A Luxury Weekend Break in Palermo

Itinerary Highlights

Spend a few days sampling the Sicilian lifestyle, from its majestic landmarks to its culinary delights
Take a private guided tour of two of Palermo’s most impressive cathedrals and admire their intricate architecture
Visit three of the city’s best food markets with a local guide and sample plenty of local Sicilian specialities
Our local Concierge will be on hand to offer must-see and foodie recommendations

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Contact one of our specialists + 44 (0) 20 3958 6120

Teatro Massimo - Palermo - Sicily - Italy

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Palermo is a proud and welcoming Sicilian city, sitting at the crossroads between Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, and subsequently playing host to a pleasing blend of cultures and cuisines. Amid the piazzas and fountains, the city boasts grand architectural accomplishments, including the Norman Palace, the Palatine Chapel with its dazzling Byzantine mosaics and the UNESCO-listed cathedral. Head to the outskirts of the capital and you’ll find the blissful Mondello Beach, popular with Palermo residents on sunny days, while the botanical garden - with its thousands of Mediterranean plants - also offers a tranquil escape from the buzz of the city. Throughout your stay, you'll be able to immerse yourself in Sicily’s culinary traditions; think warm arancini and crispy pane e panelle (chickpea fritters),

followed by flavourful pasta con le sarde. At siesta time, Palermo falls asleep for a few hours before regaining its abundant energy, and revelling until late into the night.

Route

Everything is 100% tailored to you

Begin your Sicilian short break by flying from London to Palermo. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the Sicilian capital. Palermo is an ever-changing cultural melting pot, thanks to centuries of sovereignty by various foreign powers. Today, it boasts a heady blend of Byzantine architecture, Arabesque domes and neoclassical buildings, accompanied by some bustling street markets. You’re free to relax for the rest of your first day; settle into your hotel, wander through the city centre and tuck into your first authentic Italian meal at a restaurant recommended by our local Concierge.

Delve into Palermo’s past today, with guided tours of the city’s cathedrals. Your half-day tour will begin at the Cathedral of Palermo, one of Sicily’s most important architectural monuments, built in 1184 by the Normans. The building has undergone multiple reworkings over time, however its geometric features and intricate arches still reflect the region’s distinctive Arab-Norman design. You’ll then head south-west of the city to visit the similarly impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria Nuova de Monreale, which dates back to 1174 and served as inspiration for Palermo’s cathedral (as they aimed to surpass its architectural grandeur). Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral is renowned for its Byzantine mosaics, made by local artists. Your expert guide will talk you through the history of each landmark and explain their significance for the city, while you admire the magnificent craftsmanship. Again, our local Concierge can recommend the best spots for rounding off the day and getting a taste of local Sicilian cuisine.

Today’s activity is one for the foodies; Palermo plays host to a number of vibrant food markets, full of life and brimming with local produce. The main ones are the Vucciria, Il Capo and Ballaro, and you’ll visit all three during a gourmet market tour, accompanied by a local guide. Along the way, you will have the chance to sample some local specialities, such as arancini, scaccia and cannoli. Once you’ve munched your way through the city, the rest of the day is at your leisure; discover some more of Palermo’s many gems, or wander down to nearby Mondello Beach and lounge on the pristine white sand. Toast to the final night of your Sicilian long weekend with a glass of Marsala, the region’s most well-known wine, and chow down on some pasta alla norma – Sicily’s signature pasta dish.

Your Palermo short break draws to a close today, so you’ll want to make the most of your final hours in Italy by taking one last stroll through the city, perhaps visiting the beach for a bit and, of course, indulging in some more pastries or pasta. After checking out of your hotel, you will be privately transferred to Palermo airport for your flight home.

A la carte

Private tour of Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi

This is where Italian film The Leopard was filmed. Well, the ball scene was filmed here. Film director Luchino Visconti used the ballroom and gallery of mirrors of the Palazzo Valguarnera-Gangi to shoot the definitive scene of the film. The palazzo still astounds visitors today, who come to admire the grand Sicilian style of the 18th century.

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A Rough Idea of Price

Dependent on season, accommodation and activities

The cost for this trip starts from £1,530 per person. The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost varies according to several factors, which include the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote. The average starting price for this trip is £1,875 per person.