Highlights
With Greek and Roman ruins, medieval hilltop towns, colorful markets and an active volcano, Sicily is classic old world Italy.
Itinerary
After a language immersion program in Taormina in September of 2010 we spent 2 weeks exploring Sicily, the first week on a road trip around the island and the second from a vacation rental at the base of Mt Etna.
Thinking About a Trip to Sicily?
General overview
Road Trip
Arrivederci Taormina, Buon Giorno Palermo
Two nights in Palermo visiting the Palatine Chapel – amazing mosaics, Capuchin Catacombs and the markets of Vucciria and Capo.
Monreale and Segesta
Driving from Palermo to Erice, stopping at the Cathedral of Monreale (similar in style to the mosaics of the Palatine Chapel in Palermo), and Segesta, a beautifully preserved Greek Doric temple with grand views of the surrounding country side.
Exploring Erice
Two nights in medieval Erice, a quaint town with windy cobbled streets, stone churches and sweeping panoramic views.
Marsala, It’s Not Just Wine
One night in Marsala, home of Marsala wine, with a Baroque old town, a warship from the First Punic War and an ancient Roman villa site.
Exploring Agrigento
Two nights in Agrigento including visits to the ancient Greek sites of Selinunte, with a spectacular seaside setting and impressive garden of fallen columns, and Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the islands largest archeological site.
Exploring Ragusa
Understated crumbly Baroque town perched on two hills. Home to the Michelin starred Duomo Ristorante.
Vacation Rental
Mt. Etna Cottage
General description of the cottage.
Discovering the Markets
Riposto fish market near the cottage.
Acireale Markets and Villa Romana del Casale
Acireale is a Baroque town just north of Catania with a lively daily market.
Villa Romana del Casale has the most impressive Roman mosaics in all of Sicily.
Cooking Under the Etna Cloud
A drive around Mt. Etna on a rainy morning with visits to a local butcher shop and wine store.
Siracusa
Visit to the old town of Ortigia including the food market and the baroque town center, the Roman and Greek archeological park, and the ruins and catacombs of San Giovanni.
After the Rain – Sunshine and Mushrooms
A drive along the north side of Mt. Etna with a stop at a mushroom farm and continuing on to Nebrodi National Park.
Catania Fish Market
Catania’s fish market is the liveliest in all of Sicily.
Post includes a visit to the Greek theater in Taormina.
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