Art & History Abroad Tours
The Normans in Sicily Tour
The Normans’ rule in Sicily was one of the wonders of the medieval world. During their brief hegemony from 1072 – 1194, the invaders proved themselves enlightened and appreciative of the island’s former Arab culture. Their legacy can be found in vast cathedrals, castles, abbeys and palaces, which combine Norman, Byzantine and Islamic architecture.
This four-night tour will follow their footprints from the busy streets of Palermo to the picture-postcard town of Cefalu. We shall visit some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the island and enjoy privileged access to the privately owned castle of Caronia and the Abbey of San Filippo di Fragalà.
Among the highlights will be our visit to the Cappella Palatina in the Norman Palace and the cathedrals of Cefalu and Monreale whose gold mosaics rival the splendour of Venice and Ravenna.
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your Expert Guide
Dr Peter Higginson
Peter is a highly respected lecturer specialising in the art and culture of early modern Europe and the modern period. His publications include work on art and society in seventeenth-century Baroque Rome and the patronage of Caravaggio, a particular focus of his research.
He has taught numerous university courses abroad and leads cultural programmes across Europe, including Rome, Venice, Florence, Paris, Madrid and Barcelona. Peter’s enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment have earned consistently strong reviews from Travel Editions travellers, making his tours both scholarly and highly enjoyable.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: To Palermo, Sicily’s Arab-Norman Capital
Fly from London Heathrow to Palermo. Transfer by coach to the Mercure Palermo Centro in the heart of the city for a four night stay.
This afternoon we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with some free time to explore Sicily’s wonderful, historic, alluring and atmospheric capital city. It is the fifth largest city in Italy with a heritage that stretches back some 2,700 years as well as a distinctive cuisine that is one of the finest in Italy if not the world. Spend your free afternoon wandering its labyrinthine streets or take in some of the sights such as the Teatro Massimo, the third largest opera house in Europe (after Paris and Vienna).
This evening there will be a talk from Dr Peter Higginson at the hotel – “The Arts of Mosaics” This evening will be at leisure for you to discover one of the many restaurants in Palermo independently.
Day 2: Palazzo dei Normanni & Cappella Palatina
We begin our visits with the Palazzo dei Normanni, which the Normans transformed from a former Arab foundation, linking the building with arcades and employing Islamic gardeners to lay out the gardens. We shall then visit the Cappella Palatina on the first floor of the palace, which contains spectacular mosaics made by Greek artisans and ceilings carved by Islamic craftsmen.
We will then visit the nearby Cattedrale di Palermo to view the Norman tombs and the altar of Santa Rosalia, a lady in waiting at the Norman court who was later alleged to have saved Palermo from a plague and who became patron saint of the city. After a coffee break, we will visit the Baroque Chapel of the Oratory of St Cita.
After an independent lunch (not included), we will visit the Quattro Canti (four corners) square with its exquisite statuary, the controversial (in the 16th century at least) Fountain of Shame with its nude bodies, before getting into the Church of Saint Catherina, which is a synthesis of Sicilian Baroque, Rococo and Renaissance style.
This evening we will enjoy another talk from Dr Peter Higginson “Sicily: the other Norman Conquest” followed by dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Exclusive Caronia Castle, Fragalà Abbey & Cefalù
This morning we drive along the northern coastline with beautiful views of the Aeolian Islands to Caronia, a town whose spectacular strategic position has led it to be associated with Ducetius, the last 5th century BC Siculi ruler of Sicily from which the island takes its name. Whilst there we have exclusive access to the Norman castle of Caronia, which is now converted to a private residence.
Next, we continue to the little town of Frazzanò to the Abbey of San Filippo di Fragalà, which was founded in 1090 by Queen Adelaide, the wife of Roger I, Count of Sicily. In addition to the monks’ cells, kitchen and dining areas, it has a striking fresco of the Pantocrator, Madonna and saints, which predates similar images in the mosaics at the Cappella Palatina, Cefalu and Monreale.
After the visit, we enjoy a splendid lunch at a local restaurant. We spend the afternoon in Cefalu, visiting the Duomo di Cefalu, built by Roger II, then a walk through the medieval streets to the harbour to see the washing places used by the Arabs.
Free afternoon in this charming town, then return to Palermo for the evening and dinner at leisure.
Day 4: Monreale Mosaics & Norman Palermo
Today we visit the Duomo di Monreale, built by William II the last of the Norman kings, and blazes with more than 6,500 square metres of spectacular mosaics.
Among them is the earliest commemoration of St Thomas Beckett whose murder was at the behest of William’s father-in-law Henry II. Before returning to Palermo we shall visit the Benedictine cloister, whose columns were carved by Arab craftsmen and present a fascinating comparison to the mosaics in the cathedral.
On return to Palermo we will visit two adjacent churches built by admirals to the Norman kings. The Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio contains mosaic portraits of its founder George of Antioch and King Roger II. A remarkable fusion of Byzantine, Norman and Baroque architecture, it contains delicate Fatimid pillars carved with inscriptions from the Koran. In contrast the Chiesa Capitolare di San Cataldo is more austere since its decoration was never finished after the murder of its founder, Maione di Bari in 1160.
After free time for lunch (not included) we shall visit the Galleria Regionale, set in the beautiful 15th century Abatellis Palace. The gallery includes a stunning collection of medieval paintings and sculptures including several works from the Norman period.
This evening we will have a farewell dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Farewell to Palermo
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Sorrento. Relax by the sea, shop for local crafts, or sample more of the region’s delicious cuisine.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“We were fortunate to enjoy a private visit to the castle at Catania, which was absolutely fascinating. The hotel was in an excellent location and breakfasts offered good variety. Overall, the tour was well organised and very enjoyable!”
Mrs C, October 2025
“Palermo proved to be a wonderfully fascinating base, and the whole tour was expertly supported with great attention to detail from the tour manager. A very enjoyable and well-organised holiday.”
Anonymous, October 2025
Availability
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HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Mercure Palermo Centro Hotel
The four-star Mercure Palermo Centro is ideally located in the heart of Palermo, perfect for exploring this atmospheric city. The hotel’s lobby bar offers an area to relax and unwind with a drink after a long day sightseeing. Free wi-fi is available in the public areas of the hotel. Rooms are modern and comfortable with private bathroom facilities, air conditioning, TV, telephone and hairdryer.
Mercure Palermo Centro Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a demanding fitness rating and is designed for travellers who enjoy a more active pace of exploration. While it is not a walking holiday, you should expect busy days with extended periods on your feet and visits where conditions may be more varied. These may include uneven terrain, cobbled streets, archaeological sites, steep paths, steps, stairs, limited handrails or fewer opportunities to sit and rest.
A good level of fitness and mobility will help you enjoy the full experience of the itinerary. Please read the day-by-day itinerary carefully, as we highlight specific practical details wherever possible. This may include notes about ground conditions, stairs, walking distances, coach access or sites where lifts are not available.
If you have any questions about whether this tour is suitable for you, please contact our team before booking. We are always happy to talk through the itinerary and help you make the right choice.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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