Western Sicily: Mystical & Moorish
A literary journey through the world of The Florios of Sicily by Stefania Auci
Join us for a week exploring the fascinating landscapes, history, food and wine of western Sicily, inspired by Stefania Auci's sweeping historical novel The Florios of Sicily.
From Palermo and the glittering mosaics of the Palatine Chapel to the ancient salt pans of Marsala, the dramatic coast of Scopello and the medieval streets of Erice, this is a journey through a part of Sicily where Arab, Norman, Greek and Italian influences have created an extraordinary cultural landscape.
The world of the Florios
At the heart of this trip is The Florios of Sicily, Stefania Auci's captivating novel about the remarkable Florio family and their rise from modest beginnings to become one of the most powerful families in 19th-century Sicily.
And this isn't a book we have simply chosen because it happens to be set in Sicily. The story is deeply connected with the places we will visit.
Marsala is particularly important. The Florio family became synonymous with the city's wine industry, helping to transform Marsala wine into an internationally recognised name. We will stay in Marsala for six nights, explore its historic centre and visit wineries, giving us the chance to experience a landscape and industry that are central to the Florio story.
We'll also encounter other parts of the world that shaped the family's fortunes and the wider history of western Sicily, including the tuna fisheries and tonnare of the coast, the ports of Trapani and Marsala, Sicily's agricultural estates and the food and wine that remain such an important part of life here.
As we travel, we'll be able to look at the places described in the novel and consider how the real Sicily compares with the world Auci creates on the page.
A journey through western Sicily
This isn't just a literary tour. Alongside the connections with The Florios of Sicily, we'll experience some of the most beautiful and fascinating places in western Sicily.
Our itinerary
Day 1 · Fly to Sicily
On arrival at Palermo airport, we'll meet our tour manager and head into the heart of Palermo.
We'll explore the bustling streets and a typically lively street market before visiting the magnificent Palatine Chapel, famous for its glittering mosaics and extraordinary interior.
We then travel west to the ancient coastal city of Marsala, our base for the next six nights, and check into the stylish Dome Hotel.
This evening we'll get together for an authentic Sicilian welcome dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 · Marsala & the Salt Pans
Our first full day takes us deeper into the world of Marsala.
We'll explore the historic Baroque centre, including Piazza della Repubblica, the cathedral and the ancient Porta Garibaldi, while learning more about the city's extraordinary history.
Marsala is particularly significant to our book. The Florio family became closely associated with the city's wine industry, and wine played an important role in their rise to wealth and influence. As we explore the city, we'll see how commerce, ambition and Sicily's natural resources helped shape the Florio story.
Afterwards we'll head to the Stagnone Lagoon Nature Reserve for a guided visit to the Salt Museum and the centuries-old salt evaporation basins, surrounded by windmills and beautiful landscapes.
We'll finish the day with a sunset aperitif amongst the vines at Peola, an innovative family-run winery overlooking the sea.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 · Castellammare, Scopello & Trapani
We leave Marsala and travel along the coast to Castellammare del Golfo, an elegant seaside town with an Arab-Norman castle, harbour and charming historic centre.
We then continue to the small village of Scopello and its historic Tonnara, one of Sicily's most atmospheric coastal sites. The tuna fisheries and tonnare were an important part of Sicily's traditional economy and provide another fascinating connection with the world of the Florios.
With its ancient buildings, dramatic sea stacks and crystal-clear water, it is also one of the most memorable landscapes of the trip.
We'll enjoy a late lunch at the ancient Baglio Fontana farmhouse before spending some time exploring the shops and streets of Trapani.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 · Erice, Sicilian Cooking & Segesta
Today we'll climb to Erice, a beautifully preserved medieval town perched high above the coast on Mount San Giuliano.
We'll wander its atmospheric stone streets, explore its historic buildings and enjoy a taste of the region at the famous Maria Grammatico pastry shop.
Lunch brings another very Sicilian experience. At the Orto di Mimi farm we'll take part in a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Trapani-style pesto.
In the afternoon we'll visit the Archaeological Park of Segesta, home to one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the Mediterranean, before returning to Marsala.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 · Selinunte, Menfi & Castelvetrano
One of the cultural highlights of the trip is a guided visit to the extraordinary archaeological park at Selinunte.
Founded in the 7th century BC, Selinunte was once a thriving Greek city. Its enormous temples and ruins provide a glimpse into a Sicily that stretches far beyond the world of the Florios.
We'll then enjoy a sea-view lunch at Da Vittorio in Menfi before visiting Casa di Latomie in the beautiful Castelvetrano region.
Here we'll experience another side of Sicily with a tour and tasting at this authentic local estate.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 · Marsala, Mazara del Vallo & Wine
We'll have more time to enjoy Marsala before heading to Mazara del Vallo, an atmospheric town whose Kasbah reflects the centuries of Arabic influence that have helped make western Sicily so distinctive.
We'll discover local craftsmanship through the work of the Patti family at Ceramica Artistica Marsalese.
Our final evening is a special one. At Cantina Martinez, an historic Marsala wine producer dating back to 1866, we'll enjoy a candlelit dinner and wine tasting in the atmospheric wine vaults.
It's a fitting end to a trip where wine has been such an important part of both the landscape we have explored and the story of the Florio family.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 · Departure
After breakfast we'll travel to Palermo airport for our flight back to the UK.
Meals included: Breakfast
About the book
The Florios of Sicily by Stefania Auci
Stefania Auci's bestselling historical novel tells the story of the extraordinary Florio family and their rise to prominence in Sicily.
Beginning with the family's arrival in Palermo, the novel follows their growing wealth, influence and ambitions against a backdrop of enormous political and social change.
Wine, food, business, family and the changing face of Sicily are all woven into the story, making it an especially rich book to take with us as we explore the island.
We'll read the book before travelling and use it as a starting point for our own discussions throughout the week. There will be plenty of opportunities to share our thoughts about the novel and discover the real places, history and landscapes behind the story.
More details coming soon
We're currently putting the finishing touches to this special Books in Places journey.
The trip is planned for Spring 2027, flying from London Heathrow with British Airways.
The final dates, price and booking arrangements will be confirmed when the trip is released.
If you'd like to hear when the trip becomes available, leave your details below and we'll let you know as soon as bookings open.
Registering your interest doesn't commit you to booking the trip.
