Flight from Oslo and Gothenburg via Munich to Palermo. A short bus ride takes us to the hotel before checking in at the 4-star NH Palermo Hotel, beautifully located by the sea. Afterwards, we are ready for our first evening in historic Palermo, enjoying the atmosphere, scents, sounds, and vibes that make the city truly unique.
After a tasty breakfast, we have the day to explore Palermo. The city boasts a rich history influenced by a variety of cultures, reflected in its architecture. There is much to discover: lively and authentic street markets like Mercato di Ballarò, churches, museums, or perhaps a chance to visit the beach (though the sea is a bit chilly in April).
Palermo is a melting pot of cultures and styles—from Arab-Norman splendor to Baroque opulence. On our city walk, we will not only admire the facades but also enter some of the beautiful buildings to uncover hidden treasures behind the gates.
We round off the city walk with a group lunch.
The rest of the day is on your own, but the tour leaders can recommend attractions and neighborhoods worth visiting. Mercato delle Pulci in the old town is famous for its antique shops. Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Via Maqueda, and Piazza San Domenico also have many antique and vintage stores for great finds.
(B, L)
After a long and hearty breakfast, we head to Palazzo Cirillo, well-known from SVT’s “Husdrömmar Sicilien.” Marie and her family bought Palazzo Cirillo in 2017, and the renovation of the 300-year-old palace has been ongoing for several years. The adjoining garden, which we will also visit, has become a unique gem after restoration. Here, Marie will tell us about the house and garden while we enjoy a traditional Italian meal.
After visiting Palazzo Cirillo, Marie will join us to Sambuca, where she and Bill bought a 1-euro house. On the way, Marie will share how they approached the purchase and renovation. “One-euro houses” are dilapidated homes sold by Italian authorities for one euro to revive villages. The house in Sambuca is also featured on various TV channels, airing on HBO Max and HBO Max and Discovery+ this fall.
We end the day with a group dinner at a cozy restaurant in Sambuca before returning to Palermo.
(B, L, D)
This morning, Marie will take us to her favorite vintage market - the Sunday market in Palermo. The atmosphere is lively and colorful, a popular spot for locals and tourists who love hunting for unique treasures. Marie has made several purchases for Palazzo Cirillo here over the years and will gladly share her tips. When Marie visits the market, she notices details others might overlook. Sicily gives her energy and ideas - colors, shapes, materials, and stories that find their way into her designs. We will have the chance to buy something to take home, but perhaps even more important is experiencing the market itself, which has over a hundred years of history in this part of the city.
We finish the market visit with a pleasant lunch with Marie.
You will have the rest of the day on your own, and dinner is at your leisure. The tour leaders will suggest cozy restaurants near the hotel.
(B, L)
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Palermo and Sicily. Our bus takes us to the airport, and we head back to Norway and Sweden—richer in experiences, impressions, friendships, and perhaps with some vintage finds in our luggage.
We land in Norway and Sweden in the afternoon.
