100% customisable travel idea
Sicily - Palermo - Trapani - Marinella di Selinunte
100% customisable for you
On arrival, a private transfer will take you to your accommodation for four nights in the historic centre of Palermo. One of the many highlights of this exclusive hotel (it only has seven rooms) is its tasteful décor and lush private garden, where you can enjoy breakfast in the shade of citrus trees. This place is characterised by its charm and authenticity, as well as its warm and attentive welcome. Just a hundred metres away is the famous Ballaro food market, the most beautiful and typical in the city. The group can take advantage of this opportunity to whet their appetite with a stroll among the colourful, enticing stalls, which offer a glimpse of the island's historical and cultural heritage, namely the Arabian occupation and its influence on Sicilian food and cuisine.
Beneath its weathered exterior, the Sicilian capital hides many treasures best discovered on foot, with eyes raised and an open heart: timeworn palaces, lofty bell towers, shaded squares… Captivating Palermo only quiets down during the essential siesta - a faithful ambassador of a laid-back lifestyle. On
your agenda: A private guided tour of Palermo. A tour designed for families, combining highlights with fun activities for young travellers. Along your route: the red domes and mosaics of the Arab-Norman monuments classed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites (the Palatine Chapel, the cathedral), the murals in the historic centre and the exotic gardens. Finally, you get to know the pupi,the puppets that play an important role in the island’s culture.
Things to see and do: The catacombs; the collections at Palazzo Abatellis; a stroll along Mondello beach, on the outskirts of the city; a spot of shopping at the markets of Vucciria, Il Capo or Ballaro.
Our suggestion: A trip to Cefalù. 70 kilometres east of Palermo, this fishing port on the Tyrrhenian Sea offers a remarkable combination of seaside charm and cultural opulence. It was once a stronghold of the Norman Kingdom of Sicily, as evidenced by the fortified palace of Osterio Magno and its cathedral, a marvel of Arab-Norman art. Head to the sandy beach to admire the seafront, the row of houses, and the Rocca in the background - an impressive rocky promontory that proudly overlooks the town and completes this picturesque postcard scene. On the way, make sure you stop off in Bagheria, a town near Palermo. Its name may be less evocative, but in the 18th century it was the preferred holiday spot of the Sicilian nobility. Today, visitors can still admire its imposing villas, with their ostentatious luxury, such as Villa Palagonia and Villa Valguarnera, remnants of this illustrious past.
Things to do together - Stroll from the botanical garden to the Foro Italico. On the edge of the Tribunali district, the Botanical Garden offers respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Vines, thorny trunks, black roses, cotton fruits, cacti, freshwater turtles, succulents, and palm trees of all kinds coexist in organised chaos. The site was, in its early days, a medicinal plant laboratory. Today, flowers, trees, and plants from all over the world grow and flourish on nearly 10 hectares. After strolling through the garden, head to the nearby Foro Italico Umberto I. This large esplanade overlooking the sea is a popular place for families and walkers to relax. A few sculptures line the walk, but it is the sea air that draws the locals. On Sundays, bicycles weave between walkers and kites fill the sky.
Optional - Gourmet aperitif and panoramic view over the city rooftops.
Pick up your rental car and take the fast road to Trapani.
On the way, see the Zingaro Nature Reserve, Sicily’s first protected area, which stretches between the villages of San Vito Lo Capo and Scopello. A 7km (4 miles) trail runs along the coastline, revealing stunning coastal views as well as typical local flora and fauna. Other paths branch off from time to time, leading to lovely sheltered coves. The reserve also has several small museums set up in shepherd's huts, delving into the history of Zingaro. In Scopello, why not stretch out on the beautiful Tonnara beach?
Continuing on, spend four nights in the Trapani countryside, at a small family-run agritourism establishment surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The rooms offer all the space and comfort you need. Local ingredients are showcased on the plates. In addition to the lovely outdoor swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers, you'll enjoy the belvedere or panoramic wine bar, the perfect spot for watching the sunset.
A charming coastal town, Trapani offers visitors the chance to enjoy its abundant natural beauty, particularly at Cala Rossa and Cala del Bue Marino, two idyllic coves bathed by turquoise waters. The surrounding area also offers a journey through time, following in the footsteps of the Romans, Arabs, Normans and Angevins, with sites such as the theatre, the temple of Segesta and the archaeological site of
Motya. Optional: family treasure hunt in Trapani.
Not to be missed during the day - cycling on Favignana Island. Nicknamed the farfalla for its butterfly shape, the island of Favignana owes its development to the Florio family, who boosted the local tuna fishing industry. It is easy to explore the rugged coastline by bicycle, for young and old alike.
On the agenda - The salt marshes of Marsala by bicycle. The Stagnone Lagoon Nature Reserve offers a magical, timeless setting. A natural landscape that is evocative and breathtaking for its history, its colours, its scents, the gentle rhythm of the waves rocking the small fishing boats, and the emotions stirred by its white salt marshes with their windmills. On bikes and following a private guide, the group sets off first on a bike path and then on flat trails, soaking up the tranquility and natural charm of their surroundings. With a bit of luck and depending on the season, you may spot pink flamingos, mallards or even grey herons. During the walk, you will reach the Saint Theodore Tower and enjoy a splendid view of the Egadi Islands; you will also sample some local savoury specialities.
Drive to Marinella di Selinunte, where you will stay for two nights, just a few minutes' drive from the archaeological site of Selinunte and the beach. Your retreat embraces the gentle way of life, in one of the island’s most unspoilt corners. In the atmosphere of a traditional, fully renovated Sicilian baglio, local natural materials and modern design complement each other to create warm spaces. Designed to ensure the well-being of its guests, there is a wide range of high-quality facilities: a spa, a fitness area, a restaurant serving local produce, a swimming pool and a terrace overlooking a beautiful olive grove.
The small port of Marinella di Selinunte is just a stone’s throw away from the archaeological site of Selinunte. And what a site! With its temples dedicated to the Greek pantheon, its acropolis, its hills from which the neighbourhoods of an ancient city rise again, and its various sanctuaries, Selinunte is a Mediterranean rarity, both historically and aesthetically. The region is also rich in natural beauty, boasting several beaches and coves. First, there is the main beach, which is easily accessible and offers a remarkable view of the ancient ruins from its fine sandy shore. Nearby, the Foce del Fiume Belice nature reserve is home to wilder beaches with small sandy coves, much appreciated for their tranquility and unspoilt environment.
Optional - A private tour of Selinunte.
Drive to Palermo Airport, return the car, and take a direct flight back.
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
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