Discover the Flavors of East Sicily on an Immersive Cooking Vacation in Catania
8 days, 7 nights Flavors and Traditions of East Sicily
2027 Dates To Be Released | New Trip
8 Days
7 Nights
Small
Group
Immersive
Experiences
Dive into the “Lava to Table” heritage of East Sicily, where the fertile soils of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea converge. From our secluded seaside retreat, you’ll connect with local artisans and volcanic winemakers to uncover the bold, time-honored recipes that define this dramatic coastline.
From: $5,390 USD
Dates: 2027 dates to be released
Location: Near Catania, Sicily
Authentic flavors
Deep connections
Max group: 10
Solo traveler friendly
What Awaits You in East Sicily
Spend 8-day/7 nights in a former noble seaside retreat outside Catania, featuring panoramic terraces and direct access to the Ionian Sea
Enjoy four immersive hands-on cooking classes alongside local chefs and Sicilian mammas, rooted in authentic Catanese traditions
Leave with traditional Sicilian recipes and the skills to recreate these bold, volcanic flavors at home
Regional wines from Mount Etna will accompany all meals, showcasing the unique mineral terroir of the volcano
Enjoy exclusive excursions to Etna wineries, pistachio farms, local fish markets, coastal villages, and Baroque towns
Immerse yourself in Catania’s rich history and private guided tours, and tastings
Enjoy a scenic boat ride along Etna’s dramatic coastline with refreshing swim breaks
Unwind on panoramic terraces overlooking the sea with majestic views of Mount Etna
You’ll come as a guest and leave as a friend
Welcome to Catania East Sicily
Catania, the Elephant City, is Sicily’s vibrant second city. The cuisine of this eastern corner of Sicily reflects its dramatic landscape. It is shaped by fertile volcanic soil, bold flavors, and a deep respect for tradition.
Catania is our home for this immersive cooking vacation. Working alongside local chefs and Sicilian mammas, we’ll dive into traditional homemade dishes, learning the recipes and stories behind the food. Together, we’ll prepare iconic specialties like Pasta alla Norma, scacciata, and sweet treasures like Minna di Sant’Agata.
More than a culinary experience, this Catania cooking vacation is an immersion into the rhythms of Sicily’s volcanic coast.
We’ll be staying at a private seaside retreat, and between activities, you’ll have time to unwind on panoramic terraces overlooking the sea, with majestic Etna views.
It is said that Etna defines the flavors of Catania. After one taste, we think you will agree.
Come experience Catania through its food, culture, and time-honored traditions on this unforgettable immersive cooking vacation.
Lava to Table – Day By Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Tour And Welcome Dinner
Upon arrival, we’ll pick you up at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport and take you to a stylish seaside retreat just outside Catania, once a Sicilian noble family’s summer residence.
After time to settle in and enjoy the sea views, we’ll gather for an elegant welcome dinner. Our chef will introduce Sicily’s vibrant culinary traditions through a refined tasting of local specialties.
Regional Sicilian wines accompany the meal, setting the tone for a week of flavor, connection, and shared moments at the table.
Day 2: Market Visit, First Cooking Class & Acireale
After a leisurely breakfast featuring fresh local Sicilian products, we’ll head to the nearby fish market with our chef to discover the day’s catch and learn about Catania’s fishing traditions.
Back in the kitchen, our first hands-on cooking class begins, using the fresh seafood and seasonal produce from the property. Using ancient recipes, we’ll prepare rustic dishes like pane e cipolla and local Sicilian pasta with meatballs cooked in lemon leaves, followed by a seasonal local dessert. Local Etna wines accompany the meal.
In the afternoon, we’ll wander the Baroque streets of Acireale, one of Sicily’s most beautiful Baroque towns.
The evening is yours to explore further or enjoy dinner at local spots we’re happy to recommend.
Day 3: Catania Market, City Walk, and Home Cooking
After breakfast on the beautiful terrace overlooking the sea, we’ll head to Catania for a day of discovery. We’ll start at Catania’s fish market, where our guide will introduce us to the local fishermen as we explore the fresh catch and taste seafood delicacies.
We’ll then continue with a private guided tour of the city, learning about its history, culture, and deep connection to Mount Etna, while sampling Catanese street foods along the way.
After free time, we’ll head to a local’s home in Catania for our second hands-on cooking class. Together, we’ll prepare a 3-course dinner using fresh seasonal ingredients and traditional Sicilian recipes. We’ll enjoy our home-cooked meal in a warm family setting that truly feels like home.
Day 4: Etna Winery Visits and Volcanic Wines with Local Winemakers
Today is dedicated to diving deep into the wines of Mount Etna, guided by passionate local winemakers. Through two distinct experiences, you’ll discover the remarkable diversity of Etna wines.
After breakfast, we’ll visit one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in the Etna DOC area, exploring the vineyards on a private guided tour followed by an exclusive tasting. For lunch, we’ll head to a small family-owned winery known for its natural wines, where we’ll enjoy a seasonal lunch paired with their wines.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy back at our seaside retreat. Take time to swim, stroll along the coast, or simply unwind. In the evening, we’ll walk to a nearby restaurant for a casual seafood-focused aperitivo dinner, known locally as an Aperifish Cena.
Day 5: Cooking with Sicilian Mammas and Taormina at Sunset
Today’s cooking experience takes us deep into the heart of rural Sicily. After breakfast, we’ll travel to a small hill village in the Nebrodi Mountains. We’ll join local Italian mammas for a hands-on cooking class where we’ll cook traditional Sicilian recipes using fresh seasonal ingredients.
We will enjoy our meal paired with local wines and accompanied by traditional Sicilian music, while taking in breathtaking views of the gorges and Mount Etna.
On the way back to our seaside retreat, we’ll stop in Taormina, the “Pearl of Sicily,” celebrated for its dramatic setting and sweeping sea views. You’ll have free time to explore before we gather for a sunset aperitivo overlooking the glowing coastline.
Day 6: Bronte Pistachios, Mount Etna Walk and Heritage Dining
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll set out to discover Sicily’s “green gold,” the prized pistachios of Bronte. We’ll visit a small family-owned pistachio farm on the slopes of Mount Etna, where we’ll learn how pistachios are cultivated and transformed into beloved local specialties.
During our visit, we’ll taste freshly harvested pistachios along with a selection of sweet and savory Sicilian treats that showcase their versatility.
Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a guided walk along Etna’s slopes, discovering how centuries of lava flows have shaped the landscape, agriculture, and life in this unique region.
Dinner this evening is at a beloved local restaurant that has been preserving traditional recipes for more than thirty years. Rooted in regional heritage, you’ll enjoy seasonal dishes that revive forgotten local recipes and celebrate Sicily’s rich culinary traditions.
Day 7: Etna Boat Sailing and Fourth Cooking Class
Today, we explore the sea beneath Mount Etna. From our seaside village, we’ll set out by boat across crystal clear waters, sailing past dramatic volcanic cliffs and hidden coves. Along the way, we’ll pause to swim, snorkel, and savor an aperitivo on board.
After free time in the afternoon, we’ll gather with our chef for our final hands-on cooking experience. This evening’s theme is ancient grains, brought to life in a traditional Sicilian pizza-making class. We’ll discover the magic of fermentation, the importance of time and technique, and how simple, fresh ingredients transform into something extraordinary.
We’ll make an exquisite starter featuring the famous red prawns of Mazara, followed by mastering the art of seafood risotto. For a sweet note, we’ll make a surprise traditional Sicilian dessert. Together, we’ll celebrate our last evening together in a truly memorable way.
Day 8: End Of The Cooking Vacation And Farewell
Over our final leisurely breakfast by the sea, we’ll celebrate the unforgettable flavors of Etna, the friendships formed, and the moments shared throughout our immersive cooking journey in Catania.
We’ll then arrange your transfer to the airport with a heartfelt goodbye until our next time together.
Pricing
Double occupancy (2 people in 1 room)
$5,390 USD per person
Single occupancy (1 person in 1 room)
$6,290 USD per person
What’s included
7 nights accommodations at at a private seaside retreat with daily breakfast overlooking the sea
4 hands-on cooking classes with local chefs and Sicilian mammas
Sicilian local wines to accompany all meals
Guided fish market visits in Catania
Private guided cultural walking tour of Catania with street food tastings
Etna winery visits and a paired seasonal winery lunch
Pistachio farm visit in Bronte with sweet and savory tastings
Guided easy walk on the slopes of Mount Etna
Cooking experience with Sicilian mammas in the Nebrodi Mountains
Sunset stop in Taormina with an aperitivo overlooking the coast
Scenic boat ride along the volcanic coastline
Dinner at a heritage restaurant celebrating traditional Sicilian cuisine
Daily guides and regional experts
All gratuities for accommodations, meals, private guides, and transportation
Local taxes
Airport transfer from and to Catania Airport
What’s not included
Transportation to and from Italy
Optional activities not included in this trip itinerary
Accommodations or transportation if arriving earlier or staying later
Meals during your free time
Personal bar tabs
Souvenirs
Travel Insurance (required)
Frequently Asked Questions
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