Eastern Sicily's Culinary Splendors

“Cu mancia sulu s'affuca”
He who eats alone strangles himself—Sicilian proverb

Each part of the island of Sicily has its own history and character, creating a varied and complex whole. The western side of the island, which is centered on Palermo, is historically considered to be of Punic-Arab influence. The eastern side was once the center of Magna Graecia, with its coastal towns of Messina, Catania, and Siracusa. This difference may be discerned in the speech of local people: the “sing-song” dialect of Palermo as opposed to the more clipped accent of Catania and Siracusa. Accent differences are still noticeable, although they have moderated to some degree over the centuries.

There are east-west economic and social differences as well as linguistic ones. And of course, there are local culinary specialties throughout the island that lend further evidence to the influence that many different cultures — including Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman — have had on Sicily's exceptional food and wine over the centuries.

During Eastern Sicily's Culinary Splendors we will travel to such towns as Siracusa, Modica, Noto, Caltagirone (famous for ceramics!) and Taormina. Renowned cookbook author Michele Scicolone will conduct daily lectures about the local specialties and seasonal dishes. Local English-speaking tour guides will escort guests to the sites at Siracusa and Noto.

Catch a whif of some of the highlights of this journey:

• Savor a delicious tasting menu in the historic center of Ortigia
• Visit the archeological park in Siracusa, site of the amazing Greek Theater and other classical monuments
• Travel to several of the late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto region (southeastern Sicily), which collectively are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Try the sweet pastries and chocolate treats at a Modica confectionary shop that was founded 120 years ago
• Marvel at the well-preserved Roman mosaics at the Villa del Casale
• Experience cheese-making at a traditional facility
• Shop in the town of Caltagirone for ceramics, a traditional Sicilian craft
• Sample the DOC wines and food delicacies at a winery located at the base of the Mt. Etna volcano
• Spend two nights in the spectacular town of Taormina with views of Mt. Etna

Dates: Sep. 22, 2008 through Oct. 1, 2008 - 16 spaces left for this date.

Price: $4,285 per person; $750 single supplement

Meals: All breakfasts. Six lunches and six dinners.

Activity Level:

Most days include guided historical, archealogical and cultural tours that entail substantial walking and standing. Footing can be uneven. Trip to the Mount Etna volcano includes walking on very uneven ground and is somewhat strenuous.

Guides: Michael San Filippo

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