Day 1: Arrive Palermo — Arab-Norman Splendor
Arrive Palermo. Afternoon: Palatine Chapel with its Byzantine mosaics and Islamic ceiling, the Cathedral, and Quattro Canti. Evening: street food tour — arancini, panelle, sfincione, and cannoli. Overnight Palermo.
Day 2: Monreale & Palermo’s Markets
Morning: Monreale Cathedral — 6,340m² of golden Byzantine mosaics (the complete Bible narrative in gold) and the Arab-Norman cloister. Afternoon: delve into Palermo’s markets — Ballarò (the most ancient and chaotic), the Capo, and Vucciria. Visit the Teatro Massimo (Italy’s largest opera house) and the Church of San Cataldo (a tiny red-domed Arab-Norman gem). Evening: traditional Palermitan dinner. Overnight Palermo.
Day 3: Cefalù — Medieval Gem on the Sea
Morning drive to Cefalù, one of Italy’s most beautiful towns. Explore the Norman Cathedral (1131) with its stunning Christ Pantocrator mosaic (Byzantine craftsmen, commissioned by Roger II — the same king who built Palermo’s Palatine Chapel). Climb La Rocca for panoramic views of the red-roofed town spilling into the turquoise sea. Afternoon: beach time at Cefalù’s golden sand, followed by a granita at a seaside café. Afternoon drive along the north coast to Catania (via scenic highway through the Nebrodi mountains). Overnight Catania.
Day 4: Taormina & Mount Etna Views
Full day in Taormina. Morning: Greek Theatre — the ancient stage with Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea as the backdrop. Stroll Corso Umberto, past medieval palazzos, ceramic shops, and gelaterie. Visit the Public Gardens (Villa Comunale) for subtropical flora and sea views. Afternoon: swim at Isola Bella (the “Beautiful Island” connected by a sandbar). If time and inclination permit, take a brief Etna excursion to the Silvestri Craters (1,900m) for volcanic landscapes without the full summit climb. Farewell dinner at a terrace restaurant with sunset views. Overnight Catania.
Day 5: Departure
Morning: Catania’s fish market (a riot of Sicilian life) and a final granita with brioche — the quintessential Sicilian breakfast. Transfer to Catania Airport.
