Western Sicily, Palermo & the Aeolian Islands

Erice • Segesta • Marsala • Palermo • Cefalù • The Aeolian Islands • Madonie Natural Park • Castelbuono

Explore the little-known cultural legacies and natural beauty of Western Sicily, visiting prehistoric cave dwellings, Greek ruins, bustling Palermo and beachfront Cefalù. Plus, the volcanic Aeolian Island of Lipari, with its captivating waterfront and acclaimed museum and a tasting of the dessert wine, Marsala.

Marsala

Your itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrival in Trapani

Arrive at the airport for your flight to Palermo from where you will be taken to your hotel.

DAY 2 – Erice & Grotta Mangiapane

The first known settlers in Western Sicily were the Elymians, possibly refugees from Troy. Trapani was the port serving their religious centre, Erice, which today is a simply stunning microcosm of the entire island, which we explore on a guided tour. Erice is renowned for its magnificent location, offering amazing views of the fertile valleys below and the rocky headlands stretching out to the sea. There’s time to explore here as you wish before lunch. This afternoon we visit Grotta Mangiapane, which was the site of an unusual archaeological site. Rather than discovering resources to contribute to the Kingdom of Italy, what emerged were the most incredible cave dwellings containing artefacts reputed to be over 20,000 years old. We later return to Trapani with the remainder of the afternoon free to spend as you please. (B) + Included Experience – Guided tour of Erice and visit to Grotta Mangiapane’s cave dwellings

DAY 3 – Segesta & Marsala

This morning we take the short drive to Segesta, an outstanding archaeological site with an impressive hilltop setting.

As a two-centre tour, guests spend the first three nights in our hand-picked hotel in Trapani and the remaining four nights in Cefalù.

FH Crystal Hotel, Trapani HHHH Alberi del Paradiso, Cefalù HHHH

While much of Segesta’s magical history remains unexcavated, its highlights include what is perhaps the world’s best-preserved Greek Doric temple, dating from around 430 BC and almost complete except for its roof, and an amphitheatre offering impressive views over the valley below, which we see on a guided tour. We sample another side of Sicily’s culture this afternoon. In Marsala we learn all about the creation of the delectable fortified wine bearing the town’s name and enjoyed around the world. We’re guests of one of Marsala’s foremost producers and, naturally, after the visit we enjoy a tasting. Another lesser-known product associated with Marsala is sea salt, which has been extracted by evaporation and saltpanning here since Phoenician times. At a fascinating family-run museum, we learn about this ancient craft and the proprietor, whose ancestors have been engaged in the trade for generations, explains this arduous lifestyle and occasionally breaks into traditional songs! (B) + Included Experience – Guided tour of Segesta, learn about salt-panning and a tasting of Marsala

DAY 4 – Palermo

Driving eastwards along the scenic coast to Palermo affords captivating views of the bright blue sea and the mountainous interior. In Sicily’s capital we have a guided tour unlocking the mysteries of its past and revealing what makes this enchanting island ‘tick’. Many of Palermo’s monuments date from before 1861, a time when Sicily was an independent kingdom, and you’ll love the brilliantly decorated churches and

Aeolian Islands

Grotta Mangiapane Palermo

Trapani

Segesta Marsala Cefalù

Castlebuono

SICILY

KEY

Arrive Depart Alberi del Paradiso Hotel

tiny, almost timeless piazzas. During our visit you’ll see the huge Carthaginian foundations, while upstairs is the royal church, Palermo’s undisputed artistic gem, which is covered in some of the finest gold medieval mosaics in existence. (B,D) + Included Experience – Guided tour of Palermo

DAY 5 – Free day in Cefalù

At the base of a huge rocky outcrop called La Rocca is Cefalù’s atmospheric medieval centre with its terracotta roofs and, above, a temple dedicated to the goddess Diana. This morning, after a short orientation walk, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. The jewel in Cefalù’s crown is its fortress-like cathedral, a majestic Norman edifice regarded as the zenith of Sicilian Romanesque architecture. Protected by huge Saracen ramparts, this quaint fishing port is lined by picturesque bars and excellent fish restaurants. A relaxing afternoon on the sandy beach is an irresistible temptation for many. Whatever your choice, you’re assured an idyllic day in this marvellous spot before dinner in the hotel’s restaurant. (B,D)

DAY 6 – The Aeolian Islands

A morning drive takes us along the scenic coast road, then we cruise across to the astonishing Aeolian Islands. First we pass the island of Vulcano and it’s possible to detect a hint of the characteristic aroma of its sulphurous hot springs, before we arrive at Lipari, the largest island. Still surrounded by its 16th-century walls, the town of Lipari has been an important part of this area since Neolithic times.

There's free time to explore the island before returning to our hotel.(B,D) + Included Experience – Cruise the Aeolian Islands and visit Lipari

DAY 7– Madonie Natural Park & Castelbuono

In Cefalù’s lofty hinterland is the Madonie Regional Natural Park, a wild and rugged mountain range, high enough for skiing in winter, with crags and forests that are home to wolves, eagles and wildcats, making it Sicily’s most important natural habitat. After enjoying this unspoiled topography with only the occasional shepherd tending his flocks for company, we visit the

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Your tour includes

• Return flights from a selection of regional airports with hotel transfers • Seven nights in four-star accommodation, inclusive of all local taxes • The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager

(B) Daily Breakfast, (D) 4 Dinners Prices are per person. For departure dates, prices and flights, please call or visit our website.

YOUR EXPERIENCES • 3 guided tours including Erice,

Segesta and Palermo • 4 visits including Grotta Mangiapane cave dwellings, Madonie Regional

Natural Park, Castelbuono and Lipari • Cruise the Aeolian Islands • Enjoy a tasting of Marsala and learn about the ancient craft of salt-panning

stunning hilltop village of Castelbuono. Dominating the village is a 14th-century castle, fascinating for its mélange of Arabic, Germanic and Norman architectural styles. Castelbuono is the perfect place to end your tour of Sicilian secrets, with its super restaurants and a host of food shops offering a range of the island’s specialities. Descending to the coast we catch sight of the glittering Tyrrhenian Sea, heralding our return to delightful Cefalù for a final dinner. (B,D) + Included Experience – Visit to Madonie Natural Park and Castelbuono

Day 8 – Return flight

Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Please note: The use of air-conditioning in hotels in Italy is at the hotel’s discretion and is normally restricted to the summer months (mid-May to mid-September), depending on the temperature. Where hotels feature an outdoor swimming pool, this will be open during the summer months (weather permitting).

Based on 233 reviews