Do I need prior cooking experience?

No prior experience is needed; the class is designed for all skill levels with step-by-step guidance.

Is the class suitable for children?

Yes, children from age 5 and up are welcome to participate in this family-friendly experience.

Are ingredients included in the class price?

Yes, all fresh and local ingredients are included, sourced from the gardens and nearby farms.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Please inform Siciliandays in advance of any allergies or dietary needs so they can prepare accordingly.

Is transportation provided from Palermo?

Transportation is not included but can be arranged upon request for an additional fee.

Can I purchase the recipes after class?

Yes, recipes are available in the 'Seriously Sicilian' cookbook offered at the location or for sale at checkout.

Sicilian Cooking Retreat with Siciliandays in Reitano

Set against the rolling hills of Sicily’s Nebrodi Mountains near Reitano, Siciliandays offers an immersive private cooking class that stands apart from typical culinary tours. This five-hour experience unfolds at Nucidda, a rustic country house enveloped by ancient olive trees and framed by sweeping views of the Aeolian Isles. Here, guests find more than just recipes—they encounter a living tradition passed down through generations.

Hosted by Patrizia and Giuliana, a passionate mother-daughter team deeply rooted in Sicilian food culture, the class combines hands-on learning with local hospitality. Participants step outdoors to an Italian kitchen shaded beneath a century-old olive tree, where fresh ingredients from garden herbs and estate-grown olive oil take center stage. The duo guides you through crafting iconic Sicilian dishes such as caponata, arancini, and pasta alla Norma, demonstrating techniques that preserve authentic flavors.

Beyond cooking, the setting itself is a refuge of natural charm. The country house’s terrace offers calm vistas of the Aeolian Archipelago’s volcanic silhouettes emerging on the horizon, while the surrounding gardens exude fragrant notes of citrus and Mediterranean herbs. Guests can explore the olive groves or relax poolside, absorbing the serene rural landscape.

Siciliandays’ intimate group sizes ensure personalized attention and the chance to ask questions about Sicily’s culinary heritage and agricultural cycles. For those visiting in autumn, the opportunity to join olive harvesting and learn oil production deepens the connection to local traditions.

Less than two hours from Palermo, this experience melds outdoor beauty with cultural craft, making it a unique destination for food enthusiasts who value authenticity and tranquility. Siciliandays invites travelers to slow down, savor meaningful flavors, and return home with new skills and stories from the heart of Sicily.

About Siciliandays

Siciliandays is a Palermo-based culinary travel company specializing in authentic Sicilian food experiences. Led by Chef Patrizia and a small team, Siciliandays operates cooking classes, market tours, street food tastings, and olive oil and wine-and-cheese experiences hosted in an 18th-century palazzo and select country houses around Palermo. Guests can choose private or shared formats, including hands-on 3.5-hour cooking classes with dinner, morning market tours paired with pasta-making, limoncello classes, and guided street food walks through Palermo's markets.

Siciliandays emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local markets and regional producers. Instruction focuses on traditional Sicilian recipes, local techniques, and cultural context, and many experiences conclude with paired local wines, certificates of completion, and take-home recipes. Private options include country-house classes with views of the Aeolian Isles and curated olive oil tasting sessions featuring regional oils, bread, and cheeses.

The company serves small groups and private parties, offering personalized attention and professional guidance in historically significant settings. Siciliandays caters to travelers seeking immersive culinary learning, food-focused couples, families, and small groups. Reviews highlight attentive instruction, well-paced classes, and high-quality ingredients.

Reservations are available for specified tours and private bookings in Palermo and select nearby locations. Siciliandays’ use of experienced chefs, small group sizes, and authentic venues supports reliable, memorable culinary experiences rooted in Sicilian tradition. Safety, hygiene, and clear booking policies are emphasized, and language-friendly instruction is available in English and Italian to accommodate international guests. Photographs and detailed itineraries are provided on request to help plan each personalized culinary day today.