Excursion Sicilian cooking with signora consoli tour at Giardini-Naxos

From the market to the table, this tour will take you into the 'Kitchen of the Sun' where you will experience an authentic look at Sicilian cooking. Led by Chef Monica Consoli, (daughter of the famous gastronomic journalist Eleonora Consoli) this small-group cooking class is a gastronomic delight where you will enjoy the fruits of your labour with a beautiful lunch served al fresco.

After tendering ashore, depart the pier with your guide for the scenic drive to Catania.

Catania

Upon arrival, walk to Porta Uzeda area, just near the Cathedral, where there is one of the most ancient and typical markets in the area. There, with the assistance of an expert, you could see and discover the food (like vegetables, fruits and fish) typical of the Mediterranean cuisine, and you will enjoy the colours of the Sicilian folklore.

Viagrande

After the visit re-board your coach and drive to Viagrande formerly known as 'Varanni'. Located on the slopes of Mount Etna, this small village is renowned for its vineyards and a year-round, mild climate that makes it a popular summer destination for Catania residents seeking a respite from the heat of the city.

Upon arrival in Viagrande, proceed to the typical 18-century Sicilian home of gastronomic journalist Eleonora Consoli, author of several books on Italian and Sicilian cooking, and the recipient of numerous awards. Many years ago she established the cooking school, in which now her daughter Monica is continuing the family tradition hosting guests. Join Monica in the kitchen of her typical, 18th-century Sicilian home for a lesson in Sicilian cooking that focuses on pasta, vegetables, meat and cakes. Your cooking lesson concludes with a lunch of the prepared dishes accompanied by wine, and served al fresco in the home's garden (weather permitting).

After lunch, re-board your coach for the 1-hour return drive to the pier and meet your tender where you will be taken back to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Catania, 18-century Sicilian home, Italian Markets, Cooking Demonstration

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking of approximately .40 miles (600 metres) with some steps to negotiate to enter the house. Walking at the markets and inside the house is at each guest's discretion. The house is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but offers no wheelchair facilities. Due to the nature of the foods prepared, some preparation is performed ahead of time and guests may not have a hand in preparing everything. Participation is extremely limited on this tour; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Due to the covid-19 restrictions, dishes served for Lunch might not be the ones you have prepared but those prepared by the Chef and staff. Please note that guides may have accents reflecting their regional backgrounds, which adds to the diversity and richness of the experience.