GIORGIO FARACI, Private Guide Recommended by vogue italia

Beyond the expected Sicily.

Private cultural experiences in Palermo and Sicily, designed for discerning travelers seeking beauty, privileged access and authentic encounters.

Each tour is thoughtfully shaped around your interests, weaving together art, architecture, history, gastronomy and local society into a personal Sicilian narrative.

01

Exclusive Palermo

Palazzi and churches after hours

Palermo is a city of noble palaces, private chapels and remarkable spaces that often remain invisible to ordinary visitors.

Through my privileged access, guests may step inside private residences still inhabited by aristocratic families. Picture yourself wandering through a magnificent palace - once host to crowned heads and the most illustrious visitors to Palermo - where Luchino Visconti filmed The Leopard, and where you can pause to enjoy an elegant aperitivo in truly regal surroundings.

Or imagine visiting churches and oratories beyond regular opening hours or experiencing a UNESCO World Heritage cathedral in complete privacy, accompanied by the sound of a live organ concert.

02

A Layered Heritage

architecture, FOOD, contemporary society

Sicily has always been a crossroads. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Spaniards and many others passed through here and each left something behind.

I help travelers decipher this rich heritage with clarity and pleasure, connecting monuments, architecture, rituals, food, urban life and contemporary society into a fascinating cultural narrative.

In effect, it is essential for me to describe not only the past but what happens today: the ongoing process of urban and social regeneration, launched after the mafia murders in the 1990s. Sicily today is not a place stuck in its past, it’s alive, evolving, and, in many ways, in turmoil.

03

Secret Palermo

THE KALSA DISTRICT

Away from the predictable and the crowded, Palermo reveals a more intimate soul: hidden courtyards, quiet chapels, forgotten stories, private interiors and unexpected details.

Strolling through the Kalsa, once the district of the Arab emirs, you will explore a neighborhood where history and creativity blend seamlessly. 

Today, its ancient streets are home to remarkable art collections, outstanding museums, stunning Baroque oratories, and peaceful gardens hidden behind centuries-old walls. A journey through the hidden treasures of Palermo, full of unexpected beauty and local charm.

04

People & Living Culture

ARTISANS, DESIGNERS AND ARTISTS

What truly makes the difference are the people.

Through my experiences, guests may meet time-honoured artisans, emerging designers, contemporary artists and local voices shaping Palermo’s creative future. 

These encounters transform a private visit into something more intimate and authentic.

Because in the end, it is not only what you see - but who you meet - that makes a journey unforgettable.

05

Unesco Arab-Norman Itinerary

A UNIQUE MELTING POT

Discover one of the Mediterranean’s most extraordinary melting pot: the Arab-Norman architecture. These remarkable monuments embody the unique fusion of Western, Islamic, and Byzantine traditions that flourished on the island in the 12th century, during the Norman Kingdom. They stand as a powerful testament to the peaceful coexistence and cultural exchange between peoples of different origins, languages, and faiths.

Journey through some of Sicily’s most breathtaking landmarks, including the Royal Palace and its dazzling Palatine Chapel, the majestic cathedrals of Palermo, Monreale, and Cefalù, the exquisite Martorana Church, the enchanting Zisa Palace, and many other architectural gems. Admire glittering mosaics, elegant Arab-inspired decorations, and masterpieces of medieval craftsmanship that tell the story of a golden age when cultures met, blended, and created something truly unique in the world.

06

Flavors of Sicily

markets and street food

Savor the authentic flavors of Sicily with a unique food experience through the vibrant streets and historic markets of Palermo. 

Taste iconic specialties such as arancini, panelle, sfincione, cannoli, and the famous spleen sandwich, while learning the stories and traditions behind each recipe. 

Watch cannoli being made, enjoy delicious artisanal gelato, and immerse yourself in the colors, aromas, and culture of Sicily's culinary heritage.

07

The Florios

THE GILDED AGE

Discover the story of the Florio family, industrial magnates and key figures in the Sicilian economy, at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

We will retrace the events spanning four generations: from the arrival in Palermo of Paolo and Ignazio from Bagnara Calabra in 1799, through the economic and social rise of Vincenzo and Ignazio Sr., to the collapse of their fortune under Ignazio Jr., who created the legend of the Florios.

Visiting the most emblematic sites of the family’s history, we will relive the splendor of the Belle Époque, when Palermo was a capital of culture and high society, capable of attracting royalty from across Europe and the international jet set.

08

Jewish Palermo

FROM PAST TO PRESENT

Step back in time and uncover Palermo’s forgotten Jewish heritage. For centuries, the city was home to a vibrant and flourishing Jewish community, whose presence shaped Palermo until their expulsion in 1492.

Together, we will wander through the narrow streets of the ancient Jewish quarter, discover the site of the former synagogue, and learn about the exciting project that will bring a new synagogue back to the city after more than five centuries.

Our journey will also take us inside the haunting prisons of the Holy Inquisition, where the walls still bear the moving graffiti and testimonies left behind by prisoners.

A fascinating walk through history, memory, and resilience in the heart of Palermo.

09

Roots

genealogical research

Every family has a story - let's uncover yours.

If your ancestors emigrated from Sicily, I can help you reconnect with your family's origins through professional genealogical research. By exploring civil, parish, and historical archives, I'll trace your family tree, locate your Italian ancestors, and bring their stories back to life.

I can also assist in obtaining the official birth, marriage, and death certificates required for applications for Italian citizenship.

The journey doesn't end with documents. Together, we can visit the towns and villages your ancestors once called home, walk the same streets they walked, explore the churches where they were baptized and married, and discover the landscapes that shaped their lives before they set out for a new world.

More than genealogical research, this is an emotional journey into your family's past - a unique opportunity to reconnect with your heritage and experience Sicily through the eyes of your ancestors. 

10

Sicilian Grand Tour

Beyond Palermo, into the heart of Sicily

Sicily is more than my home, it's my passion. Let me take you beyond Palermo on an unforgettable journey through an island where every landscape, every monument, and every village tells a remarkable story. Indulge in the luxury of having your own private guide throughout your journey.

From the awe-inspiring Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to the timeless beauty of Taormina, from the ancient Greek splendor of Syracuse to the magnificent Roman mosaics of Piazza Armerina, we'll explore Sicily's most iconic treasures as well as its hidden gems, far from the tourist crowds.

Along the way, you'll discover breathtaking art and architecture, secret gardens, aristocratic palaces, and extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You'll meet local artisans and passionate collectors, experience authentic Sicilian hospitality, and savor the island's exceptional cuisine, wines, and traditions. Every stop is carefully curated to offer genuine encounters and unforgettable time.

Whether you're captivated by history, art, archaeology, gastronomy, or simply the joy of discovering places few visitors ever see, I'll guide you through a journey tailored to your interests, revealing the authentic Sicily through the eyes of someone who knows and loves every corner of this extraordinary island.

Your Sicilian Grand Tour is more than a trip, it's an invitation to experience the island's beauty, culture, and soul.

Get in touch for your Sicilian journey and discover Sicily beyond the ordinary.

For travel designers, concierge teams and selected partners

I collaborate with travel designers, luxury travel advisors, concierge teams and selected partners seeking refined cultural experiences in Palermo and Sicily.

Each request is handled with discretion, responsiveness and attention to detail, with experiences adapted to the profile, expectations and pace of each guest.