A much treasured novel entitled “The Leopard” conjures up everything that is so enticing about Palermo. The buildings, the people, the empires and the sheer beauty of the place! Lampedusa was filled with intrigue and wonder at the phantoms that must hide in waiting; “these monument of the past, standing round us like lovely mute ghosts…all these things have formed our character.”We do hope we will ignite your imaginations with our wonderful trip to Palermo!

Stroll across Palermo’s backstreets to find the facade of a derelict Baroque palazzo, marked with a plaque bearing a forgotten name. The sight of this noble structure is baffling. To stand alone at sunset watching the locals whilst savouring the scent of lemon and fresh fish wafting from the market stalls, you soon drift off into a dream of what the palace once was, but mostly you like it just as it is, a magnificent residence ravished by time and history!

The four star Porta Felice Hotel is located in the very heart of the historical centre, a charming spot home to Foro Italico, Piazza Marina and Via Alloro and manages to reflect a real sense of history and legacy. The hotel was renovated from a building of the 18th century and cultivates a sense of luxury and refinement complete with its Wellness Club offering a sauna, steam bath and Jacuzzi.

Palermo makes for a sun-drenched 3 night break during the winter months from £159pp!