Nestled among the smooth hills of the Sicilian countryside, in the remote Parco delle Madonie, this is not just a regular escape or a beautiful place to spend a few days. It’s a chance to deepen your knowledge of Sicilian food culture and fully experiment with it in a natural setting that you won’t forget.
I won’t spend many words describing the magic of the light when you wake up at the Anna Tasca Lanza estate or the emotion of tasting the velvety ricotta cream inside the cannoli made by Fabrizia (Anna’s daughter). I believe the pictures below capture these moments well.
What I want to say here is that I’ve completely fallen under the spell of this experience myself, and if the culture of food interests you, this getaway should jump to the beginning of your travel wish list!
Also, the story of this place and the family who owns it is very fascinating. I invite you to read it here or wait until you are there and ask Fabrizia to share her story over a glass of wine.
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A long weekend. If you are interested in extending your journey, you can buy my Sicily Like A Local guide or get in touch to get my advice on your journey planning.
All year round, depending on the opening times of the cooking school.
Cooking is not just fun; it’s also a way to discover a destination and some of the things that make it unique—like the food culture and the fruits that grow in that land. Anna Tasca Lanza organizes various formats of cooking workshops (ranging from 1 day to 6 weeks) to explore Sicilian food culture and experiment with it in a splendid rural setting.
Price and details upon request, get in touch with Andrea to learn more.
My fave memory of the days I spent at Anna Tasca Lanza: the morning I visited Filippo, one of the local cheese makers. While I might not have a future as a farmer (it’s such a hard job!), getting to know Filippo’s pride in his work and land, and discovering the Sicilian cheese heritage and farming tradition, was super inspiring and fun.
Price and details upon request, get in touch with Andrea to learn more.
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WHERE ~ Vallelunga
BEMYJOURNEY’S EXPERIENCE ~ “For the love of food and the curiosity to discover the world behind Sicilian tastes.” – Andrea
WHAT TO EXPECT ~ Perched on a working vineyard and surrounded by cultivated land, the 19th-century farmhouse Case Vecchie is located near nowhere. Its remote setting offers stunning panoramas and profound stillness, allowing you to embrace each changing moment. Guest rooms and the kitchen surround an open courtyard. Walking trails cut through vines that showcase a rainbow of colours with the changing seasons. In warmer months, a peaceful pool invites you to cool off and chill out. When rain rages, cosy up with a good book from the extensive food-focused and place-based library.
FOOD PHILOSOPHY ~ Slow food, local food heritage, and Sicilian food culture are paramount at Anna Tasca Lanza, and the place would not exist without its mission to share with those who venture here the most hidden and complex values of Sicilian food and agriculture. Their continued research and knowledge exchange with local communities guarantee an immersive and participative experience.
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY ~ They don’t just have a commitment to sustainability but have implemented a culture that goes beyond, supporting systems of polyculture and strongly believing in the diversity of flavours, landscapes, and practices connected to food. They are convinced that a better understanding and awareness of this diversity improves our capacity to make more responsible choices regarding our food habits.
OTHER INFORMATION
Parking is available at the property.
Closest airports: Catania and Palermo approx 1 hour and 45 minutes drive.
DROP A LINE TO ANDREA, SCHEDULE A CALL AND PICK HER BRAIN TO DISCOVER OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH DESTINATIONS IN ITALY YOU WOULD NOT FIND OTHERWISE
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