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8 days all inclusive cooking holiday in Sicily, Modica Countryside
VILLA CARMELA
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Sicily and embark on a culinary journey like no other! Join us for an unforgettable cooking holiday where you'll not only savor the authentic tastes of Sicilian cuisine but also learn to master them yourself. Picture yourself surrounded by a group of like-minded travellers, all eager to explore the culinary treasures of this beautiful island.
Our cooking holidays run from April to November, spanning 8 glorious days from Sunday to Sunday. During this all-inclusive experience, you'll be welcomed to Villa Carmela, a charming 18th-century farmhouse nestled in the picturesque countryside of Modica. This captivating town, a UNESCO Heritage site renowned for its elegant baroque architecture and delectable chocolate, serves as the perfect backdrop for your Sicilian culinary adventure.
At Villa Carmela, you'll not only find sanctuary in luxurious accommodations but also discover the heart of Sicilian cooking in our hands-on cooking classes led by expert Sicilian chefs. Located in the southeast of Sicily, our base camp is surrounded by iconic historical sites, including Siracusa's ancient Greek Theatre, the charming Ortigia Island, and the breathtaking Baroque towns of Noto, Modica, and Ragusa. Prepare to be enchanted by the rich tapestry of history and culture that awaits around every corner.
Join us on this culinary escapade and uncover the true essence of Sicily through its tantalising flavours, rich history, and warm hospitality. Your journey to discover Sicily starts here!
Overview
Price: £1,799 (~$2,199 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.
5 Culinary tours: Wine tasting tour, Chocolate factory tour, Cheese farm tour, Carob farm tour, Tuna fishery.
3 Cultural tours: Archaeological sites, Palace tour, 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.
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 PICK UP & DROP OFF
We meet in Catania Fontanarossa Airport. If you are flying from the US, Canada, Australia, direct flights now operate to Rome and Milan. You will then book a direct flight to Catania Airport in Sicily.
COMPLIMENTARY GROUP TRANSFER
Our WhereinSicily group transfer will meet you and your fellow guests at Catania Airport and take you to our venues in Modica. For the drop off, our group transfer will take you to Catania Airport in the morning. You’ll be able to begin your holiday straight away with your group! These transfers are organised to meet flights from Europe and Internationally.
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.
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Meeting point at Catania Airport
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Group transfer to Villa Carmela
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Welcome drinks
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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.
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1st cooking class
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Day trip to Ortigia Island
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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.
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2nd cooking class
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Day trip to Noto
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Palazzo Castelluccio tour
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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.
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Day trip to Marzamemi
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Wine tasting tour and lunch
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3rd cooking class
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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.
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4th cooking class
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Day trip to Modica
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Chocolate factory tour
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Sightseeing train tour
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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.
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Cheese farm tour with lunch
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Carob tour
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Cava D'Ispica Archaeological Site
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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.
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5th cooking class
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Free afternoon
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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!
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Group transfer to Catania Airport
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Drop off point at Catania Airport