The Culture of Food in Sardinia with Via Rosa

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For years, Sardinia was known to travelers primarily for its stunning, crystal-clear waters, with most visitors coming to the island for a summer beach holiday. But beyond its postcard-worthy coastline lies an island with a distinctive soul, shaped by centuries of tradition. With its own language, Sardu, unique recipes, rare ingredients, and a deep connection to music, dance, and craftsmanship, Sardinia leaves a lasting impression on those who venture beyond its beaches.

It’s this lesser-known side of Sardinia that we’re especially excited to share with you. Our new week-long journey has been carefully crafted to take you beyond the usual tourist paths and into the heart of Sardinian culture. Together, we’ll explore the central and southern parts of the island, diving into its culinary traditions while discovering its rich history, local customs, and some of the hidden treasures that make Sardinia so special.

Joining you on this journey will be Tour Host Niccolò Barca and Tour Leader Angelo Calianno, two passionate storytellers with a shared love of Italian history, culture, and the people who bring it to life. Rome-born Niccolò is a tour leader, food guide, journalist, and documentary photographer whose curiosity has taken him from kitchens and communities across Italy to stories around the world. Angelo, a native of Apulia with Sardinian roots in his family, is a historian by training, an experienced guide, and a freelance photojournalist. With more than 17 years of guiding experience and a remarkable knowledge of the cultures and traditions of the Mediterranean, he brings both a personal connection to Sardinia and a storyteller’s eye to the journey. Together, Niccolò and Angelo will bring the island’s stories to life through its history, food, traditions, and people—and make sure you have plenty of fun along the way.

We hope you’ll join us for a week filled with authentic flavors, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and a genuine taste of Sardinian life. By the end of our journey, we hope you’ll leave not only with a deeper understanding of this remarkable island, but also with a lasting affection for its people, traditions, and unmistakable spirit. – Niccolò and Angelo

The Culture of Food in Eastern Sicily with Elizabeth Minchilli

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Although I now split my time between Rome and Umbria, Sicily has had my heart since I was twelve. My first visit was a Christmas adventure, wedged into the back of a Fiat 124 with my sisters, racing along winding coastal roads while my parents navigated by paper map. Even then, I felt it: that electric mix of wild beauty, layered history, and irrepressible spirit that makes Sicily unlike anywhere else in Italy. I’ve been returning ever since.

Over the years, I’ve experienced the island in every season, from almond blossoms in February to blazing summer sunsets over the sea and autumn harvests heavy with olives and grapes. I’ve come for work and for pure pleasure, and along the way I’ve built friendships across the island with winemakers and farmers, chefs and fishermen, shepherds in the hills and hosts by the sea. Sicily, to me, is personal. It is not just a destination but a community I cannot wait to share with you.

We’ll be based in one of my favorite places, Ortigia, the luminous old heart of Syracuse, where Baroque balconies spill flowers over sun-washed stone streets and the sea is never more than a few steps away. Our days will be rich with adventure, exploring sun-drenched countryside, vibrant markets and ancient cities, and even the dramatic slopes of a volcano.

And just as important, there will be time to linger over a long lunch, browse the shops or a quiet wander down a hidden lane.

Come experience the Sicily I know and love. I can’t wait to introduce you. – Elizabeth

The Culture of Food in Sicily

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Although I live between Rome and Umbria, I visit Sicily regularly. Palermo is not only my favorite city in Sicily but perhaps in Italy. I would love to show you why, sharing some of my favorite places with you.

During this 6-day private group tour, we’ll have the time to truly explore this rich corner of the island, from a completely food-centric point of view, of course. Our base is Palermo, but we will also be taking day trips into the countryside to explore the culture of food that is tied to the landscape. From breakfast through dinner, we’ll wander in small towns, the countryside, and the streets of Palermo, tasting, drinking, eating, cooking, learning, and having fun.

The days will be full, but don’t worry, you’ll have some downtime as well to head off on your own to explore. – Sophie