Secrets of the West

• Airport transfer and check into lodging in Palermo

• Welcome dinner at a top restaurant

On your first evening in Palermo, you'll be welcomed with a special dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants, celebrated for its take on traditional Sicilian cuisine. This is the perfect place to relax after your travels, savor unforgettable dishes crafted with local ingredients, and toast to the adventures ahead with wonderful Sicilian wines.

• With a tour specialist: Visit the majestic Palazzo Normanni. Explore its stunning mix of architectural styles, including Norman, Arab, and Gothic elements.

• Visit the Palermo Cathedral.

• Visit one of Palermo's oldest and most vibrant street markets.

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, explore the colorful stalls, and sample local street food delicacies such as panelle (chickpea fritters) and arancini (fried rice balls).

• Take a leisurely walk through the picturesque streets of the historic center of Palermo, known as the Quattro Canti. 

• Stop at the Piazza Pretoria, home to the stunning Pretoria Fountain. 

• In Palermo’s historic center, we’ll visit the Monastery of Santa Caterina, a former cloistered convent known for its stunning baroque architecture.

We will see the monastery’s famous bakery, I Segreti del Chiostro, where traditional Sicilian pastries are made using centuries-old convent recipes. Don’t miss their handmade cannoli, filled to order with fresh ricotta and topped with pistachios, orange peel, or chocolate and their beautiful mosaic tiled terrace.

• Take a short orientation walk around Cefalù. Visit the Duomo and admire its Norman design and Byzantine mosaics.

• See the Lavatoio Medievale, a historic communal washhouse. Learn its role in Cefalù’s past.

• Enjoy lunch at a top local restaurant.

• Afternoon: Enjoy some free time to explore Cefalù at your own pace. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, where you'll find plenty of clothing and souvenir shops for browsing. Alternatively, you can opt to spend some relaxing time at the beach

• Visit Monreale renowned for its breathtaking Norman cathedral, adorned with stunning golden mosaics that depict biblical scenes in intricate detail. Perched on a hill overlooking Palermo, it offers visitors both historical grandeur and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

• Have lunch on your own.

• Transfer to Castellammare del Golfo and check into lodging

• Sunset Sicilian tapas/wine pairing and tour of an incredible family owned winery.

Experience a visit to a family-owned winery, where you'll be guided through the rich history and intricate process of winemaking, alongside insights into honey production and olive cultivation for premium olive oil. Following the tour, indulge in a thoughtfully curated sunset dinner and wine pairing in a truly enchanting setting, making for an unforgettable culinary experience.

• Live a day in the life of a true Sicilian farmer.

Spend an unforgettable day with a charming Sicilian farmer, where you'll immerse yourself in the authentic rhythms of farm life. Start by touring his beautiful farm, gathering fresh ingredients straight from the land. Under his guidance, you’ll craft traditional Trapanese pesto from scratch. He will prepare incredible pasta using his wood-fired oven, complemented by a selection of fresh, locally sourced antipastos. For dessert, enjoy the simple pleasure of handpicked fruit from the farm. This intimate experience offers a true taste of Sicily’s rich culinary traditions and its warm, welcoming way of life.

• Free afternoon to explore Castellammare 

• Take a short drive to the famed medieval town of Erice, situated on top of Mount Erice. Explore the narrow, cobblestone streets lined with stone houses and ancient churches.

• Discover the charm of Erice's pastry shops and indulge in some traditional sweets.

Such as cannoli, marzipan fruits, and almond pastries. Don't miss out on trying the famous Genovesi ericine, a local almond-based cake.

• Visit the Duomo of Erice and admire its beautiful Gothic and Norman architecture. Step inside to appreciate the stunning marble works and intricate details.

• Take a leisurely stroll along the city walls of Erice at sunset and the castle at the top offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area and the coastline.

• Lunch and winery visit: We begin by discussing the production of wine and take a leisurely stroll alongside the vineyards.

• Visit the salt flats in Marsala dating back to 1156.

• Morning visit to the Temples and the Greek Theater 

• Free afternoon for shopping and exploring the town 

• Transfer to Palermo airport

• CIAO SICILY!