Day 1 Sept 8, Palermo

Welcome to Palermo, Sicily! Palermo is a fascinating, diverse and vibrant city, the capital of Sicilian culture, cuisine, architecture, history and the center of Sicilian government. The Capo, Vucciria and Ballaro outdoor markets are probably much as they were in the middle ages, filled with an abundance of many types of produce and seafood. The gentle chaos of the city unfolds into side streets that are wonderful to wander in.

Day 2 Sept 9, Palermo

Palermo has a history of succssfully supporting many different cultures and spiritual beliefs. Even today, it receives many refuges fleeing oppressive conditions. The street art reflects this history. It has a wonderful archeological museum with ancient pots and sculptures from the time the Phoenicians settled in Sicily.

We will take a walking tour of the cultural highlights of Palermo, including some of the lovely baroque churches. Experience the beauty of Palermo Cathedral, built in 1184 on top of a Muslim mosque. View the impressive Teatro Massimo, third largest opera house in Italy. Explore the mythological sculptures at the Piazza Pretoria Fountain

Day 3 Sept 10, Palermo

In the morning, we will travel a short distance to the town of Monreale and later Mt Pelegrino. Monreale is the site of the Monreale Cathedral, a magnificent example of Norman Romanesque architecture and Byzantine craftmenship, built in 1174.

Later, you will will learn about the street food of Sicily. Sicily is a foodie paradise, greatly influenced by the many qonquering cultures that have impacted it. Enjoy pannelle, a fried chickpea fritter. Chickpeas were brought to Sicily in the 9th-11th century, along with many other fruits, vegetables and spices. Savor the arancini, deep-fried balls of rice stuffed with cheese and other savory fillings.

Day 4 Sept 11, Palermo

Day trip to Cefalu via train, a scenic 1 hour journey with views of the sea and mountains. Cefalu has sandy beaches, medieval streets with wonderful restaurants and the 12th century Cefalu Cathedral with Byzantine mosaics. You can choose to hike in the Rocca Archeological Park, a mountain with a Norman castle at the top as well as the ruins Temple of Diana/Artemis, the goddess of the moon and the hunt.

If you choose not to hike, one of your guides will walk you through the cobblestone streets with many unique shops to explore.

Day 5 Sept 12, Palermo

Participating in a Sicilian cooking class is one of the highlights of any quality time spent in Sicily. Slow travel emerged out of the Italian movement of slow food. Learn about the importanance of fresh, seasonal ingredients for a multi-course Sicilian meal. You will visit the local markets as the chef looks for local, fresh ingredients.

Day 6 Sept 13, Favignana

We leave Palermo for the island of Favignana, driving (1 hr) to Trapani and then ferrying (30 minutes) to Favignana. On the way, we will visit the medieval hilltop village of Erice with magnificent views of the coast and site of the Castle of Venus built by the Normans on top of the ancient Greek temple of Venus.

Favignana is part of the 3 lovely Egadi Islands off the northwest coast of Sicily. Favignana is the place to slow down, enjoy the beaches and the crystal clear aquamarine sea.

Day 7 Sept 14, Favignana-Egadi Islands

Favignana town has a simple, welcoming charm. The day can be a leisurely one, discovering the beaches of Cala Azzurra and Cala Rossa, some of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Bikes can be rented at the dock and from there you can easily explore the island, stopping along the way at a restaurant for deliciously prepared seafood .

Day 8 Sept 15, Favignana-Egadi Islands

We will take a tour of the former Florio Tuna Factory built in 1859, now a fascinating museum, which at one time employed much of the town until WW II. The 19th century factory overlooks the port with panoramic views of the sea. Vincenzo Florio Sr (1799–1886), a well known businessman in Palermo and Marsala, invented a way of steam-cooking and preserving canned tuna that revolutionised the fish-packing industry.

Day 9 Sept 16, Favignana-Egadi Islands

The Egadi islands have an abundance of wildlife and natural resources. Levanzo is the smallest of the islands and is home to Grotta del Genovese where you will see the work of a Neolithic people who sketched images of the wildlife on the walls dating back 12,000 years. There is also an image in red colors that depicts the mother goddess. Only a few people at a time are allowed into the cave that was a sacred space for these ancient people.

Day 10 Sept 17, Favignana-Egadi Islands

In addition to fishing, the people of Favignana did limestone quarrying long ago, with many buildings in Sicily being constructed with it. The abandoned quarries have since been converted into beautiful gardens and orchards with oranges, lemons, olives,almonds and many types of flowers. Our guided walk through the Garden of the Impossible will take us to the unusual structures, caves and magical botanical gardens with over 200 plants.

Day 11 Sept 18, Mondello

On our journey back to Mondello, a village near the airport, we will stop in the ancient village of Segesta, once the home of the indigenous Elymians of Sicily. The well-preserved Doric temple and amphetheatre were constructed in 420 BC.

Mondello is a lovely seaside town with a beautiful white sand beach. There are numerous restaurants to enjoy your final night in Sicily.

Day 12 Sept 19, Departure

"Jah sun" shines much of the time in Sicily. If you want to stay a little longer, please let us know and we can arrange it. Enjoy the recipes from the cooking class that you are taking home. We hope to see you again!