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We will spend time exploring the unique character of different regions of Sicily, making three or four different stops on our journey. Staying at private estates farmhouses and boutique hotels, eating in kitchens, restaurants and the market, we will explore many niches of food production and tradition. The possibilities for threading together narratives of Sicilian culinary culture are many. On each trip, we take a somewhat different route through this land that is blessed in ingredients, tradition and variety.
Sample Itinerary
A detailed itinerary available upon request. Please contact us at info@peggymarkel.com
Day 1
Pick up in Palermo at 10:30 am.
A brief tour before leaving the city to go to the country.
By later afternoon we arrive in Regaleali, at the estate of one of the most important wine-producers in Sicily and former home of renowned cook book author, Anna Tasca Lanza. Upon arrival, there will be time to relax and settle into our rooms before meeting for supper. The expanse of the “world of Regaleali” is breathtaking. One thousand acres of soft rolling hills are planted in vines. A walk through the rose garden will surely build up an appetite.
In our first lesson, Fabrizia Lanza, Anna Tasca’s daughter, will share her knowledge of local cuisine and its history with a hands-on cooking class.
A welcome dinner will follow.
Day 2
Regaleali
Breakfast in the kitchen. When we are finished eating fresh bread with homemade jams and local honey, we will be back with Anna for a lesson on focaccia ragusana and other particularly Sicilian quick breads.
If the sheep are producing milk, it will give us an opportunity to taste fresh sheep’s milk ricotta, made in front of our eyes the old fashioned way by the shepherd with wood fire and wooden stirring spoons.
Most of the food that will appear on the table during our stay at the estate is produced on the farm: fowl, lamb, sheep's milk cheese, wheat, olive oil, vegetables and fruits.
Dat 3
Regaleali
Today, we will explore the wine cellars of Regaleali with their immense oak barrels sure to impress. (A tasting of the various wines will accompany all meals.) Another class will follow with a focus on estate lamb and wild greens.
For those interested in leaving the estate to explore more of the surrounding countryside, a day trip to Polizzi can also be arranged.
A feast will follow at ‘Case Vecchie.’
Day 4
Modica
Breakfast: more good bread and jam, delicious coffee and tea.
After breakfast, we leave for the Greek ruins of Agrigento, to the Valle dei Templi, Valley of the Temples. Picnic lunch.
In the afternoon we take the coast road towards Modica and Ragusa, two exquisite baroque towns. We settle into our hotel in Modica.
Day 5
Modica
In the morning, we are well embraced by our favorite chocolate shop, Dolceria Buonajuto, Sicily's oldest sweet shop. Franco Ruta will demonstrate (and we will sample) a few of his spectacular chocolates.
Lunch at a local Trattoria.
Free time is offered to walk around the town of Modica, for shopping or visiting more historical sites.
Day 6
Possible farm stay in Noto.
Alternatively, the group will stop in Noto, another fabulous Baroque town, to have world-renowned gelato at Café Sicilia, before continuing on to Catania.
If we do not stay in Noto for the night, we will travel on to Catania, stopping to explore the Mt. Etna wineries. Dinner at a lovely restaurant in town.
Day 7
Catania
Catania offers the incredible and historical Catania fish market, our favorite in all the world. We will begin our explorations here, and then take our inspiration to the kitchen for a pesce-centric cooking class with a local chef.
After class and lunch, there will be time to rest up. For tonight is the gala! A fond farewell!
Day 8
Breakfast and departure from Catania airport
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Optional Add-on: Trip to Taormina
Please contact us at info@peggymarkel.com for pricing.
As part of the trip extension, PMCA will coordinate transportation, lodging, and restaurant recommendations. A few free days at the end of the program can be a perfect way to soak in the Sicilian seaside before heading on your way.
Day 8
Taormina
Prepare to travel to Taormina after breakfast.
Aside from its splendor and beauty perched on top of a mountain overlooking the sea, Taormina offers a style of timeless elegance. The quaint village will keep you busy for hours, doing something or enjoying doing nothing at all. Our recommended hotel is down on the sea. At this time of year, it will be warm enough for a swim.
Taormina also offers wonderful shopping opportunities.
Day 9
Taormina
A full day to relax by the sea or to shop and otherwise explore the town of Taormina.
Day 10
Breakfast and transport back to Catania for departure.
Note that the program begins in Palermo and ends in Catania. Please plan travel accordingly.
Guests arrive on the day before the start date of the program, and spend an evening in Palermo on their own (we will provide a list of recommended hotels), to adjust to the time change and acclimate to their new surroundings. The program begins mid-morning on the following day.
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