Stay Sicily | 5 days | Palermo and its Palaces

Sicily is a destination that thrills all the senses. In the streets of Palermo, the gaze sometimes falls on baroque jewelry, sometimes on marble fountains guarded by nymphs, sirens and satyrs for long centuries. Throughout his discoveries, the visitor is lulled by the singing accent of the Sicilians and the sun which, all year round, caresses the skin and reflects the splendor of the granite facades. As for the taste buds, citrus fruits, olives, vegetables and fish combine in a whirlwind of flavors like only Italy in secret ale Sicily is savored, Sicily is discovered, Sicily – this singular and singing destination – is never forgotten …

Trip price

Take advantage of a reduction of -200€ on your stay in Palermo for the first registrants and thus leave from 4450€ instead of 4650€.
Reduction end date: November 30, 2022

Single room supplement: €670

Program

D 1.: PARIS/ PALERMO

Meeting with your guide Figaro at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport.

11:00 a.m.: Departure on board a regular Transavia flight

1:25 p.m.: Arrival in Palermo

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local French-speaking guide.

Your first day in Palermo will begin with a walk in the so-called Quattro Canti district. Baroque heart of the city, the district is distinguished by its buildings with concave facades and its fountains with allegorical statues evoking the seasons and the passage of time. A detour through Pretoria Square will allow you to discover the majestic fountain that adorns the center. Built in the XVIe century, the one that was long nicknamed the “fountain of shame”, because of the too explicit nudity of the nymphs, sirens, satyrs and white marble humans who decorate it, is today an essential part of the cultural heritage of the city.

Privilege Figaro: A welcome cocktail will be served in a private room of your hotel. It will precede a conference by Jean-Marc Gonin, senior reporter for Figaro Magazine.

Speaker Jean-Marc Gonin F Travels

Dinner at the restaurant.

Night at the Grand Hotel et des Palmes *****.

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D 2.: PALERMO – MONREALE – PALERMO

Your second day will begin with a visit to the Norman Palace, a former Arab fortress from the 9th century, which became a palace in 1072. In 1130, Roger II, founder of the Kingdom of Sicily, decided to transform it into a royal residence. The building therefore became a leading political center and the seat of economic and religious powers. Inside, you will discover the Palatine Chapel. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, it is, along with the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale, one of the finest examples of Arab-Norman architecture.

One of the oldest buildings in Palermo, Palazzo Conte Federico is another example of the stunning marriage of Arabian and Norman styles. Built in the 15th century on remains including a tower dating from the 12th century, the palace bears witness to a long tradition of refinement. Witness its interior decoration, mixing period furniture and paintings by famous artists, painted ceilings from the 15the century, 18th century frescoese century of Vito D’Anna and Gaspare Serenario and various collections of weapons and ceramics.

At the end of the morning, you will visit the Boscogrande villa. Built in 1768, it is one of the most beautiful jewels of the Piana dei Colli, a district of Palermo known for its exceptional residences. Its architectural style is so refined that it was chosen by Luchino Visconti for the setting of certain scenes of the famous film Cheetah, adaptation of the eponymous novel by Giuseppe Tomasi Di Lampedusa. On the outskirts of the villa, a sumptuous Mediterranean garden – with hundred-year-old trees – gives the whole an air of an oasis preserved from the horrors of modernity.

Lunch at Villa Boscogrande.

You will then take the road towards the city of Monreale, located just a few kilometers from Palermo and famous for its cathedral of Arab-Norman architecture.

You will visit the Duomo of Monreale. Founded by William II in the 12th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, this architectural treasure surprises as much as it impresses. The building is a perfect representation of the cultural mix that runs through the veins of Sicily. A great lover of the culture and art of North Africa and the Middle East, William II employed the best Arab, Byzantine and Norman craftsmen to work on this cathedral project. The result is a majestic marriage of Norman and Muslim styles and traditions. Inside you will find a splendid marble floor inlaid with mosaics, as well as Corinthian granite columns that support pointed arches and gilded mosaics depicting biblical scenes of saints, kings and angels. Intoxicating beauty!

Dinner at the restaurant.

Night at the Grand Hotel et des Palmes *****.

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D 3.: PALERMO

This third day in Sicily will begin with a visit to the Capo market, the most famous and liveliest in Palermo. You will enjoy strolling through the aisles of this typical market, between colorful stalls presenting sometimes sun-kissed fruits and vegetables, sometimes freshly caught fish. A pleasant dive into the Sicilian dolce vita…

You will continue with the discovery of the Massimo theatre. Founded in May 1897, it is the largest theater in Italy and the third in Europe. And the stairwell, which you discover as soon as you enter, sets the tone: it is monumental, escorted by two bronze lions and topped by splendid Corinthian columns. The auditorium is not to be outdone… more than 1,300 spectators can take their seats in a luxurious setting: velvet, crystal chandeliers and frescoes serve as the setting for an impressive stage on which the greatest classics of the opera and ballet: Wagnerian works, Figaro, La Traviata

Privilege Figaro: visit behind the scenes of the theatre, an exceptional immersion in the shadows of the preparation of the greatest masterpieces of opera.

Privilege Figaro: Private tour of the gangi palace, authentic 18th century aristocratic palacee century within which some scenes of the mythical film were shot Cheetah by Visconti, with Alain Delon, Burt Lancaster and Claudia Cardinale.

After a lunch at the restaurant, you will take the road towards Mondello, a transformed fishing village, in the XXe century, in an opulent seaside resort. A walk will allow you to admire the Belle Époque Liberty villas for which the site is famous, some of which were designed by renowned architects, such as the Sicilian Ernesto Basile. You can also take advantage of the mild climate to taste one of the specialties of the region: the famous Italian ice cream!

At the end of the day, you will reach Palermo.

Privilege Figaro: Dinner aperitif and private visit of the Tasca villa. A luxurious residence belonging to the illustrious Tasca wine dynasty of Almerita — one of the most important in Italy — Villa Tasca is also one of the city’s most fascinating and secret properties. Crowned heads have flocked there, as well as famous authors and composers, including Guy de Maupassant who praises the beauty of its gardens in his travelogues:

“I felt a desire to see flowers and had myself taken to the Villa Tasca, whose gardens, situated in the middle of a grove of orange trees, are full of admirable tropical plants. »

Guy de Maupassant, Wandering Life 1890

Night at the Grand Hotel et des Palmes *****.

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D 4: PALERMO

In the morning you will visit the Church of the Holy Spirit. Built in 1178, it proudly displays the sober and elegant attributes of Norman churches. Inside, you will discover an imposing wooden crucifix dating from the 15the century. It was on its forecourt that the “Sicilian Vespers” broke out on March 30, 1282, a popular uprising against the feudal domination of Charles of Anjou. The event is best known for being the center of the plot of a Verdi opera.

You will continue your walk towards the Parc de la Favorite, the largest green space in the city, founded in 1799 by Ferdinand III. Do not miss a detour to the astonishing Chinese pavilion, symbol of the fascination of Europeans at the end of the 18th centurye century for oriental culture and architecture.

You will visit the Botanical Garden of Palermo. The shaded paths and the sound of leaves agitated by the gentle sea breeze will set the tone for your afternoon. Do not miss a detour to the charming “Ginnasio”, an Egyptian Doric style pavilion, designed by the French architect Léon Dufourny and housing an interesting collection of herbariums.

Lunch in a restaurant

You will continue with a visit to the Butera Palace, the former princely residence of the Branciforte family, the princes of Butera. Inside, you can see frescoes by Gioacchino Martorana depicting pastoral scenes, as well as works of art from Massimo Valsecchi’s private collection.

Privilege Figaro: Aperitif dinner and private visit of the Alliata Di Villafranca palace. Former residence of the Beccadelli family of Bologna, the palace was acquired in 1640 by Francesco Alliata Di Villafranca. It houses antiques and works of art, including three paintings by Flemish artists Matthias Stom and Anton van Dyck.

Night at the Grand Hotel et des Palmes *****.

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DAY 5: PALERMO/ PARIS

For your last day in Palermo, you will visit Villa Malfitano. Nestled in the heart of a French garden, planted with precious botanical essences from all over the world, the residence is a perfect example of the Liberty architectural style. Its interior decoration alone justifies a visit: the “summer room” has a veranda painted in trompe-l’oeil, while the music room features 15th century tapestries.e century illustrating the Aeneid. A jewel of the Belle Époque, the villa served as a residence for distinguished guests, including King Edward VII in 1907 and George V in 1925.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Abatellis Palace, which today serves as the setting for the Regional Gallery of Sicily. You can admire, in particular, The Virgin of the Annunciation by Antonello da Messina, as well as the fresco of the Triumph of Death, located in the old chapel of the palace and created by an anonymous artist in the middle of the 15the century.

Lunch at the Lanza Tomasi Palace, overlooking the azure waters of the Thyrrhenian Sea.

5:35 p.m.: Departure on board a regular Transavia flight

7:45 p.m.: Arrival in Paris

The price includes

  • Paris/Palermo/Paris air transport on direct Transavia flights in economy class
  • Airport taxes
  • Local taxes and services
  • Transportation and coach transfers
  • Accommodation in a double room in the mentioned hotel
  • Full board from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 5
  • Drinks at lunches and dinners
  • The welcome cocktails mentioned
  • Tips: guides/drivers/hotels
  • Visits/excursions/entries, according to the program
  • French-speaking local guides
  • Carrying luggage
  • A travel diary
  • Health – accident – ​​repatriation – luggage insurance Mutuaide Assistance
  • A support Figaro.

Accommodation

Grand Hotel and Palms ****

Like Palermo, the Grand Hotel and Palms was built on a dialogue between modernity and history. This prestigious establishment welcomes its visitors in a sophisticated atmosphere. The sumptuous hall alone sets the tone for your stay: works of art, high ceilings decorated with frescoes, Liberty windows… Everything has been thought out with taste, luxury and pleasure. The winter garden, a tribute to the Art Nouveau style of the architect Ernesto Basile, is the ideal place to rest after a long day of sightseeing.

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Stay Sicily | 5 days | Palermo and its Palaces


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