Group tour
Sicily: Normans in the South
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Neil Davis
Platinum Travel Consultant
020 7808 6785
020 7808 6785
Tour Highlights
Sicily: Normans in the South
Sicily has been a crossroads of civilisations since ancient times, and no period saw such a rich cultural exchange as the first centuries of Norman rule. Situating you in the heart of Palermo – capital for both Norman kings and Islamic emirs – this tour reveals the island’s unique history, including the Romanesque architecture of the Normans, the legacy of Byzantine artisans, and the enduring Arabic influence on Sicilian cuisine.
Dates and prices
Itinerary
DAY 1: Palermo
Palermo
Arrive in Palermo and transfer to Hotel Piazza Borsa (or similar) for 5 nights. This evening, enjoy a welcome lecture and dinner. (D)
Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
Accommodation:
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa
DAY 2: Palermo
Palermo
Tour the historic heart of Palermo, including the Norman Palace, and the Cathedral with its treasury. Enjoy a light street-food lunch, where you will sample authentic local dishes such as arancini – inspired by the Arabic dish kibbeh and said to have been created for Emperor Federick II. Proceed to St John of the Hermits Church, a 12th-century hybrid of Norman and Arab design. The rest of your day is at leisure. (B, L)
Accommodation:
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa
DAY 3: Monreale
Monreale
Visit the imposing Cathedral of Monreale and its Benedictine cloister, a high point of Norman architecture in Sicily. Return to Palermo and visit the Zisa and Cuba Palaces, both of which display impressive Arab craftsmanship. (B)
Accommodation:
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa
DAY 4: Cefalà Diana
Cefalà Diana
Visit the thermal baths of Cefalà Diana, a rare example of a surviving Arabic hammam in Sicily still filled with warm spring water. Proceed to a local bakery where you can sample traditional Sicilian pastries, several of which have medieval origins. Conclude with a tasting of local liqueurs. The rest of your day is at leisure. (B)
Accommodation:
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa
DAY 5: Palermo & Cefalù
Palermo & Cefalù
This morning, visit Palermo’s 12th-century Church of St Mary of the Admiral, which features impressive Byzantine mosaics. Proceed to Cefalù and its cathedral, commissioned by Roger II who brought artisans from Constantinople to complete the lavish interior. This evening, enjoy a farewell drink with the group. (B, D)
Accommodation:
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa
DAY 6: Fly home
Fly home
Transfer to the airport for your return flight, or begin your tailor-made extension. (B)
Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
DAY 1: Palermo
Palermo
Arrive in Palermo and transfer to Hotel Piazza Borsa (or similar) for 5 nights. This evening, enjoy a welcome lecture and dinner. (D)
Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
Accommodation:
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa
DAY 2: Palermo
Palermo
Tour the historic heart of Palermo, including the Norman Palace, and the Cathedral with its treasury. Enjoy a light street-food lunch, where you will sample authentic local dishes such as arancini – inspired by the Arabic dish kibbeh and said to have been created for Emperor Federick II. Proceed to St John of the Hermits Church, a 12th-century hybrid of Norman and Arab design. The rest of your day is at leisure. (B, L)
Accommodation:
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa
DAY 3: Monreale
Monreale
Visit the imposing Cathedral of Monreale and its Benedictine cloister, a high point of Norman architecture in Sicily. Return to Palermo and visit the Zisa and Cuba Palaces, both of which display impressive Arab craftsmanship. (B)
Accommodation:
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa
DAY 4: Cefalà Diana
Cefalà Diana
Visit the thermal baths of Cefalà Diana, a rare example of a surviving Arabic hammam in Sicily still filled with warm spring water. Proceed to a local bakery where you can sample traditional Sicilian pastries, several of which have medieval origins. Conclude with a tasting of local liqueurs. The rest of your day is at leisure. (B)
Accommodation:
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa
DAY 5: Palermo & Cefalù
Palermo & Cefalù
This morning, visit Palermo’s 12th-century Church of St Mary of the Admiral, which features impressive Byzantine mosaics. Proceed to Cefalù and its cathedral, commissioned by Roger II who brought artisans from Constantinople to complete the lavish interior. This evening, enjoy a farewell drink with the group. (B, D)
Accommodation:
Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa
DAY 6: Fly home
Fly home
Transfer to the airport for your return flight, or begin your tailor-made extension. (B)
Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
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The Cox & Kings signature experiences
- Specialist-led from Days 1 to 6
- Enjoy a street-food experience in Palermo
- Sample Sicilian pastries in the cloister of a historic church
- Sample wine and local produce in the Valley of the Temple
Important information
Private & tailor-made travel
This itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements. So, should you want to spend longer in a particular location, or add another experience or destination, we can make all the arrangements for you. Please contact our travel specialists for guideline prices.
Guaranteed departures
Where a tour date shows ‘Guaranteed departure’, this tour is guaranteed to run.
For all other departure dates, once the minimum number of people booked has been reached, this tour is also guaranteed to run. Our sales consultants will be able to advise how many people are booked for your chosen date at the time of enquiry, giving you the confidence to book safe in the knowledge your tour will go ahead.
Dates and prices
Unless otherwise stated, the tour prices and upgrade supplements are all per person in pound sterling, based on two people sharing a twin/double room. The online price is a guideline price; your final quote may differ due to flight availability, and you may be asked to pay a flight supplement.
Accessibility
Leisurely activity level: Relaxed walking, extra leisure time and short travel days, with occasional uneven terrain requiring good mobility.
Specialist-led tours
Curated and led by specialists in their field, these itineraries are especially suited to lovers of history, art and culture. They often include private visits unavailable to the wider public which are subject to confirmation nearer the time of departure.
What's included
- International flights (and domestic flights if applicable)
- UK departure and overseas airport taxes
- Accommodation & meal basis as described
- Guided sightseeing & entrance fees where applicable
- Services of specialist lecturer from Day 1 to Day 6
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