Ragusa ~ Sole e Mare™

Tie on your apron and step into the kitchen with our local chefs for an unforgettable Sicilian food and wine adventure in Ragusa. Through hands-on cooking classes, you’ll learn to prepare handmade Sicilian pasta including cavatieddi, ricotta-filled ravioli, and tortelli—delicate pasta pockets filled with eggplant and creamy ricotta, aromatic herbs or vegetables of the season.

You’ll learn to make arancini, Sicily’s beloved rice balls, filled with peas, meat, or fresh vegetables. Discover the art of making scaccia ragusana, Ragusa’s traditional stuffed flatbread, using freshly milled ancient Sicilian grains, all while sipping and swirling a glass of Cerasuolo di Vittoria. After each class, gather around the table and enjoy the food prepared in the class, accompanied by local red or white wine, or refreshing soft drinks.

Throughout the week, cooking experiences blend with cultural and scenic excursions to some of the region’s most memorable landmarks.  Along the way, you’ll sample classic finger foods, including bruschetta, toasted bread topped with extra-virgin olive oil, grilled eggplant and zucchini and artisan cheeses produced in Sicily along with other favorites like cannoli and cassata.

This one-of-a-kind culinary journey takes you into Ragusa and Modica with authentic regional cuisine, beautiful landscapes, and passionate Sicilians who welcome you like family!

Sicily is a land of fiery passion, vibrant color, and irresistible spirit, where the energy of Mount Etna flows down through sun-drenched hillsides to the deep cerulean waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

The island is blessed with fragrant orange and lemon groves, silvery olive trees and vineyards steeped in volcanic landscape. Almond trees flourish beneath the Sicilian sun, producing prized treasures that have been an essential part of the island’s culinary traditions for generations.

Sicilian cuisine is often described as del sole e del mare, meaning of the sun and the sea. Every recipe tells the story of the island’s rich and colorful past, blending fragrant Arab and Greek spices with Spanish and French influences. The result is a cuisine that is bold yet simple, rustic yet refined, and always prepared with passion.

From freshly caught seafood and sun-ripened vegetables to citrus, almonds, olive oil, and wine, Sicily’s ingredients reflect the beauty of the land itself. Cooking and eating here are more than daily rituals. They are a celebration of family, tradition, and la dolce vita, the sweet life, under the Sicilian sun.

Ragusa

Ragusa, an ancient and charming city in southeastern Sicily, is a treasure trove of Baroque architecture, rich history, and timeless beauty. At its heart lies Ragusa Ibla, the beautifully preserved historic center, where narrow winding streets lead to ornate churches, elegant palazzi, and picturesque piazzas. Visit the magnificent Duomo di San Giorgio, stroll through the peaceful Giardino Ibleo with its sweeping views, and savor traditional Sicilian cuisine in welcoming trattorias tucked throughout the city. Ragusa brings together two distinct souls, the ancient and the modern, creating a destination that feels both historic and alive. With its dramatic landscapes, warm hospitality, and authentic local character, it is the perfect place to experience the true spirit of Sicily.

Things To Do in Ragusa

Discover sights to see and explore in Ragusa!

• Duomo di San Giorgio: This cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings of Sicilian Baroque and serves as a symbol of Ragusa’s rebirth after a devastating earthquake.
• Santa Maria delle Scale: This viewpoint offers an amazing panoramic view of Ragusa’s old town, perfectly located between Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla.
• Giardino Ibleo: This large, beautiful park offers views of the surrounding valley, and a relaxing walking experience through soaring palm trees with the only remains of the original church, Portale di San Giorgio.
• Percorso delle Scale: Visit this historical staircase which connects the modern district of Ragusa Superiore with the historic, antique city of Ragusa Ibla.

Modica

Perched among the golden hills of southeastern Sicily, Modica is a captivating town where magnificent Baroque churches, winding stone stairways, and centuries-old culinary traditions come together. Stroll through its historic streets, stopping at artisan shops to taste the town’s celebrated chocolate, still prepared using an ancient technique that gives it a distinctive, delicately grainy texture. From lively cafés and family-run trattorias to sweeping views over the tiled rooftops, Modica invites you to slow down, savor each flavor, and experience the warmth and authenticity of Sicilian life. It is split into two sections, Modica Alta and Modica Bassa, and connected by an intriguing labyrinth of steps and narrow winding streets.  Experience the city’s beautiful Baroque architecture and breathtaking Cathedral of San Giorgio.  Modica, once ruled by Greeks, Romans, the Byzantine Empire, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards, showcases a captivating mix of history, tradition, culture, and cuisine.

Modica Things to Do

Discover sights to see and explore in Modica!

• Discover Modica’s Baroque Beauty: Stroll through Modica Alta and Modica Bassa, where golden-stone palazzi, winding lanes, and elegant Baroque churches create a picture-perfect Sicilian setting. Climb the grand staircase to the Cathedral of San Giorgio and take in the beautiful views over the town.
• Taste Modica’s Famous Chocolate: Visit a local artisan chocolatier and sample Modica’s celebrated chocolate, prepared according to an ancient tradition. Its rich flavor and distinctive texture make it one of Sicily’s most delicious specialties.
• Explore the Historic Center: Meander along Corso Umberto, browse the small shops, and stop at a neighborhood café for an espresso, gelato, or freshly baked pastry. Take your time and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of everyday Sicilian life.
• Visit the Castello dei Conti: Make your way to the historic castle and nearby clock tower, perched above the town. From here, enjoy sweeping views of Modica’s rooftops, church domes, and surrounding countryside.

Accommodation – 4-Star Luxury Palazzo

Check into true Sicilian splendor at this elegant 18th-century Baroque property with views overlooking the Santa Domenica Valley, ancient town of Ragusa.  The property offers an oasis of privacy from its reception salon to elegant rooms, to private citrus garden and swimming pool area.  The property’s décor is artful with a welcoming walkway of azulejos along with hand painted ceramic and majolica tiles.

Enter each room accommodation and experience Sicilian splendor.  Each room has been carefully designed with decor that blends Sicilian traditions and modern standards, from contemporary furnishings to accents of ancient stone. The rooms feature modern, comfortable bedding dressed in Italian linens, private ensuite baths, and bright, relaxing spaces where you can unwind.  The ancient baroque property is conveniently located in the heart of old town Ragusa Ibla and just a short walk from the Sicilian old town center, displaying artistic furnishings by Sicilian artists throughout the property. There is an ancient monastic garden on the property with multi-level terracing offering a quiet space to relax.  A colorful Mediterranean botanic garden grows Sicilian oranges and lemons and ancient roses that recall Sicilian traditions. The rooftop terrace and panoramic garden overlook the historic town and the Santa Domenica Valley offering stunning views. Light bites and wine and cocktails are served on the café terrace, from Prosecco to Aperol Spritz with light bites.  Each morning, enjoy breakfast served on the terrace including homemade Sicilian cakes and pastries along with croissants filled with fresh pistachio cream, local artisan cheese and Prosciutto, yogurt, along with cappuccino, espresso, tea, and a variety of fresh fruit and fruit juices.

Click for Property Photo Gallery

Itinerary: 8 days, 7 nights

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome Dinner with Chef’s Tasting Menu

• Arrival transfer from Ragusa Train Station.
• Check in, relax and enjoy your Cooking Vacations Welcome Bag with Prosecco toast.
• Later in the evening, enjoy your Welcome Dinner featuring a Chef’s Tasting Menu including antipasto, fresh pasta and sauce, main course, and dessert. Wine is not included.

 

Day 2: Walking Tour of Ragusa, Garden Tour & Cooking Class 1

• Breakfast is served.
• Following breakfast meet with our private English-speaking guide and discover Ragusa, visit the Duomo di San Giorgio and Belvedere di Santa Lucia. Learn about the region’s history, art, and food culture.
• Later in the afternoon, tie on your aprons for Cooking Class 1 and Garden Tour. Learn about using vegetables in the rhythm of the seasons and gather fresh produce to use in your class. Following the garden tour, head to the kitchen and join the chef in preparing a Sicilian appetizer, a main course and dessert. Following the cooking class, everyone enjoys the food that was made in the class with an aperitivo and a bottle of Sicilian red or white wine included or soft drinks.

 

Day 3: Discover Castello di Donnafugata & Modica with Chocolate Tasting Tour

 

• Breakfast is served.
• Meet your driver and English-speaking guide and travel to Castello di Donnafugata, a historic 19th century residence with dramatic architecture and lavishly decorated rooms with ancient furniture pieces. The castle is surrounded by a large Mediterranean garden where you can explore the stone maze, fountains, and structures once enjoyed by the aristocratic family
• Following the visit, continue to Modica and enjoy lunch on your own with suggestions provided.
• After lunch, discover world-famous chocolate brought to Sicily by ancient Aztecs. The Modica chocolate experience includes a guided tour in a landmark chocolate shop while learning about ancient cold-processing and production with chocolate tastings along the way.
• Following the chocolate tasting, you will visit Modica’s oldest church, Chiesa di San Nicolo Inferiore, which dates to the 11th century. The church was carved directly into the rock of the city of Modica.
• After the tour, return to Ragusa Ibla with your driver.
• Enjoy dinner on your own with suggestions provided.

 

Day 4: Cooking Class 2 – Sicilian Pasta Making 

• Breakfast is served.
• Following breakfast, take time on your own and stroll through Baroque streets, visit artisan shops, enjoy a cappuccino, return to the property and relax in the properties’ beautiful private Mediterranean garden or by the swimming pool.
• Take time and enjoy lunch on your own, with suggestions provided.
• Following lunch, tie on your aprons for Cooking Class 2 featuring a traditional Sicilian menu. You will discover how to make fresh pasta including cavatieddi, ricotta-filled ravioli, and tortelli with ancient grain flour produced by an old-world press. Get ready to prepare authentic Sicilian recipes with farm-to-table produce with our local chefs! Following the cooking class, everyone enjoys the food that was made in the class with an aperitivo and a bottle of Sicilian red or white wine included or soft drinks.

Day 5:  Cooking Class 3 – Ragusa’s Scacce Making Class

• Breakfast is served.
• Following breakfast, take time on your own in Ragusa Ibla and stroll through its Baroque streets to visit the artisan shops, enjoy a cappuccino, or take time to relax in the properties’ beautiful private Mediterranean garden and swimming pool.
• Enjoy lunch on your own, with suggestions provided.
• Later in the afternoon, tie on your aprons for Cooking Class 3 featuring Sicilian the ancient art of making scacce, a Sicilian flatbread prepared with seasonal vegetables, artisan cheese or potatoes and onions, meat and always with a delicious red tomato sauce. Following the cooking class, everyone enjoys the food that was made in the class with an aperitivo and a bottle of Sicilian red or white wine included or soft drinks.

 Day 6: Sicilian Ceramics Tour with Sicilian Wine Tasting

• Breakfast is served.
• In the morning, learn about the history of Sicilian pottery. Enjoy a guided introduction to the ancient art of Sicilian ceramics through engaging storytelling and a live demonstration of the main stages of the ceramic‑making process, offering an authentic look into this centuries‑old craft. During the experience, enjoy a Sicilian wine tasting.
• Following the ceramic tour, enjoy lunch on your own with suggestions provided.
• Following lunch, take time on your own and stroll through Baroque streets, visit artisan shops, enjoy a cappuccino, and return to the property and relax in the properties’ beautiful private Mediterranean garden or by the swimming pool.
• Enjoy dinner on your own with suggestions provided.

Day 7: Sicilian Folk Music and Dance Show

• Breakfast is served.
• Take the final day to visit more historical sites and enjoy the cafés and shopping.
• Enjoy lunch on your own, with suggestions provided.
• Later in the evening, meet your driver and travel to a very special outdoor theatre where you will enjoy traditional Sicilian folk music and dance, show, called the tarantella. The panoramic scenic terrace sets the stage for this ancient dance dating back to the Middle Ages with tambourines and traditional costumes making it an authentic one-of-a-kind experience.  Food and beverages are available for purchase onsite.

Day 8: Departure & Arrivederci

• Breakfast is served.
• Check-out and departure transfer from the property to Catania Airport or Train Station.
• Arrivederci!