Visit Cefalu, a quaint fishing village where little has changed through the centuries, preserving its typical Sicilian charm and the atmosphere of a traditional fishing port. Syracusians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans have left their traces here. It’s one of the most visited destinations in Sicily and during summer months, the tourist population outnumbers the locals. Though little is known of its origins, the name "Cefalu" may date back from the Greek "Kephaloidion," a word referring to the rock overlooking the town. Your guide will share some of the legends with you. Drive through the main streets of Palermo to reach the highway.

As you travel to Cefalu, the verdant Sicilian countryside unfolds in front of you. Once in the village, visit the Gothic-Norman style Cathedral, founded in 1131 at the request of the Norman kings, and realized by Norman architects and Islamic craftsmen. Stop at the medieval wash house and imagine cool running water and the voices of the women doing the laundry as you walk among these ancient archways. You’ll stop for a taste of some Sicilian specialties at a local gourmet shop. Enjoy free time to take in your activity of choice. There are lots of good restaurants serving the freshest seafood and shops of all sorts around the cathedral and harbor.

Delight in the medieval character of Taormina while strolling its atmospheric streets and admiring landmarks such the Greek theater from the 2nd century. After departing from the pier, you will have a short panoramic tour of Messina. Continuing along the coast to the south, you will approach Taormina, an ancient city that rises almost perpendicularly from the sea. It’s a beautiful setting with an alluring medieval character, as you will discover while navigating its narrow, cobbled streets. As French author Guy de Maupassant wrote of his stay in 1883, “Were a man to pass a single day in Sicily and ask, ‘What must one see?’ I would answer him without hesitation, Taormina.” Among the highlights are the Arabian-influenced Palazzo Corvaja and the ruins of a 2nd-century Greek theater. It sits on a seaside hilltop with a view of Mount Etna that is so inspiring that it can detract from the entertainers that still perform there in the summer. After visiting, you will enjoy free time to wander about the areas that interest you the most. You might take in the views from the fragrant public garden or shop along boutique-lined Corso Umberto. The most popular merchandise includes designer fashions, jewelry and colorful ceramic pine cones, a Sicilian symbol of hospitality.

This tour is an introduction to Sicily’s capital and its attractions combined with a visit to Monreale and its cathedral, said to be one of the most outstanding Norman structures in the world. A panoramic drive through the city of Palermo brings you to the historical center to visit the Doumo (cathedral), with a long and complex history. It was built with the intention to surpass the cathedral of nearby Monreale; although for most visitors, Monreale’s Duomo remains the winner, but still well worth a visit. Its construction began in the 12th century, but has been restored and modified many times through the centuries, giving the structure a mix of styles. The 15th century south porch of Catalan style, with its fine carved wooden doors, is one of its most interesting features. Inside, you’ll find the tombs of many of Sicily’s kings and other members of the royal families.

A drive of about six miles brings you to Monreale, and a ten minute uphill walk to its cathedral. It’s a classic blend of Norman art with Arabic, northern, classic and Byzantine elements. Looking at its exterior you’ll find that it’s pleasant enough, but the magnificent splendor of this temple is found inside. Over 68,000 square feet of rich golden mosaics cover its interior, second only to Hagia Sofia’s in size, but much better preserved. They depict biblical events, with a huge figure of Christ crowning the apse. After visiting the cathedral, enjoy some free time to explore the old town of Monreale on your own.

Start with a brief introductory drive through Messina on your way to enchanting Taormina, a town with medieval character and great charm. Its natural drama is enhanced by the bold backdrop of Mt. Etna. Your walking tour takes you down narrow lanes, passing the Palazzo Corvaia, en route to the impressive Greek Theater. Here you’ll have time to wander at Corso Umberto, with many narrow streets lined with shops. Headed for Mt. Etna, the scenic road winds around the mountain, passing picturesque towns. Continue to Cratere Silvestri, situated over 6,000 feet above sea level. From this vantage point you’ll have stunning views of the Gulf of Catania and surrounding areas. But of course, the major attraction is the crater and the remnants of the awe-inspiring streams of lava. Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant.

One of Sicily’s must-see sites is undoubtedly the Valley of the Temples, along the coastal road on the outskirts of Agrigento. In this impressive archaeological park you find eight well preserved Greek temples, and other remains, built between 510 BC and 430 BC; very much worth the nearly 2 1/2 hour drive. As you approach the site, impressive, ancient ruins perched on the ridge, unfold as one of the most outstanding monuments of Greek art and culture. Founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C., it was one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean. Walk the ancient paths surrounded by olive trees. Visit the Temple of Jupiter (Zeus), which if completed, would have been one of the largest in the ancient world.

From the Tempio dei Dioscuri, only four of its columns stand today. Nearby you’ll find a sacred area dedicated to Demeter and Persephone – the underground gods – as well as two sacrificial altars. Possibly the oldest of all, the Temple of Hercules was built in the ancient Doric style. Eight of its columns have been restored. The Temple of Concord is the largest, most majestic and best-preserved of the Doric temples in Sicily. It has a peristyle of 34 tufa limestone columns, although its’ original stucco facing has disappeared. And last but not least, the impressive Tempio di Hera Lacinia (dedicated to Juno, or her Greek equivalent, Hera) with its partially-preserved colonnade. Its elevation offers an impressive view of the valley.

Sicilian wines are famous and today you’ll visit a winery honoring a century and a half of wine making tradition. Among Sicilian hills, experience and attention for the environment give life to elegant wines with distinct personalities. Your tour begins with a pleasant drive through the Sicilian country with beautiful landscapes.

Arriving at the farm, you’ll learn its interesting history and the process of wine making from vine to bottle. At the end of the tour, you’ll taste some of its product accompanied by a small snack. Afterward, you’ll have some free time to browse in the gift shop.

OVERVIEW

Get a taste of seaside Mondello and browse a centuries-old market where many of the fresh ingredients found in your lunch will be on display. Sun-splashed Mondello, a northern district of Palermo, is known for its lengthy beach but it is also home to a curious attraction – a late 19th-century Chinese palace complete with pagoda roofs. After viewing the exterior of this unexpected landmark, you will browse La Vucciria, an ancient open-air market where every imaginable type of locally sourced food is for sale. Crates of produce, a huge variety pasta, piles of squid and swordfish steaks; it’s all there. With visions of these delicacies still fresh in your mind, you will settle in at a nearby restaurant for a traditional Sicilian lunch. Although the menu changes seasonally, it will likely include the quintessential dish caponata, a pungent sort of ratatouille with eggplant as the main ingredient.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold a rather out-of-place Chinese palace in Mondello, a district north of Palermo.
• Browse the seemingly endless stands in the centuries-old open-air market La Vucciria.
• Enjoy a Sicilian lunch made with locally sourced ingredients, perhaps from La Vucciria.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

After a short sightseeing tour of Messina’s Piazza Duomo, you’ll continue to Savoca, a village where scenic beauty and historical,artistic heritage make it one of the most attractive, although less-known places in the area. At the entrance to the village you’ll make a short stop at ‘Bar Vitelli’(outside visit), which houses a collection of local artisans’ tools and photographs taken when Francis Ford Coppola shot some scenes for the movie 'The Godfather'. Then start a slow walk along the village’s main street which climbs up the hill, featuring several churches dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Along your walk you’ll also see ruins of a Norman castle and magnificent views. Continue to Forza d’Agro, a charming little village overlooking the Arab-Norman Castle of Capo Sant'Alessio and the coastline towards Messina. In 1990, Al Pacino and Sophia Coppola came here when they filmed some scenes for the movie 'The Godfather III'. From the main square, you’ll walk up a lane that leads to the Gothic-Catalan portal in front of the Church of San Agostino and you’ll also see the Baroque Mother Church before driving back to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Explore the extraordinary Arab-style Zisa Castle and other Palermo landmarks as a prelude to a classic Sicilian lunch. Arab-Norman architecture emerged in Sicily in the 12th century, when the Zisa Castle was built. It is such a fine example of this unique style that UNESCO deemed the royal summer residence a World Heritage site. While touring, be sure to notice its distinctive Islamic features such as honeycomb vaulting, pointed archways and a design that ingeniously produces natural air conditioning that still works today. More treasures await you in the city center, especially plazas such as the extravagant Piazza Pretoria. Its monumental fountain and the statues adorning it were created in Florence and shipped to Sicily in the 1570s to symbolize Palermo’s urban rebirth. Even the venue for your lunch has great architectural importance as it is within a former monastery cloister in a lovely park.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse Zisa Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful Islamic elements.
• Stroll through glorious plazas such as the Piazza Pretoria in Palermo’s city center.
• Delight in a classic Sicilian lunch in a restaurant in a former monastery cloister.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Your city drive takes you through the main squares and sites of Messina. Stop at Cristo Re Church’s viewpoint. Continue your sightseeing along the north coast, with views of Ganzirri Lakes, Messina Strait and Capo Peloro.

Before returning to your ship, you’ll stop at Cathedral Square with its astronomical clock tower and have a chance to visit the cathedral and the treasure rooms. Here you can see Golden Manta, of Our Lady of the Letter, among other other historical and artistic works.

The dramatically beautiful medieval hill town of Erice and the archaeological site of Segesta are the highlights of your day. Splendidly situated on a green hillside, the archaeological site of Segesta is dominated by a Doric temple standing in stark isolation. It has stood here for the last 2,400 years, solemn and imposing in a landscape that only serves to underscore the grandeur of the structure itself.

After a stop to visit this site, you’ll continue to Erice. As your guide leads you through the town on foot, discover its charming narrow streets and courtyards. There are two castles that remain in the city - Pepoli Castle, now a hotel, and the Castle of Venus, dating from the Norman period and now in ruins, it was built on top of the ancient temple of Venus. Surrounded by a lush park, the hilltop castles alone are worth a stop in Erice.

Enjoy free time to explore more of Erice’s hidden corners, shop and have lunch on your own. You might want to try the local specialty, couscous with fish, or perhaps sample something from the great pastry shops.

Learn about Palermo and see the sights mostly from the comfort of your motorcoach. Drive to Mount Pellegrino, standing isolated from the mountain chain surrounding Palermo, almost as if protecting the city. Here enjoy a great panoramic photo opportunity of the city at its feet. In Palermo, drive along Via Liberta, considered to be the most important street in the city because of its size, the elegance of its shops and the double row of plane trees which line this majestic way. See the 19th century Teatro Politeama, and Via Ruggero Settimo. Pass Via Maqueda, and the neoclassical Teatro Massimo, Palermo's Opera House, built at the end of the 19th century.

At the intersection of Palermo's four original streets, marvel at Quattro Canti, the Four Corners, where you’ll find four statues in groups of four, symbolizing the seasons, the Spanish Kings, and this city's patron saints. See the magnificent Cathedral, the product of the blending of centuries of Muslim and Christian history and culture, before visiting Foro Italico. Continue on to Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Piazza Marina, surrounded by historic buildings of unquestioned artistic beauty. You’ll make a stop in Piazza Marina to enjoy an ice cream.