Full Day Private Tour in Medieval Villages and Vineyard in Cefalù

Cefalù , Italy

Full Day Private Tour in Medieval Villages and Vineyard in Cefalù

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Do you want to visit the medieval villages of the Madonie Natural Park with the possibility to have a wine tasting paired with local food and wine delights in an ancient 12th-century abbey ? Then book your tour!

The daily tour lasting approximately 8 hours includes the pick up / drop off in accommodation facilities located in the Cefalù area or in a place to be agreed with a car or van with an Italian / English speaking driver.

We'll drive through the vineyards in the territory of the ancient Santa Anastasia Abbey, where, on your free choose, you can taste the typical products of the area combined with wines produced with biodynamic techniques based on the principle of eco-sustainability (on reservation)

Lunch and winetasting at the Cellar is not included. The customer can freely choose from the à la carte menu or the menu of the day. If you don't want to have lunch in the cellar, you can only have the wine tasting at 3.30pm - The basic tasting of 4 wines costs €25 per person.

Available options

Full Day Private Tour

CAR or Minivan<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Walking tour of the medieval town with its narrow street with a stunning view on the sea and the Madonie Natural Park

Walking tour of the ancient castle of the Ventimiglia family.
You can admire the Chapel of St. Anne
The holy skull of St. Anne, the Holy Mary's mother, arrived in town in 1458 when the Ventimiglias decided to settle in Castelbuono.

Originally from Ventimiglia, Liguria they mysteriously received the relic from the Duke of Lorraine, France.

Today it's possible to admire the relic secured in a silver reliquary bust in the chapel behind a grate with several locks.

Entrance € 5

The church was dedicated to Holy Mary of the Assumption and its construction dates back to the middle of the fourteenth century.

The Matrice Vecchia displays a majestic Polyptych on the high altar, attributed to Antonio De Saliba, the nephew of Antonello da Messina. The work depicts the Virgin Mary with the Eternal Father holding up the world above. The painting shows a Patriarch with glasses, which makes it particular and rare in the sacral context. Then, under the feet of the faithful there is a crypt containing in turn a marble ciborium, made by Giorgio da Milano.

Then, a niche includes the statue of Santa Maria degli Angeli, placed in the structure around 1520 and made by Antonello Gagini.

Walking tour on the main street from the Castle to Piazza Margherita where you can admire the shops that sell the Manna.

The specialty has been the principal source of the town income since the 18th century.
Manna is a natural sugar that comes from a special ash tree called fraxinus ornus.
Manna takes the form of a whitish stalactite that manages to be vaguely sweet. It drips from the ash trees in Castelbuono and the nearby town of Pollina.

The sap is extracted by making a cut in the bark and on both stems and branches.

Famous pastry shop well known in all over the world, because of the Panettoni Christmas cakes.
Tasting included during the opening days

What's not included

It's possible to add a wine tasting and lunch to the winery "Relais Abbazia Santa Anastasia" close to Castelbuono, that you can pay on the spot. The wine tasting starts from €25/person for 4 wines.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.8

5 reviews

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum age requirement for alcohol consumption is 18 years of age

About Cefalù

Cefalù is a charming coastal town in Sicily, known for its stunning beaches, medieval architecture, and rich history. The town's Norman cathedral and medieval streets offer a glimpse into its past, while its beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters provide a perfect setting for relaxation and water activities.

Top Attractions

Cefalù Cathedral

This stunning Norman cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit in Cefalù. Built in the 12th century, it features beautiful mosaics and a mix of architectural styles.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours €4

La Rocca

La Rocca is a rocky promontory offering panoramic views of Cefalù and the surrounding coastline. At the top, you'll find the ruins of a medieval castle and the Church of San Giorgio.

Nature/Historical 1-2 hours Free (€2.50 for the Church of San Giorgio)

Cefalù Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily, Cefalù Beach is known for its golden sand and crystal-clear waters. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half-day to full day Free (lido facilities may charge)

Mandralisca Museum

Housed in a 16th-century palace, this museum features a collection of art, artifacts, and natural history specimens, including a famous painting by Antonello da Messina.

Museum 1 hour €6

Osterio Magno

An ancient quarry turned into a religious site, Osterio Magno features a series of rock-cut tombs and a small church. It's a fascinating glimpse into Cefalù's past.

Historical 30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pasta alla Norma

A classic Sicilian pasta dish made with eggplant, tomatoes, ricotta salata, and basil

Main Course Vegetarian

Arancini

Fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, and peas

Snack Vegetarian options available

Pesce Spada alla Ghiotta

Swordfish cooked with tomatoes, olives, capers, and pine nuts

Main Course Gluten-free

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Madonie Regional Park Scuba diving and snorkeling Kayaking and paddleboarding Sunbathing and swimming at Cefalù Beach Strolling along the lungomare Enjoying a spa day Visiting historical sites and museums Attending local festivals and events

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the best time to visit Cefalù for beach lovers, with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. However, it's also the busiest time of the year.

25-35°C 77-95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, Sicilian dialect
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Cefalù is generally safe for tourists, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport • 70 km
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 200 km

By train

Cefalù Train Station

By bus

Cefalù Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary public transport in Cefalù, with frequent services within the town and connections to Palermo and other nearby towns.

Taxis

Available • Apps: N/A

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center Marina Capo Playa

Day trips

Palermo

70 km • Full day

Sicily's capital city offers a wealth of historical sites, vibrant markets, and delicious cuisine.

Castelbuono

30 km • Half day

A charming medieval town known for its castle and local festivals.

Madonie Regional Park

30 km • Full day

A beautiful natural park offering hiking, wildlife spotting, and stunning landscapes.

Festivals

Festa di Sant'Efisio • May 20th Cefalù Film Festival • July Sagra del Pesce • August

Pro tips

Visit the Cefalù Cathedral early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful mosaics in peace
Explore the historic center on foot to discover hidden alleys, charming squares, and local shops
Try local specialties like pasta alla Norma, pesce spada alla ghiotta, and cannoli at traditional trattorias and osterias
Take a day trip to nearby destinations like Palermo, Castelbuono, or Madonie Regional Park for a variety of experiences
Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture