Day 1:
A guided tour of Palermo: explore museums, magnificent basilicas, and indulge in the finest Sicilian sweets. In the evening, enjoy a concert by Max Beitan and guest musicians, followed by a dinner with Duchess Nicoletta Polo Lanza Tomasi at the Palazzo Lanza Tomasi.
Day 2:
Exclusive cooking class with the Duchess di Palma, featuring traditional Sicilian recipes and local ingredients: start the day with a visit to the local market, followed by a hands-on cooking session and a delightful lunch at the palace. In the late evening, dive into Palermo’s lively nightlife with a leisurely stroll through its bustling streets, stopping at some of the city’s top pizzerias and vibrant bars.
Day 3:
Enjoy a private, exclusive visit to the legendary Palazzo Gangi, renowned for its opulent Rococo interiors and cinematic history as the setting of Il Gattopardo. In the evening, attend a concert by Max Beitan and guest musicians, followed by a candlelit dinner at Palazzo Raffadali, hosted by Princess Stefania di Raffadali.
The Flavor of Sicily with a Touch of Ducal Charm
In the historic heart of Palermo, behind the gates of a noble palace, a unique journey into flavor, culture, and history awaits. We will be welcomed by the Duchess of Palma, Nicoletta Polo Lanza Tomasi, the guardian of the traditions of a great family whose name was forever etched into Italian history through Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s timeless novel, The Leopard.
A Day Cooking with the Duchess
Take part in an exclusive cooking class led by the Duchess of Palma herself. Hosted in her historic Palermo residence, this extraordinary experience has been ranked among the top five cooking classes in the world by Forbes. It offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the art of authentic Sicilian cuisine, all while exploring the timeless traditions of aristocracy—guided by a true custodian of family heritage and culinary mastery.
Our experience culminates in a shared lunch at a table beautifully set in the timeless spirit of Sicilian tradition. We will savor the dishes we’ve prepared together, accompanied by a thoughtfully curated wine pairing from the renowned PLANETA winery. Each wine is hand-selected to complement the meal’s flavors, offering an authentic taste of Sicily’s rich winemaking heritage. As we dine, the Duchess will enchant us with stories from her family’s history, cultural traditions, and treasured secrets passed down through generations.
Exploring the Soul of Palermo
As part of the tour, indulge in a guided walking journey through the heart of Palermo. Meander through its winding alleyways, imbued with the tantalizing aroma of street food, marvel at majestic cathedrals and the splendor of Arab-Norman architecture, and experience the vibrant history etched into every stone. We’ll explore exquisite Baroque churches and make delightful stops at celebrated pastry shops to sample the finest Sicilian delicacies.
Palace Dinners
Each day will culminate in an exquisite dinner within the grandeur of historic palaces, enhanced by live music, candlelight, and an ambiance of true aristocratic elegance. These enchanting evenings will be crowned by a performance from the world-renowned cellist Max Beitan. He will present a specially composed program for this tour, accompanied by piano, harp, and second cello, weaving a rich, intimate, and profoundly moving musical tapestry.
On the first day, you will enjoy an exquisite dinner and concert at Palazzo Lanza in the company of the Duchess of Palma. On the third day, the program’s highlight will be an elegant dinner and concert at the Raffadali Palace, where you will be joined by Princess Stefania di Raffadali, a distinguished member of an ancient Sicilian dynasty. The evening, aglow with candlelight, will feature exceptional cuisine, aromatic wines, and warm, engaging conversation within interiors steeped in history. Surrounded by aristocratic society, this experience is a true symphony of Sicily that will remain in your heart forever.