of six travelers, the small-group format ensures intimate interactions and personalized attention. The tour is suitable for most individuals, though children under 18 are not permitted. The mobile ticket system adds convenience, allowing guests to easily access the experience.

The True Value of This Vegan Happy Hour Tour

At just over $90 per person, the tour offers a rich mix of local flavors, expert guidance, and intimate ambiance. The inclusion of delicious vegan chocolates, cheeses, and drinks makes it a worthwhile investment for those interested in vegan cuisine or Sicilian culture.

While it’s a short experience, the quality and authenticity of the tastings, coupled with the knowledgeable guide, create a memorable evening. The tour’s emphasis on local, vegan products distinguishes it from more generic options and provides a deeper appreciation for Ortigia’s culinary scene.

Who Will Enjoy the Vegan Happy Hour Tour?

This experience is ideal for adults who enjoy good food and drinks, are interested in vegan cuisine, or want a guided introduction to Ortigia’s vegan scene. The small group setting suits travelers seeking personalized attention and a more relaxed pace.

It’s especially suitable for those curious about plant-based options, as well as wine and chocolate lovers. The option to reserve dinner at MOON makes it a great choice for anyone wanting a full evening on Ortigia.

Final Reflection on the Vegan Happy Hour Tour in Ortigia

The Vegan Happy Hour Tour offers a unique, intimate exploration of Sicily’s vegan offerings, with excellent pairings and a passionate guide. The stops at Sabadì and MOON highlight the region’s craftsmanship and creativity in vegan chocolates and cheeses. The small group size and flexibility for dinner reservations enhance its appeal.

While the experience is concise, it provides deep insight into Sicily’s vegan scene and delivers tasty, expertly paired samples. Best suited for adults seeking a refined, delicious evening or those interested in vegan culture and craftsmanship. If you’re looking for a personalized, flavorful introduction to Ortigia’s vegan delights, this tour is a fantastic choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-vegans?
Yes, the tour is designed to showcase vegan products, but anyone curious about Sicilian vegan cuisine or local flavors will enjoy it.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for about 2 hours, starting at 6:00 pm and ending around 8:00 pm.

Are drinks included?
Yes, alcoholic beverages like vermouths, cocktails, and wine are included in the tour.

Can I extend the evening with dinner?
Absolutely—Tonia can reserve a table at MOON for dinner, allowing you to continue enjoying vegan dishes.

Is there a minimum group size?
Yes, a minimum number of travelers is required for the tour to operate, but the maximum is six people for an intimate experience.

Are children allowed?
No, children under 18 are not permitted on this tour.

Is the tour accessible?
The tour is near public transportation and involves walking through narrow streets, so consider mobility needs when booking.

How do I book this experience?
Tickets are available via Viator, with confirmation received at the time of booking.