Have completed my first tour in Sicilia. Despite the mixed unseasonable weather (we also had snow in the mountains) everyone had a great time.
The tour started in Syracuse on Good Friday where we went along to see the evening Good Friday procession. We were the Good Friday procession!! As we followed the priests around the town carrying the cross!!
Onto Noto, one of my favorite Baroque cities in Sicilia. We were there on Easter Day morning in the sunshine with locals all in their Easter Sunday best. It was a great atmosphere but not an Easter Bunny in sight! Instead they make Easter sheep out of marzipan.
Piazza Armerina has an oldie worldie atmosphere especially in the evenings as we wander down the cobbled back streets with the impressive cathedral up on the hill all lit up.
The Roman Villa at Casale has some magnificent mosaics. Was once the Hunting Lodge of a wealthy local.
Next to Agrigento & the Valley of the Temples. There is supposedly more Greek temples in Sicilia than Greece! Temple of Zeus was the largest Greek theatre in the world & three times the size of the Pantheon in Athens!
The Greek site of Selinunte (with more temples) is the most extensive Greek site in Europe & overlooks the coast. Buggies are provided to tour around the site for those with weary legs!
Next stop Marsala where I tried a selection of Marsala wines ………… almond & even crema which has egg added to it to make it creamy!
Took a 10 minute boat ride across to San Pantaleo island & the Punic/Carthaginian settlement of Mozia. Visited the Tophet where children & animals were sacrificed to the God Baal Haman (similar to the one in Carthage).
Next to the medieval hill town of Erice. Another of my favorite visits on Sicilia. Climbed up King Frederick 2nd’s tower for some amazing views of the coast below & nearby islands. Tried some canolli, a local rich desert made with ricotta cheese by nuns!
Onwards to the Greek settlement of Segesta & guess what?? Another impressive temple in an amazing location.
On to the capital of Palermo, home to 1 million inhabitants. That’s a 5th of the population of Sicilia. Went to a Puppet Theatre which is one of Sicilia’s traditions. A medieval version of Punch & Judy with goodies & baddies.
Further along the coast we visit the medieval harbour town of Cefalu. Another of my favorite spots with its Norman cathedral.
Finally to Letojanni where we stay in an ex-convent still run by 5 nuns. The information on the back of the room doors advises what to do WHEN there is an earthquake, not IF!!
Arranged our Last Supper at Victor’s on the seafront plus a special celebration meal for Mary’s 50th birthday. Asked for a gateau for 21 people. They seemed a little surprised. Said it needn’t be too large just enough for everyone to have a little bite. I then discovered to their relief ‘gatto’ is cat in Italian!! Torta is gateaux!! Whoops!!
The Highlight for me was my first ascent of Mt Etna. One of the most active volcanoes in the world. Three times the size of Vesuvius at 3345m. Due to all the snow we took the cable car up to 2500m then did our own thing wandering around in the sunshine with amazing views 360 degrees. Should be on everybody’s ‘must do’ lists but it’s more impressive in the snow & sunshine. We were so lucky & hardly anybody up there first thing in the morning.
Find out more about Explore’s Classical Sicily – a 10 day tour of Sicily
