Cooking

Cooking & Culture by the Ionian Sea
OCTOBER 19 TO 25, 2025
Overview

In October 2025, we invite you to spend six nights and seven delicious days in Ortigia, the historic heart of Siracusa, where we’ll cook, eat and revel in the unique cuisine and fascinating culture of Sicily.

Most of our tours include several destinations, but this intimate tour, limited to just 12 participants, offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the timeless flavors and relaxed lifestyle of Italy’s most fascinating island. You’ll participate in three hands-on Sicilian cooking classes with knowledgeable instructor and expert guide Rosa Rizza, highlighting the art of creating nutritious and delectable meals using local, seasonal ingredients. In addition to hands-on lessons, your Sicilian sojourn includes excursions to a range of culinary, cultural and historic attractions. Each evening, you’ll return to a five-star hotel every bit as memorable as the views of the Ionian Sea from its windows.

In Rosa’s welcoming home kitchen, you’ll learn to prepare (and of course, enjoy) several traditional Sicilian dishes, each perfectly paired with a fine example of a local wine from nearby Mount Etna like Grillo or Catarratto, and Nero d’Avola. In addition to sharing classic culinary techniques and recipes, Rosa will introduce the concept of “kilometer zero”, the evolving practice of choosing locally sourced ingredients for maximum health benefits and environmental sustainability.

Between cooking classes, we’ll visit renowned markets to select fresh ingredients for your lessons, and take time to savor the charms of baroque towns like Ragusa and Modica (including the latter’s world-famous chocolate…). Your full-day excursion to Mount Etna, with a tasting at a local winery, rounds out a Sicilian adventure that earns the description “delicious”, in every sense.

Join us for a feast of gastronomic discovery, exploration, and the perennial pleasure of eating historically well!

Highlights

3 Hands-On Cooking Classes with Rosa:

Harvest to Table: Mastering the art of creating irresistible Caponata and fresh, made from scratch pasta
October’s Fresh Catch: Dive into a masterclass on seafood, complete with a market tour to select the highest quality, freshest ingredients

Nonna’s Sunday Feast: Bringing traditional family recipes to life, cooking luscious, hand-made lasagna, and meatballs just like Nonna
Market lunch with Sicilian street food:

Savor the authentic flavors of local street food at a bustling market
Full-day excursion to Mount Etna:

Explore Europe’s highest active volcano, including a wine tasting on its slopes
Walking tour of historic Ortigia:

Abandon yourself to the charms and rich history of Ortigia on a delightful guided stroll
Full-day excursion to Ragusa and Modica with chocolate tasting:

Explore baroque beauty and indulge in exquisite chocolate
Expert wine pairings with each meal:

Enhance your culinary satisfaction with perfect wine pairings

The Taste of Sicily

Itinerary and pricing

DEPARTURE FROM THE UNITED STATES
Saturday, October 18, 2025
DAY 1: Sunday, October 19
Welcome to Sicily!

Afternoon: Upon arrival at the Catania airport, transfer to your hotel in Ortigia, the heart of Syracuse. Check in to your five-star hotel, your home for the next six nights.

Evening: Join Giovanna and Rosa for a Welcome Aperitivo and savory Sicilian refreshments.

DAY 2: Monday, October 20

Morning: Start your day with an enlightening Walking Tour of Ortigia, the historic heart of Syracuse, accompanied by our knowledgeable local guide, Rosa. Discover ancient ruins, stunning baroque architecture, and scenic piazzas.

Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the local flavors with lunch at the bustling Mercato di Orgia (Ortigia’s market). Savor authentic Sicilian street food, from arancini and seafood to local cheeses and pastries. Enjoy your meal surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere, the vivid colors and aromas of fresh produce and spices.

Late afternoon: Join Rosa for a Hands-On Cooking Class with Rosa – “Harvest to Table: Mastering Caponata and Fresh Pasta”

Learn to prepare Caponata, a traditional Sicilian dish featuring seasonal vegetables like broccoli, artichokes, and pumpkin, with options to incorporate meat or fish
Make homemade pasta from scratch to be used in a delicious lentil soup prepared by Rosa
Evening: Enjoy the delightful dinner you’ve prepared during your cooking class.

DAY 3: Tuesday, October 21

Morning: Embark on a scenic journey to the baroque towns of Ragusa and Modica.

Begin your day with a picturesque drive through the rolling hills of southeastern Sicily. In Ragusa, enjoy a walking tour with your guide through the charming streets of Ragusa Ibla, the historic old town, to admire its beautifully restored buildings and ornate churches, and visit the stunning Cathedral of San Giorgio.

Afternoon: Continue to Modica, where we will enjoy lunch at a local trattoria. Modica is famous for its rich history, splendid architecture, and unique chocolate-making traditions. Discover the town’s split-level layout, with the upper town offering breathtaking views of the valley below. Visit to a local Chocolate Atelier. Learn about the unique Modica chocolate-making process, which dates back to the Aztecs and is characterized by its granular texture and intense flavors.Sample a variety of chocolate treats, from traditional bars to inventive confections, all crafted with the finest local ingredients.

Evening: Relaxed evening with dinner on your own

DAY 4: Wednesday, October 22

Early Morning Market Tour: Learn how to shop for and purchase the freshest fish that we will cook later in the day.

Mid morning: Depart for a special treat of Cappuccino & Brioche at a local resort.

Afternoon: Free time to explore Ortigia on your own and enjoy lunch at leisure.

Hands-On Cooking Class with Rosa – “October’s Fresh Catch: Seafood Masterclass”

Learn to prepare Sicilian seafood specialties under Rosa’s guidance
Evening: Enjoy the delightful dinner you’ve prepared during your cooking class.

DAY 5: Thursday, October 23

Morning: Excursion to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. En-route we will visit the famous fish market in Catania to experience its lively, high energy atmosphere.

Afternoon: Wine Tasting and lunch at a local winery. Enjoy a tasting of regional wines produced on the fertile volcanic slopes. Learn about the unique terroir that influences the distinctive flavors of these exceptional wines.

Evening: Relaxed evening with dinner on your own

DAY 6: Friday, October 24

Morning: Optional visit to the Syracuse Archeological site.Tour will include the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysus.

Afternoon: Free time to explore Ortigia on your own and enjoy lunch at leisure

Hands-On Cooking Class with Rosa – “Nonna’s Sunday Feast: Homemade Pasta, Lasagna, and Meatballs”

Experience the tradition of “Pranzo della domenica”, a cherished Sunday dinner ritual
Master the techniques of crafting an authentic Sicilian Lasagna, and delicious meatballs
Discover the mysteries of Sicilian culinary heritage handed down through generations, as Rosa reveals cherished culinary secrets and traditions
Evening: Farewell Dinner – A festive farewell celebration dinner starring the dishes you’ve prepared during your cooking class, “garnished” with special moments and memories, shared with newfound friends

DAY 7: Saturday, October 25

End of Tour: Depart from your Syracuse hotel filled to bursting with newfound culinary expertise and eagerness to share your prowess at home. Transfer to the Catania airport, where you’ll embark on your journey home, body and mind filled with the flavors and experiences of Sicily.

 

 

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

Tour Pricing Includes:
  • 6 nights in gorgeous 5-star Hotel in Ortigia, Syracuse – room with sea view
  • Private transportation throughout the itinerary
  • Walking tours with licensed guide of Ortigia, Ragusa, and Modica
  • Private visit to a chocolate atelier
  • Airport transfers (we can coordinate transfers so you can share with other tour travelers)
  • Entrance fees
  • All local taxes
  • Gratuities at restaurants and wineries
Meals as Follows
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • 1 Welcome Sicilian Aperitivo
  • 1 Mid-Morning Snack
  • Cappuccino and brioche at a local resort
  • 3 Group Lunches
  • At the Ortigia Market
  • At a winery on Mount Etna
  • At a local trattoria in Modica
  • 3 Group Dinners:
  • Dinners at Rosa’s private residence prepared during your cooking classes
  • Flights
  • Meals unless specified
  • Gratuities to driver & guides
  • Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)

Tour Cost based on double occupancy
Payable with credit card (Mastercard or Visa)

Price per person:
$6,625

Single Supplement:
+$1,795

All aspects of the tour will be coordinated by Giovanna Chiti of Discover my Italy

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Discover My Italy
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