AT LINA’S IN SICILY
Who I am
My name is Lina, and I live in Palermo with my son, Alessandro, who is 26 and works as an agricultural manager. My other son, Andrea, is 29 and lives and works in London. Our family owns an organic farm about 70 kilometers from Palermo. There, we produce exceptional extra virgin olive oil and delicious fresh cheeses, all made with milk from our sheep and goats.
I’m a very sociable person and enjoy sharing my experiences with all my guests. I love teaching and showing my students the beautiful sights of Sicily. We can explore art and history, or we can simply go to the beach to swim and enjoy the stunning views of Mondello beach and Monte Pellegrino.
Since I love to cook, I’d also be happy to teach you how to make classic Sicilian dishes. You can learn to prepare specialties like pasta al forno, pane e panelle, sarde a beccafico, and arancine, along with many other Sicilian and Italian recipes.
Palermo & Surroundings
Palermo has long been a significant player in Mediterranean and European history. Founded by the Phoenicians between the 7th and 6th centuries B.C., it was later conquered by the Romans in 254 B.C. and became the island’s primary center. This rich history and the succession of many different civilizations have given the city a remarkable artistic and architectural heritage.
In recognition of its unique history, Palermo was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015 for its “Arabic-Norman Palermo” serial site, which also includes the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale. Many other churches and palaces in the city have also been recognized for years as national monuments in Italy.
The city is situated on a plain overlooking the Gulf of Palermo. This plain, along with the mountains behind it, forms a region known as the “Conca d’Oro” (Golden Basin), which stretches for about one hundred square kilometers from the Bagheria and Villabate hills. This name comes from the characteristic golden color of the citrus fruits that once covered the entire area.
Interesting places to visit in Palermo include:
– I Quattro Canti,
– the Fontana della Vergogna,
– the Saint Rosalia’s Cave,
– Cattedrale di Palermo
– Duomo di Monreale
Located halfway between the stunning beaches of Mondello and the vibrant city of Palermo, this property offers all the amenities you need for a truly unforgettable stay.
Nearby locations, not included in the price:
– San Vito Lo Capo, (1.15 hours’ drive) famous for its beaches that reminds you Caribbean islands
– Pollina, (1.30 hours’ drive) famous for its holiday village.
– Castelbuono, (1.20 hours’ drive) a very nice medieval village known all over the world for the panettone Fiasconaro
– Trapani (1.20 hours’ drive)
Program & Costs
Program
A typical day will start with breakfast and a two or three-hour lesson in the morning. After lunch, we’ll go on excursions in Palermo and the surrounding area. Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to practice your new skills by speaking Italian with the people you meet and discussing your experiences. In the evenings, you can relax by watching an Italian film at home or at a local cinema.
Prices
Guests will have a spacious double room with a private bathroom, as well as access to a private patio and garden for relaxing. The apartment is comfortable and guests are welcome to share the living room and kitchen with the family.
Individuals: 1,800.00 Euros per week
Couples: xx 3,100.00 Euros per week
Family of 3: 4,200.00 Euros per week
Prices include:
– Two hours of Italian lessons every day and all learning materials, nearby excursions, cinema and museums tickets, overnight accommodation with full board,
– Cleaning of your bedroom and bathroom once a week, laundry once a week, wi-fi.
– One day trip to Cefalù or Erice
– Trips and excursions in the beautiful surroundings of Palermo (Mondello, Sferracavallo, Monte Pellegrino and many others)
– Transport to and from Palermo’s airport and Lina’s or Alessandro’s time every day, are also included.
Additional costs
One day trips to one of farther locations:
– 120 Euros per person
– 200 Euros per couple
– 270 Euros per 3 people
One day trips to the organic farm and the termal waters of Sclafani Bagni:
– 120 Euros per person
– 200 Euros per couple
– 270 Euros per 3 people
One day trips fees include: return journey, visit to the most typical landmarks of the town, museum tickets and audio-guides, transport and lunches.
Reviews
I had an amazing time! Lina was so hospitable and I spoke more Italian in one week than ever with my tutor. We had Italian lessons each morning at the beach and in the sea. She brought me all around Palermo, to the movies, to many cultural sites, and I got to experience so much great food, including Linas amazing cooking. I will be back!
Brad – Chicago
I have just spent a lovely week with Lina in Palermo. It was a wonderful experience and Lina made me feel really welcome.
She is a fabulous cook and introduced me to so many famous Sicilian specialities. We visited many beautiful places together and I learned so much about Palermo, its rich history and amazing architecture whilst improving my Italian at the same time.
We went for walks to the fishing villages along the coast and had a day out in Cefalù¹. She did everything possible to organise activities she thought I would like and I was thrilled to go to a traditional puppet show and visit the Palazzina dei Quattro Pizzi.
Mary UK
My Sicilian holiday was absolutely superb, I never expected I would fall in love with Palermo so much. Lina and her family made me feel very welcome in their beautiful home and I felt like visiting old friends and not people I met for the very first time.
We had a wonderful and diversified program, from visiting historical sites to laying on the beach, from making a very nice trip to “la campania” to shopping in the city center, it was the perfect balance for an unforgetable holiday.
Lina is a great chef as well, the food she cooked was delicios. She is very caring, patient and a great company and so is her whole family.
When looking back I consider myself extremely fortunate to have met Lina and to have spent one of my most memorable holidays in my favourite country (Italy).
Liliane
My stay with Lina was amazing – her family, company, their house and the food was incredible – I cannot wait to go back 🙂 also, she is a very good teacher (of the Italian language and also the cooking!!)
Faith – Singapore
I absolutely loved my week in Palermo with Lina. It was my first time travelling alone for a holiday like this so I was a little apprehensive but Lina made me feel welcome and at ease straight away. Our week was filled with trips to fascinating and beautiful locations and delicious food! My favourite trip was to the family’s country estate to see the olive harvest.
It was very special and an experience you would be unlikely to have on a ‘normal’ holiday. Lina and her son Alessandro are very flexible and so, day to day, you are free to do as little or as much as you like, either practicing Italian through conversation and activities or more formal lessons, always in a relaxed and fun way. This experience confirmed the idea that immersion is undoubtedly the best way to consolidate and quickly improve knowledge of a foreign language.
She is an excellent cook and caters to whatever you may like or need with a changing daily menu featuring many typical Sicilian dishes (yum!). I truly enjoyed spending time with Lina and her family. She is friendly, patient, knowledgable and an excellent hostess. I would love to do it all again when I have the opportunity!
Rebecca, Leeds UK