A Dance with the Locals You arrive in Palermo, a city that is thousands of years old. Everywhere you turn, there is a secret history to uncover. The weather is magnificent and the people are welcoming. You venture to explore the city on foot. The street food is delicious, the bars and taverns are full of wonderful flavours. You lose your sense of time, and suddenly it is past midnight. As you walk back to your hotel, you pass by the Vocceria, an open-air market. The food stands are still open and the spirits flow freely. The beautiful Sicilians are dancing in the street. At first you are a little hesitant, but they gesture you to join them. The music soars in your heart and you experience a pure, unburdened joy.
At the Heart of the Mediterranean Palermo is full of art treasures. The day begins with a tour of the city on a Vespa. When in Sicily, do as the Sicilians do. This mode of transportation allows you to visit many of Palermo’s sights. You discover and “peel” the different layers of architecture and history: from the Phoenician to the Greek, from the Arab to the Norman. After a bountiful meal and a glass or two of Italian bubbly, you visit some of the cities palaces, still owned by the aristocracy. They show you their collections and you learn the history of their families. Among friends, you can visit some of the most beautiful churches and oratories, after hours and at your leisure.
One for the Oenologists The province of Palermo is home to some of Sicily’s best wineries. The wine runs freely and the families that run and own these businesses also host cooking lessons. They welcome you as friend and they share the stories and the secrets of their wines. They cannot hide the passion they feel for they vintage. You are in luck, you arrive just in time for the grape harvest. It is hard work but it makes the day taste all the sweeter.
Valle dei Templi Agrigento on the Southern coast of Sicily, is a favourite tourist destination. The reason? The Valley of Temples is home to the best preserved Greek architecture outside of Greece. You get to choose from a variety of options to explore the site. This time you opt for the mountain bike. It is truly a beautiful sight. The Temple of Juno moves you particularly. Soon, you find yourself pedalling into the countryside. What mysteries inland Sicily hides!
At the Gates of an Old World The Sicanian Mountains north of Agrigento are off the tourists’ path. However, they are full of archaeological sites and natural wonders. On your way to Sant’Angelo Muxaro, an inland village, you stumble across a man they call “The Plant Whisperer”. Despite the headstrong character of the island, many cultivars and varieties unique to Sicily have disappeared. Well, Aldo is a guardian of these treasures. And treasures they truly are… which makes it all the more heartwarming when you discover that he shares freely.
Where the Heart Is The village of Sant’Angelo Muxaro is netted with narrow streets. Everywhere you go, there is something new to allure the senses: the best olives, the best wines, the best cheeses, the best bread. You get invited to a Famiata. Sicilian families gather around the oven to bake bread, eat and share stories. They welcome you as one of them. You knead with your hosts and you laugh together. You feel at home.
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