We recently received a beautiful note from a cherished member of our Gastronomad community, who wrote:
“Your message about El Salvador was moving. The underlying message we took away is that time is fleeting, and putting off something that may not be available in the future is not the way to move forward in our late working years. So... we are deferring to you as our advisor on where to go next. While we had a great time in France, and will go back, we want to experience Italy next. North or South, that is the question. Between Sicily and Prosecco, which place is most like Provence?”
Dear C.: Thank you for your kind words. The situation with El Salvador has been heartbreaking on many levels, but, as you so beautifully recognized, it’s a reminder that life is fleeting and we have to make the most of every moment. That’s why Mike and I chose this path nearly two decades ago, and why we created The Gastronomad Experience: to share the world’s beauty, joy, and connection with kindred spirits like you! I’m so grateful you and A. are part of our Gastronomad family.
Sicily vs. Prosecco Hills & Venice? South or North? This is a question we’ve heard before. And I love this question. In short, both the Sicily Gastronomad Experience and the Prosecco Hills & Venice Gastronomad Experience are extraordinary, but each offers its own kind of magic.
Although both are Italian, they’re very different culturally, historically, environmentally, and gastronomically. One is the southernmost point in Italy, an Island in the center of the Mediterranean closer to Tunisia than to Naples, the other so far North it’s closer to Austria than it is to Tuscany. One place was part of every empire to sweep through the Mediterranean, with all the turmoil and cultural change that entails over the past three thousand years. The other, the “Most Serene Republic of Venice” lasted for more than a thousand years.
The Sicily Gastronomad Experience: Soulful, Sunny, and Savory
Imagine yourself under the Sicilian sky, where the gentle rolling hills are covered with ancient stone walls, vineyards, olive groves, wildflowers, and the dramatic silhouette of Mount Etna. Sicily is more than an island. It’s a world all its own. Here, every meal is a celebration of centuries-old traditions, and every day brings new discoveries, whether you’re sampling authentic Sicilian food, wandering through an ancient village, or sipping volcanic wines in ancient cellars.
Sicily carries the same Mediterranean warmth that draws people to Provence, but with an energy all its own. Life here unfolds at its own unique pace, and everywhere you go, you’re met with open arms and genuine smiles. Meals are more than just food — they’re soulful celebrations, shaped by centuries of Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences that have layered the island’s cuisine with a complexity you can taste in every bite. Whether you find yourself in a vineyard bathed in golden sunlight, a village square buzzing with laughter, or at a long table where strangers quickly become family, Sicily invites you in as one of its own.
The food is rustic, vibrant, and unmistakably Sicilian: think pasta alla Norma with its rich tomato and eggplant, golden arancini crisp from the fryer, and cheeses from the hills around Ragusa, each bite telling a story of place and tradition. The island’s culinary treasures are as diverse as its history, and every meal is a window into the soul of Sicily — one where the flavors of the Mediterranean mingle with the generosity of its people. If Provence charmed you with its authenticity and slow pleasures, Sicily will feel like an old friend, but with a dash of volcanic fire and the unmistakable flair of the Mediterranean sun.
The Prosecco Hills & Venice Gastronomad Experience: Undiscovered, Elegant, and Picture-Perfect
Just north of Venice lies the Prosecco Hills — a paradise of stunning, green rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and astonishing beauty that remains blissfully undiscovered by the tourist crowds. Here, you wake up surrounded by vines, explore ancient castles and palaces, and taste prosecco and regional wines with the winemakers themselves.
Venice itself is its own incredible, unique world. While millions of visitors come to Venice each year, they never see beyond the vast crowds of other tourists. On a Gastronomad Experience, of course, we skip the tourism and take you into the rarely seen true heart of Venice.
The Prosecco Hills & Venice Experience is a journey into a region that feels untouched by time, where authenticity and tradition are woven into daily life. Here, you’ll not only discover how prosecco is crafted by passionate winemakers, but also taste rare wines that never leave Italy and savor meals made from the freshest local ingredients, often enjoyed in historic farmhouses overlooking rolling vineyards. Venice, with its timeless beauty, is just a short drive away, and instead of the usual crowds, you’ll be guided to secret corners and quiet canals that reveal the city’s true soul.
The atmosphere throughout is one of understated elegance and genuine hospitality, set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery and the irresistible joy of Venetian living. If you’ve ever fallen for the charm of the Provençal countryside, you’ll find the same sense of discovery and wonder here — only with the sparkle of prosecco and the magic of Venice adding their own incredible allure.
So, Sicily or Prosecco Hills & Venice?
In the fewest words possible, Sicily represents the passionate, bold, fiery side of Italy, whereas Venice shows the refined, elegant, gentle face of Italy. Both are utterly delicious.
Each experience is life-changing, transformative, and unforgettable. Time is fleeting — don’t wait to live your dreams.
I can’t wait to see where your next adventure takes you — whether it’s the volcanic heart of Sicily or the sparkling hills of Prosecco. Choose the experience that calls to your heart or, the best choice of all is not to choose! Neither should be missed!
Let’s make memories, celebrate life, and savor the world together.
With love, joy, adventure and Sicilian vibes,
Amira
