Cooking and culture in Sicily

In close collaboration with our esteemed partners, we have crafted an exclusive program that celebrates Sicilian cuisine and culture, offering an immersive experience ideal for food enthusiasts and amateur chefs alike. Designed for groups ranging from 10 to 30 people, it's perfect for gatherings of friends or family.

Our local experts, deeply knowledgeable about Sicilian culinary traditions, will take you on an exciting journey through the island's gastronomic delights. The cooking classes will be both educational and enjoyable, allowing you to learn the secrets of Sicily's most celebrated dishes.

In addition to culinary lessons, the program includes private guided tours to iconic locations such as Cefalù, the Aeolian Islands, and the majestic Mount Etna. These excursions will provide an in-depth exploration of Sicily's history, art, and extraordinary natural landscapes, further enriching your experience.

During this unforgettable week, you'll have the opportunity to stay in one of the most enchanting villas in the Mediterranean, enjoying luxury accommodations and impeccable hospitality. Each day will be an opportunity to savor authentic Sicilian meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients, ensuring a true immersion into the island's food and wine culture.

The programme

Saturday: Arrival/transfer from either Palermo or Catania airport. Welcome aperitivo and dinner.

Sunday: ‘Welcome’ day, with time to relax by the pool. When the sun dips in the early evening, gather for the first cooking class. Learn about Sicily’s most important ingredients and how to make a selection of traditional starters, using freshly-picked home-grown vegetables. After dinner, local astronomy expert will lead you on a gentle exploratory journey via telescope while you relax under the starry night-time sky.

Monday: ‘Aeolian Flavours’. Private boat trip to the Aeolian Islands. We’ll stop for a dip close to Salina, before heading to the waterfront Da Alfredo restaurant for a lunchtime speciality, ‘pane cunzato’. Then on to Lipari and to Vulcano for another dip in the dazzling waters in the Grotta del Cavallo bay. Return to villa for dinner.

Tuesday: ‘Travel back in time’ in Tindari. Our second cookery class will focus on main meat dishes and vegetables and will take place at the excellent ‘Agavòs’ restaurant in Tindari, with stunning views over the bay. After lunch, we visit Tindari’s fascinating ancient Graeco-Roman sights, then return to the villa for some relaxation time before dinner.

Wednesday: ‘Etna vibes’. Full day excursion to Europe’s highest active volcano, including a thrilling 4x4 ride to the crater at 3000m, light lunch and visit to the crater. On our return, we enjoy a wine-tasting and dinner at the Antica Tindari restaurant and winery in Patti.

Thursday: ‘A taste of the Med’. Travel to the market at Milazzo with our chef to choose fish for the evening’s cookery class, before a visit to the magnificent castle and lighthouse. Return to villa for lunch followed by an afternoon at leisure. Our early evening fish-based cookery class takes place at the villa, followed by dinner.

Friday: ‘Sweet Sicily’. Learn more about the local production and uses of almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios on a visit to a family-owned producer of organic sweet treats. We continue on to Cefalù for a light lunch and stroll around the town. On our return, we stop by Castelbuono in the Madonie mountains, home to renowned panettone producers, Fiasconaro. Evening at the villa, with barbecue and live music.

Saturday: Transfer to airport after breakfast.