Italian Cooking Vacations: Baroque Sicily

Baroque Sicily
Modica, Sicily

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The term “baroque” is derived from a Portuguese word meaning “a pearl of irregular shape” and is exemplified by exuberance and grandeur in the arts. In the fourteenth century the town of Modica was the heart of Sicilian Baroque, and today retains the splendor of its vibrant past through the quintessential architecture of the era. The four star Hotel Palazzo Failla is nestled between the two primary examples of this distinct architecture in the center of Modica, St. George Cathedral and the Castle of Counts. Awarded the coveted “Best Hotel in Sicily” award in 2007, the 10-room family owned palazzo has been arduously restored to include modern comforts such as satellite TV, internet, and air conditioning, yet maintains its original elegance. Each room is distinct; many boasting frescoed ceilings and private terraces. The Failla family will welcome you with the unparalleled hospitality for which Sicily is so well known.

About the cooking lessons: Sicilian cuisine is perhaps the most celebrated in all of Italy; exceptionally fresh ingredients are readily available thanks to a gloriously mild Mediterranean climate. It is also an incredible confluence of cultural influences of the peoples that have inhabited the island over time: Greek, Roman, Norman, Arab and Spanish. Your guide on this culinary adventure is Chef Accursio Craparo (1 Michelin Star), a chef vehemently passionate about using natural ingredients to create delicate and delicious cuisine. Chef Craparo has worked throughout Europe, most notably in Germany at Osteria Enoteca, Milan in Chef Pietro Lemann’s restaurant Joia, and Padua in a 3-star Michelin restaurant, Le Calandre.

Baroque Sicily Itinerary

Day 1

  • Transfer from the Catania airport and check-in to your deluxe room at the beautiful Palazzo Failla in Modica.
  • Welcome drink served in the hotel’s atelier, with a look at the handmade creations of Ottavia Failla.
  • Baroque tour of Modica in the evening, followed by a welcome dinner in the hotel’s trattoria and overnight.

Day 2

  • Breakfast.
  • Morning cooking class, followed by lunch based on your culinary efforts.
  • Late afternoon visit of the most famous pastry shop in Modica and tasting of the famed Modican chocolate.
  • Tonight’s dinner on our own (if you are still hungry after the tasting).
  • Overnight.

Day 3

  • Breakfast.
  • Morning cooking class, followed by lunch based on your efforts.
  • Afternoon visit of a local winery, followed by wine and cheese tasting.
  • Evening tour of Ragusa, another enchanting baroque town.
  • Dinner on your own and overnight.

Day 4

  • Breakfast.
  • Morning cooking class, followed by lunch based on your efforts.
  • In the afternoon, a guided visit of Ispica Cave, one of the most important archeological sites in all of Italy.
  • Late afternoon tour of Noto, another city rich in baroque history.
  • Dinner on your own and overnight.

Day 5

  • Breakfast.
  • Morning cooking class, followed by lunch based on your efforts.
  • In the afternoon, a guided visit of the Castello di Donna Fugata.
  • Dinner at Palazzo Failla this evening.
  • After dinner, a presentation on typical Sicilian lace and embroidery.
  • Overnight.

Day 6

  • Breakfast.
  • Full day tour of Siracusa with lunch in a typical trattoria.
  • Gala dinner this evening.
  • Overnight.

Day 7

  • Breakfast and return transfer to the Catania airport.

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