It's a new year, which in much of the United States at least seems to mean wave after wave of arctic-blasting transcontinental megastorms. May we humbly suggest a little winter penicillin, a last-minute life-saving antidote to sleet, black ice and wintry mix.
La Vita Siciliana: March 17-23, 2024
Your Hosts: Two of Italy's Top Food Experts
If you saw Stanley Tucci's show on CNN, if you bought any of her NINE books on Italian cuisine and culture, if you listen to the excellent Gola podcast, then you already are well aware of who Katie Parla is. Friend, Roman, countrywoman: Katie Parla is an incredible storyteller and generous host, and we're honored to have her with us. Her co-host Eugenio Signoroni is equally well-known in Italian circles: voted Food Writer of the Year (a serious award in Italy, as you might imagine) in 2022, a frequent guest on Italian national television expounding on all things food, and one of the humblest and kindest people we know. Eugenio and Katie are a perfect hosting duo, and make this trip to Sicily a gem of the League calendar.
What to Expect: Wine, Feasts, Friends
1. The secrets of the Volcano: Mt Etna, the ever-bubbling, ever-compelling pillar of eastern Sicily, produces some of the greatest wines of Italy, and we'll be visiting a few deeply charismatic producers. Also, there will be private lunch in the vineyards with the iconic chef Carmelo Chiaramonte and handmade granita with the Queen of Italian sweets Giovanna Musumeci, a visit to our friend's gorgeous Etna orchards and basically all the highest gifts of the Etna land.
2. Ancient Cities Buzzing with Life: We'll be diving deep into the culture of both Catania and Palermo, two ancient cities whose stone alleyways, vibrant markets and beautiful characters make them stand out among Europe's most captivating.
3. Luxurious, Unique Accommodations: Around the globe with the League of Travelers, we're constantly looking for accommodations that are not just luxurious, but that also have a sense of intimacy, connection and charisma. From Relais San Giuliano on Mt Etna to Palazzo Santamarina in Palermo, we've found two properties that reach those lofty goals splendidly.
4. Markets Magical: Sicily is an island defined by its produts and by its street food. Those two elemental forces collide in the stunning markets of Catania and Palermo, where fresh swordfish and the legendary Palermitano spleen sandwiches jockey for space in the humming, vibrating alleyways. Having two of Italy's great food minds lead you through the markets to show you the beauty and meaning of each item, well, that's true luxury.
5. Aperitivo Timing: This is not a whistlestop tour. In Sicily, we would be fools to not adopt one of Sicily's greatest treasures: its languorous rhythms. So in the midst of the storytelling and meeting indelible characters along the way, we will take our time. Easy mornings with great breakfasts. Sundowner aperitivos with local wines, cocktails and snacks. Well-paced after-meal tables to talk, relax, enjoy. This is the meaning of Sicily.
6. Something to Take Home: Aside from our daily gifts (a defining touch of the League since our inception), there's something else to take back home with you from this trip: the secrets of the Sicilian kitchen. We're not doing homework or anything strenuous, but in a week of tasting and learning, you'll know the key ingredients of patience, joy, and products that makes Sicilian cooking something to inspire your life back home.
We have a maximum of 10-12 travelers and we interview everyone who wants to join to be sure it's a good fit with the group and with our style of travel. Please email us directly if you want to hear more about how to join. More details and exact itinerary on our La Vita Siciliana page. And, if March doesn't work, Eugenio and Katie are going to be in Sicily in October as well. You can find our other itineraries that still have space available on the League site.
As with any of our published itineraries, if you have a private group of 8 or more travelers you would like to fill a trip with, please email us and we can find private departure dates that work for you.
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