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A Farm to Table Experience in Baroque Sicily
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Gastronomic Tour of Baroque Sicily
This intimate wine and food tour takes place in Southeastern Sicily, in the heart of Val di Noto. This valley is surrounded by the Hyblaean Plateau, which is a limestone mountain range characterized by its soft slopes and sharp valleys. The region was settled as early as 664 BC but was devastated by an earthquake in 1693, leaving the original structures uninhabitable. Giusseppe Lanza was the nobleman placed in charge of rebuilding the various towns and cities, and through his influence, the settlements were rebuilt in the renaissance and baroque styles, which are still evident today.
The region is home to a number of gastronomic delicacies such as maccarruna, a thick, hollow pasta noodle. There is also an impressive array of wine varieties in the area, with the standout being their Cerasuolo di Vittoria wine, which carries a DOCG classification. Tasty treats such as cannoli and granita with brioche will also grace your palate, often enjoyed with an aperitif in between activities.
Stroll through historic towns and cities, enjoying the unique sightseeing and delicious aromas that will follow you until you are sitting down to eat again. You will have hands-on cooking classes featuring products grown on the farm, and you will explore the wonders of Baroque Sicily with visits to Ragusa, Modica, Siracusa, and more.
Highlights of Our Southeastern Sicily Culinary Tours
Our culinary vacations in Sicily’s Southeastern region will delight and impress you as you discover the surrounding cities and taste the best of Sicilian gastronomy. Your tour will culminate in a visit to the charming city of Noto with a tour of the old town, where you will discover its stunning Baroque architecture for yourself. Your tour will also include:
- 2 wine tastings
- a food tour of the Ortigia Market
- a chocolate tasting in Modica
- a visit to Donnafugata Castle
- …and much more!
Baroque Sicily Cooking Vacation
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Day One - Welcome
- Arrival in Catania, meet your driver for a private transfer to the farm estate.
- Check in and start exploring the grounds and expansive gardens, or relax by the pool.
- Dinner this evening on your own. We recommend you dine at the estate’s farm-to-table restaurant
- Overnight.
Day Two - Cooking Class
- Wake up in paradise and enjoy a delicious, organic breakfast of local products at the baglio. You will dine in the garden in the peaceful shade of the fruit trees.
- This morning, dive into the heart of Sicilian flavors. Your private class will focus on the fundamental elements of regional cooking, teaching you how to prepare fresh, homemade pasta and pairing them with traditional Sicilian sauces, all using organic ingredients sourced directly from the estate’s garden. Your menu might include local specialties such as arancini or “Scacce ragusane.”
- Lunch to follow based on your efforts.
- In the afternoon, free time to relax on the estate, or if you prefer, an afternoon excursion can be organized locally.
- The week includes transportation for 2 dinners out this week – cost of dinner paid locally based on the restaurant and dishes you choose. During the other 3 evenings we recommend you have dinner at the estate, otherwise additional transportation can be organized locally (Vittoria, the nearest city, is about 10-15 minutes away.)
- Overnight.
Day Three - Ragusa and Monica
- Breakfast at the estate.
- Meet your private transfer for a visit to the UNESCO-heritage city of Ragusa. Begin with a guided visit to Ragusa Ibla, the historic lower town, and enjoy a spectacular showcase of Sicilian Baroque architecture.
- Wander through Ragusa’s narrow, winding streets, admire the impressive Duomo di San Giorgio, and enjoy panoramic views from the Iblei Gardens.
- Lunch on your own in Ragusa.
- Next, continue to Modica, famed for its stunning hillsides and its unique, ancient method of chocolate production. This process is derived from an Aztec recipe, in which chocolate is cold-processed, allowing sugar crystals to retain their form and creating the treat’s tasty crunch. Enjoy a guided visit focused on the history and architecture of the city, culminating in a tasting experience during which you will discover the distinctive, granular texture of the famous Cioccolato di Modica.
- Return to the estate.
- Dinner on your own.
- Overnight.
Day Four - Winery and Donnafugata
- Breakfast at the baglio.
- Enjoy a private Wine Tour and Tasting this morning. This is where you will try the legendary Cerasuolo di Vittoria wine, a delicate blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato which carries the region’s only DOCG classification. You’ll learn about the terroir and production process, with a tasting to follow.
- In the afternoon, head to the dramatic Donnafugata Castle. Take a guided visit of this opulent 19th-century noble residence, exploring its extravagant ballrooms, richly furnished rooms, and the famous, quirky stone labyrinth in the sprawling park.
- Return to the estate.
- Dinner on your own.
- Overnight.
Day Five - Ortigia (Siracusa)
- Breakfast at the estate.
- This morning, head to Siracusa and its island city-center, Ortigia, about 1 1/2 hours away. Dive first into the vibrant atmosphere of the Ortigia Market. Your Food Tour will involve sampling local street food and delicacies, including fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, Sicilian breads, and the iconic arancini.
- Time for exploration and lunch on your own (if you are still hungry).
- In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through the beautiful island of Ortigia. You’ll admire the white limestone streets, the stunning Piazza Duomo (site of a former Greek temple), and the legendary fresh-water Fountain of Arethusa overlooking the Ionian Sea.
- Return to Baglio.
- Dinner on your own.
- Overnight.
Day Six - Noto and Olive Oil Visit
- Breakfast at the baglio.
- Head toward Noto for a full day excursion to the region’s oldest town. First, you will have a private Wine and Olive Oil Tasting at a renowned local estate. Discover the distinct flavors of the local Extra Virgin Olive Oil and sample fine wines from the region.
- In the afternoon, visit the town of Noto, often called the “Stone Garden,” and the undisputed capital of Sicilian Baroque. Enjoy a guided walk along the main street, the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, admiring the golden sandstone architecture of the noble palaces and churches, such as the impressive Noto Cathedral.
- Return to the estate.
- Dinner on your own.
- Overnight.
Day Seven - Departure
- Breakfast at the estate.
- Transfer to the Catania airport for your flight home.
Trip Details for the Culinary Tour of Baroque Sicily
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Included in the Six-Night Tour of Sicily
Accommodations- 6-Nights Accommodation at a Boutique Baglio Hotel in the municipality of Vittoria.
Food & Beverages- Daily Breakfast
- 1 Lunch
Classes & InstructorsYour private cooking class will take place at the baglio, where you will be staying, and taught by the restaurant’s resident chef. You will select ingredients from the estate’s garden and take a leisurely walk around the property before you begin. Your class will focus on local delicacies cooked using seasonal ingredients, and you may choose to cook Ragusane scacce cooked in a wood oven, Arancini, or Sicilian cannolo fresh Pasta. There are a number of delightful local pasta dishes to choose from, including ricotta ravioli, tagliolini, and cavati. Your class will conclude with lunch al fresco in the garden.
Excursions- Guided visit to Ragusa Ibla
- Guided visit to Modica with Chocolate Tasting
- Private Winery Tour with Tasting
- Guided Visit to Donnafugata Castle
- Guided Visit to Ortigia
- Ortigia Market Food Tour
- Excursion to Noto with Private Wine and Olive Oil Tasting
Transfer DetailsRoundtrip transfers to and from the Catania Airport.
Not Included
- Local tourist tax
- Gratuities
Accommodation Information
Culinary travelers will enjoy a week in authentic Sicily while staying at a luxury “baglio" property in the countryside near Vittoria. A “baglio" is a uniquely Sicilian property – a fortified country estate built around a central courtyard. Many of these have been renovated into deluxe hotels and agriturismi – encompassing both agricultural production and luxury accommodations.
Shared space at the estate
Piano at the estate
Overhead view of the estate
Common room at the estate
Dining room at the estate
Dine in the estate's garden
Your ensuite bathroom
This classic room offers the best bird's eye view of the estate.
Classic room at your hotel
Bathroom of your classic room
Southeastern Sicily Pricing and Tour Dates
Find pricing and dates for our Baroque Sicilian Food Tour below, and contact us for availability or to book your trip.
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2026 Food Tour of Baroque Sicily Sample* Pricing
See moreUS$5990 per person based on double occupancy
*Pricing can vary by specific dates and number of participants. Please inquire with dates for detailed pricing and availability.
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!Single occupancy rates: please inquire.
Tour Dates for the Culinary Tour of Baroque, Sicily
See moreOur Baroque Sicily Cooking Vacation is available any week for a minimum of 2 people.
2026-2027
Please inquire for availability!
Discover Your Perfect Val di Noto Culinary Escape with Our Help!
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