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Korinna von Kempski and art historian Karin Jenette-Martin, the well-connected founders of the Munich-based Culture & Travel Club recently returned from leading a group of art conoisseurs through western Sicily. Indagare spoke to them about the highlights of the trip, which they will offer again in May 2008.

What were some of the stand-outs during your week in Sicily? On the first evening, we were invited to dine with Principessa Nicoletta in the Palazzo di Lampedusa, which, unlike many other Sicilian palaces, cannot be rented for private functions, as the Principessa and her husband, Principe Gioacchino Lanza Tomasi di Lampedusa, the director of the Naples Opera, only entertain friends there. We also had an after-hours tour of the Oratorio di San Lorenzo, where the masterful stucco decorations of the artist Giacomo Serpotta can be seen. Massimo de Gregorio, who hails from an old Sicilian family, invited us for a wine tasting at his home and we had private tours of Selinut, which has fantastic temples that date from the 5th and 6th century B.C, and of the ancient Phoenician settlements on the island of Mozia.

Where were you based in Palermo? There are no real luxury hotels in Palermo, so we stayed at the Grand Hotel et des Palmes, a very nice four-star situated in an old palazzo that is centrally located but very quiet and with renovated rooms. We also stayed in the Villa Igiea, in an Art Nouveau building, which lies a bit outside of the city right at the ocean.

What kinds of restaurants do you reserve for your trips? We try to include special high-end evenings, like the dinner at the Palazzo di Lampedusa, as well as dine in more low-key local places. One of the best restaurants for simply prepared Sicilian specialties, is the Trattoria del Sale, located in an old salt mill a bit outside Palermo. Another fabulous place is the Ristorante La Pineta, in Marinella di Selinunte, a one-hour drive from Palermo. It’s located right on the beach, serves wonderful seafood and is quite a hot spot for the Palermo beau monde. But then we also had an amazing cocktail party at a private club in town, right by the ocean, that was attended by the mayor of Palermo. So I would say it’s a combination of high-end and casual.

What are some other highlights you could organize in Palermo? I would love to take a tour after hours in the amazing cathedral of Monreale, a treasure trove of Sicilian art. Next time around, I would also suggest seeing an opera at the Teatro Massimo, one of Italy’s most beautiful opera houses.

How long is an ideal Sicily trip and when is the best time to go? If you’re based in Palermo, it’s easy to see the city and the western part of the island in five days, like we did during this recent trip. If you’re also interested in the eastern part of the island, and some of the top places to see include Ragusa, Syracusa and Taormina, you should add five days, which is an option on the trip we’re organizing for next spring. The best time to go is in May or early June.

What are some other trips on the horizon for you? At the moment, we’re organizing a journey to St. Petersburg for early 2008. Highlights will include an off-hours tour of the Catherine Palace, including the famous Amber Room, an evening at the Mariinsky Theatre to see the Kirov Ballet perform, and we will also visit the atelier of an up-and-coming Russian fashion designer. This trip can be combined with Moscow as well, as we have great connections in both cities.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Both trips can be arranged in English. The Sicily dates are May 21-26, 2008 (with a possible five-day extension to tour eastern Sicily). The St. Petersburg trip is scheduled from February 20-25, 2008. The Culture & Travel Club accepts clients by referral only. Mention Indagare when contacting. (49) 089-212-696-38; email: info@ctc-member.de.

Read about a member postcard about a special trip to Sicily with hotel tips.