PALERMO

Palermo is a city of contrasts and you either hate it or you love it. Located on the northwest coast of the island of Sicily, the city was founded by the ancient Greeks and eventually became part of the Roman Empire. In the 9th century, the Arabs took over and converted the churches into mosques and the common language into Arabic. By the 13th century, Palermo was the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. So expect cultural clashes of all kinds Today, while Sicily is officially part of Italy (the regional government is semi-autonomous), its capital of a million residents feels neither European nor Arab, but a combination of both.

Cruise ships dock so close they seem to enter the main street. Don't miss out on eating arancini, the typical fried rice ball, and the unforgettable Sicilian cassata and freshly filled cannoli. A visit to the boisterous Vucciaria market is worthwhile for those who enjoy folklore.