Explore Sicily: Exclusive Women's Road Trip Experience

A 2-day WALKING tour of Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, Italy, can be a delightful experience filled with rich history, culture, and delicious cuisine. Here's the itinerary for our two-day visit: **Day 1: Historical Palermo** *Morning:* 1. **Quattro Canti (Piazza Vigliena):** Start your day at the intersection of the city's two main streets. Admire the baroque architecture and the four facades representing the city's historical quarters. 2. **Fontana Pretoria:** Walk to this nearby fountain, also known as the Fountain of Shame. It's a stunning example of Renaissance art. *Lunch:* 3. **Street Food Tour:** Palermo is famous for its street food. Try arancini (fried rice balls), panelle (chickpea fritters), and sfincione (Sicilian pizza). We will head to the Ballarò or Vucciria markets to sample these local treats. *Afternoon:* 4. **Palermo Cathedral:** Visit the iconic cathedral with its mix of architectural styles. Don't miss the royal tombs and the treasury. 5. **Norman Palace (Palazzo dei Normanni) and Palatine Chapel:** Explore the Norman Palace, home to the Sicilian Regional Assembly. The Palatine Chapel inside is a masterpiece of Arab-Norman art. *Dinner:* 6. **Dinner in Kalsa District:** Explore the Kalsa neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife and excellent restaurants. Enjoy a traditional Sicilian dinner at a local trattoria. **Day 2: Art and Relaxation** *Morning:* 1. **Massimo Theater (Teatro Massimo):** We'll begin our day with a visit to the third-largest opera house in Europe. Take a guided tour to appreciate the grandeur of this architectural gem. 2. **Villa Bonanno and Piazza Marina:** Stroll through Villa Bonanno, a public park, and head towards Piazza Marina, surrounded by historic buildings and the mighty Garibaldi Garden. *Afternoon:* 4. **Orto Botanico di Palermo (Botanical Gardens):** Spend a peaceful afternoon in the botanical gardens, featuring a vast collection of plant species from around the world. Dinner at a seafood restaurant This itinerary offers a mix of historical sites, cultural experiences, local cuisine, and some relaxation by the sea.

Cefalù is a charming coastal town in northern Sicily, known for its medieval architecture, beautiful beaches, and stunning landscapes. **Morning:** 1. **Cefalù Cathedral (Duomo di Cefalù):** Start your day by visiting the iconic Cefalù Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the Norman-Arab architecture and the stunning mosaics inside. 2. **La Rocca:** If you're up for a bit of hiking, climb up La Rocca, the rocky promontory that overlooks the town. The hike offers panoramic views of Cefalù and the coastline. For those that are not into hiking you can have a relaxed day at the beach **Afternoon:** 4. **Cefalù Beach:** Spend the afternoon relaxing on Cefalù Beach. The sandy beach is framed by the picturesque town and the rocky promontory, providing a perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon. 5. **Old Town Exploration:** Wander through the narrow streets of Cefalù's Old Town. Explore the charming alleys, visit local shops, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere. **Dinner:** 6. **Dinner at a Traditional Ristorante in the Old Town. **Evening:** 7. **Sunset at the Marina:** Head to the marina for a relaxing evening stroll. Enjoy the sunset over the Tyrrhenian Sea and the picturesque harbor. On the second day in Cefalù, we will explore nearby attractions like the Temple of Diana, the Mandralisca Museum or you can relax at the beach. Cefalù offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and seaside relaxation. Adjust the itinerary based on your preferences and pace.

Taormina is a picturesque town on the east coast of Sicily, known for its stunning views, ancient ruins, and vibrant atmosphere. Here's a suggested itinerary for a day in Taormina: **Morning:** 1. **Teatro Antico di Taormina (Ancient Theatre):** Begin your day by exploring the Ancient Theatre, a well-preserved Greco-Roman amphitheater with panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. 2. **Corso Umberto I:** Stroll along the main street of Taormina, Corso Umberto I. Enjoy the charming atmosphere, shop for souvenirs, and explore the boutiques and cafes. **Lunch:** 3. **Lunch with a View:** Choose a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the sea or Mount Etna. Sicilian cuisine is rich and diverse, so savor local specialties like pasta alla Norma, arancini, or fresh seafood. **Afternoon:** 4. **Giardino Pubblico (Public Gardens):** Take a leisurely walk through the public gardens, filled with lush vegetation, fountains, and sculptures. It's a peaceful oasis offering shade on a warm day. 5. **Palazzo Corvaja:** Visit Palazzo Corvaja, a medieval palace located in the heart of Taormina. The building showcases various architectural styles and houses the Sicilian Museum of Art and Folk Tradition. **Snack Break:** 6. **Granita Break:** Cool off with a traditional Sicilian granita. Try flavors like lemon, almond, or coffee from a local gelateria. **Late Afternoon:** 7. **Isola Bella:** Head to Isola Bella, a small island nature reserve connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. Relax on the pebbly beach or explore the island's flora and fauna. **Dinner:** 8. **Dinner with a Sea View:** Choose a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the sea. Enjoy a romantic dinner with the twinkling lights of the coastline as your backdrop. **Evening:** 9. **Piazza IX Aprile:** Spend your evening in Piazza IX Aprile, known for its vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy an after-dinner drink, people-watch, and soak in the ambiance of Taormina's nightlife. On the second day we will go to Castelmola, a nearby hilltop village and take a cable car to the beaches below Taormina and visit Isola Bella where we will swim and sunbathe for the rest of the day

Sicily’s Val di Noto is littered with stunning Baroque towns, rolling hills, lovely wine country, and some of the best chocolate in the world–in other words. The towns in the Val di Noto are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their incredible Baroque architecture: Ragusa, Modica, Noto and finally, Catania itself. We will sleep in Catania and each day visit 1 baroque town in the morning, spend the afternoon at the beach and finish with dinner in Catania

Packed with ancient ruins, beautiful churches, and a maze of quiet streets, Syracuse (or Siracusa) is second only to Taormina in tourism popularity for Sicily vacations. We will focus primarily on the island of Ortigia (or Ortygia), which is a small island right off the coast of Sicily (and I do mean right off the coast–no ferry necessary) that is essentially Syracuse’s lovely old town.