Palermo, Sicily - Mediterranean Cruises

Visit the beautiful medieval town of Cefalù. Enjoy the rustic appeal of this quaint town as its secrets are revealed.

Cefalù is a charming town located on the northern coast of Sicily, half way between Palermo and Capo d’Orlando. Cefalù is a fine example of a medieval town with narrow streets and elaborate architecture surrounding a 12th century Norman Cathedral built in the reign of Roger II. You’ll have time to visit the Cathedral, where you can admire the fine interior and mosaics. This town is best explored on foot, so you’ll leave your coach for a guided walking tour through the labyrinth of streets flanked by colourful shops full of antiques and ceramics.

Take some time out on your own for shopping in Cefalù or discover more of this enchanting town. Alternatively, you may wish to enjoy a frothy cappuccino or ice cream in one of the quaint cafés and do a spot of people watching.

Your tour will begin and end with a scenic drive along the south east coast via the motorway presenting views of the ocean and mountains on each side.

Note: Guests are advised that there will be approximately two hours of walking with some steps and inclines to negotiate. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Coaches are not permitted in the centre of town and guests will be required to walk from the parking area into Cefalù. Whilst in the Cathedral, ladies are requested to cover their shoulders and knees and gentlemen wear long trousers.

Experience a taste for the macabre as you discover the catacombs and the ghoulish spectacle of thousands of mummies.

Your tour begins with an orientation of Palermo. As your coach sweeps through the main thoroughfares, your knowledgeable guide will point out the places of interest.

Something different awaits at the Convent of Cappuccini. Built in 1621, the Convent holds a vast web of eerie subterranean catacombs, which will make your spine tingle.

This unique cemetery holds the bodies of around 8,000 artisocrats, who were buried here from the 16th to 19th centuries. Men women and children were mummified and then hung on the walls in the burial clothing. An incredible sight to behold - but not for the faint hearted!

Back to street level and the light of day, you'll head to the impressive 12th century Zisa Castle. Marvel at the wonderful Arab architecture as your guide brings to life the interesting history of this building, once a summer home of Norman kings.

A short drive brings you close to Quatto Canti (Four Corners), where you'll stroll with your guide to the medieval heart of the city. Visit Martorana Church and think of the gifted craftsmen who designed the glorious vibrant mosaics. Walk through Pretoria Square, with its stunning fountain. Discover why it was dubbed the 'fountain of shame' and stop awhile to see the water gushing from fantastical figures and animal heads.

Note: The majority of this tour is conducted on foot and also includes many steps and cobbles. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Please wear modest attire when visiting the church.

The majestic monument of the Segesta Temple, and the quaint town of Erice, encapsulates the charm and allure of Sicily.

From Palermo, you will travel west to the ancient port of Trapani before venturing inland towards Mount Barbaro, 1,380 feet above sea level, en route to Segesta.

The ancient capital of the Elymians was said be founded by exiles from Troy. Located on rolling hills facing Monte Barbaro, the Segesta Temple survived many attacks, which eventually destroyed the city. Built in fifthth century BC, the Temple boasts 36 Doric columns supporting pediments and entablatures. Take a moment to appreciate the elevated location of this impressive monument and enjoy the commanding views.

Located atop Mount San Giuliano, Erice has ancient origins linked with the goddess of fertility, Venus Erycina. During your walking tour, you will discover the highlights of this charming town with its quaint medieval character, well-preserved city walls, paved streets and stone houses, featuring beautifully decorated wooden doors. You will also enjoy exterior views of the Church of the Virgin Mary, Balio Gardens and Venus Castle.

After your visit to Erice, you’ll be treated to a traditional Sicilian-style luncheon, accompanied by wine and coffee at a local restaurant.

Note: The drive from Palermo to Segesta takes approximately one hour with a further hour-long drive from Segesta to Erice. This tour involves approximately two hours of walking over uneven and inclined surfaces with some steps. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.

 Venture in to the heart of the Sicilian countryside and discover a different Sicily, a Sicily of fields of hills and of wine.

Relax and enjoy breathtaking scenery while you travel inland, surrounded by the gentle hills of the viticultural region en route to CampoFiorito Estate.

Board your typical country truck which is towed by a tractor, for a tour of the vineyards on the estate whilst you absorb the tranquillity of the rural Corleone Valley. This tour allows you to discover the experimental wines such like Petit Verdot, Merlot and Chardonnay.

Afterwards, you will be invited to taste the famous wines and savour the unique aromas and flavours typical of the indigenous Cataratto and Nero d’Avola grapes.

Next, a scenic drive takes you past vineyards and fields of wheat as far as the eye can see.

The Calatrasi Winery was established in 1980 when a team of highly skilled agronomists and wine makers combined the advanced technology and years of wine-making to produce wines which express the aromas and flavours of the Calatrasi Estates.

You’ll visit the winery and their ‘bottaia’ (barrel room) with about 3500 ‘barriques’ (barrels) and then enjoy a typical rustic luncheon. After luncheon, you will have the opportunity to buy wines and other local products, as a reminder of your fascinating day..

Note: This tour involves approximately one hour of walking at the winery, which includes around 30 steps to negotiate. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Euros and major credit cards are accepted for purchases.

Take in the highlights of historic Palermo and its surroundings on this panoramic city tour.

Located on a wide bay beneath the shadow of Mount Pellegrino, Palermo is the jewel in the crown of Sicily. In the 9th century, Palermo was famed for its wealthy courts and universities, and today boasts national treasures, historic monuments and impressive architecture.

Your panoramic drive delivers the sights of the city to you from the comfort of your coach. Travel the main streets of the charming and beautiful old city of Palermo and pass by sights such as Politeama Square; Via Ruggero Settimo; Massimo Opera House, one of the largest opera houses in Europe; Quattro Canti, a fashionable square dating back to the 16th century which divides the city into four; Via Roma, Marina Square, Foro Italico, Palermo Cathedral; Royal Palace; City Hall and much more.

After your city drive, you will head towards Monte Pellegrino, 1,900 feet above sea level, and capture wonderful views over the city and surrounding areas.

Your tour will continue to Mondello, a former fishing village, now an elegant summer resort. Here, you will stop for welcome refreshments at a local hotel.

Note: There is a limited amount of walking is on this tour, however guests must be able to negotiate the steps onto and off the coach. The tour involves some winding roads and is therefore unsuitable for guests with vertigo.

Enjoy the timeless history, culture, cuisine and essence of Sicily.

Leaving Palermo, you will cross through the Belice Valley, before reaching one of the most important Greek colonies in Sicily, Selinunte, where your guided tour will begin. This is a vast archaeological area on the southwest coast, one of the most outstanding in Italy. Founded in the 2nd half of the 7th century B.C. by Greek settlers, it took its name from the Selinos river.

Selinunte reached the height of its splendour in the 5th century BC but unfortunately the area was destroyed by Hannibal in 409 BC.

Following your interesting walk around the acropolis and what remains of the temples, you’ll drive to
the Becchina Estate. Situated in the gentle uplands of southwestern Sicily, it is an ideal location for growing olives.

Begin your visit at the Becchina olive mill and learn about the making of and merits of “Olio Verde”, the luscious extra virgin olive oil. Then, enjoy a delicious light buffet luncheon in tranquil surroundings. Experience locally produced unique whole wheat bread, called ‘pane nero’, drizzled with fresh green and peppery Olio Verde Novello. It’s clear to see why this oil is so highly praised.
Before your return journey, you may wish to purchase local products at the shop.

Note: This tour involves approximately 2½ hours of walking on uneven ground and steps. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Discover the history of Palermo and explore the architectural changes through the ages, before relaxing in present-day Palermo.

Your coach will deliver you to the centre of Palermo, where your guide will accompany you as you walk to the Martorana Church. Built in 1143 by Giorgio d’Antiochia, the Church is dedicated to the Greco-Byzantines rites and is almost entirely covered with mosaics, among the oldest in Sicily.

Afterwards, you’ll re-board your coach and continue to Palermo Cathedral. This magnificent Cathedral is the centrepiece of Palermo and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It also houses the burial chapels of King Fredrick II and King Roger II. You’ll have time to explore and take in the unique architecture, which highlight Norman and Arab influences.

You’ll then take a brief drive to Monreale to visit the Monreale Cathedral, which is considered to be one of the finest examples of Norman Architecture in Sicily. After a guided tour of the Cathedral, you’ll have some free time in Monreale to browse the shops or relax in a café and soak up the Sicilian atmosphere.

Note: The majority of this tour is conducted on foot. There are steps and hills to negotiate at the parking area and within the churches. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Guests are advised to wear modest attire when visiting churches. Order of sights may vary.