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Music, Culture, Coastal, Winery & Food Tour with Jorge Luis Pacheco

Music, Coastal, Winery & Food Tour

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Palermo food markets, Teatro Massimo, Quattro Canti, Magical Erice castle and Cefalu, Winery experience & tasting tour, incredible beaches & more 

 

In depth tour highlights:

Discover the enchanting highlights of Western Sicily, starting with the vibrant capital of Palermo. Immerse yourself in the city’s cultural treasures, from the awe-inspiring Palermo Cathedral. Journey to the medieval town of Erice, perched on a mountain, and indulge in its stunning views and delightful almond pastries. Explore the ancient Greek ruins of Segesta, marveling at the well-preserved temples. Experience the charm of Trapani and Marsala, with their coastal beauty and rich history. Western Sicily promises an unforgettable blend of history, natural wonders, and culinary delights.


FEATURED CITIES: Palermo, Erice, Trapani, Marsala, Favignana, Segesta, Cefalù, and Castellammare del Golfo

MORE ABOUT SICILY: 

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, served as a captivating backdrop for the filming of the renowned TV show White Lotus. This extraordinary island is a seamless blend of history, diverse landscapes, and rich culture. Segesta offers an enthralling journey into the past with the awe-inspiring Greek Temple and Theater, while the charming seaside town of Cefalù beckons with its picturesque beach and impressive cathedral. Finally, Palermo, the island’s capital, entices exploration with its vibrant fusion of cultures, architectural marvels, and bustling markets. Sicily guarantees an unforgettable adventure, infused with beauty, culture, and excitement, for all who embark on this remarkable journey.



    Itinerary

    Sample Itinerary-contact us for more itineraries, custom groups welcome!

    Welcome dinner with Jorge Luis Pacheco

    DAY 1 Arrive in Palermo Airport, Western Sicily 

    • Arrive at Palermo Airport
    • Airport transfer included 
    • Welcome dinner with Jorge Luis Pacheco 

    Palermo Sicily western

    DAY 2  Palermo 

    • Visit the majestic Palermo Cathedral (Cattedrale di Palermo). Explore its stunning mix of architectural styles, including Norman, Arab, and Gothic elements. Don’t miss the beautiful mosaics and the royal tombs inside the cathedral.
    • Visit one of Palermo’s oldest and most vibrant street markets. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, explore the colorful stalls, and sample local street food delicacies such as panelle (chickpea fritters) and arancini (fried rice balls).
    • Take a leisurely walk through the picturesque streets of the historic center of Palermo, known as the Quattro Canti. 
    • Stop at the Piazza Pretoria, home to the stunning Pretoria Fountain. 
    • Visit a Palermo music school with Pacheco:  join us for a guided tour of our music school and the Monumental Complex of Santa Maria dello Spasimo alla Kalsa, home to the Foundation and the Brass jazz club, also known as “Ridotto dello Spasimo.” In the summer, the Brass showcases its own orchestral productions here.
    • Experience a show with Jorge Luis Pacheco at the Blue Brass Jazz club where many famous musicians have performed. “Pacheco – Palermo All Star Band ” Pacheco will perform with an all-star band, some legends and some of the best musicians in Palermo and the Island

    DAY 3  Cefalu

    • Short orientation walk around Cefalu. Visit Cefalù Cathedral (Duomo di Cefalù). Admire the stunning Norman architecture and the beautiful Byzantine mosaics inside. 
    • Visit the Lavatoio Medievale, an ancient communal washing area built during the Middle Ages. Admire the architecture and learn about its historical significance in Cefalù’s past.
    • Lunch at a top restaurant

    Afternoon: Enjoy some free time to explore Cefalù at your own pace. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, where you’ll find plenty of clothing and souvenir shops for browsing. Alternatively, you can opt to spend some relaxing time at the beach.

    DAY 4  Palermo-Castellamare del Golfo 

    • Visit Monreale renowned for its breathtaking Norman cathedral, adorned with stunning golden mosaics that depict biblical scenes in intricate detail. Perched on a hill overlooking Palermo, it offers visitors both historical grandeur and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
    • Transfer to Castellammare del Golfo and check into lodging 
    • Free Afternoon to explore the town, marina at Castellammare (lunch on your own)
    • Sunset dinner/wine pairing and tour of an incredible family owned winery  

    Experience a visit to a family-owned winery, where you’ll be guided through the rich history and intricate process of winemaking, alongside insights into honey production and olive cultivation for premium olive oil. Following the tour, indulge in a thoughtfully curated sunset dinner and wine pairing in a truly enchanting setting, making for an unforgettable culinary experience



    DAY 5  Trapani

    • Live a day in the life of a true Sicilian farmer. 

    Spend an unforgettable day with a charming Sicilian farmer, where you’ll immerse yourself in the authentic rhythms of farm life. Start by touring his beautiful farm, gathering fresh ingredients straight from the land. Under his guidance, you’ll craft traditional Trapanese pesto from scratch. He will prepare incredible pasta using his wood-fired oven, complemented by a selection of fresh, locally sourced antipastos. For dessert, enjoy the simple pleasure of handpicked fruit from the farm. This intimate experience offers a true taste of Sicily’s rich culinary traditions and its warm, welcoming way of life

    • Trapani – Private Show with  Vitto Vultaggio – Pacheco’s friend and one of the most important young drummers of the new generation of musicians in Sicily. Vito Vultaggio and Friends & Pacheco Jazz Concert.

    DAY 6  Marsala & Erice 

    • Take a short drive to the famed medieval town of Erice, situated on top of Mount Erice. Explore the narrow, cobblestone streets lined with stone houses and ancient churches.
    • Discover the charm of Erice’s pastry shops and indulge in some traditional sweets, such as cannoli, marzipan fruits, and almond pastries. Don’t miss out on trying the famous Genovesi ericine, a local almond-based cake.
    • Visit the Duomo of Erice and admire its beautiful Gothic and Norman architecture. Step inside to appreciate the stunning marble works and intricate details.
    • Take a leisurely stroll along the city walls of Erice and the castle at the top offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area and the coastline.
    • Lunch and winery visit: We begin by discussing the production of wine, and all its steps. The  aim is to convey the intricate processes involved in each operation on the fields and the barrels.
      • Upon concluding our walk, we indulge in a 5 course tasting session where we pair wines with various gourmet food pairings
    • Visit the salt flats in Marsala dating back to 1156

    DAY 7  Segesta

    • Morning visit to the Temples and the Greek Theater 
    • Light Lunch 
    • Farewell dinner
    • Concert with Jorge Luis Pacheco and the Orquestra Jazz Siciliana. One of the renowned Jazz Orchestras in Europe

    DAY 8  Ciao Sicily!

    • Transfer from Palermo airport

    What’s Included

    Included items in the price of your tour:
    • Roundtrip airport transfers
    • All lunches during the tour as well as dinners listed
    • All local air conditioned ground transportation during the tour and Ferry tickets
    • Pre-trip departure information
    • Superior accommodations
    • Expert CIT tour guides
    • Additional expert guides
    • Coordination of all listed activities on the itinerary and admission to those activities unless otherwise noted including concerts at night
    • Trip includes cities/towns listed on the itinerary
    • Concierge/reservation service for dinners and evening activities

    Not Included:

    • Round trip airfare
    • Dinner and after dinner activities if not listed on the itinerary
    • Tips for tour leaders, local guides, wait staff, and chambermaids
    • Luggage check in costs-please check with your particular airline for allowances

    Single Supplement: Varies depending on accommodations. If you do not see what you are looking for on this tour or any of our other scheduled tours please contact us for a custom tour quote at Gianfranco@culturalislandtravel.com

    Tour Dates & Prices

    Tour Dates:

    May 18-25, 2025

    October 2-9, 2025

    For pricing information, please get in touch with us. The rates vary based on the number of people, dates, and lodging choices.

    We provide B&B, Villa, and Hotel options

    Additionally, we offer discounts for small groups and referrals. If you have specific travel dates in mind, inform us, and we’ll assist in planning your trip. Contact our representative today at Gianfranco@culturalislandtravel.com or call 1-800-494-1945.

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