Palermo Market Tour and Cooking Class
Choose your ingredients at Mercato del Capo and learn to make a 3-course Sicilian meal with a chef!
Want to learn how to cook like a Sicilian chef? During this immersive cooking class, a professional chef will guide you through Palermo’s lively Mercato del Capo. Roam past fragrant stalls, sample mouthwatering tastings, and with the help of your chef, pick out the freshest, seasonal ingredients for your class. Then, head to a nearby cooking school where you’ll learn how to make a traditional, 3-course Sicilian meal from scratch! Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you sit for a decadent lunch.
- Meet your chef at Mercato del Capo
- Palermo
- Sicilian delights
- Fresh ingredients
- Local culture
- The art of Italian cooking
- Cooking lesson
- Your tour will end back in Mercado del Capo
Your delicious adventure begins in via Volturno, close to Palermo’s Mercato del Capo, where your friendly chef will be waiting to greet you and your small, food-loving group. With your knowledgeable chef by your side, tour the lively market while learning about authentic Sicilian cuisine and traditions. As you peruse the aromatic stalls, your chef will help you choose the ideal ingredients for the dishes you will soon create. Before leaving, you’ll also have the chance to sample traditional Sicilian tastings!
Next, follow your chef to their cooking school, where you’ll learn how to make three wonderful, traditional dishes! Arancini, fresh homemade pasta, mouthwatering cannoli might all be on the menu, depending on seasonality and by the end of class you’ll be an expert on how to make a three-course menu!
After rolling up your sleeves in the kitchen, sit down with your classmates and dig into your delicious masterpiece! After your homemade lunch, you’ll be given a Graduation certificate and digital booklet of recipes so that you can continue perfecting your skills back home.
Palermo Market Tour and Cooking Class Description
Your 5-hour tour includes:
Professional chef by your side
Tour of Mercato del Capo with your chef
4 tasting stops at the market
Apron, cooking utensils, and all ingredients for your meal
Learn to make a typical, 3-course Sicilian meal
Wine and soft drinks with lunch
A digital booklet with recipes and a Graduation Certificate
Tour the Mercato del Capo
Your culinary journey begins just a few steps away from the Mercato del Capo, one of Palermo’s lively street markets, as your meeting point will be in via Volturno. Your friendly chef will be waiting to meet you at the market, along with your small group of fellow foodies. Following your expert chef, weave through the many pathways of the market as you get an inside look at Palermo’s local culture. As you wander, your chef will explain the Arabic and Norman roots and ancient traditions that still remain strong in Sicilian cuisine.
Choose Your Ingredients
Not only will you tour the authentic Mercato del Capo, but you’ll also learn how to pick out the freshest ingredients. Your chef will help you navigate the many stalls of the market and guide the way in picking the perfect produce for your upcoming meal.
Of course, part of experiencing Palermo’s local food market involves sampling some of the traditional delicacies that are offered! Savor classic dishes like fried fish, crumpets and fritters —just remember to leave enough room for lunch!
Cook a 3-Course, Sicilian Meal
Following your immersive market tour, your chef will lead the way to their cooking school, where the real fun will begin! Tie on your apron, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make three traditional Sicilian delicacies!
First, your helpful chef will teach you how to make a mouthwatering arancina, a fried ball of rice mixed with meat sauce and peas.
Next, learn the traditional art of making fresh, hand-made pasta from scratch. Your accompanying sauce will be alla norma, made with fried eggplants, tomato, and ricotta cheese.
Finally, it’s time to give your sweet tooth a treat by making an authentic, Sicilian cannolo.
Buon Appetito!
After all that cooking, you’ve surely worked up quite an appetite by now! Take a seat with your fellow foodies as you enjoy your decadent creations. Your meal will be paired with local wine, so raise a glass and cheers to your newfound culinary skills!
After lunch, you’ll be given a digital recipe booklet so that you can continue perfecting your chef skills and impress your friends back home! You’ll also be rewarded with a Graduation certificate before leaving the class—talk about a unique souvenir to bring home!
This tour ends at the cooking school in via Volturno, and you are free to explore Palermo's beauty after that.
What you get with this tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
A good appetite and clothes appropriate to the season. During the summer, don’t forget an hat and a bottle of water!
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
This tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Palermo.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
If you have any doubts about your mobility, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
What happens if it rains?
We run our tour rain or shine! If the weather is extremely bad, we will let you know immediately and work on a refund on rescheduling the tour.
Is there any chance this tour will be canceled?
On the rare occasion the tour is canceled, we'll inform you as soon as possible. We will work with you to reschedule your tour when possible or provide a full refund.
How comprehensive is the market portion of this tour?
You will enjoy a comprehensive tour of the mercado del capo, as your chef leads you through all areas of the vibrant market. You will learn about Palermo’s culinary traditions and history, as well as sample some of the fresh delicacies at the market.
Does the Mercato del Capo ever experience sudden closures?
Sometimes the market does close, in which case your tour will include a special introduction and extra tastings at the cooking school. Also, please note that the market’s fish shops are closed on Mondays.
Is lunch included in the price of the tour?
Yes, for lunch you will enjoy the decadent, 3-course meal that you make.
What if I have food allergies, intolerances, or other dietary requirements?
While vegetarian diets can be accommodated, this tour is unfortunately not able to accommodate celiac diets. For any other dietary requirements, please contact us in advance so we can do our best to accommodate your needs. We will work with our tour partners to provide you with an alternative when possible.
How many glasses of wine will I get?
You'll enjoy unlimited wine during lunch.
What if I don’t drink alcohol but I’d still like to join a food tour?
Not a problem. Please let us know in the comment box when you book your tour so we can make sure an alternative drink is provided.
Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?
Kids are welcome on this tour, and infants aged 3 and under may join for free. Kids aged 4-12 pay a reduced fee. Please choose accordingly during the booking.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
Hotel pickup is not included on this tour. You’ll meet your guide at the designated meeting point near the Mercato del Capo.
Where does this tour end?
This tour ends at the cooking school in Via Volturno, following your wonderful lunch.
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