Palermo pre-tour
Hotel Tonic was our abode for 2 nights before our tour began. We had dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria Italia , a Rick Steves recommendation. It was excellent, and as we soon found out, a favorite with the locals. We were invited to view the kitchen, and Lea took our picture. A special evening. It was a pleasant walk back to Hotel Tonic. On our second day we walked to Cappella Palatina to view the beautiful church/chapel. This has to be one the the best examples of Arab/European mosaics in Europe. It was truly amazing!
Cappella Palatina 12th century chapel built by Roger II.
Click on thumbnails on the right.
Palermo The tour begins with a walk around Palermo.
MONREALE
Angie takes a picture of the welcoming band as we arrive in Monreale.
At Monreale we were greeted by the community band as we approached the Cathederale.
Tommaso tried to convince us that this was the usual welcome for a Rick Steves' tour .
Since we had already seen Capella Palatina, Monreale was not as awe inspiring. Our excellent local guide, Jackie, called our attention to the workmanship and told us about the building of the Cathederale. Many of the workers were Muslims and much of the artwork reflects the Arabic style.
Tommaso tried to convince us that this was the usual welcome for a Rick Steves' tour .
Since we had already seen Capella Palatina, Monreale was not as awe inspiring. Our excellent local guide, Jackie, called our attention to the workmanship and told us about the building of the Cathederale. Many of the workers were Muslims and much of the artwork reflects the Arabic style.
Cefalu
Beautiful Cefalu is a small beach town east of Palermo. We were told that it is a favorite holiday location for French tourists, and the delicious croissants were a testimony to the efforts of the Italian bakers to make sure the French returned. A local vegetable/fruit merchant drove his truck down the narrow streets, and stopped from time to time, to invite customers to buy his fresh produce. His sing-song call alerted people to his arrival. Although it was early in the season(first week of May) people were down at the beautiful beach testing the water.
Taormina
Our visit to Taormina was too short, but gave us a good reason to return in the future. Many interesting shops and restaurants.
Our tour guide was a surprise. She is Sicilian with an English accent! It completely threw me and actually distracted me. She was very dramatic and obviously had done this many times. Turns out her mother was English, but she was a native Sicilian.
Shops and restaurants work their way up the narrow stairways. A very attractive way to pull customers into their shops and restaurants. Click on each picture for comments.
Our tour guide was a surprise. She is Sicilian with an English accent! It completely threw me and actually distracted me. She was very dramatic and obviously had done this many times. Turns out her mother was English, but she was a native Sicilian.
Shops and restaurants work their way up the narrow stairways. A very attractive way to pull customers into their shops and restaurants. Click on each picture for comments.
We met the Contessa at her farm.
This experience may have been the highlight of the tour for many . The Contessa was a most pleasant hostess. The food was exceptional. We began with a tour of the property, and then came back to the large patio for antipasto and wine. It was a good opportunity to get better aquainted with various members of the tour as well as Antonio(bus driver )and Tomasso, our tour guide.
When we were fully relaxed ,we were invited inside for the main courses of the luncheon. The food and wine were delicious! A good time was had by all!
When we were fully relaxed ,we were invited inside for the main courses of the luncheon. The food and wine were delicious! A good time was had by all!
Catania Sbracco
MYRA AND JIM TRY TO BLEND IN WITH THE SIRACUSA STUDENTS.
On our way to Siracusa we stopped at the Catania Museum for the Allied invasion of Sicily. The museum was exceptional. It was obvious that Sicilians were more than ready for the end of Fascist and Nazi rule. The students we met were eager to practice their English with us and they cheered USA! USA! USA! when we entered the museum.