Palermo Culinary & Cultural Experience: Discover Sicily's Hidden Gems

Upon your arrival in Palermo reach the hotel on your own and check-in (transfer from the airport or train station available as an optional extra). After check-in, you’ll have the opportunity to visit two absolute must-sees in the Sicilian capital with this shared guided tour of the Palazzo dei Normanni and its Cappella Palatina (the tour starts at 13.00 hrs). With more than 800 years of history, it’s perfect for culture vultures! Of all the incredible attractions in Palermo, the Palazzo dei Normanni - the Royal Palace of Palermo is one that you can’t miss off your itinerary. Once the seat of the King of Sicily, it is the oldest royal residence in Europe, and you can learn the history of all the dynasties who had their thrones here. Palermo is decorated in history and there are few buildings that offer a window into the past quite as clear as the Palazzo dei Normanni. On the second floor of the Palace, you will find the most fascinating gem of the tour: the Cappella Palatina, one of the most spectacular in all of Italy. The chapel was built in 1140 and gives an insight into the arts, science and philosophy of the dominant Western and Middle Eastern cultures at that time. Admire with your guide the traditional Islamic designs, Byzantine mosaics, and golden decorations in one of the best examples of the Arab-Norman-Byzantine style.Overnight in Palermo.

After breakfast at the hotel, get ready for a cooking class. Thanks to this cooking lesson in a small group, you will have the opportunity to learn some of the recipes of traditional Sicilian cuisine with a professional chef. Start your experience with a visit to a famous market of Palermo, “Mercato del Capo” where you can discover the culinary delights that this city offers. You will be introduced to the flavors of Sicily, learning how to choose and distinguish fresh ingredients that you will use during your cooking class. After the market stop, it will be time to put your apron on and start your cooking class. Your professional chef will teach you how to create some of the typical dishes of the culinary culture of Sicily, in a highly entertaining way which is typical of our cooking classes. During your cooking class you will prepare a 3-course meal and you will end this amazing experience by savoring the dishes that you have prepared with your own hands. Get your recipe digital booklet and be ready to surprise your friends with Sicilian recipes back home!Overnight in Palermo.

After breakfast at the hotel, take a day of your Sicilian adventure to escape the island’s capital on this full-day small group tour from Palermo, with an expert tour escort. The first stop is the medieval hilltop village of Erice. Stroll through the narrow streets and find delightful little courtyards. Look out for the viewpoints where you can spot the Egadi Islands and the city of Trapani. You will feel like travelling through times, surrounded by an ancient kind of beauty. Of course, when in Sicily, it’s always a good time for a snack and in Erice we will have a tasty break by trying a local Sicilian granita. Don’t worry, it won’t be the only tasty moment during the day, as during the next stop there will be time also to savor a typical Sicilian lunch, along with a wine tasting of local blends: during lunch there will also be a chance to try a special type of olive oil, a local product this area is very famous for.  After leaving Erice, you'll carry on along the west coast of Sicily towards Marsala, a town famous for producing sweet wine and also for the fascinating salt mills, the so-called Saline. Passing through this captivating landscape, marvel at salt windmills and basins which are still in use today. The 30km road is one of the most evocative routes in Italy, and if you get out of your vehicle, you'll be able to feel the salt in the air! At the end of this unique and fantastic experience, you will return to Palermo.Overnight in Palermo.

Enjoy your last breakfast in Palermo and if time permits take the last walk to say “arrivederci” to the city or do some shopping. Transfer to the airport or train station is available as an optional extra.