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Sicily 

September 2023

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival

 

Collect your luggage, clear customs, pick up your rental car and head to the  Agriturismo Parra Hotel, not far from Messina near the northern coastline.  After your long journey to Italy you are welcomed with a friendly smile. The quaint hotel features comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving delicious meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many grown on site! You'll have the opportunity to explore the beautiful town of Santa Lucia del Mela or simply relax and rejuvenate at the hotel.  What an amazing way to start your Italian adventure.

 

 

 

 

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Day 2, 3 & 4  - Santa Lucia del Mela

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A trip to Santa Lucia del Mela is a must for those seeking a connection to their Italian heritage. With its scenic location overlooking the northern coast of Sicily and rich history that dates back to the ancient Greeks, this vibrant town is a must-see destination for travelers. Visit the old churches, Castello and duomo, and research your roots while immersing yourself in the local culture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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On day 3, Discover the wonders of Italian cuisine with a Private Cooking Class in Messina. Your instructor will guide you in the art of creating authentic Italian dishes in their own kitchen, using the freshest ingredients and traditional techniques. The class is hands-on, so you'll get to chop, season, and cook under the watchful eye of a professional. By the end of the class, you'll have a new set of skills and a delicious meal to enjoy.! 

 

Take your time on day 4 to continue to delve into your heritage and explore Santa Lucia del Mela.  After lunch, start your trek fully across Sicily from the Northeast coast to the Southwest coast.

 

 

 

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Day 4 & 5 - Agrigento

 

Check into the beautiful Baglia Della Luna Hotel.  After you are settled in, head out to discover the stunning town of Agrigento, where ancient ruins meet gorgeous beaches. The Valley of the Temples is a must-visit, where you can explore the beautiful ancient Greek ruins that still stand tall today. After taking in the fascinating history, head to the breathtaking beaches on the southwest coast for a day of relaxation. A visit to Agrigento is a journey through time and a true natural wonder.

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Day 6 & 7 - Mt Etna

 

Your next adventure takes you to Mt. Etna.  The active volcano is located on the east coast of Sicily, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is the highest active volcano in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you can explore the many local wineries for a taste of the region's exceptional wine. Check into the Etnella Agriturismo for a comfortable and authentic Sicilian experience.

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On day 7 , experience the simplicity and warmth of a family gathering on your Private Wine and Food Tasting, immersed in the beauty of nature. Taste family culinary preparations prepared with typical Sicilian products, paired with wines from this volcanic territory. These savory and intense wines are the perfect match for local flavors.  This unique location on the slopes of Etna will make you feel right at home, surrounded by mountains and chestnut woods, and you'll love the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Catania from the panoramic terrace. A wonderful opportunity to relax and unwind with good food and company.

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Day 8, 9 & 10 - Taormina

 

Experience the perfect blend of history and luxury during your stay at the Excelsior Palace Hotel in Taormina. This hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily boasts stunning views of Mount Etna and is known for its ancient Greco-Roman theater, the Teatro Antico di Taormina. With cliffs dropping to the sea forming coves with sandy beaches, Taormina offers the perfect destination for relaxation and adventure as you wind down your Sicilian Vacation.

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On day 9, embark on a unique adventure with your wine-tasting boat tour in Taormina! This small group tour takes you on a journey of discovery, exploring the beautiful Sicilian coast and indulging in a wine-tasting session. Discover secluded bays, hidden caves, and breathtaking spots along the way. Then, while on the boat, enjoy a tasting session of the best Sicilian wines, including delicious red wine, white wine, and prosecco. It's the perfect way to spend a day on the stunning Sicilian coast!

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Day 10 - Taormina to Catania 

Enjoy lunch at your hotel and enjoy your last day exploring Taormina!  After an early dinner head to Catania to the Magnolia Boutique Rooms near the Catania airport to relax before waking early tomorrow for your flight home.

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Day 11 - Depart Italy for USA

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Hotel was very simple but perfect for our needs. Food was amazing. We wished we had stayed there the whole trip and done day trips from there.

Took a bit of effort to find it.  Once there it was perfection. Beautiful location, great wine and food.

The staff was so helpful and accommodating and welcoming. The room was very simple but merry our needs. They go to great lengths in thoughtful preparations for people passing through.

What a day !!! Ended my day with a bottle of wine from the Agri Turismo we are staying at  with a real siciliano cigar !!! After long day visiting Milazzo , don’t think it can get much better!!

Mission accomplished!!! Found my grandmothers home she was born in and found out how my name was really spelled according to city records. Found all kinds of records of my grandmother and her brothers/sisters!!  Then swam in the Mediterranean sea in Cefalù (amazing) then ending our day in an amazing hotel in Agrigento!!

Watching my husband explore his Sicilian roots was priceless. The people we met were wonderful and we were happy to return home with some wonderful new friends.

Cooking class today in the home of our new Sicilian friend Daniela ! We decided to take a real scenic route to Messina and we wound up on a road ( via Palermo ) which was nonstop turns for 15 miles !!!

Since returning from our trip I have put my new cooking skills to use!

Beautiful room & grounds

What a view at dinner of the ruins over the Mediterranean!!!

Sat in the Mediterranean all day had lunch on the water and back to the hotel for room service!!!  The siciliano cannolis are by far the best I’ve ever had !!!

The location was perfection and the room very charming. Hotel grounds were nice and the pool beautiful.

Mt. Etna - beautiful, terrifying, ashen, all with some lovely wine.

This is overdue, gotta send a shout to Maria Chiara Bliem ( travel agent) for planning an amazing trip!!! Went to Enna which is highest point in Sicilia and so beautiful and got a bucket full of figs ( for $1.50) off a street vendor. Visited one of Italy’s largest castles,  now at another Agriturismo on Mount Etna drinking a glass of wine with Taromina as our view!!!

Wow Taormina!!!! It’s truly an amazing place to visit!!!

Pleasantly surprised by how interesting and fun this was. Very scenic and informative.

Last night in Termina, and pretty much the last night to enjoy in Sicily and we are exhausted !!! It feels like everything here is uphill lol looking forward to going home... !! I highly recommend you visit this place it’s amazing,  but everything revolves around eating and drinking !!

Hotels

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