Palazzo in Palermo and Tour Beginnings

The Rick Steves Best of Sicily tour begins with an afternoon orientation by our leader Tommaso Pante in the upstairs breakfast room of the Ambasciatori Hotel. (An agenda is posted every day of our tour.)

We walked several blocks as a group for a private tour of the Arab-Norman style Palazzo Federico. Originally from Austria, our hostess is the animated and enthusiastic Contessa Christina Federico. A more down-to-earth person in such a position cannot be found, and she was so generous to show us her and her family's living quarters. Begun in 1200, the palazzo was the house of Frederick II and built atop the city wall. It was later enlarged to include one of the Arab watchtowers. The palace has been restored to display the history of the family. The palazzo is amazing, and the family has restored the public rooms with a style in keeping with the original design. The details also reveal the personal lives of the family. They also host private events, give tours, and rent out lovely bedrooms. Garbage service costs €48,000 a year!

Entry to the palazzo.

Racing trophies and armaments.

The Countessa is a competitive swimmer and has a lovely soprano voice. Her husband, Conte Federico enjoys racecar driving; his vintage Fiat Balilla was on display.

Tommaso has arranged for us to try some Sicilian street food such as arancini (stuffed rice balls) and porchetta (Italian roast pork). And then we head to the restaurant for more food!

"I'm paying for all your wine," declared Tommoso. Throughout our tour, the wine nearly flowed like water and was much appreciated! Osteria Ballarò serves Sicilian antipasti, pasta & mains with a creative twist, in the former stables of a medieval palace.