Meet your guide and drive by coach along the main streets of Palermo to reach the highway. As you travel to Cefalu, enjoy sweeping vistas of the verdant Sicilian countryside. Upon arrival, visit the Gothic-Norman style Cathedral, founded in 1131 at the behest of the Norman kings, and realized by Norman architects and Islamic craftsmen.

Proceed to the medieval Wash House, called "u ciumi" or "river," by former inhabitants. Imagine cool running water and the murmur of wash women as you walk among these ancient archways. A picturesque flight of steps in lava-stone leads to a cavernous washing palace where water was supplied from openings in three walls. Afterwards enjoy some free time before boarding the coach for the return drive to the ship.

Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 0.45 mile over paved and cobblestone surfaces with steps. Walking during the free time (approximately 1 hour) is at the guests' discretion. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Respectful attire that covers shoulders and knees should be worn in order to enter the cathedral. Time permitting; guests will have approximately 1 hour (during scheduled free time) for browsing and souvenir shopping at the Cefalu Centre.

Continue on to admire Palazzo Reale, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and Piazza Marina, surrounded by historic edifices of unquestioned artistic beauty. At the intersection of Palermo's four original streets, marvel at Quattro Canti, the Four Corners, where you will find statues symbolizing the four seasons, the Spanish Kings, the city's patron saints.

Visit the Catacombs of the Cappuccini, and view the mummified remains of 8,000 monks, nobles and commoners regaled in dress dated as early as the 16th century. Then tour Zisa Castle, a wonderful example of Arab architecture. Pass through ancient portals and stroll halls once inhabited by royalty as you learn of the hunting life of Norman Kings.

Afterwards, continue by coach along the main streets of Palermo to the Kalsa, the Arab district. There, see the Spasimo Church, built in 1509 and later transformed into a theatre. During the plague of 1624 it found use as a "lazzaretto," a refuge for lepers. Once forgotten, Spasimo has been rediscovered and has evolved into a center for cultural and musical performances.

Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over uneven and cobblestone surfaces with 85 to 100 steps. Most of the stairs will be at Zisa Castle. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Respectful attire that covers shoulders and knees should be worn in order to enter the church. Time permitting; guests will have a few minutes for souvenir shopping at each venue. Tour order may vary between groups in order to avoid congestion or traffic but always covering the mentioned sites.

Return to Palermo and pass along via Liberta, considered to be the most important street in the city because of its size, the elegance of its shops and the double row of plane trees which line this majestic way. See also the 19th century Teatro Politeama, and via Ruggero Settimo, also known as the salon of Palermo. Pass via Maqueda, and the neoclassical Teatro Massimo, Palermo's Opera House, built at the end of the 19th century. At the intersection of Palermo's four original streets, marvel at Quattro Canti, the Four Corners, where you will find four statues in groups of four symbolizing the seasons, the Spanish Kings, and this city's patron saints. Then see the magnificent Cathedral, the product of the blending of centuries of Muslim and Christian history and culture, before visiting Foro Italico. Continue on to Palazzo Reale, Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Piazza Marina, surrounded by historic edifices of unquestioned artistic beauty. Conclude at Palermo's seaside resort of Mondello, a former fishing village which has blossomed into elegance with beautiful villas and charming houses.

Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 0.65 mile over paved and cobblestone surfaces with up to 60 steps at the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalla. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Respectful attire that covers shoulders and knees should be worn in order to enter the Sanctuary. Time permitting; guests will have approximately 30 minutes for browsing and souvenir shopping. Tour order may vary between groups but always covering the mentioned sites.

Pass Alcamo, a town famous for its wines, and whose monuments of Arab origin grace the top of Mount Bonifato. Continue to Segesta, located in the northwestern part of Sicily in the province of Trapani. According to tradition in Virgil's Aeneid, Segesta was founded jointly by King Acestes and by the followers of Aeneas. It was one of the major cities of the Elymian people, however little is known about the city under the Roman rule. The city was finally destroyed by the Vandals and never resettled. The ruins of the city are located on the top of Mount Barbaro. The Temple, built by the Dorics in the late 5th century BC, stands on a hilltop just outside the ancient city of Segesta and dominates the view. View the golden patina of the marbled steps leading to the 36 column peristilium of divine simplicity and magnificence.

After visiting inside the Temple a short drive will take you to Trapani for a brief transfer by cable to Erice. Surrounded by cyclopean walls and housing more than 60 churches, Erice has fully maintained the fascinating atmosphere of an old medieval village, with its characteristic arts and crafts. It is a dynamic center which dominates the western tip of Sicily, offering beautiful panoramic views of Trapani, the Egadi Islands and the island of Pantelleria. A brief stroll includes an inside visit to the Chiesa Madre among the other hidden treasures of this little village. Then be introduced to one of the most appreciated "pasticcerias" of Sicily and have a taste of authentic marzipan. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant before your return to the ship in Palermo.

Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1.75 miles over uneven rocky terrain, steep inclines and 35 to 60 steps. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Time permitting; guests will have approximately 30 minutes for browsing and shopping in Erice. The drive from the pier to the Segesta Temple is approximately 1.25 hours and the return drive to the pier is approximately 1.75 hours, dependent upon traffic conditions. Tour order may vary between groups but always covering the mentioned sites.

Upon arrival in Selinunte, begin your walking tour of the Archaeological Park. Founded by Megera Hyblaea in 628 BC, Selinunte reached the height of its development in the fifth century BC as evidenced by the presence of its magnificent monuments. It was completely destroyed by Hannibal in 409 BC. Stroll through the Acropolis and along paths which traverse the ancient temples. Then, take a short drive to Marinella di Selinunte. At Lido Zabbara you will have free time for a swim, sunbathing or to stroll along the sandy shores. Savor a buffet of Sicilian specialties before departing Selinunte. A short stop will be made at a local winery to taste some typical Sicilian wines.

Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 0.45 mile over uneven and cobblestone surfaces with 40 to 60 steps. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please take a towel from the ship and wear your bathing suit and plenty of sunscreen if you plan on swimming. Changing facilities are not available during the course of the tour. Swimming is at the guests' on risk since no lifeguards are on duty. Time permitting; guests will have approximately 15 minutes for browsing and souvenir shopping in Marinella.

Continue on to admire Palazzo Reale, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and Piazza Marina, surrounded by historic edifices of unquestioned artistic beauty. Your first stop is Piazza Bologni (overlooked by the statue of Charles V), followed by a short walk to Quattro Canti, the Four Corners, where you will find statues in groups of four symbolizing the seasons, the Spanish Kings and, at the highest level, this city's patron saints. See the City Hall square and visit the Arab-Norman styled Martorana Church, where you will view beautiful gold and colored mosaics decorating the walls and altar area.

Visit the 12th century Cathedral, world-famous for its architecture. A tangible result of the blending of centuries of Muslim and Christian history and culture, it is truly one of the most significant monuments of Sicilian history. First a Roman temple, this impressive structure evolved into a mosque which was then transformed into a Christian church. After nearly a century the church was demolished to make way for the present-day, grandiose monument, which houses a very interesting collection of artistic works dating back to the Middle Ages.

Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 0.65 mile (approximately 2 hours) over paved and cobblestone surfaces with inclines and steps. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Respectful attire that covers shoulders and knees should be worn in order to enter the cathedral. Time permitting; guests will have approximately 30 minutes for browsing and souvenir shopping.