In April, 2023, I hosted a very special journey to southeastern Sicily and Palermo. We explored UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Val di Noto, Ragusa and Siracusa, but we also met with some of the residents who are working hard to preserve the island’s unique culture while innovating and building on its heritage to create modern treasures. Italian fashion designer Luisa Beccaria hosted us at her stunning family estate. In the Palazzo Castellucio, which has been restored by French director Jean-Louis Remilleux, we were treated to a private opera performance and dinner in Remilleux’s private garden. One of the Occhipinti sisters who has helped put Sicilian biodynamic wines (specifically Occhipinti labels) on menus around the world invited us for an unforgettable outdoor lunch with wine pairing. And in Palermo, we visited many of the island’s most legendary palazzos, including Palazzo Gangi, where Visconti filmed his classic The Leopard. As one of the travelers said, “This was a dream-come-true trip with highlights every hour for days and a glimpse into history and Sicily that I never could have imagined.”
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Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley in the bar of the Villa Igiea in Palermo. -
![Some of our Sicily Indagare Insider Journey travelers in Palermo.]()
Some of our Sicily Indagare Insider Journey travelers in Palermo. -
![Melissa with fashion designer Luisa Beccaria in the family chapel at her estate; inside the Villa Tasca, which was featured in White Lotus; travelers on the grounds of Villa Tasca on a tour with its owner.]()
Melissa with fashion designer Luisa Beccaria in the family chapel at her estate; inside the Villa Tasca, which was featured in White Lotus; travelers on the grounds of Villa Tasca on a tour with its owner. -
![The magnificent mosaics of UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathedral of Monreale]()
The magnificent mosaics of UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathedral of Monreale -
![The private quarters of Palazzo Butera in Palermo; a private palazzo with interiors by legendary Italian architect Ernesto Basile, center and right.]()
The private quarters of Palazzo Butera in Palermo; a private palazzo with interiors by legendary Italian architect Ernesto Basile, center and right. -
![Oratorio San Lorenzo, which is famous for its incredible stucco work and the Caravaggio painting of the Nativity that was stolen in 1969 and has never been recovered.]()
Oratorio San Lorenzo, which is famous for its incredible stucco work and the Caravaggio painting of the Nativity that was stolen in 1969 and has never been recovered. -
![Count Lucio, current owner and steward of Villa Tasca, presenting the historic property and the dining room of Palazzo Castellucio in Noto]()
Count Lucio, current owner and steward of Villa Tasca, presenting the historic property and the dining room of Palazzo Castellucio in Noto -
![Central Palermo]()
Central Palermo -
![Inside Palermo's legendary Palazzo Gangi, where Visconti filmed parts of the Leopard; designer Luisa Beccaria, Melissa Bradley and our hostess, .Princess Carine Vanni Mantegna di Gangi]()
Inside Palermo's legendary Palazzo Gangi, where Visconti filmed parts of the Leopard; designer Luisa Beccaria, Melissa Bradley and our hostess, .Princess Carine Vanni Mantegna di Gangi -
![Lunch and wine tasting al fresco with Fausta Occhipiniti, who with her sister Arianna, is revolutionizing Sicilian winemaking.]()
Lunch and wine tasting al fresco with Fausta Occhipiniti, who with her sister Arianna, is revolutionizing Sicilian winemaking. -
![Three palaces: Palazzo Butera; Palazzo Gangi and Palazzo Castelluccio.]()
Three palaces: Palazzo Butera; Palazzo Gangi and Palazzo Castelluccio. -
![One of Palermo's grand facades and the entry to Palazzo Castelluccio in Noto.]()
One of Palermo's grand facades and the entry to Palazzo Castelluccio in Noto. -
![Dinner at Palazzo Castelluccio and part of the modern art collection in Palazzo Butera.]()
Dinner at Palazzo Castelluccio and part of the modern art collection in Palazzo Butera. -
![The dinner table at the estate of fashion designer Luisa Beccaria.]()
The dinner table at the estate of fashion designer Luisa Beccaria.
