8 days all inclusive cooking holiday in Sicily, Modica Countryside

VILLA CARMELA

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Modica, lies the exquisite Villa Carmela. This stunning 18th-century masseria will serve as your luxurious accommodation and the backdrop for your culinary journey. This luxurious villa has been meticulously renovated to offer the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. Led by our skilled Sicilian chefs, your cooking classes will take place right in the heart of Villa Carmela, allowing you to learn traditional Sicilian recipes firsthand while surrounded by the charm of this rural setting. Located in the captivating south-east region of Sicily, Modica offers easy access to a myriad of iconic landmarks, including Siracusa's Greek Theatre, the picturesque Ortigia Island, and the breathtaking Baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa.

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds, ignite your senses, and create lasting memories as you embark on a culinary odyssey through the captivating landscapes and flavors of Sicily. Join a group of passionate, like-minded travelers for an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, learning, and the joy of authentic Sicilian cuisine. Your journey to discover Sicily starts here!

Overview

Price: £1,899 (~$2,349 USD)
Deposit: £299 (~$359 USD)

Accommodation: Villa Carmela

Location: Southeast, Modica

Pick up location: Catania Airport

Pick up time: 17.00

Drop off location: Catania Airport

Drop off time: 11.00

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Group size: 10/12 participants

Language: English
Visits: Siracusa, Ortigia, Noto, Marzamemi, Modica, Scicli.

What's included

Accommodation: 7 nights in a private ensuite double room at Villa Carmela.

Classes: 5 hands-on cooking classes.

All meals & drinks: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners.

Dine out: 4 meals at local restaurants.

Staff: Personal Chef and Multilingual Tour Leader.

Tours & Excursions: Wine tasting tour, Chocolate factory tour, Cheese farm tour, Carob farm tour, Tuna fishery, Water Mill Museum, Sightseeing train.

Group transfer: Roundtrip airport complimentary group transfer, and all transportation.

Gift box: A box with local products to bring at home the Sicilian flavours.

Not included: Flights, insurance, visa, personal expenses.

Guest Reviews

We had no expectations as we began our trip. Now, words can not tell how much we loved this 8 day trip to Modica, Italy! A week later, we are still talking about it. Our group of 12 was perfect, too. Thank you again, everyone! Claire, US (Nov 2023)

Accommodation

Villa Carmela is a true gem of the hyblean area. The property was originally a big and lively farmhouse then completely renovated in 2021. Situated in the countryside of Modica and just 8 km from the town, the villa has a private swimming pool with jacuzzi and offers an amazing view on the big garden. The property is a luxury villa and a one of a kind experience if you want to live the Sicilian countryside.

Meeting Point

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

The meeting point is in Catania Fontanarossa Airport, where will offer a complimentary group transfer at a scheduled departure time in the afternoon. Our drivers will meet you and all the guest participants at the arrivals and take you to our venues in Modica. For the drop off, our drivers will take you to Catania Airport in the morning.

If you are flying from the US, Canada, Australia, we advise to fly directly to Rome or Milan for a stopover. You can then book a direct flight to Catania Airport in Sicily.

Cooking Classes

Enjoy 5 hands-on cooking classes and learn how to cook a selection of Sicilian specialities. Fresh pasta, meat, seafood, and vegetables dishes, arancini and desserts. Our Sicilian Chef will guide you through the making of extraordinary dishes with intense taste and flavours. At the end of each cooking class, enjoy the results for lunch with a glass of wine or two. Once back home, impress family and friends!

8 Days Itinerary

DAY 01 | SUNDAY

Welcome to the breathtaking island of Sicily! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as you arrive at Catania Fontanarossa Airport. Our vibrant WhereinSicily team will be there to greet you and whisk you away to the charming Villa Carmela in Modica. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the warm embrace of Sicilian hospitality with welcome drinks shared among your fellow travellers. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque grounds of the villa, discovering its hidden gems and delightful amenities. As the day draws to a close, indulge in a mouthwatering dinner served in our enchanting garden, setting the stage for the extraordinary experiences ahead.

Meeting point at Catania Airport
Group transfer to Villa Carmela
Welcome drinks
Dinner at the venue

DAY 02 | MONDAY

Rise and shine to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and join us for a delightful breakfast before diving into our first thrilling cooking class with our talented chef. Prepare to be amazed as you unleash your culinary prowess, creating delectable dishes to savor for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on an exhilarating journey to the coastal paradise of Siracusa, where the ancient streets of Ortigia Island beckon. Lose yourself in its timeless beauty and captivating architecture before relishing in a traditional Sicilian dinner at a charming trattoria, immersing yourself fully in the flavours of the island.

1st cooking class
Day trip to Ortigia Island
Dinner at a trattoria in Ortigia Island

DAY 03 | TUESDAY

Start your day with boundless energy and enthusiasm as we delve into our second exciting cooking class, crafting culinary masterpieces under the guidance of our expert chef. After a sumptuous lunch, prepare for another enchanting adventure as we journey to the captivating town of Noto, the epitome of Sicilian Baroque elegance. Explore its winding streets, marvel at the majestic Cathedral, and step back in time with a tour of Palazzo Castelluccio. Indulge your sweet tooth with a heavenly gelato from a local gelateria before returning to the villa for a divine dinner experience.

2nd cooking class
Day trip to Noto
Dinner at the venue

DAY 04 | WEDNESDAY

Awaken your senses to a day filled with discovery and delight! After breakfast, set off to explore the charming village of Marzamemi, steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking coastal views. Dive into the world of Sicilian winemaking with a tour of a prestigious local vineyard, where you'll indulge in the finest wines paired with a light lunch. Return to the villa for our third exhilarating cooking class, culminating in a gourmet dinner that will tantalise your taste buds and leave you yearning for more.

Day trip to Marzamemi
Wine tasting tour and lunch
3rd cooking class
Dinner at the venue

DAY 05 | THURSDAY

Embrace the essence of Sicilian culture as we embark on a culinary journey like no other. Delight in our fourth hands-on cooking class, where you'll unlock the secrets of traditional Sicilian cuisine before savoring your creations for lunch. In the afternoon, venture to the historic city of Modica for a chocolate tour, where you'll uncover the rich heritage of Sicilian chocolate-making. Hop aboard a charming sightseeing train to marvel at the city's stunning baroque architecture before indulging in a delectable dinner at a local trattoria.

4th cooking class
Day trip to Modica
Chocolate factory tour
Sightseeing train tour
Dinner at a local osteria

DAY 06 | FRIDAY

Prepare for a day of culinary exploration and farm-fresh delights! After breakfast, embark on a cheese tour at a charming farm in Ragusa, where you'll witness the craft of traditional cheese production. Indulge in a rustic lunch featuring freshly made ricotta and local delicacies before venturing to a nearby carob farmhouse for a fascinating exploration. From there, we'll continue our adventure to visit Cava D'Ispica, an ancient archaeological site steeped in history and mystery. We'll then return to the venue, capping off the day with a delightful evening filled with stories and flavors of Sicily.

Cheese farm tour with lunch
Carob tour
Cava D'Ispica Archaeological Site
Dinner at the venue

DAY 07 | SATURDAY

Savour every moment of our final day together as we gather for our fifth and last cooking class, cherishing the culinary memories we've created along the way. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the villa before indulging in a well-deserved afternoon of relaxation and shopping. As the sun sets, join us for a heartfelt farewell dinner at a local pizzeria, where we'll toast to new friendships and unforgettable experiences.

5th cooking class
Free afternoon
Dinner at a local pizzeria

DAY 08 | SUNDAY

As the sun rises on our last day in Sicily, bid farewell to this enchanting island with a heart full of cherished memories. After an early breakfast, our complimentary transfer will whisk you away to Catania Fontanarossa Airport, where we part ways with bittersweet goodbyes. Until we meet again, you'll forever be part of the WhereinSicily family, and we eagerly await your return for another extraordinary adventure! Arrivederci!

Group transfer to Catania Airport
Drop off point at Catania Airport