Palazzo Privitera: a Sicilian aristrocratic feel, art and a garden to wander Two nights at the mid-17th century Palazzo Previtera ('a museum and luxury bnb') were nowhere near enough. Sitting along a quiet backstreet of Linguaglossa -one of Sicily’s lovely lava towns- Palazzo Previtera is a historic and gracious bed and breakfast with hints of an aristrocratic Sicily and an understated luxury. The main section of the palazzo is a private family palazzo- all unmistakably Sicilian.

A mighty volcano -fertile, mythical, slumbering and active It is splendid and big. Yet when driving the A19 from Palermo heading east towards Catania I have at times been underwhelmed by Europe’s highest active volcano. It does not rise majestically enough from this southern point to show its best self.

Mist moves quietly

The low swirling mist that gently rolls into the streets of Polizzi Generosa in certain months of the year adds to Polizzi’s otherworldliness. Its medieval, pale stone buildings are brushed in a soft grey and when it lifts the village returns to its lovely faded glory.

North to Florence After weeks in Sicily with three final nights in Palermo (I love this city), a short, late morning flight to Rome and a three hour drive up the Italian peninsula (passing names I haven’t seen for ages) I was to savour the unbeatable northern Italian charm of Florence for five nights.