Zaytuna (Olive) & Vigna (Vineyard) Harvest Retreat

Nurturing Women Through Food, Olive Oil, Wine and Relaxation on Volcano Etna in Sicily - October 22 to 26, 2025

We invite a small group of women to join Cummari at a private luxury villa on Volcano Etna with Chef Lulu, a certified olive oil expert and sommelier from Egypt. This will be an unforgettable four-night all-inclusive retreat where you will immerse yourself in the abundance of tastes during the fall harvest on the north eastern slopes of Volcano Etna in Sicily.

Wednesday, October 22nd to Sunday, October 26th 2025.

About

A Senses Experience: Taste, Smell, and Savor the Journey

This is your opportunity to step away from the bustle of everyday life and embrace the slow paced beauty of Sicily’s land, flavors, and traditions all while being pampered by your hosts Chef Lulu and Michelle, a feminine anthropologist and the founder of Cummari Sicily.

You will have the opportunity to engage with local artisans of olive oil and wine, whose craft is deeply rooted in the internationally renowned Etna Volcano agricultural region—a land celebrated for its fertile, volcanic soil and the distinctive, unparalleled flavors it imparts.

Our Villa

Our retreat will take place in a luxurious private family villa, featuring eight beautiful bedrooms and a pool with mesmerizing views of the majestic Volcano Etna. Situated in the heart of the Alcantara River Valley near Castiglione di Sicilia, we’ll have exclusive access to a sprawling 14 hectare (35 acre) vineyard private estate, where every moment is framed by the breathtaking panorama of this iconic volcanic landscape.

Explore the Villa

About

Who is this for?

Women who are passionate about...

Delicious culinary feasts - Chef Lulu will spoil us every day!

Olive oil - We will see first hand how fresh extra virgin olive oil is made!

Wine - Want to meet local makers and be able walk down our villa's driveway to two top Etna vineyards!

& Mediterranean Culture - there is no better place to immerse than Sicily at harvest with an Italian & Egyptian trained chef!

Meet Chef Lulu

Our ho-host, Chef Lulu is a Culinary Consultant & Olive Oil Sommelier trained in Italy and Egypt. She will guide us to the exploration of the world of olive oil, local delicious wines, and a generous collection of traditional Sicilian and Egyptian recipes around our table.

We’ll be celebrating the season’s finest Sicilian produce with a vibrant focus on harvest seasonal dishes, deeply rooted in the rich culinary traditions of Sicilian and Egyptian cultures. From sun-ripened tomatoes and velvety eggplants to fragrant herbs and freshly pressed olive oil, every meal will highlight the incredible flavors of the region. These plant-forward dishes aren’t just a nod to sustainability—they’re a delicious homage to the heart and soul of Mediteranian cuisine.

Be ready for hands-on cooking workshops, where Lulu will also be teaching you how to cook some of the most loved Egyptian dishes such as Falafel, Koshari (one of Lulu's favorites) and Besara (fava and greens dip).

Lulu's Kitchen

Sample Day

8am to 9:30am - Breakfast

9:30am to 10:30am - Sicilian Cultural Experience & Meditation with Michelle

10:30/11am - Our day's adventure (Wine Tasting at Etna Vineyards, Visiting the Olive Oil Mill, Visiting the Farmer's Market, Learning a Local Craft, Cooking Class with Chef Lulu)

1pm - Lunch prepared by Chef Lulu or at an Etna winery

After lunch - Leisure Time (Swimming, Reading, Relaxing)

5pm - Aperitivo & Discussions led by Michelle or Lulu

7:30pm - Dinner prepared by Chef Lulu

9pm - Time to relax by the fire

What's Included?

This is an all-inclusive retreat
Small group experience with attentive, internationally minded hosts
All meals are included, with lunch & dinners - lovingly prepared on site by Chef Lulu
Four night stay at a private luxury Sicilian villa
Transfers to/from Catania Int'l Airport
Wine tasting experience at Etna DOC winery
Excursion to the olive oil mill & a local olive farm
Surprise cultural activities!
Daily morning meditations and women's circles led by Miche
All local transportation to activities
Expansive villa grounds for exploring
Plenty of eating, relaxing and laughing!