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Heart & Soul of Italy
Immerse yourself in the food, art and culture of Sicily & Naples with Flour + Water's Thomas McNaughton and Ryan Pollnow
October 1 - 7, 2023
One exclusive departure—reserve your spot
7 Days, 6 Nights
Best of Sicily, Siracusa, Mt Etna, Taormina, Naples
Price from
$8,000
per person based on double occupancy, including internal flight from Sicily to Naples
Questions? Text or call us
+1 (855) 219-8018
Yesterday, you met one of Sicily’s most renowned winemakers on the slopes of a volcano. The day before you learned centuries-old traditions from a Siracusan cheesemaker; today, after waking up and sipping a perfect espresso in the shadow of Mt Etna, you’re off sailing the sparkling waters of the Ionian Sea, pausing after lunch in a quiet fishing village to stroll medieval alleys and ancient Roman amphitheaters. What’s next? Oh, just pure immersion in the beating heart of Naples with two master chefs and some of the world’s best pizza (no exaggeration). This is Sicily and Naples as few others can experience—a rare inroad to the culinary and cultural secrets of southern Italy.
With us are Thomas McNaughton and Ryan Pollnow, two of San Francisco’s most talented restaurateurs and the creative and culinary duo behind Flour + Water. The menu is a celebration of pure and authentic Italy, anchored in traditional ingredients and cooking techniques. It’s an approach and philosophy launched them to the top of “Best Italian Restaurants in America” lists by GQ and Thrillist. Ryan and Thomas love what they do — and it shows in each dish and every thoughtful detail. Sicily and Naples with these incredible humans is a celebration of the Italy we love: its people and places, culture and cuisine.
If you want to venture into iconic Italy, but do it like a local, this is the trip for you. Uncover the delicious backstory of southern Italy’s great dishes. Meet vintners, cheesemakers and pizzaiolo chefs, as we go deep in the story behind what makes southern Italy so deliciously unforgettable.

Discover
Ancient Greek ruins, medieval villages, a star-lit night under the gaze of Mt Etna
Go Deeper
Connect with local winemakers, artists and chefs, and with Thomas and Ryan of Flour + Water
Savor
World-class wines, delicate pastas and the freshest seafood—and we’ll try it all
Luxuriate
In the finest accommodations—artful palatial hotels and noble rural villas, all perfectly located
Your Experience

“History and tradition of Southern Italian cooking play a role in everything we do at Flour + Water.”
Sicily, Siracusa, Mt Etna, Naples



“I can't wait to explore through the lens of the locals, to eat and drink just like a true Sicilian.”
Your Hosts
Ryan and Thomas have conquered the SF Bay Area restaurant scene with a culinary philosophy rooted in their love of Italy. Thomas earned his chops in San Francisco’s Michelin-rated kitchens before going abroad, working in the pasta laboratorio of Bologna’s Salumeria Bruno e Franco. Ryan’s inspiration comes from his extensive travels in Italy. Together, they’re the perfect hosts for a week of delicious discovery.
Ryan Pollnow
Ryan Pollnow grew up in Northern California and completed culinary school in Sonoma County. He apprenticed alongside Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz at Mugaritz in Spain's Basque region before returning to the Bay Area. Despite his ascendency to co-chef and vice president of the Flour + Water Hospitality Group, Ryan's not quite ready to stay put. Traveling for inspiration has always been central to his growth, and he can't wait to show us his Italy.
Thomas McNaughton
Thomas McNaughton is one of the Bay Area's most highly regarded culinary talents. Multiple James Beard “Rising Chef” nods, a Forbes “30 Under 30” award, one of Food & Wine's “American Icons at Every Age” and one of its 10 “Empire Builders” in 2012. More than a decade later, Food & Wine seem to have gotten it exactly right: Thomas is a culinary force with a passion for Italy that's infectious.
Where We Sleep

Beautifully curated accommodations—we’ll relax under the gaze of a volcano in Sicily, and feel like we’re part of the vibrant story of Naples
Ortea Palace
SiracusaIn Sicily, even post offices are palaces. You’ll feel that fully, entering this magnificent, palatial former post office from 1920 in the perfect spot in historic Siracusa. It’s a joy to stay here. Sprawling rooms are decked with fine Italian designs, lounges have expansive views of the Mediterranean coastline—and Siracusa’s iconic monuments, shops and restaurants are just footsteps away.

Relais San Giuliano
ViagrandeSet at the foot of Mt Etna, this intimate 13-room hotel is made from a luxurious mansion dating from the early 1700s that makes any guest feel like a Sicilian noble returning home. The chic rustic feel benefits from wood beam ceilings in its alluring interiors—the perfect place to set up while exploring the area’s best wineries and a hike up an active volcano.

Grand Hotel Parker's
NaplesGrand Hotel Parker’s — the city’s original luxury hotel — exudes 19th-century craftsmanship with period antiques, bronze sculptures and elaborate chandeliers decorating the palatial lobby. It's the perfect mix of Impeccable hospitality and modern comfort and design sensibility.

People Love MO/AD’s Sicily & Naples
Everything was done superbly.
I was blown away by how flawlessly Modern Adventure fulfilled and exceeded my expectations.
I loved the warmth, sincerity and caring of the Modern Adventure team.
Book Sicily & Naples with Flour + Water
Questions?
That’s OK, we have answers. Read our FAQs below. Or text or call us at +1 (855) 219-8018 to speak with a Modern Adventure Trip Specialist.
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What does the price include?
Six nights at unique four- and five-star accommodations; internal flight from Sicily to Naples; private travel for all day trips and excursions; departure airport transfer; private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive VIP access and tastings; guided activities, adventures and expeditions; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners; local beverages with meals.
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What does the price not include?
International roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; transportation to the trip’s starting point; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in itinerary; gratuity for tour leader.
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Where does this trip start and end?
Our adventure begins in Catania, Italy, at the Il Principe Hotel. The closest airport is Catania’s Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). We recommend arriving one day early to ensure you’re at our starting point on time. On our last day, the closest airport is Naples International Airport (NAP) in Naples, Italy. Your flight home should be scheduled to depart at 12pm or later from NAP airport.
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What travel documents are needed?
US citizens are not required to have a visa for stays in Italy of under 90 days. Just bring a valid US passport. For citizens of other countries, please check with the Italian embassy or consulate for information and requirements.
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Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?
For solo travelers, there is a $2,000 single-supplement fee—paid at the time of booking to secure a private room. These spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Who is going on this trip?
Our adventures typically have between 10 and 20 guests, and our Modern Adventure Team. Our experiences are fun and inclusive and you can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests—including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. This adventure is for travelers age 18 and above.
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Who is leading this trip?
This trip is led by an expert Modern Adventure trip leader. They’re an experienced travel guide, a representative of Modern Adventure and your go-to person for questions or concerns on the trip. We’ll be joined throughout our adventure by local, expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.
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Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs; if your trip plans change for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to get medical help, emergency transport, and for theft, loss or damage of items while traveling. For best coverage, always insure the full trip cost within two weeks of your initial trip deposit and note that most ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ policies must be purchased on the date of your initial deposit.
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What is the cancellation policy?
You may cancel on or before June 3, 2023 and receive a full refund minus a $500 per-person service fee. If you cancel on or after June 4, 2023 there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after August 2, 2023 there is a 100% cancellation fee. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance as we are not able to make exceptions to this policy in cases of family/medical emergency or cases of the trip being canceled (see our Terms and Conditions for full details).