On the trail of the Normans - Palermo and Cefalu

Day 1 - Day of arrival

On arrival at Palermo airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Palermo.

This stylish, chic hotel is located in the heart of Palermo, close to a main shopping street ‘Viale della Libertà and within a few minutes’ walk of a good selection of restaurants and bars.

Overnight at the Principe di Villafranca Hotel.

Principe di Villafranca Hotel, Palermo

Day 2 - Day at leisure

Opportunity to explore the capital and visit the stunning Cappella Palatina, the royal chapel in the huge Palazzo dei Normanni, with its dazzling mosaics and stalactitic Arab ceiling. The palace was built by the Saracens in the 9th century and extended in the 11th century by the Normans who transformed the original fortress into a splendid palace. This example of Norman art was founded by Roger II in 1130 and consecrated in 1140. Other highlights include: Piazza Pretoria, bordered with imposing churches and buildings and dominated by its fountain; Piazza Bellini and the chapel of San Cataldo with its mosaic flooring; the bustling markets of Ballarò, Vucciria and Capo – the city’s liveliest daily markets; Teatro Massimo, one of the grandest opera houses in Europe – used as a film location in the Godfather III series; the gardens of Villa Giulia; and the fascinating Catacombs located beneath a capuchin monastery.

Overnight at the Principe di Villafranca Hotel.

Palermo

Day 3 - Monreale

Head towards Monreale, located 8km outside Palermo, on the spur of a hill dominating the Oreto Valley and the Conca d'Oro. The main feature of this Baroque town is its Cathedral, an outstanding architectural achievement of Arabic, Byzantine and Romanesque styles. The Cathedral of Monreale, built on a huge scale, was founded in 1174 by William II, the last of the great Norman kings and its walls are lined with golden mosaics. Simply stunning!

Overnight at the Principe di Villafranca Hotel.

Monreal Cathedral

Day 4 - Cefalu

Self-transfer to Palermo train station to catch your train to Cefalu` (1-hour journey). Self-transfer on arrival to your hotel.

Overnight at the Alberi del Paradiso Hotel.

Alberi del Paradiso Hotel, Cefalu

Day 5 - Day at leisure

Time to explore the coastal town of Cefalu`. A fishing port and popular seaside resort, the main square is dominated by its twin-towered Norman Cathedral inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Built in 1131 on the wishes of Roger II, the cathedral holds one of the most sublime representations of Christ.

Overnight at the Alberi del Paradiso Hotel.

Cefalu

Day 6 - Day at leisure

Spend the day at the beach – a long sandy shore, one of the best in Sicily.

Overnight at the Alberi del Paradiso Hotel.

Cefalu

Day 7 - Day at leisure

Walk down to the harbour and take the boat (1-hour) to the lovely island of Ústica. This tiny island, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is actually the tip of a submerged volcano. Its shoreline is littered with dramatic grottoes and the surrounding waters, a protected marine area, are kept clean by an Atlantic current and are thus brimming with fish and coral.

Overnight at the Alberi del Paradiso Hotel.

Cefalu

Day 8 - Day of Departure

Transfer back to the Palermo airport for your return flight to UK.