Sicily
Sicily has a fiery passion about it, a vivacity and spirit that extends from the top of Mount Etna, to the waters that surround the island, to the hearts of all of its people. Sicily is the melting pot of the world, where exists since it was first inhabited, a great marriage of civilizations and cultures. The island is Asia, Africa, and Europe melded into one spectacular place; it was once home to a Greek colony, a Roman province, an Arab emirate, and a Norman kingdom. Each group left behind a rich tapestry of timeless beauty and eclectic history. Sicily is all at once complex and simple, a land like no other; a world and entity unto itself. Orange and lemon orchards color lush forests, vineyards and ancient olive groves line the rugged lands, and almond orchards and wheat fields embellish the rolling hills.

The Sicilian cuisine is often described as "del sole e mare," "of sun and sea," and it's something of a magical symphony, combining elements of Arab, and Greek spices with Spanish and French influences, making it the world's tastiest seafood. The people of Sicily are genuine, passionate, and friendly. They are always willing to help or stop to have a conversation, and it is not uncommon for visitors and tourists to receive invitations to a local's house for dinner. All who encounter Sicily and all her charm, diversity, and beauty are always reluctant to leave.

Accommodations
The resort is a most comfortable, modern hotel set in lovely countryside between Etna and Catania - close to the golf club and a short distance from Taormina. There are 22 spacious and elegantly furnished rooms, all with en-suite facilities, telephone, TV, internet connection point and a well-stocked mini bar. The large restaurant has an extensive menu of local and international dishes; there is also an elegant lounge bar, a generous swimming pool, tennis courts and a pitch-and-putt golf course. The resort is located in a splendid park which is equipped with various outdoor areas, including an age-old gazebo in lava rock where one can spend a pleasant moment sipping cocktails while immersed in nature. A quiet reading area is located indoors, an ideal place for relaxation.

Taormina
Taormina is a journey into art and history where one can discover all the flavors of Sicily. Its winding streets with balconies covered with flowers in bloom, retain much of their medieval charm and character. Beautiful by day, Taormina's atmosphere is bewitching at night. Take in the breathtaking panorama over dinner in one of Taormina's famous restaurants, indulge in some shopping along the famous "Corso Umberto", or sip an aperitif while watching the evening "passegiata" (stroll). Taormina offers fascinating archeological monuments, grand Pallazzi, beautiful churches and, of course, the splendid Greek theatre with its spectacular views of Mount Etna and the sea beyond.

Syracuse
Visitors to Syracuse may be forgiven for wondering whether they are in Italy or Greece. This city on the southeastern corner of Sicily's Ionian coastline once rivaled Athens as the most important city in the ancient Greek world. Its Greek heritage can still be found in abundance in both the ruins of buildings older and more splendid than the Parthenon and in the myths and legends centered particularly on its oldest quarter, the island of Ortygia. Archimedes once strode the streets here and today tourists who stroll around the Neapolis Archaeological Park on the Terminite Hill can still get a feel for Syracuse's golden age of power and prosperity. All of this is reflected in the staggering diversity of monuments, spanning from the Hellenistic, early Christian, Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque eras. Combined with its inspired location, this medley makes Syracuse one of the most enjoyable towns to visit in Sicily. In addition to things to see, there is no shortage of good restaurants in Syracuse, from charming pizzerias to gourmet seafood dining. More than any other modern city in Sicily, Syracuse is unsurpassed for its ancient architecture and warm people.

Mount Etna
Mount Etna is probably the most active volcano in Europe and the oldest recorded active volcano in the world. Your personal and professional driver, Franco, takes you up 2000 meters to explore the volcano Etna. Your half-day excursion is by a four-wheel drive Land Rover; the only type of vehicle that can make it through the tracks, lava fields, and vineyards. Walk across the lava fields from the 2002 eruptions, seeing the traces that it left behind. Franco explains the history of the Sicilians and how they have lived for generations under the smoking Mount Etna Volcano.

Alcantara Gorge
The Alcantara Gorge is a natural monument of basalt rock created by the eruption of the volcano Monte Moio around 2400 BC. The lava flow invaded the entire valley of the Alcantara river as far as its mouth on the coast. The river of lava reached the thickness of 70 metres and, while still white-hot and due to a telluric settling, a longitudinal crack opened in the lava assuming the appearance of a gorge. All the waters of the basin feeding the Alcantara river flowed into the fissure. The continuous action of the water smoothed the basalt walls of the gorge producing these basalt columns of hexagonal rocks.

Exotic Island
Sicilian Cooking Course-7 days/ 6 nights Program:

• Day 1 Arrival at Catania Airport, transfer to hotel, and welcome aperitif. Dinner is served in the hotel's gourmet restaurant.
• Day 2 Breakfast is served at the hotel. Excursion to magical Taormina. Lunch on your own. Afternoon cooking course. Dinner as prepared during cooking course.
• Day 3 Breakfast is served. Excursion to Mount Etna, including lunch in the medieval town of Casteglione and a wine tasting. Dinner at your choice of restaurants; in the hotel, in a restaurant in Linguaglossa, or Taormina.
• Day 4 Breakfast in hotel. Excursion to the Alcantara Gorge. Lunch at the charming A Casitta trattoria. Afternoon cooking course. Dinner as prepared during cooking course.
• Day 5 Breakfast in hotel. Free morning to go to the beach, play a round of golf or game of tennis, or just lounge by the hotel's swimming pool. Lunch where you choose; in the hotel restaurant, at the beach, or in Linguaglossa. Sicilian Dolce-Dessert workshop. Afternoon cooking course. Dinner as prepared during cooking course.
• Day 6 Breakfast in hotel. Transfer with private driver to ancient city of Syracuse (visit the famous "Ear of Dionysius" and other archeological sites, the ancient island of Ortygia for lunch and free afternoon). Dinner at the hotel.
• Day 7 Breakfast is served. Transfer to Catania Airport.