The Island of Salina: Detailed Itinerary

Sicily + Aeolians: 2024 itinerary

We are so glad you are interested in joining Peggy Markel and Peggy Markel’s Culinary Adventures in Sicily and the Aeolian Island of Salina. We are looking forward to sharing with you the many wonders of Sicily’s delicious cuisine and warm culture.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@peggymarkel.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

“Reflecting upon the giddy memories, perhaps the most favorite is the day on the boat, watching the brave ones swim, inhaling that luscious air, enjoying a toothsome lunch prepared by those charming Salinians.
And then there were the days in the vineyard, and a day making potato ravioli or actually, maybe the best memory was watching Michele’s hands when he massaged the dough for the orecchiette.  
No, absolutely the BEST memory is of all of you – what a fine collection of friends has lodged in my heart and memory – your stories, your laughter, your expertise.”
~ Jamie Madison, CA, Alumna x2 

Reserve my spot

Sicily itself is off the beaten path for most travelers but since we have known and loved her for years, we take it further: to the Aeolian Islands. Settle into a slower pace of life, as we leave the mainland and venture out into mythic waters of pre-civilization, to the striking island of Salina.

We will visit friends on their family estates, get our hands in the food, tell stories, and sip the sweet magic in a glass of Malvasia while enjoying aperitivo at sunset, overlooking a puffing Stromboli in the distance.

Bet on a few poems and Greek myths, as well as collaborations in famous kitchens. We will cook with spirited chefs, and share in the rustic sweetness of island life. There will be a private boat ride as you dream yourself awake and feel the god of wind, caress your face. This ain’t no ordinary trip ~ it’s an experience!

Benvenuti! Reserve my spot

Sicily + Aeolians: 2024 itinerary

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

2024 Dates City Lodging Nights
Sept 15 Catania’s Countryside Donna Carmela One
Sept 16-19 Malfa, Salina Capofaro Four
Sept 20-21 Catania’s Countryside Donna Carmela Two
Sept 22 DEPARTURE From Catania Airport

DETAILED PROGRAM (Subject to Change)

DAY 1 (Sunday 15) – CATANIA, Donna Carmela

During the afternoon, guests can check into our charming boutique hotel located on the outskirts of Catania between the sea and the foot of Sicily’s famous Mt. Etna volcano. Relax in the gardens or at the pool as you adjust to the change in time zones.

6:30pm Gather at the hotel for an aperitivo, a chance to meet the rest of the group and our welcome dinner.

DAY 2 (Monday 16) – SALINA, Capofaro Resort & Malvasia

After breakfast, we will travel to the northern port town of Milazzo and depart to the island of Salina. The ferry crossing takes less than two hours offering stunning views of azure seas and coastal life.

From the port of Santa Martina, we will travel to the district of Lingua for a traditional seaside lunch at Da Alfredo.

After lunch, we will arrive at Capofaro Malvasia & Resort, an environmentally-sensitive working vineyard, winery and hotel, with a spectacular natural setting and sublime food and wines. Capofaro is one of the wineries of the Tasca d’Almerita family, Peggy’s friends for over 20 years.

In the evening, we will start with a guided wine tasting and then share a delicious welcome dinner to start the island part of the program.

DAY 3 (Tuesday 17) – SALINA, Capofaro Resort & Malvasia

After breakfast, we will go to visit a local caper farm to understand how capers are harvested, cured and preserved. Capers and the larger caper berries are the pride and joy of the island and appear prominently on the local cuisine. We’ll spend the afternoon at Hotel Signum for a cooking lesson and lunch with Michelin-starred Chef Martina Caruso and her darling father, Michele.

Afterwards, we will return to Capofaro for a little bit of down time before a special dinner showcasing Aeolian ingredients. We’ll sample some fabulous Sicilian wines, including Didyme, Tasca’s Malvasia and enjoy dining al fresco.

DAY 4 (Wednesday 18) – SALINA, Capofaro Resort & Malvasia

This morning we start the day with an optional yoga class overlooking Stromboli and the sea, connecting to the mystical powers of nature, each other and ourselves.

After breakfast, we forage in the vegetable gardens with Chef Gabriele, preparing for our first hands-on cooking class, followed by a delicious lunch with the items we prepared. Chef Gabriele Camiolo is also a brilliant pastry chef from Modica, the chocolate capital of Sicily. You can be sure you will taste not only memorable pasta dishes, but la DOLCE vita.

In the afternoon we will enjoy a little bit of free time (pool time? massage?) before heading to the beautiful Pollara where we will meet with a local forager for an introduction to the wild plants and herbs available on the island. Sunset will be greeted with glasses of chilled Malvasia on hand.

This evening, dinner under the stars overlooking Panarea and Stromboli.

DAY 5 (Thursday 19) – SALINA, Capofaro Resort & Malvasia

After breakfast, we will sail around the island of Salina. Take a dip in the sea off the cliffs of Pollara where “Il Postino” was filmed, or simply be lulled by the waves and enjoy the afternoon before moving onto our next destination, still on the beautiful island of Salina.

Optional visit to Hotel Signum for their world-class spa—enveloped in scents of citrus and jasmine. Or meander the streets of Salina, visiting quaint shops and boutiques and sampling the delicious local granita as the sun sets on the island.

In the evening we will gather on the terrace for a cocktail with panoramic views. We’ll talk island wine, and get back in the kitchen with Gabriele for our last cooking lesson. Delectable dinner to follow.

DAY 6 (Friday 20) – CATANIA Countryside, Donna Carmela

After breakfast, we bid farewell to the island of Salina and head back on the ferry to the mainland to Donna Carmela, where we will settle into our rooms surrounded by a lush 10,000 square meter garden.

Pool time, catch up in your journal, just in time for another Sicilian dinner.

DAY 7 (Saturday 21) – CATANIA Countryside, Donna Carmela

After breakfast, we explore the extraordinary Mt. Etna and take in her marvels of geography that make her wines world class. We will have a private tour of the renowned Tascante Winery in Passopisciaro, have a wine tasting and enjoy a multi-course lunch. Afterwards, we will retreat to our hotel to relax.

In the evening we will gather for our farewell gala dinner back at the hotel.

DAY 8 (Sunday 22) – DEPARTURE DAY

Breakfast and departure from Catania airport.

Buon Viaggio, our Friends!