On the trail of the author Tomasi di Lampedusa across an unusual Sicily
A journey into a little-known part of Sicily, with a powerful heritage and a great deal of charm Through landscapes and colours suggestive of the atmospheres and locations made famous by the renowned author from Palermo Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa in his book The Leopard. One of the highlights of this extraordinary journey is the town of Santa Margherita del Belice, where the author’s family had their palace, which has since been converted into a Museum dedicated to him.
Immersed in fascinating surroundings, you will be able to experience the local culture, nature and cuisine, tasting local products, wines and olive oil with their unique flavour, the hallmark of a special land.
You will also get an insight into the ancient history of Sicily through the archaeological remains, a sign of the glorious Mediterranean civilizations that first appreciated the great beauty of these places. A tour of the archaeological area of Selinunte will satisfy all lovers of antiquity. But contemporary art lovers too will find much to see in the Lands of the Leopard Princes, with the prestigious collection of the Orestiadi Foundation and the immense work of land art created by the great 20th century artist Alberto Burri commemorating a dramatic event, the Belice Earthquake.
The unspoilt nature of the Risinata Nature Reserve and a mountain bike ride in the Nature around Menfi will round off this eight-day tour of absolute beauty.
Quick overview
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Duration
8 days - 7 nights - Web
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Reservation & Price
Services included:
Stay in HB 7 nights, low season, in a twin/double bed room at the Hotel Admeto
A guided excursion at the Risinata Nature Reserve* (*could be replaced with a nature excursion elsewhere if the trails are impracticable)
Entrance fee to the Acqua Pia spa at Montevago
Guided tour and entrance fee to the archaeological park of Selinunte
Services not included:
Transfer
Entrance fees, unless specified otherwise
Guided tours, unless specified otherwise
Meals, unless specified otherwise
Additional Info
Main futures of sustainability:
The operators involved all adopt sustainable management and slow mobility policies and use local products
Respect for the people and for the cultural and religious values of our territories is fundamental for anyone wishing to discover and experience our itineraries
Suggested periods
- Autumn
- Easter
- Spring
Transportation
Bus, Car
Day 1
Sambuca di Sicilia and Menfi/Selinunte
Duration: Full day
Upon arrival in Palermo a shuttle will take us to our accommodation in Sambuca di Sicilia/Menfi or Selinunte.
Once we have settled in we will have free time at leisure to know the place, and in the evening a welcome dinner awaits us.
Hotel for the night.
Day 2
Santa Margherita del Belice
Duration: Full day
Early in the morning after breakfast we transfer to Santa Margherita del Belice where we will be visiting the Remembrance Museum, which commemorates the tragic events of the 1968 earthquake.
Our tour continues to the Filangieri Palace of Cutò, which houses the Gattopardo Museum, with exhibits relating to the writer Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa and his famous book Il Gattopardo, and we will also visit the beautiful Literary Park.
Lunch will feature tasty local specialities, including the famous couscous.
In the afternoon, we will head to the ruins of the villages destroyed by the earthquake.
Return to the hotel and have dinner.
Day 3
Risinata Nature Reserve
Duration: Full day
After breakfast we start our excursion to the Risinata Nature Reserve, in the midst of nature we would enjoy a picnic lunch.
We return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 4
Sambuca di Sicilia and the Acqua Pia thermal baths
Duration: Full day
After breakfast we transfer to Sambuca di Sicilia, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, to visit the village inside the Al-Zabut Fortress.
In the area, we will have the opportunity to taste a variety of local cheeses, including the renowned Vastedda del Belice our journey continues to the Acqua Pia spa baths in Montevago.
We would have the afternoon free, dinner and then return to the hotel.
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Day 5
Archaeological Park of Selinunte
Duration: Full day
After breakfast, we transfer to Selinunte to visit the explendid Archaeological Park.
After lunch we would go to an ancient masseria where we could visit the estate and the oil mill, and take advantage of a tasting of extra virgin olive oil.
Our next stop will be a winery to visit the cellar and taste the wide range of local wines accompanied by typical products.
Return to the hotel.
Day 6
Menfi and Portopalo
Duration: Full day
Early in the morning and after breakfast, we leave for Menfi where we see a demonstration of the production of the unique ricotta cheese.
A light lunch accompanied by local specialities, we would have time to shop for local food and wine.
Afterwards we would have a guided tour of the Maritime Museum and then have a mountain bike excursion in the cautivorous nature from Menfi to Portopalo.
Return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 7
Gibellina
Duration: Full day
After breakfast we will transfer to Gibellina to visit the town and admire the site-specific modern art works.
Visit the Orestiadi Foundation, and after lunch we will head to the ruins of Gibellina's historic centre to visit the Cretto di Burri land art project.
Return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 8
Piana degli Albanesi
Duration: Full day
After breakfast and check-out we transfer to Piana degli Albanesi to visit the town inhabited by an Albanian community, with its Orthodox churches.
Transfer to the airport.