The cycle tour finished up this morning and we were dropped back at Bari train station to make our way to the airport for our flight to Palermo. The view as you fly into Palermo is rather spectacular; there was a narrow strip of populated coastline with the sheer cliff face of Mount Pellegrino rising to a great height right behind the narrow coastal band. It was something to behold for sure. I read later that this natural geological amphitheatre is referred to as the Conco d’Oro, or Golden Shell.

Our accommodation host had organised transport to our apartment and the scenery, as we approached the old town location, was also rather beautiful. The apartment was in a great location, right near the marina and on the edge of the old town, and the area was just buzzing with cafes, restaurants, gelato bars and shops and with a lovely atmosphere in the surrounding streets.

We met our host, Luigi, at around 5 pm and could not have been more delighted with our lodging! We had been living in tiny, hotel-style rooms for the last three days and the apartment we had arrived into was huge! Luigi and his wife had taken a lot of pride in restoring and renovating this apartment and it showed. Luigi also restores Murano glass and there were lovely pieces on display all throughout the apartment, as well as some French farmhouse antiques. There were also some original wall frescoes and ornate carved ceilings dating back to the 18th century. We really thought we’d hit the jackpot with this apartment in terms of its size, comfort and location and we were so glad we were here for four nights.

Our plan for tomorrow includes a walking tour and some relaxing so that’s it for now.