Italy's licensed tour guides are among the world's best - each earns a university degree and attains proficiency in a foreign language before taking a rigorous qualifying exam. But a few guides have a knowledge, expertise and ability that transcends even this training. Jackie Alio is one of them.

A native speaker of English, Jackie is specialized in Sicily, and particularly the island's north-western areas of Palermo, Cefalù, Monreale, Segesta and Erice. She is a published author, having written about Queen Margaret of Sicily, Thomas Becket's Sicilian link and Saint Agatha in Sicily and Malta, among other topics of historical and cultural interest. This alone distinguishes her among professional tour guides. She is also an experienced lecturer.

Seeing is one thing, understanding is another. The best guides understand that no archaeological or historical site, no work of art, no single place stands apart from its place in history. It's all about context. As Sicily's multicultural heritage was shaped by numerous civilizations - from the Sicanians, Phoenicians and Greeks to the Arabs, Normans and Swabians (among others) - it helps to know something about the peoples who lived beyond Sicilian shores. Polyglot medieval Sicily was home to Arabs and Jews, and to two "branches" of Christianity - Greek "Orthodoxy" and Roman "Catholicism." Jackie is a rarity among Sicilian tour guides because she understands the complex connections among this unique convergence of cultures and knows how to convey this to visitors.

This scholarly and practical ability reflects far more than a profession. One might even say that it is an art based on the expression of natural talent and intellectual insight. Beyond mere "observing" or seeing, the best guides can take you to the plane of discovery and understanding.

Of course, it is possible to visit an interesting place without a personal guide. But Sicily's unique history makes touring with a guide an attractive option - for at least part of your visit - even if you normally prefer independent travel. While Jackie and other professional tour guides often work with larger groups (of ten or more), they can also be hired for smaller ones.

Let's talk about your Sicily experience, which will be personalized to your interests. Here are a few itinerary ideas for your day tour. Contact Jackie for more information, details and rates.

Medieval Palermo and Monreale: The legacy of Sicily's Norman kings comes alive. See Palermo Cathedral, the Norman Palace, Saint John of the Hermits Monastery and, following lunch, hilltop Monreale Abbey.

Aristocratic Palermo: Visit the Norman Palace of Sicily's first kings, with its Phoenician foundations and palatine chapel. Then we'll see Palazzo Mirto, a Baroque residence of a noble family, and the Steri, a medieval castle.

Judaic Palermo: Highlights of Palermo's Jewish heritage, built by a community which flourished in the city until the end of the fifteenth century.

Culinary Curiosities: A visit to one of Palermo's colorful street markets, established as Arab souks in the ninth century, followed by lunch and a wine tasting.

Discovering Palermo: Sites and monuments that give you a lasting impression of this colorful city: a medieval street market, the imposing Cathedral, the Martorana and its mosaics, Piazza Pretoria Fountain, Palazzo Mirto and more.

Charming Cefalù: Drive along the coast to the seaside town of Cefalù. See its stunning Norman Cathedral, stately medieval Cloister, and ancient stone streets. Lunch, if you wish, at a local seafood restaurant along the shore in the old city walls.

Corleone and the Royal Hunting Lodge: Venturing into the hilly hinterland beyond Palermo, you'll discover the real Sicilian countryside with a visit to Ficuzza, the Bourbon kings' hunting lodge on an estate that includes a forest, lake and streams, and to nearby Corleone, haunted by the ghosts of Sicily's colorful rustic bandits. (A country-style lunch and/or a wine-tasting can be included with this day-tour.)

Segesta and Erice: Segesta's ancient Greek temple is one of the best-preserved in the world. Founded by Carthaginians, Erice is a charming hilltop town with stone streets and delightful treasures that include great restaurants and pastry shops.

Informative Links: Palermo • Monreale • Cefalù • Ficuzza • Segesta • Erice • Street Markets • Norman Sicily • Arab Sicily • Jews in Sicily • Sicilian Food & Wine