Mark Putnam

The Flavors of Sicily Cooking Workshop.SOLD OUT - Join the interest list.

May 23 – 30, 2026

Benvenuti!
We’re thrilled to welcome you to a special culinary journey through the heart of Sicily — an island where tradition, culture, and bold Mediterranean flavors come together in every dish. You won’t just discover new recipes — you’ll learn the stories, techniques, and vibrant ingredients that define Sicilian cuisine.

From the sun-drenched lemons to savory seafood, Sicilian cooking is a celebration of simplicity, freshness, and history. Guided by time-honored methods and regional secrets, you’ll prepare classic dishes like arancini, caponata, pasta alla Norma, and cannoli — and gain skills you can take home to your own kitchen.

Mark will be your cooking instructor and guide as you visit local markets and wineries. We may have a special guest instructor (a Sicilian nonna) too!

This will be a celebration of La Cucina Siciliana, but we’ll also teach a few classic dishes from other regions of Italy. Most days we will learn in the kitchen of Salinara. Other days we will search the medieval town of Erice for the world’s best Genovese pastry, or enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset over the salt pans near Mozia.

The workshop is flexible. You will be able to decide which activities you want to join. Maybe you are coming ONLY for the food, wine, and recipes. We request that you let us know the evening before what you plan to do on the following day.

Once you arrive at Salinara, everything is taken care of for you. Each day starts with a bountiful breakfast. All transportion for day trips is provided. We will prepare lunch as a class. In the evenings you will enjoy a traditional Sicilian dinner specially prepared for you by Mark and our chef with selected local wines at the Farm or dinner at a typical pizzeria chosen by us.

Whether you’re a passionate home cook or just curious to explore something new, this workshop invites you to roll up your sleeves, ask questions, taste freely, and most of all — enjoy the experience. Because in Sicily, food is never just food — it’s friends, history, and joy.

Let’s get cooking — Mangiamo!

 

Price

Single:€ 2650Sharing per person:€ 2400


How to Book

Deposit to save your spot € 500.
The balance is due to 8 weeks before your arrival.

Apply NOW, spots are limited.
Min participants 10
Max participants 14

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About Mark Putnam

Mark has taught cooking for three decades. He has a special affection for Sicilian cuisine, and has cooked with all the Salinara chefs for the last eight years. Mark feels Italian cooking is a mosaic of styles and flavors; renowned for its regional diversity, deeply rooted in history, geography, and local traditions, and shaped by the landscape — from the alpine north to the sun-soaked south. Lover of good wines, he knows the best wine cellars in the province of Trapani and all the tricks for finding the best typical products.

– Cooking instruction
– Accommodation in double room (or single room with supplemental fee)
– All Sicilian breakfasts, 5 lunches, and all dinners (1 meal at a local pizzeria)
– Non-alcoholic drinks and wines during dinner
– Selected winery visit and  tasting
– A drink at sunset at Mamma Caura
– Local excursions to nearby towns and markets
– The use of bicycles
– Pick-up at the Palermo airport on the first day at 12:00pm and 4:00pm
– Transfer to the Palermo airport on the last day, leaving Salinara at 9:00am

 

– 1 lunch in Erice
– Any personal expenses
– Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
– Airfare
– Tips for drivers and guides
– Transfers to and from other airports than Palermo
– Transfers to the villa from Palermo airport later than 4:00 pm are extra cost.
If you arrive later than 4:00 pm, we can arrange personal transfer accordingly.

You will stay in our 18th century typical Sicilian villa, surrounded by vineyards and the blu mediterranean sea. The area is known for its olive groves, salt pans and local producers of DOC Marsala wine and many other amazing red and white wines.

Sicilian breakfasts, lunches and dinners will be freshly prepared and served at the villa by our selected local chef. Enjoy the exotic flavors of traditional cuisine accompanied by exquisite local wines.
* Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary restrictions.

Travel, Landscape, Seascape, Architecture, Food and People.
Everything is carefully planned yet relaxed, giving you the freedom to open up and be creative, all while enjoying Sicily in the company of like-minded people.

The course is conducted in English, with translation into Italian, French, Spanish on demand.

8 DAYS PROGRAM (7 NIGHTS)

– Spectacular subject matter at the Villa and within walking distance such as Windmills and Salt Pans in a Natural Preserve.

– Paint coastal scenes at San Teodoro Tower and its surroundings.

– Historic Center of Marsala and Fish Market.

– Historic cave in Nature Preserve in the morning, in the afternoon painting at seacoast Monte Cofano east side.

– Erice Mountain and the medieval village: An utterly panoramic ride with stops for beautiful sea views will take us to the medieval village.

– Shopping trip to Marsala plus a visit to a local artisan ceramist.

– Wine tasting, a passionate sommelier will introduce the history of Marsala wines, accompanied by delicious local aperitif.

– Taste authentic Sicilian cuisine prepared by our local chef at the villa and in our favorite local restaurant.

– Taste local gelato (ice cream) in a classic gelateria in Marsala historic center.

Please note the itinerary is an example. Visits will depend on location and are subject to change depending on the weather.

PARTNERS AND FRIENDS ARE WELCOME!
We welcome non-painting companions. There are many amenities and activities happening at the Farmhouse, your companions will never get bored! Of course, they will enjoy all of our local excursions, wine tasting and fantastic meals.

Start your adventure in Western Sicily:
– Typical Sicilian cooking class (min.4 pax).
– Visit local wine producers, with wine tasting.
– Walking and visit the surrounding, sea coast with antique salt marshes, windmills and vineyards.
– Visit the beautiful seaside city of Marsala, home of the homonymous wine DOC.
– Visit the unforgettable old city of Trapani where you can stroll, shop and eat in a relaxed setting.
– Bicycling and enjoy splendid views over vineyards, with the magical colours of the Mediterranean Sea.
– Visit the unspoiled Egadi Islands, such as Favignana and Levanzo.
– Experience yoga or kitesurf with professional trainer.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Palermo, Sicily (PMO) – Transfer time to villa is about 1h 20min.
Travel by car and minibus to painting spots.
For those who prefer to arrive earlier or leave later, we offer an optional extended stay.
Travel Visa: A visa may be required depending on your nationality.

SUGGESTED PACKING:
Besides the basic packing and travel needs, here are a few things to think about bringing with you.

— Bathing suit and beach towel
— Sun protection hat
— Raincoat
— Comfortable shoes for walking
— Plug adaptors / converters

The following terms and conditions shall apply in respect of all bookings and will form the basis of your contract with “SALINARA Società Cooperativa”.

1. All workshops/retreats organized directly by SALINARA are made subject to the following terms and conditions. When you make a booking with ‘SALINARA’ you undertake that you have the authority to accept and do accept these booking conditions on behalf of yourself and your party. A contract will exist upon our accepting any monies from you towards the booking, or upon the issue of our Confirmation/Invoice, whichever is the earlier.

2. A “hold” deposit of €500 is paid by each participant at the time of booking.

3. Payment of the full balance is due 8 weeks before the beginning of the workshop/retreat.

4. For cancellation requests submitted 8 weeks or more before the beginning of the workshop/retreat, this deposit will be refundable (minus €100 per deposit).

5. For cancellation requests submitted more than 28 days before the beginning of the workshop/retreat date, 50% of the total paid amount (less deposit) will be refunded.

6. For cancellation requests submitted 28 days or less before the beginning of the workshop/retreat date, there will be no refund. However, if your spot can be filled by another participant, we are happy to credit your paid amount toward a future workshop

7. Any refunds will incur a 3% processing fee.

8. We highly recommend that you must arrange adequate holiday insurance. Such insurance should cover full medical expenses, personal baggage, personal accident, loss or damage to property, cancellation or curtailment, personal liability, legal expenses and emergency.

9. We shall not accept responsibility for any cancellations or effect on your holiday due to war, threat of war, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist action, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions

10. We reserve the right to withdraw or modify at any time the arrangements advertised where necessary to do so. In the unlikely event of the accommodation advertised not being available, we will endeavour to provide suitable alternative accommodation.

11. All reasonable and proper steps have been taken to ensure that the accommodation and services are as advertised. We will be responsible for any acts or omissions of our own employees and agents whilst acting within the scope of their employment but cannot be responsible for the acts or omissions of those providing services over which we have no direct control.

12. We shall not be responsible for luggage lost in transit while the responsibility of an airline. Where possible we will provide advice and assistance in seeking to retrieve any luggage lost.

13. We will not be responsible if you suffer illness, personal injury or death as a result of misadventure during the period of your overseas trip arising out of an activity that does not form part of the course provided by us.

14. All workshops/retreats are subject to a minimum number of participants and we therefore reserve the right to cancel and where possible, provide you with an alternative course. In case we cancel the workshop/retreat, we will return all monies which you have paid. In no case will your holiday be cancelled within 8 weeks of departure except in the event of circumstances out-with our control. Salinara cannot be held responsible for any personal expenses, such as airline tickets due to changes in itineraries or retreat cancellations.

15. All travellers need valid passports.

Information

For any questions, please contact:
Phone: (+39) 339 77 57 062
info@salinara.com

or

Mark Putnam
Phone: (+1) 615 512 1038
mark@markandlori.com

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ADDRESS

SALINARA
Art Farm | Retreat Centre
Contrada Spagnola 135
91025 Marsala [tp] – Italy

GET DIRECTIONS
37° 50′ 46” N
12° 28′ 30” E


HOW TO BOOK

For availability, any questions
and booking, please write us on:
info@salinara.com
mobile (+39) 339 77 57 062

SALINARA SOCIETA’ COOPERATIVA
P.I. C.F. 02863320814
ALBERGO DIFFUSO
SALINARA Art Farm | Retreat Centre
CIN: IT081011A1HJT5H6NW
CIR: 19081011A454014

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