The Madonie and Noto

8 to 18 of April 2025

 

Sicily is one of those places that calls to all of us. Sunshine and citrus, fresh wine, mountainside villages and that Mediterranean blue… While the summers can find the beaches filled with holidaymakers who’ve taken the ferry from Italy’s boot, April is the perfect time for a longer stay. The weather and sea are warming, the crowds are yet to arrive and the island is gathering its energy to prepare for the summer. We’ve loved our visits to Sicily over the years and have found this island to be filled with spirited and passionate people whose creativity rests on a solid foundation of respect for tradition and culture and an uncompromising attitude. What a perfect place for a Family Gathering! 

Our program for this Gathering is a little different. We’ll share our time between two homebases, and while our number of days may be shorter than our monthlong programs, we’ve built a schedule that is exceptionally rich in guided events and organized moments together. As always, our trips are arranged lightly and flexibly, to give families the space they need to move comfortably through the experience.

WHERE:     We’ll spend the first week of our time hosted by Valentina and her husband Lorenzo at their working olive farm in the mountainous Madonie region. The rest of our time will be spent near Noto, a fabled town near the southeast coast.

THE PROGRAM:     This month we will focus on the unique agronomy of the island, as we learn the old and new ways that Sicilians are working with the land to produce their world-class food and wine. Our first homebase is a working farm, giving us a chance to learn and pitch in alongside our hosts. Valentina is a core member of a group of farmers, cooks and hosts who are remaking travel in Sicily’s mountainous middle, and has much to teach us. We’ll learn about local cheesemaking, and make pizza with wheat harvested from the farm. Our move south to Noto will put us next to the incredible team at a local museum and archeological site where new ways of interacting with Sicily’s past, present and future are being invented. We’ll visit the cave dwelling of Byzantine monks alongside an archeologist, learn about the local white witch, Marjara, who cured people with words and herbs and discover what it’s like to build new community in this legendary corner of Sicily. We’ll visit some of our favourite winemakers, taste botanicals with a gifted amaro maker, explore the coastal city of Ortigia, learn the art of Sicilian cooking,  and swim in the Mediterranean Sea. 

DATES: 8 to 18 of April, 2025

COST: €1400 per adult, €1200 per child. Four and under join for free.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:    A handful of provided meals, with local wine and aperitivo. All excursions, workshops, cooking classes, tastings, museum visits, day trips and site visits. Our support before and during travel on logistics. A built-in community. 

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:     Lodging, transportation, and meals except where noted. We will share our preferred collection of properties, but finding and booking lodging is your responsibility. 

WHO IS THIS FOR:     This is for those who are curious about authentic Sicily, for the foodies, the growers, the swimmers and those who appreciate quality ingredients and connection to the earth. 

INCLUSIVITY:     A “Family” can take many shapes and configurations and ALL are welcome at our Gatherings, all orientations, races, ages and configurations. The value of our Gatherings comes in large part from the incredible people who join us. We are constantly inspired by the families we are lucky enough to visit these destinations alongside.

To read all of our Terms and Conditions, click HERE.

For queries please email martin@quartiercollective.com.

 

 

 

See you in Sicily!