Set amidst the unspoiled landscapes of the Sicilian countryside, Dimora delle Balze offers a culinary experience deeply rooted in the land and the rhythm of the seasons. Guests can participate in harvesting in the organic garden, cooking classes dedicated to Sicilian traditions, and convivial gatherings that celebrate the region and its exceptional ingredients.
This ongoing connection with nature is also expressed through horseback rides through olive groves and centuries-old carob trees, picnics, and sensory trails that transform the landscape into a true ingredient of the experience, offering an authentic immersion in the flavors, scents, and tranquility of the Val di Noto countryside.
Inside an historic Sicilian mansion, guided by Chef Gabriele Camiolo, you will learn to create authentic traditional dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The experience can take place either outdoors or in the main kitchen and involves preparing three reimagined traditional Sicilian dishes. It concludes with a lunch in our main dining rooms, where you can savor the results of your work while enjoying a locally produced Sicilian wine.
As the sun sets over the Sicilian landscape, enjoy an aperitif during the last hours of sunlight. This will be followed by a three-course dinner prepared by our Chef Gabriele Camiolo, featuring seasonal ingredients and authentic flavors. An exclusive culinary experience, immersed in the magical atmosphere of Dimora delle Balze. Whether it’s a romantic dinner on the stilted terrace, among the columns of the Manor Garden, or a convivial dinner in the Aia, every detail will be carefully arranged to offer you a unique and unforgettable moment. Our offering is entirely custom: from the setup, organized according to your wishes, to the creation of a tailor-made menu designed in harmony with your preferences. A refined gastronomic journey, designed to turn every occasion into a special memory.
Little Green Thumbs is an experience designed for families staying at Dimora delle Balze. Children will embark on an engaging journey through our fields in Passo Ladro, discovering the world of vegetables, herbs, and seasonal produce. Together, we’ll harvest the freshest ingredients, discovering the value and abundance that nature offers, through a trail designed just for them, which also includes fun challenges. This way, the children can earn their “Level 1 Farmer” certificate.
With the help of our staff, they’ll have the chance to cook with freshly picked ingredients, making themselves a tasty fresh-squeezed orange juice and a delicious bruschetta with tomatoes. Plus, every child will have the chance to plant a “seed” in the garden at
Dimora delle Balze, creating a special memento of this day. An experience that brings children closer to the earth, nature, and cooking, all in a safe and welcoming environment that stimulates their curiosity and teaches them to respect and appreciate the nature around them.
One could say that the scent most representative of Sicily is the fresh fragrance of a lemon or orange tree in bloom. Imagine relaxing in an enchanting Sicilian landscape, surrounded by the scents and colors of the Val di Noto, in the shade of our citrus trees. To fully immerse yourself in this fantastic setting, our chef Gabriele Camiolo from our Lumìa Restaurant can organize a private outdoor lunch featuring local organic produce grown directly on the land of our Passo Ladro fields, surrounded by the greenery of our Sicilian orange trees. Our organic picnic features a variety of dishes prepared with fresh, organic ingredients from our land: homemade bread, local cheeses, artisanal cured meats, seasonal fruit, and traditional Sicilian desserts. Each basket is carefully prepared by our chef to offer you an authentic and unforgettable experience.
This is the best way to discover the unique flavors of our region. A true picnic surrounded by nature, near the river and our fields, amidst our citrus groves.
Treat yourself to a “farm-to-table” tasting and discover a unique sensory experience with the tastings at Passo Ladro, the Dimora delle Balze farm. Nestled in the heart of the estate, the Passo Ladro grounds offer a splendid setting for an experience that will delight your senses. Guided by Passo Ladro’s Chef, Andrea, you’ll begin your afternoon with a relaxing stroll through the vegetable gardens, where you’ll have the opportunity to harvest seasonal produce and fresh vegetables straight from the ground. You’ll then enjoy these during an aperitif in Passo Ladro’s showroom, alongside our gourmet products and juices made with Sicilian organic ingredients. At the end of the activity, you’ll receive a special gift: a gourmet jar of your favorite product from the tasting.
A unique opportunity to discover the secrets of Sicilian cuisine, surrounded by the natural beauty of Passo Ladro.
Discover the charm of Sicilian cuisine, explore local markets, select fresh ingredients, and join a cooking class led by Chef Gabriele Camiolo, who will share the secrets of the local culinary tradition with you throughout the day. The experience begins with a comfortable transfer organized by Dimora delle Balze to Syracuse, where, before immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of the market, you’ll make a brief stop for a snack and a briefing on the day’s activities. Next, accompanied by the Chef, you’ll explore the local markets, among the colorful stalls of Ortigia, Piazza Adda, or Piazza Santa Lucia, depending on the day, to select the freshest fish, seasonal vegetables, and the best ingredients for your cooking class. Back at Dimora delle Balze, an exclusive cooking class awaits you, where, under the Chef’s guidance, you’ll prepare two typical Sicilian dishes using the ingredients purchased at the market.
An authentic and engaging experience that will allow you to learn the secrets of local cuisine and enjoy your creations in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
A journey through the flavors and traditions of Sicily, perfect for those who love cooking and want to enjoy an immersive experience centered on the island’s culinary delights and gastronomic culture.
A true hands-on workshop at your complete disposal. Let yourself be guided by the expert hands of Chef Andrea from Passo Ladro to create your own preserve. Immerse yourself in the fields of our estate to discover the seasonal delights and make a giardiniera or tomato preserve, just like in tradition. The experience begins with a stroll through the fields of Passo Ladro, where you can pick the ripest tomatoes and taste the products of our land, accompanied by a glass of local wine. After the harvest, you’ll move to our kitchen to transform the fresh ingredients into an artisanal preserve, following traditional methods. At the end, you’ll take home your creation in a 100g jar, ready to be kept as a memento of this experience or shared with your loved ones.
Let yourself be guided on a sensory journey to discover Sicilian wines in an exclusive tasting experience. Through five carefully selected glasses, a sparkling, a white, a rosé, a red, and a dessert wine, you will explore the unique nuances of this generous land, accompanied by refined bites designed to enhance their flavors. In an intimate and evocative atmosphere, either among the vats of Passo Ladro or in our Lumìa Restaurant, you will uncover the history and tradition of Sicilian winemaking in an hour of pure pleasure for both palate and soul. This experience is designed for wine lovers and for those who wish to approach this world with curiosity and passion.
