Filtering by: travel program
JUNE 14 - 21, 2025 - A Cheeky Sicilian Sailing Trip
Jun
14
to Jun 21
travel program, collaboration

JUNE 14 - 21, 2025 - A Cheeky Sicilian Sailing Trip

A CHEEKY SICILIAN SAILING TRIP

with The Cheeky Chef and Stellavision Travel

A Cheeky Sicilian Sailing Trip

JUNE 14 - 21, 2025

Stellavision is headed to sea alongside the Cheeky Chef, Linda Sarris! This tour combines a nautical adventure with cultural and culinary exploration in a hard-to-reach island paradise. Setting sail from Palermo, Sicily we’ll be floating our way through the Aeolians, a group of volcanic islands off the northeast coast of the main Sicilian isola. Picture yourself chasing sunsets by sea, swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing in turquoise waters, complete with a private chef. As we dock at four different islands throughout the week, we’ll hop on land to show you the best spots, enjoy meals by locals and meet some very special island friends.

Ready to come aboard?

ABOUT STELLAVISION

By Women, For Women

#SoloFemaleTravel is an incredible movement we’re proud to participate in. But not having a travel buddy doesn’t mean you have to go it completely alone. Our tours are about connecting like-minded women and creating shared memories. Maybe you’ll come with your sister, partner or friend. Or maybe you’ll come alone and leave with your new BFF. We’re especially excited to highlight the local ladies excelling in all the things we love, you won’t just meet fellow female travelers, you’ll meet le donne italiane we admire.

Inclusive. Period.

Travel is all about exploring and honoring our different environments and experiences. That is true of Stellavision as well. All self-identifying women are welcome and celebrated here. We have a zero tolerance policy against discrimination of any kind. We firmly believe all bodies are beach bodies (and guess what - Italians do too.) We can debate the best gelato flavour but agreeing with these statements is a precursor to joining a Stellavision Tour.

YOUR PRIVATE CHEF: LINDA SARRIS

Linda Sarris was raised in a big Greek-American family and trained at the French Culinary Institute in New York City. After a few stints in restaurants, she took off to sharpen her culinary skills in her own adventurous way, developing her own Mediterranean style of cooking, working on a farm-to-table wine estate in Sicily, spending summers private-cheffing in Tuscany, and consulting for restaurants in Romania and Colombia!

She is a published author, food/wine travel designer, and private chef with a decade of experience cooking for clients in the music and fashion industries. Part translator, part hostess with the mostess and our local culinary guru, the Cheeky Chef is working side by side with your Stellavision guide to finesse your time at sea. She's known as the Queen of Ballarò and has charmed the hearts of the vendors in her wild neighborhood food market in Palermo. She is a cheeky one (well named for sure) and when you’re on board, you'll find out why…. wink. 

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OCTOBER 6-11, 2025 - Vino Volcanico Ladies Trip!
Oct
6
to Oct 11
retreat, travel program

OCTOBER 6-11, 2025 - Vino Volcanico Ladies Trip!

  • le case del principe pantelleria (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

VINO VOLCANICO | no. 6

a Ladies-Only wine tasting trip with The Cheeky Chef on the Sicilian island of Pantelleria

foto by Lean Timms <3

ISOLA DI PANTELLERIA, SICILIA - ITALIA

The Ladies-Only Wine Tasting Program is back! Perfect for friends, couples, mamma-daughter duos, sisters, and solo travelers. Discover “the black pearl of the Mediterranean” during the 6th Ladies-only Vino Volcanico wine-lovers trip in Pantelleria.

Chef Linda Sarris will lead a small group of guests on a whirlwind of flavors from wild mountain herbs and freshly made tumma cheese to seasonal meals featuring capers, wild fennel, and local seafood. Learn about grapes, raisins, extreme agriculture, dry zibibbo, Passito di Pantelleria DOC sweet wines, as well as traditional and natural winemaking techniques from the island. This 5-day adventure includes a fun-filled itinerary with daily excursions and plenty of delicious things to eat and drink.

October is an exciting time to be here — It’s HARVEST season! Follow the grapes from their volcanic soils and terraced vineyards to the cantinas with our locally-led guided tours and tastings. There will be free time to soak up the magic each night with communal family meal dinners at our dammusi houses overlooking the sea.

SAMPLE PROGRAM

All activities/excursions, tastings, and meals listed in the itinerary are included in the cost for this trip. Airfare is NOT included.

  • 5-night dammusi accommodations at Le Case del Principe Pantelleria

  • Vineyard visits with lunch + wine tastings

  • A visit to a local caper producer

  • Daily breakfasts + special lunches

  • Communal dinners prepared by The Cheeky Chef

  • A visit to a traditional giardino pantesco lava stone-walled garden

  • Light hike + picnic in Pantelleria’s national park

  • Relaxing dips in natural hot springs + free time to swim in our private beach cove

  • Local transportation provided for excursions included in the itinerary

  • Round-trip van transfers from the Pantelleria island airport PNL to the dammusi

ACCOMMODATIONS

Le Case del Principe is a group of dammusi houses, tucked away on a private area of the northwest coast. These houses were built in the 1970's by Prince Paolo Sallier de La Tour and his wife Costanza Tasca d’Almerita.

Our carefully selected location is one of the very few places on the entire island where you’ll have direct access down to the sea. Guests will be hosted in shared dammusi houses. There are three large dammusi available and each house has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, spacious terrace overlooking the sea, indoor dining room, and outdoor patio with table/chairs/loungers. Each bedroom is set up with bed linens, bath towels and extra blankets.

REGISTRATION FOR 2025

I continue to keep the program rates as low as possible for this trip. I want it to be chock-full of fun, adventurous women every single year offering fair all-inclusive per day rates for travelers who still want to have a wonderful experience in Sicily without breaking the bank.

  • Solo Traveller €2,800

  • Double Occupancy €1,900 per person

  • Triple Room €1,500 per person

ABOUT | The Cheeky Chef

Linda Sarris is a private chef from New York City, now working in Palermo. She started her cooking career with an internship at the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School in Sicily right after graduating from The French Culinary Institute. Known best as The Cheeky Chef, she splits her time between cooking for female CEOs in New York, traveling for culinary/wellness retreats, and working as a food/travel consultant here in Sicily. Linda’s first book MOON Southern Italy was published in April 2022 with the Hachette Book Group in the USA and the second book MOON Sicily came out in March 2024.

“If you’d like to sit for long lunches with wine makers, take leisurely swims in the ocean, have sunset aperitivo every night, fall asleep to waves crashing, meet lovely people, eat and drink the absolute freshest and best the island has to offer... go to Pantelleria with Linda.

To see this magical place and share her connection to the land and its people, is truly like nothing I ever experienced before in my travels. When I got home from the trip people would ask whats my secret, why I’m glowing... Pantelleria ;)”
— Katie June | Mexico City | vino volcanico no.3
“Linda’s programs are a thoughtful, cultural and foodie infused experience that takes you beyond a typical ‘tour.’ She will introduce you to not only an incredible array of ventures every day that you’re with her, but to people and places that she deeply loves and wants to share with you.

The energy that you feel from her program will not only nourish your appetite – but your soul as well. Her programs create a kindred experience. Look no further and plan or join a trip with her. I promise you won’t want to leave in the end but you’ll come back home full of love, wine, laughs and a trip that you won’t ever forget.”
— Alexis | Portland, OR | vino volcanico no.2
“Spending a week on Pantelleria with Cheeky was like being welcomed home by a long lost pal! I was a solo traveller but immediately felt safe as I stepped off the plane & was welcomed by a beautiful lunch of ladies. We ate beautiful food. Swam in the Mediterranean. Explored different parts of beautiful Pantelleria by day & got a real feel for the island & her locals who Linda knows personally & slept to the sound of the ocean each night. It was marvellous fun fuelled by copious amounts of marvellous wine & that lovely sense of just ‘being able to be’ with women & not having to fuss about with men. ”
— Mia | Sunshine Coast, Australia | vino volcanico no.2
“Linda’s Vino Volcanico program was absolutely incredible, truly a dream trip. The experience that you can have on the island of Pantelleria under Linda’s guidance is unsurpassed – the relationship that she has with the locals, with the food, the wine, with the island itself create the most immersive experience. You truly feel a part of the local culture when you are there. She created such an inclusive energy and exposed us to the best foods, the best wines, and the most beautiful landscapes. Cannot recommend highly enough.”
— Jessica | Texas | vino volcanico no.2
“I surprised my husband with a trip to Pantelleria with Linda on the 2021 Vino Volcano tour. We were absolutely thrilled with everything Linda planned for us, and had the absolute time of our lives. Before we even reached Italy, Linda was so helpful with answering any questions I had. Once we got to Pantelleria, we were absolutely stunned by the beautiful black pearl of the mediterranean! The views from our Dammusi were incredible, and we felt very cozy and comfortable in the beautiful Dammuso Antico. Linda planned a great mix of activities and relaxation - it felt different from other vacations, as we were able to use her expansive contacts on the island to truly understand how the locals live, and get a behind-the-scenes tour of gorgeous local vineyards, restaurants, and natural wonders like hot springs and parks. Beyond her planning skills, she’s a fantastic chef - everything she made for our communal dinners was delicious and fresh, and we loved all the little surprises she worked into the trip. We left feeling fulfilled and refreshed. and can’t wait to come back. Thank you Linda!”
— Emily | NYC | vino volcanico no.1
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MAY 12-19, 2024 Sicily: A Different Italy
May
12
to May 19
events, public, travel program

MAY 12-19, 2024 Sicily: A Different Italy

photo: Katie June Burton for Snack Sicily

Sicily: A Different Italy

with Peggy Markel and Linda Sarris

May 12 — 19, 2024

PALERMO, REGALEALI, VITTORIA, MODICA, ORTIGIA

2 rooms still available

“Strong and elemental, Sicily retains an unconquered character and romantic spirit, and you can taste it in her food. Greek ruins dot the landscape. Arabian eggplants, lemons, saffron and nutmeg thrive in rich volcanic soil. Local artisans hand-make chocolates and cheeses. Sicilian dishes draw on history but abound with independent ideas and innovative interpretations that stand apart from the cuisine of mainland Italy.”

I would like to introduce you to my good friend Chef Linda Sarris who I have invited to join me again. Her love of Sicily is as deep as mine and her knowledge increases daily by living in Palermo over the Ballarò market.

Together, we will coil our way across this dramatic region from Palermo’s rowdy ancient markets, through the lesser-known entroterra, to Baroque Modica and the picturesque historic center of Siracusa on the island of Ortigia. We’ll take walks through the countryside, taste noble wines from famous vineyards, enter private kitchens, gentle olive groves and gardens bursting with flavor.

As we cross the island, Sicily reveals her secrets to us.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Double: $6,800 per person

Single supplement: + $1,137

additional info online

Peggy Markel’s Culinary Adventures

WHO WE ARE

Peggy Markel’s Culinary Adventures delivers personalized, educational, hands-on travel experiences that feed the soul. With a perpetual curiosity and reverence for the rich tapestry created by food and culture, Peggy Markel has designed and directed carefully hand-crafted food and culture trips around the world for 25 years. She is a pioneer not only in culinary travel, but was instrumental in bringing Slow Food to America and championing the farm to table movement as early as 1993.

WHAT WE DO

With each handcrafted experience, Peggy creates a container that allows her guests to relax immediately and drop beneath the surface. Good choices, deep relationships and loyalty have their benefits. It’s like traveling with a friend of a friend: someone you don’t know, but you feel like you do.

All of our trips are food-focused. Each itinerary is designed for immersion. But it’s not all about food. It’s about the art of living. We are the real deal and consider your experience and care paramount. Programs are built on long-term relationships, handpicked properties and carefully crafted itineraries.

The Cheeky Chef: Linda Sarris

WHO SHE IS

Linda Sarris was raised in a big Greek-American family with a Chef grandfather and a fisherman Dad. After studying at the French Culinary Institute and working a few stints in restaurant kitchens, Linda took off to sharpen her culinary skills in her own adventurous way - by working on a farm-to-table cooking school and wine estate in Sicily, spending two summers private-cheffing in Tuscany, consulting for restaurants in Romania and Colombia, and traveling for songwriting camps in Italy and France.

WHAT SHE DOES

Linda is a food/wine travel consultant and private chef based in Palermo. From her sun-lit studio kitchen above the 1,000-year-old Ballarò market, she works as a freelance writer and culinary communications consultant; while still traveling regularly for private chef work with clients in the fashion/music industries. Known best as The Cheeky Chef, Linda curates a series of culinary retreats, personalized travel itineraries, private sailing adventures, and chef-led market tours/tastings in Palermo. She is currently writing her second travel book with the Hachette Book Group and will be self-publishing an ingredient-focused mini’zine shortly after.

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JULY 16-23, 2022
Jul
16
to Jul 23
travel program

JULY 16-23, 2022

  • Capo d'Orlando Italy (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

CHEEKY CHARTER: SAILBOAT ADVENTURE IN THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS, SICILY

16-23 JULY, 2022  | ISOLE EOLIE, SICILIA, ITALIA

— SOLD OUT—

  • 7 nights on-board

  • professional skipper + private chef

  • sailboat travel

  • port fees

  • dinghy tender boat + gasoline

  • sheets/towels + end of week cleaning

  • activities programming for the week to enjoy the best of the islands

cheekycharter_stromboli.jpeg

DESTINATIONS 

We will be sailing around the Aeolian Islands off of the northeast coast of Sicily, not far from Mount Etna. Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Vulcano, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi are a chain of Mediterranean islands that boast some of the best swimming, fresh seafood, and night life in Sicily. We will try to hit at least 4 islands during this weeklong adventure. Weather and wind are always factors when you plan a sailing trip. Our well-seasoned captain knows this area like the back of his hand. We’ll follow his lead to plan the best route, and might make some changes to the itinerary to make sure we have time for a few stops among the islands, dinners and drinks off of the boat, and relaxing mornings/afternoons catching some sun and enjoying “la dolce vita” aboard our own private barca a vela. 


FOOD/BEVS 

Sicily is world-famous for it’s incredible food and wine culture, but we are taking you off the beaten path to a very special volcanic oasis between Persephone’s island and Italy’s main boot. Menus will feature freshly-caught seafood, light pasta dishes with seasonal vegetables, natural and volcanic wines, and exceptional desserts like cannoli and granita!

Chef Linda Sarris has organized this adventure and will be onboard along with a certified sailboat captain here in Italy. Linda will pair wines and keep the cheeky cocktails flowing through the week while she prepares family meals aboard when we are at sea. Please notify us in advance of any food allergies and aversions.

WHAT TO BRING 

Sandals, sneakers, comfortable shoes, water shoes if you have them, bathing suits, beach towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray, layered clothing (sweatshirts, long sleeves, flannels for cool nights and windy days), seasickness pills/patches, casual clothes for sailing days, one or two nicer outfits for dinners out on the islands, flip flops, boots, books/guitars/watercolors.

BOOKING 

Contact THECHEEKYCHEF@gmail.com for booking details. 

We accept cash euros, direct bank transfers, VENMO in $USD according to up-to-date exchange rates, and credit card payments with a 5% processing fee.

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm bookings. Final balance due 2 months before check-in.

— 3 cabins x2 guests available —

cheekycharter_barca.jpeg


PRICING

  • €2850 per cabin (2 guests per cabin)

  • Max 6 guests in double-room accommodations

  • Flights, island excursions, alcohol, and on-shore meals are not included. 

  • Gratuity not included.

  • Check-in/out: Capo d’Orlando

  • Guests will be responsible for their own travel to/from the checkin/out port (by way of Palermo PMO airport)

CONTACT

Linda Sarris | www.lindasarris.com | thecheekychef@gmail.com

ABOUT

Linda Sarris is a private chef from New York City, now working in Palermo. She started her cooking career with an internship at the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School in Sicily right after graduating from The French Culinary Institute. Known best as The Cheeky Chef, she splits her time between cooking for female CEOs in New York and working as a food/travel consultant here in Sicily. Her first book will be published in April 2022.

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MAY 15-22, 2022
May
15
to May 22
events, public, travel program

MAY 15-22, 2022

photo: Katie June Burton for Snack Sicily

photo: Katie June Burton for Snack Sicily

Sicily: A Different Italy

May 15-22, 2022

— SOLD OUT—

PALERMO > REGALEALI > RAGUSA > MODICA > NOTO > ORTIGIA

with Peggy Markel and Linda Sarris

“Strong and elemental, Sicily retains an unconquered character and romantic spirit, and you can taste it in her food. Greek ruins dot the landscape. Arabian eggplants, lemons, saffron and nutmeg thrive in rich volcanic soil. Local artisans hand-make chocolates and cheeses. Sicilian dishes draw on history but abound with independent ideas and innovative interpretations that stand apart from the cuisine of mainland Italy.”

I would like to introduce you to my good friend Chef Linda Sarris who I met at Regaleali some years ago. Her love of Sicily is as deep as mine and her knowledge increases daily by living in Palermo over the Ballarò market. She has an infectious smile, like she might be up to something.

I have invited Linda to join me this time as we coil our way across this dramatic region from Palermo’s rowdy ancient food markets, through the lesser-known entroterra, home to noble wine estates, ending in coastal fishing villages. We’ll make a pilgrimage to Modica for hand-produced chocolates and Noto for the world’s best gelato. We’ll take walks through the countryside, taste wine from famous vineyards, enter private kitchens, gentle olive groves and gardens bursting with flavor. As we cross the island, Sicily reveals her secrets to us.

BOOKING:

Double: $5,683 per person | Single supplement: $995

additional info online

f5c6e260-ee2f-44f6-a89c-b02234702251.jpg

Peggy Markel’s Culinary Adventures

WHO WE ARE

Peggy Markel’s Culinary Adventures delivers personalized, educational, hands-on travel experiences that feed the soul. With a perpetual curiosity and reverence for the rich tapestry created by food and culture, Peggy Markel has designed and directed carefully hand-crafted food and culture trips around the world for 25 years. She is a pioneer not only in culinary travel, but was instrumental in bringing Slow Food to America and championing the farm to table movement as early as 1993.

WHAT WE DO

With each handcrafted experience, Peggy creates a container that allows her guests to relax immediately and drop beneath the surface. Good choices, deep relationships and loyalty have their benefits. It’s like traveling with a friend of a friend: someone you don’t know, but you feel like you do.

All of our trips are food-focused. Each itinerary is designed for immersion. But it’s not all about food. It’s about the art of living. We are the real deal and consider your experience and care paramount. Programs are built on long-term relationships, handpicked properties and carefully crafted itineraries.

IMG_0431.jpg

The Cheeky Chef: Linda Sarris

WHO SHE IS

Linda Sarris was raised in a big Greek-American family with a Chef grandfather and a fisherman Dad. After studying at the French Culinary Institute and working a few stints in restaurant kitchens, Linda took off to sharpen her culinary skills in her own adventurous way - by working on a farm-to-table cooking school and wine estate in Sicily, spending two summers private-cheffing in Tuscany, consulting for restaurants in Romania and Colombia, and traveling for songwriting camps in Italy and France.

WHAT SHE DOES

Linda is a food/wine travel consultant and private chef based in Palermo. From her sun-lit studio kitchen above the 1,000-year-old Ballarò market, she works as a freelance writer and culinary communications consultant; while still traveling regularly for private chef work with clients in the fashion/music industries. Known best as The Cheeky Chef, Linda curates a series of culinary retreats, personalized travel itineraries, private sailing adventures, and chef-led market tours/tastings in Palermo. She is currently writing her first travel book with Hachette Book Group and will be self-publishing an ingredient-focused mini’zine this winter.

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