Sicily: A Different Italy

Palermo, Vallelunga, Modica and Ortygia

Strong and elemental, Sicily retains an unconquered character and romantic spirit, and you can taste it in her food. Greek ruins dot the landscape. Arabian eggplants, lemons, saffron and nutmeg thrive in rich volcanic soil. Local artisans hand-make chocolates and cheeses. Sicilian dishes draw on history but abound with independent ideas and innovative interpretations that stand apart from the cuisine of mainland Italy.

I would like to introduce you to my good friend Chef Linda Sarris who I have invited to join me again. Her love of Sicily is as deep as mine and her knowledge increases daily by living in Palermo over the Ballarò market.

Together, we will coil our way across this dramatic region from Palermo’s rowdy ancient markets, through the lesser-known entroterra, to Baroque Modica and the picturesque historic center of Siracusa on the island of Ortigia. We’ll take walks through the countryside, taste noble wines from famous vineyards, enter private kitchens, gentle olive groves and gardens bursting with flavor.

As we cross the island, Sicily reveals her secrets to us.

Reserve my spot

Inspiration: The late Anna Tasca Lanza and the fabulous Fabrizia Lanza. Case Vecchie and the estate of Regaleali. My friendship and mutual admiration with Chef Linda Sarris. The garden. Fresh artichokes and fresh green chickpeas. Biancomangiare. Fico d’India. Grillo. Arianna’s wines. Ciocolato di Bonajuto. Marzamemi. The booming cacophony of Palermo’s markets. Scoops of granita at Caffè Sicilia.

Date

May 12 – 19, 2024 – 2 rooms left

Prices

Double: $6,800 per person
Single Supplement: $1,137

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From my journal…

I opened my eyes and found heavenly hills in my face, like breasts and hips, curvaceous and steep; I felt held by a dark fertile mother. Vines fell down her sides like tightly braided cornrows. She was unmovable, a mountain of soft strength, sensual and giving, an invisible yet tangible force of nature. I did not need to reach my hand out to touch what was already a part of me.

Press

Nine of Sicily’s Tastiest Food Retreats to Book Now [Suitcase Magazine]

Designer Lucy Penfield Hosts a Moroccan Dinner Party

Up Close with Peggy Markel – Food, Travel, and Storytelling

“In Search of Flavor” Podcast Episode with Peggy

Peggy Markel + Her Epic Culinary Adventures — The Flair Index

5280 Magazine: “Eat, Drink, Be Merry”

SB Digs: “Peggy Markel’s Culinary Adventures”

Elephant Journal: “A Virtual Tour of Peggy Markel’s Culinary Adventures. #walkthetalk”

The Boulder Weekly: “The Transformative Power of Travel and Food”

Monica Pedersen’s Make It Beautiful: Designs and Ideas for Entertaining at Home

Boulder Daily Camera: “Peggy Markel Marks 20 Years of Creating Authentic Travel”

I Want Her Job: “Interview with Peggy Markel”

The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia, Illustrated by Peggy Markel

The Wall Street Journal: “Top 10 Culinary Guides”

Eat Drink Etc.: “Peggy Markel’s Culinary Tours”

Zingerman’s Roadhouse: “A Toast to Uncle Joe”

Fine Living: “Learn to Cook in Paradise”

Women’s Magazine: “Profile: Raging at the sky”

Denver Westword: “Slowing Down”

Travel Agent Magazine: “An Appetite for Travel”

The Sustainable Kitchen

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