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Western Sicily's HighlightsCity treasures and tranquil coast Nights: 7
Starting point: Hotel Principe di Villafranca (4*), Palermo. This is an elegant hotel, stylishly decorated with the best of Sicilian furnishings, antiques and embroideries. It's sited close to the heart of the city, so you can readily explore many of Palermo's fascinating streets, squares and historic landmarks on foot. You stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Day 1: Palermo has an extraordinarily chequered three millennia of history. Take time to visit the shimmering gold mosaic interior of Monreale’s cathedral nearby – the most exensive Byzantine mosaic cycle extant in Italy – as well as the brilliant mosaics of the Palatine chapel, closer to hand. Explore the medieval core of the city, or perhaps the Arabic quarter, and for a refreshing contrast, stroll in the charming botanical gardens. When you’re ready for refreshment, savour the enticing aromas and taste of Sicilian cuisine – bright with colourful fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and spices, with distinctive flavours such as wild fennel, mint, saffron and almonds. Accommodation: Hotel Principe di Villafranca, as above. Day 2: Today you pick up your hire car and, after the whirl of the city, you can enjoy the drive to picturesque Scopello on the north-west coast of the island – once home to a busy tuna fishing fleet. These days, the views are of wave-weathered rocks lapped by quiet turquoise-blue waters, while the cliff paths are fragrant with Mediterranean herbs and shrubs. This is your base for the remainder of the week, ideally sited to explore the coast, a range of historic highlights and beautiful countryside. Accommodation: Torre Bennistra (3*), Scopello. This is an attractive hotel perched above the village’s secluded cove. The hotel’s restaurant serves traditional Sicilian food, characterised by fresh fish and unique family recipes. Days 3, 4, 5 & 6: We provide notes on paths from the hotel doorstep, to mix as you like with sightseeing tours by car. All our recommended walks are between 6 and 12 kilometres. Be sure to include at least one walk in the Zingaro Nature Reserve just north of Scopello – a wild stretch of coast where precipitous cliffs swoop down to a series of idyllic white-shingled coves, behind which are mountains that shelter a rich diversity of wildlife. A special highlight is to spot one of the golden or Bonelli’s eagles that nest here. There are various other walks on the slopes of the nearby coastal mountains, offering wonderful views. A little further afield, there is a variety of ancient sites. Don't miss Segesta’s astounding Doric temple – nearly 2,500 years old, yet almost intact – sited amid ravishing scenery, surrounded by sheets of flowers in springtime. From here, you can enjoy the walk to the equally impressive Greek theatre on a neighbouring hill, with unforgettable views over the site. Also within comfortable driving distance of Scopello is the entrancing medieval town of Erice, clinging to a high hill-top. Or you can take a short boat trip (pay locally) out over crystal clear waters to the Egadi Islands from Trapani – as well as offering views back to the coastline from the fresh perspective of the azure sea, the prehistoric cave paintings are well worth a visit. Accommodation: Torre Bennistra, as above. Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system. Similar holidays: Eastern Sicily's Treasures (grades 1 & 2), Citrus Groves & Dramatic Coast (grades 1 & 2), Timeless Northern Extremadura, Andalucia & Southern Extremadura Prices & travel 2007/2008:
Room upgrade: Palermo, junior suite add £25 per person per night |
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Many Mediterranean and North African civilisations have made their mark on this beautiful island, and Sicily embraces them with a spirit entirely its own. This holiday, starting in the island's principal city followed by four days based in a quiet coastal cove, offers a satisfying combination of culture and relaxation. There's chance to explore Palermo and its treasures, time for leisurely walking on coast and countryside pathways, and endless opportunities to sample Sicily’s colourful cuisine and famous wines. Autumn and spring are the perfect times to view Sicily’s shores and ancient sites – free from crowds, warm and golden in autumn, freshly carpeted with flowers in spring – and with the freedom of a hire car, you can wander where you choose.
Palermo's beautiful routes 
