Peggy Wood with James TravelPOINTS just recently visited Italy, one of the most popular countries in Europe.
As an Italian Travel Specialist I have visited Italy on many different occasions. On my most recent trip to Italy we explored the Island of Sicily staying in small luxury quaint Villas, Inn’s and hotels.
Americans are just beginning to discover what savvy European travelers have known for years–that Sicily is one of the great vacation spots in Europe.
Sicily is small enough that you can conquer it by car in a week although two weeks would be better. Happiness is driving through a world of vineyards and citrus groves, ancient Greek towns and temples while dining on incredible Sicilian fare.
Fly into Palermo, Sicily’s major port and capital and pick up your car at the airport . Palermo boasts some the greatest sights and museums in Sicily. Make sure to visit Monreale and its mosaic-laden cathedral and the Catacombe dei Cappuccini… Spend a day or two exploring Polermo and then head east to Segesta, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Italy, continue on to the enchanting medieval hill town of Erice. This once heavily fortified and walled mountain town, is suspended 2,478 feet above sea level. You can wonder its cobblestone street and peer into flower filled courtyards along its twisting lanes.
After a night in Erice, drive to the coastal town of Trapani for a morning visit. After taking in its sights, head south for an afternoon exploration of the wine-producing city of Marsala: over night here.
From Marsala head along the southern coast to the jumble of classical ruins at Selinunte. Since there are few good accommodations in this area continue to Agrigento, one of the most memorable and evocative sights of the ancient world. On your first evening in town. Wonder around the illuminated Valley of the Temples. You can spend the entire next day exploring the wonders of Agrigento. Its Valley of the Temples constitutes the best preserved remains of “classical Greece”
From Agrigento stop and visit Piazza Armerina, viewing the fabulous mosaics in a Roman Villa
Head west to Siracusa (Syracuse) and spend at least one night, with a half-day trip south to Noto if you have time. It is one of my favorite towns . Of all the Greek cities of antiquity that flourished on the coast of Sicily, Siracusa was the most important, a formidable competitor of Athens.
End your trip with a short drive north to Taormina, a sensuous escape hugging the edge of a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. One of Italy’s most dramatic spots. Here you can shop, dine, bar-hop, hang out on the beaches far below or make day trips to the black volcanic slopes of Etna.
Finally drive to Catania for your return flight home.
If you would like to talk with me about my recent trip or if you are planning a trip to Italy please contact me. I will be happy to help you plan your Italian vacation.
Peggy Wood
James TravelPOINTS International
(American Express Representative)
1750 14th Street, Suite 100
Boulder CO 80302
1-800-274-0507
peggyt@travelpoints.com
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!