Cefalù and Castelbuono

After breakfast you’ll reach the medieval town of Cefalù, with its fascinating cobbled streets. This small town is situated between a natural bay and towering granite cliff called La Rocca. Built for the Norman King, Roger II, the picturesque historic town features a “Sicilian Romanesque” cathedral that began construction in 1131 and decorated with exceptional Byzantine style mosaics.

Stroll down to the medieval stone fountain and seek out the Gothic arch of the Porta Marina for a picture-perfect view of the little harbor. The squares, streets and churches of this medieval town are so postcard-pretty that it is no wonder director Giuseppe Tornatore chose to set parts of his much-loved film Cinema Paradiso here.

The tour will continue to the medieval town of Castelbuono, which is considered to be the charming capital of the Madonie Mountains, set amid ancient manna ash and chestnut forests. It owes much of its building stock and character to the Ventimiglias, a powerful noble family who ruled the town between the 14th and 16th centuries. Here, you'll view the battlements and towers of the town’s imposing 14th-century castle built by this family, with a little precious treasure kept inside this fort.

It’s now time to satisfy your sweet tooth at Fiasconaro pastry shop, whose Panettone is famous everywhere in the world. Recently, this traditional cake has even reached the Space. On request of the NASA, the artisanal panettone of this unique place was launched in the space aboard the Discovery Shuttle to be consumed by the crew members. Continue the sweetness with a taste of the biblical “Manna from heaven”, a sap that comes out of the ash tree bark. Once in contact with the scorching sun, it condenses and forms white stalactites, becoming a natural sweetener.