Odyssey to Western Sicily
A "Slow Travel" experience nurturing all of your senses as you savor authentic Sicily. Slow down, relax, experience Sicily as the Sicilians do.
Sicily has been known since ancient times as the “middle of the Earth”, being at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe. Your peaceful sojourn in this small island’s melting pot of cultures will create a wonderful opportunity to discover a very rich history and nurture yourself. Your Sicilian Odyssey explores Western Sicily, home of many ancient Greek, Norman, and Phoenician sites, as well as a spectacular coastline and old villages rich in their cultural heritage. Imagine peaceful walks along the shores of Western Sicily, discovering a 2000 year old Roman Villa, and savoring fresh food from the outdoor markets.
Sicily embodies an ancient feminine wisdom that embraces compassion, equality, and transformation. You will learn about her through magnificent art and architecture, Greek and Roman mythology, and earlier images of an ancient Goddess culture that emerged from West Africa and Asia. Your odyssey also includes walking ancient paths, exploring some of the best archeological sites of the Greek world, savoring Sicilian cuisine, and experiencing Sicilian hospitality.
Experience the Soul of Sicily
OVERVIEW: Our Sicilian Odyssey will begin in the town of Palermo, exploring the art,
architecture, and amazing local cuisine. We later journey to Trapani, the Egadi Islands, Mozia, Erice and Agrigento. We will explore many of the ancient sites that are embued with layers of myths and history that date back thousands of years.
We are limiting our odyssey to Western Sicily in order to enjoy a slower pace, savor the Sicilian cuisine, take the time to breath, relax, and walk.
Itinerary
Day 1 Palermo, Arrival with introductions over an evening dinner and review of our itinerary. Palermo is surrounded by sea and mountains, offering much to explore in it's rich cultural heritage over the next several days.
Day 2 Palermo, After a leisurely continental breakfast, we will visit the Palermo Archaelogical Museum and later take a trip to the magestic Greek temple of Segesta built in the 5th century BC. Dinner at one of Palermo's excellent restaurants.
Day 3 Palermo, The open air markets of Ballaro are intense and fascinating, filled with a large variety of fresh vegetables, fruit, and seafood. One can also find beautiful scarves, handcrafts and jewelry there. Later, we will travel to Mount Pellegrinao and the Saint Rosalia cave. St Rosalia is the patron saint of Palermo. Wine and cheese later at the Khalesa.
Day 4 Palermo, Explore more of the Arab/Norman capital of Palermo. We will visit the Royal Palace and the Palatine Chapel, Baroque churches and Monreale.
Day 5 Trapani, Lodging willl be at a local agritourism resort for the next 5 days. We will
explore Erice, home to the Greek castle built for the goddess Aphrodite or Venus as the Romans later called her. Erice is a medieval town with narrow cobblestone streets built on Monte San Giuliano with wonderful views of Trapani and the Egadi Islands.
Day 6 Travel to Mozia founded in the 8th century BC by the Phoenicians. Later, we will hike through the beautiful Zingaro Natural Preserve.
Day 7 Explore the Egadi Islands of Favigana and Levanzo. Favigana has beautiful beaches, an ideal spot for a picnic lunch. Levanzo has the Grotta Del Genovese, a cave famous for prehistoric wall paintings, 10,000 BC.
Day 8 Marsala Archaeological Musem and Marzara Del Vallo. Later some wine tasting and a couscous based dinner.
Day 9 Travel to Agrigento, visit the Museum and Greek temples, 600 BC.
Day 10 Experience agritourism as we visit a local vineyard and olive farm. Savor local food and wine. Later, travel back to Palermo for our final night together before departure the next day.
Day 11 Departure back home