Sicilian Culture & Cuisine
March 8-14, 2024 – SOLD OUT!
March 15-21, 2024 – SOLD OUT!
“Sicilians build things like they will live forever and eat like they will die tomorrow.”
-Plato
Why is this adventure like no other?
This 6 night/ 7 day adventure will take place along the beautiful East Coast of Sicily. We will explore ancient Greek theaters, sleepy fishing villages, Sicilian markets, hillside Baroque towns, beachside nature reserves and gorgeous wineries. Our mornings will begin in our countryside private villa with views of Mt. Etna and the sea. Here, we will enjoy breakfast, yoga and strolls through the massive property that includes olive and orange groves. Our afternoons, will be spent exploring coastal villages and historical sites. Evenings will be spent enjoying amazing food, wine and vistas. This adventure will pleasure all senses. Bonus: Our fully-staffed luxury villa only has 12 rooms keeping this adventure extremely intimate.
The Destination: East Coast of Sicily
The East Coast of Sicily is a perfect location to enjoy the sea, countryside, history, culture and, of course, fabulous food and wine. With Mt. Etna and the sea surrounding you, there is always a beautiful view. The seaside villages of Taormina, Ortigia and Siracusa not only have some of the best vistas in Europe, but they also have some of the oldest Greek theaters and monuments. The quiet fishing village of Marzamemi will take your breath away. And, you will be in awe of the Architecture of the Baroque town of Noto. The influences of the Greeks, Romans, Spanish, German, French and Arab Nations have created a colorful and eclectic culture in Sicily. This will all become apparent while exploring the Island. Most importantly, this unique cultural mix will provide a variety of mouth-watering culinary treasures as well as excellent wine. You will learn this first-hand while visiting two distinctly different, yet both amazing, wineries.
Where You’ll Stay: Commenda di San Calogero
Your home away from home for this adventure will be a countryside, fully-staffed luxury villa perfectly located to explore the East Coast of Sicily. Upon entering the majestic blue gates of San Calogero, breathtaking views of Sicily’s natural landscape will greet you with olive and citrus groves, lush greenery and blooming flowers. The villa is encompassed by magnificent views of the sea and Mt. Etna. Set on 110 acres, the Commenda di San Calogero is surrounded by lavish gardens, numerous shaded seating areas, peaceful look-outs and secluded benches that offer absolute privacy and space for relaxation.
Additionally, the original buildings have been completely restored to provide you with the finest of modern comforts, all while maintaining the charm of an aristocratic luxury home. Each beautifully furnished bedroom has a striking en-suite bathroom, as well as an independent entrance. Most of the rooms surround a vast open courtyard, a perfect place to relax after a long day of exploration. The villa’s traditional Sicilian architecture creates an elegant atmosphere to enjoy breakfast in the morning or a cool drink in the afternoon under the Sicilian sun. To help you further relax, the property has a spa, including marble saunas inspired by Istanbul as well as space for massages.
The estate is located in north Syracuse, conveniently located only a short distance away from Catania airport. This opportune location offers the ability to visit the entire southeast region of Sicily, including UNESCO heritage sites, all within a short drive.
What’s Included:
Accommodations at the beautiful, fully-staffed Commenda di San Calogero located on 110 acres surrounded by views of the sea and Mt. Etna.
Daily Yoga and Meditation in San Calogero’s enchanting gardens surrounded by olive and citrus groves.
Welcome Dinner, including Wine
Farewell Dinner, including Wine
Additional Dinner at the Villa
Daily Breakfast overlooking the villa gardens
3 Lite Lunches at your private villa
Two Sicilian Cooking Lessons
Two Evenings with Fireside Aperitifs
Guided Walks of the villa property
Catania Market Excursion with Chef from the Villa
Private Transfers for all excursions
Noto Doc Wine Tour and Tasting at Planeta Buonvini. You will also enjoy an aperitif and appetizers with local ingredients as well as an olive oil tasting.
Visit to the hillside Baroque town of Noto. Here, the main cathedral and the town itself are world UNESCO Heritage Sites.
Wine Tour, Tasting and 5 Course Lunch and Pairing at Barone di Villagrande on the hillside of Mt. Etna.
Visit Taormina, a beautiful village perched high above the sea, which is home to a Greek Theatre dating back to the 3rd Century BC
Guided Tour of the Greek Theater of Syracuse and the Archaeological Park of Neapolis a UNESCO site
Guided Walking Tour of the Island of Ortigia
Per Person Rates
Each room has a gorgeous en-suite bathroom and private entrance. All rooms can be either one queen size bed or two twins. To view pictures of the rooms, please click here.
Per Person Rates
Single Occupancy Rate $3999
Double Occupancy Rate $3199
Getting to the Villa
Commenda is only a short 20 minute drive from the Catania Airport.
Transfers can be arranged for an additional fee: €60 for a car, €90 for a van (7ppl)
By car, click HERE for further details.
Additional Travel Tips:
Most flights arriving to Italy from the United States will be red-eyes. Please plan to depart the evening prior to the start of the retreat or beforehand. From Rome, Milan and Naples, there are plenty of flights to Catania. Please book flight to land by noon of arrival day.
When planning departure flights from Italy to the United States, please be aware that you will need to fly from Catania to mainland Italy on the last day of the retreat. To ensure stress-less travel, consider flying back to the US the following day. Enjoy an evening in Rome, Milan or Naples.
GETAWAY TO GREECE
SEPTEMBER 28 – OCTOBER 5, 2024
We are currently taking deposits for our bucket-list adventure to Greece Fall 2024.
Our adventure begins on 50 foot luxury sailboats which will whisk us away to the beautiful Cyclades of Greece.
Sail through the Aegean Sea and visit remote islands where tourists are few and tranquil beaches, spectacular view and fabulous food are abundant. This perfectly balanced all-inclusive journey will allow you to disconnect from the world, be one with the sea and immerse into the beautiful Greek culture.
Why is this adventure like no other?
This 7night/8 day adventure will take place throughout the Cycladic Isles of Greece. We will sail to these remote islands as a flotilla, a group of small ships sailing together. Each day we will explore a new location as well as do yoga in a variety of breathtaking destinations. We will hike, snorkel, paddle board, dive deep into the culture and take time to simply relax on the beaches and sailboats.
Best part…No sailing knowledge is required. Experienced and specialized staff take care of all the sailing logistics! Simply sit back and join your time on the water!
Destination: The Cycladic Islands
Rugged, sun-drenched outcrops of rock, anchored in azure seas and liberally peppered with snow-white villages and blue-domed churches with stellar archaeological sites and dozens of postcard-worthy beaches, this is Greece. Throw in a blossoming food scene, some renowned party destinations and a good dose of sophistication, and you really do have the best of Greece’s ample charms. Among the 223 tiny islands, the most popular are Mykonos & Santorini.
This journey will take you far from the heralds of tourism.
Kythnos, Sifnos, Serifos & Kea, the gems of the western Cyclades will take your breath away.
The Sailboats
Each 50ft sailboat will have a maximum of 8 guests with 5 cabins: 2 double bed cabins with ensuite bathroom and 2 double bed cabins and 1 bunk bed cabin with shared bathroom.The sailboats will travel as a flotilla, a group of small ships sailing together. You will sail with your group and then we will unite and gather for yoga, excursions and meals.
What’s Included:
Step off the plane and everything is taken care of from there!
- Expert guides for land and sea provided by our host, Get Lost.
- Experienced and specialized staff take care of all the sailing logistics!
- Group transportation to/from Athens Airport.
- Arrival tour of the Acropolis in Athens.
- Visit 3-4 Greek Islands: Kea, Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos.
- 7 nights accommodations on 50ft Sailboat fully equipped to maximize comfort. Private and shared rooms are available.
- Guided hiking adventures.
- Use of snorkel gear, subwings and paddleboards throughout the entire journey.
- Daily breakfast.
- Snacks, coffee, tea and water always available on the boat.
- Two meals a day in hand-picked restaurants, taverns or on board when mooring away from a marina.
- All meals on board are prepared from organic ingredients
- All fitness equipment & Yoga mats provided.
- Linen and shower towels provided.
- On-board internet.
- Pre-departure manual providing extensive details on what to pack and how to plan
- All excursions and more!
What’s Not Included:
Not much!!
- Flight to Athens
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs
- Trip insurance and Travel Health Insurance is NOT included, but they are HIGHLY recommended; World Nomads has a lot of options. Take a look at Travel Insurance 101, a resourceful page that will help you get the coverage you need. Please also review the booking terms.
- Any additional evenings in Greece before or after. However, great recommendations can be provided!
Room Options and Per Person Rates
$1000 NON- REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE Deposit secures your spot.
Further payment instructions provided at registration; however, please note all payments are NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE. If you are concerned for any reason about your ability to travel in the future, please obtain travel insurance. See above in What is NOT INCLUDED for suggestions and guidance on travel insurance.
WANT TO BOOK AN ENTIRE BOAT FOR YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS? RECEIVE $150 OFF PER PERSON, UP TO $1200 IN SAVINGS!
Cabin with Ensuite Bathroom
Single Occupancy: $4920
Double Occupancy: $3469
Cabin with Shared Bathroom
Single Occupancy: $4720
Double Occupancy: $3269
Please contact Judy at 609-884-3001 to secure your spot.
We are accepting PayPal, Venmo, Checks, & Credit Cards for payment.
Escape to Mani
OCTOBER 6-12, 2024
“It takes a lifetime to discover Greece, but it only takes an instant to fall in love with her.”
-Henry Miller
Why is this adventure like no other?
This 6 night/ 7 day adventure immerses us in the Peloponnese region of Greece known as Mani. Here in this unique and rarely visited part of the mainland, we indulge in the freshest, mouth-watering Maniot cuisine and some of the finest wines produced in Greece. Explore local villages, sea caves, and ancient castles and sunbathe, kayak or SUP in crystal clear waters. Wander the verdant groves and harvest the fruit that makes notoriously delicious olive oil. Immerse yourself in the local culture and heritage with our outdoor cooking experience and wine tasting. Hike the southernmost point in Greece and bring your body and mind into balance with our Yoga & Pilates practices.
The Destination: Peloponnese Region of Greece
This adventure takes place in the Peloponnese region of Greece where spectacular green and rocky landscapes, wild coasts, azure waters, stone-sculpted villages, and ancient castles are surrounded by endless olive groves. This secluded area, known and treasured by locals, is often overlooked by visitors. Enjoy breath-taking views where the fertile, sun kissed slopes create some of Greece’s best wines and olive oil. Indulge in delicious, local Maniot cuisine, famous in Greece for its unique, fresh, high quality ingredients. Inviting trails, exotic coves, mysterious caves and ancient castles, create the perfect base for hiking, kayaking, SUP-ing, and more. Unplug from your everyday and getaway to this secret gem.
What’s Included?
- 7 nights accommodations at 4 star boutique hotels of Kardimili & Lemeni
- Airport transfers to & from the Athens airport
- Trip transfers for all scheduled activities & excursions
- All Breakfasts + 2 Lunches + 5 Dinners
- Outdoor Maniot Cuisine Cooking Experience
- Olive Grove Tour & Harvesting Experience
- Local Wine Tasting
- Diros Cave Excursion
- SUP & Kayak Excursions
- Beach Time at Oitylo Bay
- Cape Matalan Hike (southmost point of mainland Greece)
- Exploration of Local Villages of Kardamili, Lemeni, Aerosol & Gerolymenas
- Yoga & Pilates practices by the sea and amongst the olive groves
Per Person Rates
Single Occupancy Rate: $4463
Double Occupancy Rate: $3776
Please contact Judy at 609-884-3001 to secure your spot.