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Italy

Cooking in Sicily

Program No. 22069RJ
Learn the time-honored art of Sicilian cooking as you visit a historic winery and enjoy chef-led cooking classes!
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Food & WineSmall Group
Length
10 days
Rating (4.71)
Activity Level
Starts at
3,199
Flights start at
900

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10 days
9 nights
16 meals
8B 3L 5D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
2
Arrive Catania, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Taormina
3
Taormina Field Trip, Free Time, Cooking Lesson
Taormina
4
Syracuse Field Trip, Boat Ride
Taormina
5
Castelmola Field Trip, Cooking Lesson, Taormina Field Trip
Taormina
6
Messina, Ganzirri, Free Time
Taormina
7
Savoca, Cooking Lesson
Taormina
8
Cyclops Coast, Catania, Cooking Lesson
Taormina
9
Mount Etna, Gambino Winery
Taormina
10
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
In Flight
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Sicily takes immense pride in a cuisine that reflects the influences of many cultures — Italian, Greek, Spanish and Arab — but is separate from any of them, as only an island can be. It’s a cuisine that showcases incredible abundance: fresh fish; eggplants, peppers and tomatoes nurtured by plentiful sun; grapes grown in Mount Etna’s volcanic soil. Savor a Sicilian cooking adventure including lessons from a cookbook author and a chef. Visit bustling produce markets and a historic winery. Enjoy great meals (and the satisfaction of having made them) and return with new recipes and techniques.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 2 miles at a time and standing for up to an hour and a half. Some cobblestones and other uneven terrain, stairs without railings. There are steps everywhere in Taormina and they can be steep and narrow in some areas.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Get cooking during hands-on lessons.
  • Experience Sicilians’ passion for food and wine at bustling daily markets and a historic estate winery.
  • Delve into the island’s ancient history on expert-led excursions in Syracuse and the lovely town of Taormina.

General Notes

• This is an introductory program suitable for participants who wish to learn the basics of Italian cuisine. • Group size limited to 14 participants.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Massimo Tomarchio
Massimo was a curious child. He spent hours in the kitchen with his mother and grandmother as a child, preparing typical Sicilian foods. “My fondest memories are those hours passed in the kitchen with my grandmother,” says Massimo. He is inspired by Sicilian cuisine not only because of the variety of ingredients offered from the land but also “by the love that is cooked up behind the stove when cooking for loved ones.” Today Massimo is a private chef and teaches cooking classes in Sicily.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Massimo Tomarchio
Massimo Tomarchio View biography
Massimo was a curious child. He spent hours in the kitchen with his mother and grandmother as a child, preparing typical Sicilian foods. “My fondest memories are those hours passed in the kitchen with my grandmother,” says Massimo. He is inspired by Sicilian cuisine not only because of the variety of ingredients offered from the land but also “by the love that is cooked up behind the stove when cooking for loved ones.” Today Massimo is a private chef and teaches cooking classes in Sicily.
Profile Image of Rosa Rizza
Rosa Rizza View biography
Rosa Rizza was born in Palazzolo Acreide in the province of Syracuse in Sicily. She emigrated with her parents to the U.S. in 1967. After earning her high school diploma, she returned to Sicily in 1978 and made her home there. Rosa became a certified group leader in 1995, and has been working with Italian Exclusive Vacations ever since. She is passionate about her native island, art, culture, food, and wine.
Profile Image of Rita Tarantino
Rita Tarantino View biography
Rita Tarantino has worked in the travel industry since 2002, first as a MICE (Meeting, Incentive Travel, Conferences and Exhibitions) and event organizer then as a consultant in Palermo. She has been a group leader since 2016, accompanying groups in Sicily and in other countries. Her greatest passion is to travel and to discover all of the heritage that a place offers. She loves the idea of being able to share the emotions and the experiences of traveling with others.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Program No.
22069
Duration
10 days
Program Begins
Taormina
Program Concludes
Taormina
Group Type
Small Group
Activity Level
At a Glance
Sicily takes immense pride in a cuisine that reflects the influences of many cultures — Italian, Greek, Spanish and Arab — but is separate from any of them, as only an island can be. It’s a cuisine that showcases incredible abundance: fresh fish; eggplants, peppers and tomatoes nurtured by plentiful sun; grapes grown in Mount Etna’s volcanic soil. Savor a Sicilian cooking adventure including lessons from a cookbook author and a chef. Visit bustling produce markets and a historic winery. Enjoy great meals (and the satisfaction of having made them) and return with new recipes and techniques.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Get cooking during hands-on lessons.
  • Experience Sicilians’ passion for food and wine at bustling daily markets and a historic estate winery.
  • Delve into the island’s ancient history on expert-led excursions in Syracuse and the lovely town of Taormina.
View Full Itinerary
General Notes
• This is an introductory program suitable for participants who wish to learn the basics of Italian cuisine. • Group size limited to 14 participants.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Massimo Tomarchio
Massimo was a curious child. He spent hours in the kitchen with his mother and grandmother as a child, preparing typical Sicilian foods. “My fondest memories are those hours passed in the kitchen with my grandmother,” says Massimo. He is inspired by Sicilian cuisine not only because of the variety of ingredients offered from the land but also “by the love that is cooked up behind the stove when cooking for loved ones.” Today Massimo is a private chef and teaches cooking classes in Sicily.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Rosa Rizza
Rosa Rizza
Rosa Rizza was born in Palazzolo Acreide in the province of Syracuse in Sicily. She emigrated with her parents to the U.S. in 1967. After earning her high school diploma, she returned to Sicily in 1978 and made her home there. Rosa became a certified group leader in 1995, and has been working with Italian Exclusive Vacations ever since. She is passionate about her native island, art, culture, food, and wine.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 2 miles at a time and standing for up to an hour and a half. Some cobblestones and other uneven terrain, stairs without railings. There are steps everywhere in Taormina and they can be steep and narrow in some areas.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List: 7 Books
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
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Call 800-454-5768
Start Enrolling
Trip details subject to change
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Tour Length
10 days
9 nights
What's Included
16 meals
8 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
5 Dinners
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Map details are not available for this location.
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously)
Afternoon:
After checking in at the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Program-related transportation will be primarily via motorcoach (unless specified otherwise), necessitating ascending/descending a few steps. Meals will include wine, coffee, and water with other beverages available for purchase. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. During the winter months, some stores are closed during the afternoon hours. Please note there are 5 sets of stairs for a total of 104 stairs, spaced by terraces, from the Continental Hotel to the Duomo square in Taormina. You will need to manage these steps on day 3 when we visit Taormina, in the evenings when we go to dinners and on your free time. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/weather conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We’ll then enjoy a welcome cocktail together at the hotel before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles on uneven terrain. We will use approximately 104 short, wide steps from the hotel to the main square. Getting on/off a motorcoach to the cooking school; driving about 1 mile, approximately 10 minutes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will set out on a walking field trip with our Group Leader who will provide commentary as we explore the ancient city of Taormina. Amid some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Italy, it boasts views of both the Ionian and Mediterranean seas below and on the southern side, the top of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Taormina has attracted people with its pleasant climate and remarkable setting for centuries. We can still find fine examples from its extraordinary history such as the 10th century Palazzo Corvaja, and the 13th century Cathedral of Saint Nicolò that we will see as we walk. We will visit the tremendous Greek theater. Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like in Taormina. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Free time. In the late afternoon, we will ride from the hotel to the cooking school in Taormina for our first hands-on cooking lesson with an expert local chef. We’ll be organized like a “brigata di cucina” — kitchen brigade — and help to prepare a complete menu, including serving. In our small groups, we’ll be assigned particular dishes.
Dinner:
At the cooking school, we will enjoy the results of our class.
Evening:
We will return to the hotel in the late evening.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 150 miles throughout the day, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Walking about 2.5 miles, approximately 1 hour; cobblestone streets. Getting on/off a boat. Approximately 1 hour boat ride.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach with our Group Leader and ride to Syracuse to explore and learn what made this the most important city in Magna Graecia. The city is notable for its rich history, culture, and as the birthplace of Archimedes. We will then board a boat for a ride in the Syracuse bay to admire the beauty of the city and the Ortigia island.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Syracuse.
Afternoon:
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 7 miles approximately 3/4 hour riding time. Walking about 2 miles, approximately 1 hour throughout the day; cobblestone streets. We will use approximately 104 short, wide steps from the main square to the hotel.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach with our Group Leader for a field trip to the ancient village of Castelmola. At 1,800 feet above sea level, it has the most spectacular view in the region. As we walk, we will be able to see Mount Etna, the Gulf of Giardini Naxos, the straits of Messina, and much more (weather permitting). We will board our motorcoach and return to Taormina where we will meet our chef at the local market and learn how to recognize and buy quality products. We will then walk to the cooking school for another hands-on cooking lesson.
Lunch:
At the cooking school.
Afternoon:
Next, we will walk with our Group Leader by the 16th century Palace of the Dukes of Saint Stefano, the public gardens, and the Badia Vecchia (ancient abbey). We will walk to the hotel.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 80 miles throughout the day, approximately 2 hours total riding time. Walking about 1.5 mile, approximately 1 hour; generally flat terrain, cobblestones. In the evening, for the dinner we will use approximately 104 short, wide steps from the hotel to the main square.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach with our Group Leader for a field trip to Messina, where we will explore the city. We will visit the Mu.Me Regional Museum of Messina. The art museum preserves sculptures, mosaics, and paintings of Antonello da Messina, Montorsoli and Caravaggio. At the extreme tip of the island, we’ll learn about aspects of geology, architecture, and urbanization. We’ll then ride to Ganzirri and visit a local mussel farm to learn about adaptations to the ecosystem and means of earning subsistence. We’ll then return to Taormina by motorcoach.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
The remainder of the afternoon is free.
Dinner:
We will walk and use the stairs to a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving about 30 miles throughout the day, approximately 1 hour. Walking about 1.5 miles, approximately 1 hour; cobblestone streets.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach with our Group Leader for a field trip to Savoca, situated in the valley of Agrò, which was one of the most important agricultural areas during the Spanish period. Returning to the hotel.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Free time. In the late afternoon, we will ride from the hotel to the cooking school in Taormina for another hands-on cooking lesson and help prepare our lunch dishes.
Dinner:
At the cooking school.
Evening:
We will return to the hotel in the late evening.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 80 miles throughout the day, approximately 2.5 hours total riding time. Walking about 1 mile, approximately 1.5 hours; cobblestone streets.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board the motorcoach with our Group Leader for a field trip to Catania. On our way to Catania, we will drive along the enchanting Cyclops Coast. In Catania, we will embark with our Group Leader on a walking field trip in the center of town and see the Duomo and Via Etnea. We will explore the Piscaria, a renowned fish market.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like in Catania.
Afternoon:
Free time. We will return to the hotel. In the late afternoon, we will ride from the hotel to the cooking school in Taormina for another hands-on cooking lesson and help prepare our lunch dishes.
Dinner:
At the cooking school.
Evening:
We will return to the hotel in the late evening.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles throughout the day, approximately 1.5 hour. Walking about 1.5 miles, approximately 1 hour; uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our next expert-led field trip will be to Mount Etna, the highest Mediterranean island mountain and one of the most active stratovolcanoes in the world. It has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. From the UNESCO inscription: “The eruptive history of the volcano can be traced back 500,000 years and at least 2,700 years of this activity has been documented. The almost continuous eruptive activity of Mount Etna continues to influence volcanology, geophysics and other Earth science disciplines. The volcano also supports important terrestrial ecosystems including endemic flora and fauna and its activity makes it a natural laboratory for the study of ecological and biological processes.” We’ll take a short walk upon volcanic soil. We will then ride to the nearby Gambino winery for a wine tasting. The vineyards are at an elevation of more than 2,600 feet above sea level on the Eastern side of Mount Etna where the terraces receive abundant sun and fresh air. The winery combines natural processes with modern technology to produce indigenous grape varietals with lower sulfites.
Lunch:
At the winery. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell lunch.
Afternoon:
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel depending on departure time. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!





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