Sicilian Cooking Class & Market Tour in Catania with Chef Luca

Sicily , Italy

Sicilian Cooking Class & Market Tour in Catania with Chef Luca

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About this experience

Join Sicilian chef Luca in his cozy Catania home, just steps from Piazza del Duomo, for an authentic cooking class inspired by his Michelin-starred experience and family traditions. Start with prosecco as Luca guides you through preparing a three-course Sicilian meal, including handmade pasta. Opt for the market tour to explore Catania’s vibrant Fish Market with Luca, selecting fresh ingredients and discovering the secrets of Sicilian cuisine. Experience the warmth of true Sicilian hospitality during this unique, small group, immersive cultural and culinary experience in Catania.

Available options

Market + Cooking + Lunch

Cooking + Lunch

Cooking + Dinner

What's included

Sicilian wine

City tips and recommendations from a local expert

Immersive Sicilian cooking class with local chef Luca

Detailed itinerary

Meet your host, Luca, at Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata in Piazza del Duomo, then take a short stroll to the bustling Catania Fish Market. This vibrant morning market is filled with local fishmongers and produce vendors, their stalls shaded by colorful umbrellas. As you wander through the market, Luca will introduce you to his favorite vendors, sharing insights about Sicilian ingredients and culinary traditions. Together, you'll select a few fresh ingredients that you'll later use in your hands-on cooking class. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of authentic Sicilian life during this one-hour guided market tour, a perfect introduction to the region’s rich food culture.

Stop 2

After your market tour, walk to Luca's mother's home in central Catania, a quick walk from Piazza del Duomo. Kick off your Catania cooking class with a glass of prosecco as you’re introduced to the fresh, local ingredients and the rich history behind the dishes you’ll create. In this hands-on class, learn to prepare a traditional three-course Sicilian meal featuring an antipasto, homemade pasta, and a classic dessert - inspired by the flavors Luca grew up with. Master essential culinary techniques, from cracking eggs flawlessly into a flour well to kneading pasta dough to perfection. The cooking portion lasts 1.5 hours, after which you’ll sit down to savor your handmade meal, perfectly paired with local Sicilian wine. Immerse yourself in the warmth of Sicilian hospitality and take home skills to recreate these authentic flavors in your own kitchen!

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Your host can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary requests so please inform him if you have any dietary restrictions when making your booking.

Meeting point

For cooking classes, meet your host at his apartment building in the city centre. For market tours, meet your host at the entrance to Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata in Piazza del Duomo. Luca will be holding up a sign with "Traveling Spoon" on it.

Important notes

COOKING CLASS: Meet your host Luca Ficara at his home located at Via S. Sebastiano, 6. When you get to the apartment building, ring the bell for "Ficara Ando" and climb two flights of stairs to get to his apartment. Here is a Google Maps link to the location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ph1CveUAttGjqvNa7

MARKET TOUR: Meet your host at the entrance to Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata in Piazza del Duomo. Luca will be holding up a sign with "Traveling Spoon" on it. Here is a Google Maps link to the location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z3it2pDQEHmS7BVQ9

EMAIL: cheflucaficara@gmail.com
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Traveling Spoon is a supplier of Viator and TripAdvisor. We offer travelers authentic food experiences with personally vetted locals in their homes. Founded by two travelers and food lovers, Traveling Spoon helps others make meaningful cultural connections through food. For specific questions related to your booking please contact your host directly with the contact information provided above.

We hope you have a meaningful experience and look forward to hearing about it!

About Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its rich Greek and Roman heritage, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily offers a unique travel experience that captivates visitors with its diverse attractions and warm hospitality.

Top Attractions

Valley of the Temples

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. The site is a testament to Sicily's rich Greek heritage and offers a glimpse into the island's ancient past.

Historical 2-3 hours €10

Mount Etna

Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close. Mount Etna is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Nature Half day to full day €30-€100 (depending on the tour and activities)

Palermo Cathedral

A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a masterpiece of religious art and history. The cathedral's interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and tombs of notable historical figures.

Architectural 1-2 hours €7

Taormina

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the iconic Greek Theatre. Taormina is a popular tourist destination offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, €10 for the Greek Theatre

Cefalù

A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and charming medieval streets. Cefalù is a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.

Beach Half day to full day Free to explore, €5 for La Rocca

Must-Try Local Dishes

Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, often shaped like small oranges.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often garnished with pistachios or chocolate chips.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta with a sauce made from tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Granita

A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors, typically served with a brioche for breakfast.

Dessert Vegan and gluten-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Madonie Regional Park Volcano trekking on Mount Etna Beach lounging in Cefalù Spa treatments in Taormina Visiting the Valley of the Temples Exploring the historic center of Palermo Snorkeling and diving in the Aeolian Islands Boat tours along the coast

Best Time to Visit

May to June, September to October

The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for exploring Sicily's attractions. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the countryside is lush and green.

20-28°C 68-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: Sicilian, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Sicily is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur in tourist areas, and some regions may have higher crime rates.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting your journey.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions, distractions, or overly friendly advances.

Getting there

By air

Palermo Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from Palermo city center
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 7 km (4.3 miles) from Catania city center

By train

Palermo Centrale, Catania Centrale

By bus

Palermo Bus Terminal, Catania Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Sicily, with regular services connecting major cities and towns. The network can be complex, but it is affordable and convenient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Palermo Centro Storico Taormina Catania Centro Agrigento

Day trips

Aeolian Islands

25-50 km (16-31 miles) from Milazzo • Full day to overnight

A group of seven volcanic islands known for their stunning landscapes, hot springs, and unique geological features. The islands offer a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and relaxing in natural hot springs.

Erice

100 km (62 miles) from Palermo • Half day to full day

A medieval hilltop town known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and charming streets. Erice is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, and panoramic views.

Noto

90 km (56 miles) from Syracuse • Half day to full day

A picturesque Baroque town known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history. Noto is a popular destination for those interested in art, history, and culture.

Festivals

Infiorata di Noto • May Taormina Film Fest • June Sagra del Miele • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Italian or Sicilian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Visit local markets and try street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
Explore the island's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Aeolian Islands, the Madonie Regional Park, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
Rent a car for flexibility and access to remote areas, but be prepared for narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and limited parking.
Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (April-June, September-October) for better prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather.