The food trails of Sicily’s riches lead us to Modica an aristocratic town made famous in the 16th century by the Spanish and the introduction of the cocoa bean from the South Americas.

Modica chocolate making

The chocolate of Modica uses methods of chocolate making from the Aztecs giving the chocolate its unique grainy consistency. Made up of sugar, ground cocoa bean, and adding wonderful flavours such as peppercorns, vanilla, cinnamon, wines, and other exotic spices. Many traditional manufacturers such as Modicas’ famous Antica Dolceria Bonajuto maintains its original hundred year old recipes. Our tour group had a wonderful experience in their kitchen sampling their popular chocolate, torrone, chocolate liqueur, and a particularly special biscuit ‘ mpanatigghi.’ This is a light pastry filled with mince meat, chocolate and spices.
Glamour Group Shot

Taormina

One cannot enjoy Eastern Sicily without a day in the bustling cliff town of Taormina in the province of Messina. Once the place for artists, movie stars and film festivals, Taormina retains its glamour and style. It has a fantastic selection of high class shopping, antique stores, unique jewels, restaurants, cafes and bars. Full of medieval churches, gothic styled villas, tiny streets and luxury gardens this is a town for shopping, eating, and of course a visit to the garden of Naxos and Greek Theatre. Among the top sites to visit are the cathedral and Piazza Agostino IX Aprile. With its breathtaking panoramic views of Isola Bella and stunning coastline this is the place for wandering the streets and enjoying a morning coffee, lunch or afternoon aperitif.

See Dominique Rizzo’s upcoming Italy and Sicily Tours