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Anna Cozzaglio

Founder, Sicily Travel Consultant & Trip Planner

It all started on my first visit to Sicily, almost 20 years ago. As Mt. Etna was erupting, and my newly discovered cousins of all ages were indulging me with fruit from their trees, and their neighbors’ trees, home-made pasta, local olive oil, house wine, traditional pastries and loads of family photos and stories, I discovered the true magic of Sicily.

At the end of another vacation in Sicily, I decided to stay. Acquiring my Italian citizenship and establishing residence in Taormina, I spent the next four years voraciously delving into all things Sicilian. I began teaching a course on the History of Art in Sicily at the Italian Language School Babilonia, enriching my students’ experiences with site visits and personal recommendations. Inspired and guided by a local artist, we spent hours and countless sunsets sculpting Ragusa stone on a terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea. I met Turi at this point, who invited me on food collection and tasting adventures, in the mountains and at sea, in private vineyards and orchards, captivating me with his deep knowledge and fantastic stories. 

Off to New York City when work called, I spent the next few years working with university professors, indulging in the multitude of art opportunities and completed a Master’s in Art History from Christie’s Education. It was here that I decided to create Make It Sicily to provide expert insider knowledge and meticulous planning services for travelers seeking meaningful experiences in Sicily. 

Today, once again in Sicily and partnered with my old friend Turi, we continually research, network, confirm and expand our offerings, while being available on-site to support clients traveling in Sicily. 

We invite you to experience Sicily, precisely tailored to you, through a unique journey we craft together.

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Turi Siligato

My Partner, Sicilian Chef & Consultant

Free diver, fisherman, hunter, forager, dog trainer and classical pianist—Turi is a genuine Sicilian personality, locally sought-after and internationally recognized. He’s a self-taught chef who is deeply passionate about his island, the people, sustainability and above all the highest quality food and hospitality.

A tenacious researcher and promoter of Sicilian excellence, and an early supporter of the Slow Food Foundation in Sicily, Turi personally seeks out and handpicks his products, often directly from the land or sea himself, or from select local farmers, producers and fishermen. He creates human relationships with his suppliers, and their stories become part of every dish he prepares. Simplicity, authenticity and the highest quality are the tools he uses to represent and distinguish the unique flavors of his island. 

Turi opened his first restaurant in Taormina in 2002, and since then he has had the honor to cook for guests who have included—Alice Waters, Faith Willinger, Suzanne Hoffman, Robert Camuto, Kermit Lynch, Michael Chiarello, Piero Selvaggio, Celestino Drago, Michael Mina, Jacques and Claudine Pépin, Susan Sarandon, Princess Victoria of Sweden, Sarah Fergusson Duchess of York, members of the Royal family of Dubai—and many others who have been captivated as much by his culinary craft as the wines he pours and the knowledge he shares.

“Cooking is a bit like playing the piano: the notes are the primary material I use and the harmony is the result of an accord of carefully balanced flavors.”—Turi Siligato

Having sold his restaurant Osteria Nero d’Avola after nearly 20 years, Turi is now in the field researching, gathering and indulging in a variety of culinary projects and activities, including Make It Sicily’s Full-Immersion Sicilian Culinary Experiences!