SLOW LIFE AND A BLESSING

From the azure waters of the island’s popular summer resort, to the deep green slopes of the Madonie mountains, the marvellous scenery of northern Sicily cannot fail to enchant you.

Meet your private guide and driver at your accommodation and relax on the ride to the lively fishing village of 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.

After some free time for lunch rejoin your driver and set off for Castelbuono, a sleepy town surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Madonie nature reserve. Castelbuono owes much of its present appearance to the Ventimiglias, a noble family who ruled here between the 14th and 17th centuries and whose castle still dominates the skyline. Inside you will admire the Palatine Chapel richly ornamented with wonderful stuccoes by Baroque artists Giuseppe and Giacomo Serpotta. Locked away in a fine silver urn, in a niche above the altar, is the much venerated relic of St. Anne’s skull.

From here a pleasant stroll through the historic centre, oozing old-world charm and character, will allow you to gain a feel for the gentle pace of everyday life in an authentic Sicilian village. You might well hear the afternoon chatter of housewives as they sit together outside their front doors; breathe in the delectable aroma of home cooking that wafts through the air; spot lazy cats napping in the sun; watch the townsmen making their way to the barbershop for their ritual appointment or gather at the bar for a game of cards. Along the way your guide will point out the town’s favourite sights, including the Romanesque-Gothic Church of Matrice Vecchia and the 15th century Fountain of Venus Ciprea.

To get a true taste of Castelbuono don’t forget to pay a visit to Fiasconaro, a much acclaimed confectionery shop which has been treating Sicilians to the most delicious of pastries for seventy years.

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