Tourissimo is thrilled to announce a NEW culinary cycling tour of Sicily led by two celebrity chefs. Chef Mary Sue Milliken, a James Beard and Julia Child Award-winning chef, cookbook author, activist, and media personality best known for her modern Mexican concept, is back for her seventh tour with Tourissimo. She will be accompanied by her friend, Chef Bob Blumer, Food Network TV host, author, artist, and eight-time Guinness World Record holder. Guests will spend seven days cycling through the heart of Southeast Sicily. In this seductive and bold region, every pedal stroke includes a gastronomic journey that mirrors the island’s vibrant cultural tapestry. The tour is scheduled for May 26 – June 1, 2024, and includes bicycles, meals, accommodations, and activities. Non-cyclists are welcome, and e-bikes (pedal-assisted systems) are available.
“As you explore the enchanting eastern provinces of Siracusa and Ragusa, let the aromas and tastes of Sicily’s distinct cuisine be your muse and our guest chefs be your expert eye,” said Beppe Salerno, Co-Founder of Tourissimo.
While this region is celebrated for its Baroque and Norman architecture, artistic heritage, and intellectual contributions, it’s the food that truly steals the show. Sicilian cuisine is a delightful blend of influences from Phoenicians, Greeks, Moors, Arabs, and Normans, creating a unique culinary tradition. Citrus, wild fennel, resins, and pine nuts, to name a few, make any dish distinctively Sicilian. Sicily is also a wine-lover’s paradise with 23 DOC zones, offering a wide variety, complexity, and abundance of Bacchus’ unique gifts.
“Picture yourself dining under the Sicilian sun, indulging in dishes that showcase the island’s bounty – ripe tomatoes, succulent eggplants, and artichokes bursting with flavor,” said Tourissimo Co-Founder, Heather Dowd. “Seafood takes center stage, reflecting the island’s proximity to pristine waters. And, of course, no Sicilian feast is complete without an abundance of pasta and the finest olive oil.”
But this tour isn’t only about exquisite cuisine; it’s a holistic experience. Guests will cycle through landscapes adorned with rolling hills and vineyards, coastlines kissed by aquamarine waters, and ancient sites steeped in history. The guest chefs will play a vital role in understanding the local productions and the preparations that better tell the story of the territory.
“Immerse yourself in Sicily’s past and present, where every turn of the pedal unveils not only stunning vistas but also the authentic and mouthwatering essence of this captivating island,” said Salerno. “Join us on a journey where each taste tells a story, and every flavor is a piece of Sicily’s unparalleled culinary heritage.”
Highlights
- Delve into the diversity of Sicilian cuisine (a cultural crossroads)
- Explore Scicli, Ragusa, Modica, and Noto (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
- Savor breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea
- Enjoy an authentic Sicilian cooking class
- Tour of Ragusa (a Baroque gem)
- Visit producers and tastings including olive oil, almonds and almond milk (Slow Food presidium), DOP cheese, fruits and vegetables not found in continental Italy
- Ride the scenic farmland of the southern island dotted by historical sites
- Learn how and why the Mediterranean Diet (an intangible UNESCO Cultural Heritage) blends with Arab and Moorish Flavors
