Singles & Friends
- 8 Day Italian Cooking Class Vacations in Sicily,
Italy
Discovering Sicilian cookery
is like discovering Sicilian history. Various civilizations – Greek, Roman,
Arabs, Normans, Spanish and British – have left their mark and from the
gastronomic point of view, their influence is still in evidence in modern day
Sicilian cooking. Courses in Sicily are 8 days/7 nights and are based at the
enchanting Villa Sicily.
To let you discover the flavors of Sicily,
the venue in the south east of the island: the place where it all began. The
surrounding area is dotted with well know historical sites – such as Siracusa Greek
Theatre, the Temples of Agrigento and various Baroque towns such as Noto and Ragusa
– as well as popular gastronomic locations such as Pachino for cherry tomatoes,
Modica for chocolate, Avola for almonds and wine, Ragusa for Caciocavallo cheese
and so on.
The villa where the Cooking
Vacation is held, is situated on a private estate, is of typical Sicilian
style and dates back to 1848. Chosen because of its location, it has some beautiful
views of the surrounding areas. Upon waking in the morning, to a clear blue sky,
you can enjoy breakfast outside and soak up the sea views.
The luxurious bedrooms, all decorated in a
modern style, are ensuite. Each room has a view of either the sea, almond grove or
the Sicilian countryside.
Within the grounds of the estate there is an outdoor pool, which is encircled by
almond and olive trees. After a dip, you can sit back and relax on the terrace and
enjoy the sight and sound of the sea.
Itinerary:
Saturday
On your arrival to Catania Airport you will be
transferred to the venue, Villa Sicliy,
which takes about one hour. There we will have a welcoming aperitif waiting
for you, followed by dinner.
Sunday
After breakfast, you will
have your first cooking lesson followed by lunch. Then in the afternoon we
have a visit to Noto, the most beautiful baroque village in Sicily, actually
the most beautiful baroque village in Italy! Dinner is served back at the
villa in the evening
Monday
After breakfast you have another lesson with
the cook, followed by lunch. The afternoon is spent enjoying a wine tasting
at Felice Modica estate, in Bufalefi. There you get a chance to wander around
the grounds and house of the estate, which have been preserved in 18th
century Sicilian style. At the end of the day we return to the villa for
dinner.
Tuesday
After breakfast we head out for the day to
visit the cities of Ragusa and Modica. Where you get to explore and enjoy the
atmosphere of these delightful cities. We have lunch out in one of the many
lovely restaurants in Ragusa and then continue on to the city of Modica. At
the end of the day we return to the villa to enjoy
dinner.
Wednesday
A treat is in store for you after breakfast
when you have a cooking lesson with an old Sicilian Mamma who will let you in
on some of her cooking secrets. After lunch we visit the small fishing
village of Marzamemi, with its Tonnara (ruined tuna fishing station) Dinner
is served again back at the villa.
Thursday
You have your fourth
cooking lesson with the cook after breakfast, followed by lunch. Then in the
afternoon we visit the city of Siracusa and dine
out.
Friday
After breakfast you have a lesson in a
restaurant, which is situated on the port of Portopalo. The lesson will be
based on fish. Weather permitting, we will select the fish from the fisherman
in the port. then have lunch in the restaurant followed by the afternoon free
to enjoy at your own leisure. Back at the villa, for your last night with us,
we have a scaccia party with the old Sicilian Mamma.(A scaccia is similar to
an Italian Pizza, but done the Sicilian
way).
Saturday
After an early breakfast you will be
transferred to the airport to get your 8.40 a.m. flight
home
Available
2010 Dates: May 8 - 15 / May 15 - 22 / June 5 - 12 / June 12 - 19 / June
19 - 26 / October 2 - 9 / October 9 - 16 / October 16 - 23 / October 23 -
30
Price
- $2,375
Included in price:
- 7
nights single accomodations
- 5 hands-on cookery lessons
- Visits to Ragusa, Modica, Siracusa, Noto
- A visit to a local traditional fish market
- Afternoon of wine tasting at a local estate
- Private chocolate tasting with artisan producer
Cancellation and Change
Policy
If you cancel 60 days prior to arrival
date you will receive your deposit less an administration charge of $500. If you
cancel between 60 and 45 days you will unfortunately forfeit your deposit.
Cancellation less than 30 days prior to arrival date 100% of the amount is
forfeited. If you want to change your date 60 days prior to arrival date there
is no charge to change the land portion, assuming there is availability. The
charge to change the airline ticket is whatever the airline is charging at the
present time. We strongly recommend that you take travel insurance to cover in
case you need to cancel.
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