"Wine rejoices the heart of Man and Joy is the Mother of all Virtues"
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
A 3 night stay in Palermo, leaving on a Thursday afternoon and returning on a Sunday. A 3 day food extravaganza.
Day 1
A private transfer to your chosen B&B or hotel upon arrival. Your accommodations will be centrally located near the vibrant Vucciria market. That evening, you will enjoy a private transfer to a dinner appointment with Daniela at a historic building dating back to the 1700s. Indulge in a delectable array of Sicilian cuisine paired with fine wines. Following dinner, you will be privately transported back to your accommodation.
Day 2
Meet with our amazing Sicilian cook and together head to the Vucciria market. This is what you would imagine an Italian market to feel like but when you actually see it, you will be completely overwhelmed. With a lot of shouting and colour. Together you will pick out the various ingredients to use for your Sicilian cooking course and remember that the food will be pure “Siciliano”. You will learn about dishes which are reminiscent of The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa - pies, Beccaficio sardines or Malavoglia by Giovanni Verga - battered anchovies, sweet almonds….(Do not worry if you are not into sardines and anchovies, there are other goodies that can be cooked). If you do not want to cook, just watch with a Sicilian glass of wine and then just eat when it is all ready to be devoured.
That evening, a reservation has been made at the renowned Antica Focacceria S Francesco, a historic restaurant in Palermo known for its authentic cuisine. Begin your dining experience with a Schiticchio Antica Focacceria, a traditional family recipe, followed by Rigatoni Alla Norma, featuring tomato sauce, deep-fried eggplant, dry ricotta cheese, and basil.
For your main course, you have the option of swordfish cooked in cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, and fresh mint, or beef rolls stuffed with caciocavallo cheese, raisins, pine nuts, and breadcrumbs. Conclude your meal with a delectable Cannolo to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Indulge in a culinary journey at Antica Focacceria S Francesco, where you can savour the flavours of Sicily in a charming and historical setting.
Day 3
You will have the morning off to recover from the previous night's activities. Consider taking a morning tour to explore the highlights of Palermo, either on foot or by car. You could also opt for an old town bike tour to burn off some calories, or relax at an Italian bar while savouring a Granita and Brioscia, all while observing the locals. In the afternoon, join our guide to delve into Palermo's street food scene. Indulge in Arancini, delicious fried rice balls that are a must-try in the city.
On December 13th, we celebrate Santa Lucia Day, the patron saint of Arancinis, which is when the arancino truly shines. Pair it perfectly with a bottle of beer. Indulge in a variety of Sicilian street foods such as panino con le Pannelle, Pane con milza, different types of focaccia, frittola, Stigghiola, and more. Immerse yourself in the rich flavours and traditions of Sicilian cuisine on this special day..
On that evening, a reservation will be made at the elegantly minimalist Bye Bye Blues restaurant, owned by Patrizia di Benedetto, Sicily's first female chef to have earned a Michelin star, along with her husband. Indulge in a delectable meal featuring risotto with wild fennel, tuna bottarga with marinated squid, lamb in almond sauce, and a leek crust with pumpkin and pomegranate. Conclude the evening and your trip with a glass of Berlucchi Franciacorta Rose 61.
Day 4
A private transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
For further pictures of Palermo - Click here.
