RAISE A GLASS TO SICILY

Get a taste of northern Sicily on this full-day excursion from Palermo. Guests will sip fine wine at a well-established estate then soak up the lively atmosphere of the picturesque summer resort of Cefalù.

Meet your private driver at your accommodation and set off for a renowned cantina, housed inside a 12th century abbey, where Benedictine monks produced wine some nine hundred years ago. After many years of decline, the property was purchased by the current owner in 1980 and later converted into a winery, relais and restaurant. The estate is nestled in a wonderful setting, amidst the hills of the Madonie nature park, only seven kilometres from the coast. The clayey soil and unique climate provide the ideal environment for the creation of exquisite wines. Sixty-five hectares of vineyards cultivated with native and international grape varieties of Grillo, Nero d’Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot spread over a hilly terrain, at a height of between two hundred and five hundred meters above sea level, swept by the salty Mediterranean breezes. Here, on a visit to the premises, accompanied by a qualified member of staff, you will learn about wine making techniques and get to know the mission and philosophy of this estate, committed to sustainable, environmentally sound organic farming. A guided wine tasting will allow you to savour the fruits of this delightful corner of Sicily.

After some free time for lunch, which you may choose to spend at the winery, reach Cefalù. Soft sandy beaches, a remarkable artistic heritage, irresistible gastronomic specialities and bright sunshine all contribute to making this town one of Italy’s most alluring seaside destinations. In the shadow of an imposing rocky crag, a cluster of white and honey-hued houses huddles along a headland jutting out towards the Tyrrhenian Sea. Narrow streets wind their way across the historic centre, punctuated with quaint buildings, all manner of shops and excellent restaurants serving the freshest of fish. Your guide will lead you on a leisurely walk through the intricate maze of alleys of the old town, while pointing out Cefalù’s major attractions. Along the way you will get to know the history of the town, from its ancient Greek origins, to the height of its fortunes in the Middle Ages, and on to the present day.

Cefalù’s prized jewel is undoubtedly the UNESCO-listed Duomo, a glorious two-towered cathedral, built at the request of Norman King Roger II in 1131. Its facade, brilliantly fusing Western and Arabic architectural styles, adorns many a postcard but you ought to step inside to take a close look at the church’s most precious treasures. The glinting Byzantine mosaics that decorate the presbytery are among medieval Sicily’s greatest achievements. Gaze up to receive a blessing from Christ Pantocrator who bestows his divine grace from the apse, surrounded by archangels and saints. Worthy of note is also the adjoining cloister. The elaborately-carved capitals that top the columns of the Moorish-styled arches feature intriguing figurative motifs and are each a true masterpiece of sculpture.

Not to be missed on your tour are also the lavatoio, old spring-fed basins entirely carved out of rock where until not long ago generations of women came to wash their clothes and linen, and the Osterio Magno, the remaining portion of a 13th century building believed to have been the residence of King Roger II himself. The splendid views of Cefalù from the pier, where fishing boats bob gently in the limpid waters, are among the lasting impressions you will take away with you.

In the afternoon your private chauffeur will drive you back to Palermo.