Culture and food trip in authentic Sicily

AM

• After breakfast we’ll leave the city for the countryside. Natalia will welcome us in the middle of the green, among the hills overlooking the Gulf of Castellammare, to tell us about the history and typical features of the farm where she lives and which she manages with passion together with her Finnish husband Rami. The events of the estate, which has belonged to the family for almost a century, intersect with the human events that Natalia unravels among her private and professional memories
• This small winery is devoted to organic farming and boasts products of various kinds, which safeguard local biodiversity. The farm also manages a wine cellar and a vinegar cellar: we will taste their wines and vinegars, under the guidance of Natalia, and chatting in the evocative courtyard space
• Then we will move to another nearby farm, which dominates the splendid view of Lake Poma from an altitude of about 500 meters (1,640 feet). Another warm Sicilian family will welcome us, lovingly caring for the land and transforming its fruits into delicious preserves and jams. Laura and her parents will have lunch with us, telling us why they decided to transform the family business into a social farm that collaborates with local businesses that deal with young people with social and / or mental disabilities

PM

• After some relaxation, returning to Palermo, we will stop in Capaci, a town known for the massacre of Giovanni Falcone 
• Antonio, a great photographer, involuntarily witnessed the murder of the judge, his wife and the men of his escort: through his words we will have a heartfelt snapshot of that May 23, 1992 that changed Antonio’s life and the history of Italy
• We will discover that Capaci goes beyond that date and it’s more than the place of the attack: a nice town that offers a lot to its inhabitants and tourists, from the sea life to good food to the friendliness of its people
• After the short “secular pilgrimage” (we can do it walking or by car, as you prefer ) to the symbolic Casina no Mafia, Antonio will host us in his “garden of coincidences” explaining the reason for this name, enjoying a nice aperitif
• If you are still hungry, you may experience dinner on your own in one of the many restaurants of Palermo

AM

• After breakfast, we will head to Monreale, just a few kilometers away from Palermo, to visit the majestic Norman Cathedral characterized by its golden mosaics, the cloister of the attached monastery, and the panoramic point offering a breathtaking view of the entire Gulf of Palermo.
• Next, we’ll move on to Cefalù, an ancient fishing village turned into a renowned seaside resort on the western coast of the island.

PM

• After a seafood lunch, a brief visit to the fishing village, where a maze of narrow medieval streets is dominated by the imposing silhouette of the Arab-Norman cathedral.
• Free afternoon for relaxation or shopping.
• In the evening you may experience dinner on your own in one of the many restaurants of Palermo

AM

• After breakfast we say goodbye to Palermo to travel to the province of Trapani, stopping in a Baglio (traditional Sicilian farmhouse). Daniela, even before being an excellent cook, is a perfect hostess: she will welcome us with an aperitif on the terrace to illustrate the history of the estate (which was also chosen as a film set) and then will introduce us to the discovery of the secrets of authentic Sicilian cuisine 
• Together we will prepare lunch based on typical recipes (i.e. homemade pasta, caponata and arancine) enhancing local and seasonal products, appreciating the flavors and aromas of the Sicilian island

PM

• In the afternoon we will visit the archaeological area of Segesta, where the remains of the ancient Elymian-Greek city (a temple and a theater) stand out in the gentle hilly landscape
• Arrival in the enchanting Erice, where we will spend the next 3 nights
• Check in and relax in a historic palace that used to be a convent 
• Short welcome and orientation tour
• In the evening you may experience dinner on your own in one of the typical restaurants of Erice. Obviously your guide will suggest you his favorite places and you could have dinner or aperitivo also in the restaurant of your accommodation

AM

• After a pleasant and fresh awakening in the village of Erice, we will move for an exciting naturalistic trekking experience within the Zingaro Reserve. A coastal path, about 7 km (4.3 miles), which can be easily traveled in no more than two hours*, dotted with broom, thyme, almond trees, ash trees, dwarf palms and carob trees, to fully enjoy the typical Mediterranean landscape overlooking the marine cove
• The uncontaminated nature, the bright colors and the sea breeze will leave us breathless
• We will be able to make stops for a swim or for a bit of relaxation in some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy
• After the walk, we will enjoy a light lunch with the famous Trapanese “pane cunzato” (a sort of stuffed bread) in Scopello

PM

• Returning to Erice, through the panoramic road full of curves and hairpin bends, we will visit the splendid medieval village nestled on top of Monte San Giuliano
• Among the winding and cobbled streets there are many unexpected views of the landscape that the town dominates from above, but also many architectural jewels to admire, including the castle, many churches and palaces
• We will stop at a local pastry shop to taste the typical Erice sweets, whose recipes were created by the nuns in the town’s many cloistered convents
• In the evening you may experience dinner on your own in one of the typical restaurants of Erice

* If you prefer to skip this easy walk (you just need comfortable shoes), you can join us for the general explanation about the Reserve and relax by yourself on the beach or in the nearby and beautiful village of San Vito Lo Capo for some exploration or shopping by yourself

AM

• After breakfast we’ll drive to the fascinating Mazara del Vallo, which contains the most typical features of Mediterranean culture: located less than 200 km (124 miles) from the Tunisian coast, only the sea separates it from Africa, but in every corner you can breathe the multi-ethnic atmosphere of the city
• The labyrinthine Arab-North African layout of the historic center enchants with its maze of alleys and inner courtyards of the buildings, in which to get lost pleasantly. The so-called Kasbah recalls the Islamic medinas, so much so that it is believed to be on the other side of the Mediterranean
• Our Sicilian-Tunisian guide will introduce us to the historical-artistic past but also the multicultural current affairs of Mazara: a middle ground between the African and European coasts, a starting point and landing place for the citizens of the Mediterranean

PM

• After a traditional lunch based on couscous to continue our multicultural day, we’ll enjoy a few free time to “get lost” around the beautiful alleys of Mazara
• Next, we’ll move to admire the landscape of the Saline: the choreographic salt shallow salt pools and windmills, the soft shades of white and pink that paint the reflections of the sea testify the repetition of an ancient extraction technique tested in this area for the first time by the Phoenicians
• We will enjoy this natural spectacle with a farewell aperitif at sunset in Marsala

AM

• After breakfast departure (normally at 09:00 am) for Palermo airport (around 70 minutes driving from your hotel, so make sure to get a late morning or afternoon flight) or your next destination in Sicily if you want to explore more fascinating places of this Island or other Italian regions (don’t hesitate to let us know and we’ll be happy to support you to continue your Sicilian and Italian trip)