Welcome Home to Balestrate, Sicilia: Rosaria resides in Balestrate, a well-connected town in Sicily close to Palermo, where public transportation is readily available, making car rental unnecessary. She offers to pick you up from Palermo airport and will take you on three to four afternoon excursions during your weeklong stay to explore the local area in her car. If you want additional day trips to further destinations across Sicily, she can incorporate these into the program price.
Sicily is an island of breathtaking beauty and a historical melting pot of diverse cultures, including Spanish, Greek, Saracen, and Norman, all contributing to a unique Mediterranean ambiance. The island is renowned for its sunny weather, white sandy beaches, clear waters, and rugged coastlines adorned with exotic plants such as carob, citrus, and pistachio.
Rosaria is eager to guide you through Sicily’s rich tapestry of sights, including the Zingaro Nature Reserve, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Caves of Cusa and Selinunte, the Byzantine mosaics in the Royal Palace, and the splendid Cathedral of Monreale. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in Sicily’s delectable cuisine, featuring fresh fish and dishes seasoned with aromatic spices, enhancing your immersive experience into the Sicilian way of life.
Rosaria’s Accommodations in
Balestrate near Palermo
Rosaria offers a warm and inviting homestay experience in her lovely home in Sicily. During your stay, you will have your own beautifully appointed private suite with a large bed and private bathroom located above the family’s main apartment. This setup ensures you enjoy full privacy and access to the family’s main living areas, where you can join them for meals and engage in conversational practice.
As part of your homestay, Rosaria welcomes you to join her in daily activities, from running afternoon errands to preparing and cooking family dinners, providing an authentic insight into Sicilian life. The package includes a private apartment, Italian lessons, 3-4 guided daily excursions, breakfast and dinner, and transportation to and from the airport.
You’ll have ample opportunity to explore Balestrate independently, enjoying personal time to soak in the local culture and environment. Whether you’re learning to cook traditional dishes with Rosaria or exploring the charming streets of Balestrate, your homestay with Rosaria promises a truly immersive Sicilian experience.
What to Expect from Rosaria’s Homestay Language Course
What to Expect from Rosaria’s Language Course:
Rosaria is a seasoned Italian teacher who welcomes students to her home in Sicily, offering a personalized language learning experience tailored to each student’s needs. Before you arrive, you can share your goals with Rosaria to ensure the curriculum is customized to focus on areas you’d like to improve. Throughout your homestay, you’ll enhance your understanding of Italian grammar and vocabulary, and Rosaria’s guidance will help you become a more confident speaker. Beyond structured lessons, daily interactions with Rosaria, her friends, and her family will provide ample practice in a real-world Italian-speaking environment.
Rosaria also organizes excursions to enrich your cultural experience. Here are just a couple “gite” you can make with Rosaria as your guide.
La Riserva dello Stagnone di Marsala: This lagoon is a haven for ornithologists and fishing enthusiasts and a fascinating spot for history and archaeology buffs. Located on the small island of Mozia, a Phoenician colony founded in 409 AD, a boat excursion here is like traveling back in time. You’ll also encounter picturesque salt flats and historic windmills.
Visiting Trapani and Erice: Discover Trapani, a city on a sickle-shaped spit of land, bordered by marshes and salt flats, and Erice, accessible via a relaxing cable car ride. These areas are visually stunning and rich in history and local cuisine, with a notable influence of Arab spices. These excursions combine language learning with exploring Sicilian culture and scenic landscapes.
Booking Your Homestay with Rosaria: Rosaria offers a special rate for her Homestay experience in Balestrate Sicilia to readers of the Matta Blog.