8 days all inclusive cooking holiday in Sicily, Modica Countryside, Villa Carmela Tour.
Experience the soul of Sicily on an 8 day all inclusive cooking holiday based in the countryside of Modica. Travel in a small group of 12 to 15 travellers and immerse yourself in Sicilian traditions with hands on cooking classes, guided food and wine tastings, and scenic excursions each day. Explore the rich history and culture of Sicily through day trips to Ortigia Island, Noto, Marzamemi, Modica, and Ragusa. Tours run from Sunday to Sunday and are led in English.
Tour details
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Week days: Sunday to Sunday
Meeting Point: Catania Airport (CTA)
Group Size: 12 / 15 participants
Language: English
Your holiday includes
✔ Accommodation: Enjoy 7 nights in a private ensuite room
✔ Day trips: Explore Ortigia Island, Noto, Marzamemi, Modica, Ragusa
✔ Cooking classes: 4 immersive, hands-on cooking classes with local chefs and mamma chefs
✔ All meals & drinks: Enjoy 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners, alcoholics and non-alcoholics drinks
✔ Dine out: Savour 4 meals at local restaurants
✔ Tours: Experience wine tasting, tomato plantation, chocolate factory, cheese farm, water mill museum
✔ Transportation: Roundtrip airport group transfer and all local transportation
✔ Personal hosts: Guided support from experienced local hosts
❌ Not included: Flights, insurance, visa, personal expenses
Your accommodation
Stay in a luxurious restored 18th century farmhouse in Modica’s countryside. Olive groves, carob trees, and stone terraces frame this secluded rural retreat near UNESCO listed Modica. Unwind beside the pool with sweeping valley views, sample local vintages in the vaulted cantina, and cook in a light filled teaching kitchen opening to the garden. Bedrooms feature full air conditioning, free high speed Wi Fi, and private bathrooms.
✔ Air conditioning and heating
✔ Hairdryers in each bathroom
✔ Free high-speed Wi-Fi
✔ A secure in-room safe
✔ Private bathrooms
✔ Washing machine or laundry
Meeting point
Pick-up and drop-off information: The meeting point is Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). We include complimentary group transfers to and from the airport. On arrival day, meet our team at 4:00 PM by the arrivals. We advise guests to book flights arriving no later than 2.30 PM to join the complimentary transfer. On departure day, we drop you off at 11:00 AM. We advise guests to book flights that depart no earlier than 1:00 PM.
Private transfers can be arranged both on the arrival and departure days.
8 days itinerary
Day 01, Sunday: Arrival day, welcome to Sicily!
Arrive at Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) and transfer to the venue. After check-in, relax and explore courtyards and terraces, soaking up warm Sicilian light. As evening approaches, enjoy a light welcome dinner of seasonal island flavors. Unwind in the property's cozy ambiance, stroll gently, sip local wine, and settle in.
Day 02, Monday: Ortigia Island food market, lunch, first cooking class.
After breakfast, head to Ortigia for a guided walk through the lively food market, meeting producers and tasting seasonal specialties. Enjoy lunch in a local osteria. Return to the venue in the afternoon for your first hands on cooking class, then sit down to dinner showcasing the dishes you prepared.
Day 03, Tuesday: Second cooking class, then Noto.
Morning cooking class followed by lunch at the venue. In the afternoon visit Noto, the Baroque jewel of Sicily. Stroll Corso Vittorio Emanuele, admire the Cathedral and elegant palazzi, and pause for a sweet treat at a historic gelateria. Return to the venue for a relaxed dinner.
Day 04, Wednesday: Marzamemi, Wine Tasting Tour, Tomato Plantation Tour.
Begin in Marzamemi’s seaside village, browse the historic tonnara shop, and enjoy time in its sunlit piazzas. Continue to a renowned winery for a guided tasting and leisurely countryside lunch. Visit a tomato plantation to learn cultivation and tasting. Return to the venue for a calm evening dinner.
Day 05, Thursday: Fourth cooking class, Modica, Chocolate Tour, Sightseeing tour.
Morning cooking class and lunch at the venue. Afternoon in Modica for a chocolate tour exploring ancient techniques and tastings. Board the sightseeing train for panoramic views of churches and Baroque streets. Dinner at a beloved local trattoria rounds off a flavorful day.
Day 06, Friday: Ragusa Cheese farm tour, Watermill tour.
Travel to a goat cheese farm for a hands on laboratory. Make fresh ricotta and a simple primo sale, then enjoy a rustic lunch featuring your creations. Visit a historic watermill to see stone grinding and learn Sicily’s grain heritage.
Return to the venue for a calm evening dinner.
Day 07, Saturday: Fifth cooking class, free afternoon, farewell dinner.
Celebrate your final cooking class in the morning, then enjoy lunch from the dishes prepared. The afternoon is free for shopping and relaxation. In the evening gather for a warm farewell dinner at a local pizzeria, toasting new friendships and a week of wonderful flavors.
Day 08, Sunday: Group transfer, Arrivederci!
After an early breakfast, meet the complimentary group transfer to Catania Airport. Say arrivederci with hearts full of memories, recipes, and new friends. We hope to welcome you back soon for another Italian culinary adventure. Safe travels and see you next time.
2026 calendar
31 May - 06 Jun 2026 (last room)
14 Jun - 21 Jun 2026 (last room)
07 Jun - 14 Jun 2026
30 Aug - 06 Sep 2026
06 Sep - 13 Sep 2026
13 Sep - 20 Sep 2026
20 Sep - 27 Sep 2026
27 Sep - 04 Oct 2026
04 Oct - 11 Oct 2026
2027 calendar
23 May - 30 May 2027
30 May - 06 Jun 2027 (sold out)
06 Jun - 13 Jun 2027
13 Jun - 20 Jun 2027
20 Jun - 27 Jun 2027
29 Aug - 05 Sep 2027
05 Sep - 12 Sep 2027
12 Sep - 19 Sep 2027
19 Sep - 26 Sep 2027
26 Sep - 03 Oct 2027