EASTERN SICILY COOKING & BAROQUE ARCHITECTURE
9 day - 8 nights cooking tour

DAY 1: CATANIA/MODICA
Arrival in Catania, meeting with driver/escort and drive to Modica, which under the rule of the Chiaramonte family was one of the most powerful cities in mediaeval Sicily. Overnight in Hotel. (D.)

DAY 2: SYRACUSE/NOTO
In the morning visit the archaeological zone of Neapolis with its fifth-century BC Greek theatre, the largest of its type to survive, the infamous stone quarries, the Roman amphitheatre, followed by the excellent museum of antiquities. Afternoon walk on the island of Ortygia: the cathedral is a remarkable example of transcultural continuity, incorporating a fifth-century BC Doric temple within its walls while undergoing many subsequent refurbishments in the Christian era�see also the remains of another Doric temple, dedicated to Apollo, and the spring known as the Fonte di Aretusa which was of great importance in the Hellenic world. Continue to Noto. Rebuilt after an earthquake in 1693, Noto is one of the loveliest and most homogenous Baroque towns in Italy. The catacombs of S. Giovanni are possibly the most extensive in Italy outside Rome and have thousands of loculi. Return to Hotel in Modica. (B.D.)

DAY 3: RAGUSA/RAGUSA IBLA
In the morning drive to Ragusa to visit the Corfilac, Dairy Research Center founded in 1996, to study traditional Sicilian dairy products with the goals of safeguarding, valorizing and let the cosumers know the history and culture beyond the production of cheese. Clients will attend a �class�: they will first assist at the "filature" (spinning?) of cheese and then they will taste different sicilian cheese combinated with wines. Continue to Ragusa Ibla, which is exceptionally well-preserved visit the cathedral of S. Giorgio, with its splendid three-tiered golden fa�ade -in the upper town, entirely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693, visit the imposing cathedral of S. Giovanni. Return to Modica.(B.D.)

DAY 4: MODICA AND COOKING CLASSES
Morning classes at Palazzo Failla of the typical chocolate of Modica, made with the old recipes of aztech origins and of ravioli pasta including tasting. Afternoon sightseeing of Modica and dinner in a trattoria. Return to Hotel. (B.D.)

DAY 5: PIAZZA ARMERINA/OIL MILL IN MINEO/CALTAGIRONE
In the morning drive to Piazza Armerina to visit the remains of one of the most sumptuous villas of the late-Roman Empire, whose floor mosaics comprise the most vital and colourful manifestation of Roman figurative art in Europe. Transfer to Mineo to visit an oil mill and eventually assist at the process of transformation of olives into oil. Continue to Caltagirone, known as Regina dei Monti or Queen of the Mountains in medieval times. It was one of the most important inland towns of Sicily and famous all around the world for its colourfull ceramics.(B.D.)

DAY 6: COOKING CLASSES
Morning free. Afternoon cooking classes at Palazzo Failla of "Foccaccia." Graduation dinner with final tasting. Overnight stay in Hotel. (B.D.)

DAY 7: MODICA/PALERMO
Drive to Palermo. Visit of a wine cellar in Palermo with wine tasting Overnight stay in Palermo. (B.D.)

DAY 8: PALERMO
Morning escorted sightseeing tour with a professional guide. Continue to Monreale. Return to Palermo time free. (B.D.)

DAY 9: PALERMO
Transfer to airport for departure.(B.)