<h4>SICILY - THE FORGOTTEN (WHITE) LOTUS LAND OF ITALY</h4>Thanks to the HBO smash new series 'White Lotus' - people have (re)discovered Sicily - the island most forgotten by those planning travel to Italy.&nbsp;Having had the pleasure of spending time on this hidden (not so much anymore) gem of an island - I'm here to tell you it's one you need to add to your bucket list and next trip to Italy.&nbsp;In October 2019, I escorted a group to Italy that began in Rome, moved down the Amalfi Coast, including island of Capri, and ferried over to Sicily to Catania.&nbsp; After a week, we ended in Palermo, with an overnight ferry back to Naples.&nbsp; Spectacular!Not only is Sicily the largest region in Italy, but it's also the largest island in the Mediterranean.&nbsp; It's culturally packed with incredible villages, miles of untouched beaches and ruins that rival Greece.&nbsp;<img src="https://ttand.imgix.net/sicilianbeachessm-1673712387145.JPG" style="width: 1408px;">Photo:&nbsp; Sicilian beach we'd just enjoyed our seaside lunch atBut Sicily is not only Taormina, Cefalu and Mount Etna (filming locations of White Lotus) - it's a universe of epicentres, with medieval hilltop towns that make you exclaim - how the h*ll did they do that, centuries ago?!&nbsp;Sicily's the agricultural centre of Italy - long noted for its fertile soil, pleasant climate and natural beauty - you travel through orchards of olive, orange, and lemons. They grow pistachios, almonds and grapes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://ttand.imgix.net/olivepickingsm-1673711504534.JPG" style="width: 100%;">Photo: 'Picking' or harvesting the olives from the orchardsSeafood is fished right off the coast - Sea to Table.It's very distinct in cuisine, language, wine, pasta, sauces, (sea) salt and olive oil.&nbsp; And let's not forget 'The Godfather'.&nbsp;The sweet scent of the Plumeria flowers surround you in the gardens and on the balconies.&nbsp; This often-forgotten part of Italy is breathtaking and memorable.&nbsp;There's so much to experience and talk about, but I'll mention a few highlights.<img src="https://ttand.imgix.net/ferrytosicilysm-1673711599385.JPG" style="width: 1408px;">Photo: Our ferry ride from mainland Italy to Sicily with our besties The ferry ride over from Calabria (the tip of the mainland boot) was only 45 minutes but refreshing on a warm, sunny day.&nbsp; Upon landing on Sicily, we wound our way past the vineyards and orchards, making our way to the Taormina area.&nbsp;TAORMINAMagnificently situated on a 700-foot plateau overlooking the Ionian Sea, the heart of Taormina is Piazza Nove Aprile, a paved square with unrivaled views of the sea and Mount Etna.&nbsp; Closed off to most motorized vehicles, it's definitely a walking mecca of cobbelstone streets and eye candy everywhere you look!&nbsp;<img src="https://ttand.imgix.net/taorminaentrancesm-1673712500202.JPG" style="width: 100%;"> Photo: Our entrance into the hilltop city of TaorminaWe had to stop and sample some of the best cannoli in Italy, made right here - at I dolci di Nonna Rosa's. Tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough stuffed with sweet ricotta cream - OMG!&nbsp;That evening, we enjoyed a delicious Sicilian style dinner at a family-owned, seaside cafe.&nbsp; We were serenaded with folk music and entertainment by the local owner, family and staff.&nbsp; And there was much dancing by all!&nbsp;Sit under the vines and have a cannoli and strong cup of coffee in Savoca, close to Taormina, for a slice of Sicilian life.&nbsp;&nbsp;You'll recognize 'Bar Vitelli' from a scene in Francis Ford Coppola's 'The Godfather'.&nbsp; The doorway with the graphic font, collection of rattan chairs and round-topped tables are exactly the same as in the famous film scene. MOUNT ETNAOne of the world's most active volcanoes, Mount Etna is visible from almost anywhere on the east coast of the island and in a constant state of activity.&nbsp; It lies between the cities of Messina and Catania.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://ttand.imgix.net/mtetna-taormina-1673712673820.JPG" style="width: 1408px;">Photo:&nbsp; our view of Mount Etna - from Taormina You have the option to hike around the village at the top or take a jeep or cable-car ride for a better view of the top.&nbsp; At an elevation of 3357m, be prepared for cooler temps at the top.&nbsp; It's a good way to find out if you're affected by the altitude difference.&nbsp;PIAZZA ARMERINA - AGRIGENTOPiazza Armerina is a maze of steep streets, overflowing with the colourful atmosphere of Sicilian life.&nbsp; At nearby Casale, we enjoyed a visit to the Roman Villa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for it's mosaics, including the whimsical 'Bikini Girls'.&nbsp;<img src="https://ttand.imgix.net/bikinigirlssm-1673712862379.JPG" style="width: 1408px;">Photo:&nbsp; The famous 'Bikini Girls' mosaic&nbsp; They've done an amazing job of preserving and making the viewing of these and so many more, accessible.&nbsp;Agrigento's Valley of the Temples was one of my favourite stops on our itinerary.&nbsp; It's an archeological jewel.&nbsp;<img src="https://ttand.imgix.net/acropolissm-1673715506919.JPG" style="width: 1408px;">Photo:&nbsp; The Acropolis in Agrigento's Valley of the Temples One of the finest example of Greek civilization existing today, the Doric Temple of Concord and the hilltop Temple of Juno Lacinia, were fascinating and magical.&nbsp; SELINUNTE - MARSALAOne of the most striking and interesting sites in Sicily, Selinunte won't disappoint.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the apex of its power before 409BC, the city exceeded 30,000 people, excluding slaves.&nbsp; Here you'll see the remains of the Acropolis with its temples and fortifications.&nbsp;Not to be missed, is a stop on th western coast, Marsala.&nbsp; Also celebrated for Marsala wine, the real gem is a local salt mill, still operating and producing.&nbsp;&nbsp;You'll see shimmering heaps of white crystals, red roofed windmills and contained ponds.&nbsp;<img src="https://ttand.imgix.net/marsalasaltmillssm-1673712973277.JPG" style="width: 1408px;">Photo:&nbsp; The Marsala Salt Mills&nbsp; Starting out looking like a mirage, you'll find yourself surrounded by the oldest chemical industry in the world.&nbsp; Salt production on western Sicily has been around for 3,000 years.&nbsp; A tour of the mill and the process was captivating.&nbsp;TRAPANI - ERICEThese two Sicilian treats should be added onto your agenda.&nbsp; Trapani is set on a harbour and once at the heart of a powerful trading network stretching from Carthage to Venice.&nbsp;&nbsp;Built primiarily in baroque style, the city center stretches along the port.&nbsp;The medieval hilltop town of Erice, can be be reached either by cable car or driving up the winding, mountainous road.&nbsp; Situated about 2500 feet above sea level, it immediately impresses with its defensive walls and castle.&nbsp;<img src="https://ttand.imgix.net/ericesm-1673713155832.JPG" style="width: 1408px;">Photo:&nbsp; the medieval castle of the hilltop village of Erice On a beautiful clear day, we enjoyed the breathtaking views over the Trapani Gulf and Egadi Island - and if you look even further out - all the way to the African coast.&nbsp;PALERMO - KINGDOM OF THE SUNSitting close to where Europe ends and Africa begins, the coastal and colourful port city of Palermo has much to offer.&nbsp; Interesting squares and marketplaces, churches and palazzos in every style - from Moorish to baroque.&nbsp;<img src="https://ttand.imgix.net/palermostreetfood-1673713344387.webp" style="width: 100%;"> Photo: Palermo Street Food and Markets&nbsp;This city is a melting pot of culture.&nbsp; Spend some time getting lost here.&nbsp;A 20-minute bus ride away, is the former fishing village and picturesque seaside escape, of Mondello.Dominating the seafront, is the opulent, art nouveau Antica Stabilimento Balneare.&nbsp; Boasting a piano bar for cocktails and an elegant terrace restaurant, it's a great way to spend your time enjoying.&nbsp;OVERNIGHT FERRY CROSSING TO NAPLESWhat a treat it was, to embark onto the ferry that would carry us across the Tyrrhenian Sea overnight.&nbsp;Booked into our own cabin, with a toilet and shower, made for a rock-a-bye-baby sleep, waking up to Naples in the morning.&nbsp;We enjoyed drinks and tasted that evening, saying farewell to Sicily, in the ferry dining room.&nbsp;NAPLESNext morning we were treated with a coffee and pastry tray at Caffe Gambrinus in Naples, one of the most renowned literary cafes in Naples.&nbsp;The meeting place is famous for intellectuals, politicians and businessmen/women, including Oscar Wilde and Ernest Hemmingway.&nbsp;This landmark cafe has been around since 1860.&nbsp; Marble floors, wooden panels and dapper waiters channel old-school Naples here.<img src="https://ttand.imgix.net/palermocoffeeshopsm-1673713439716.JPG" style="width: 1408px;">Photo:&nbsp; Caffe Gambrinus patio in Naples - our morning treat We enjoyed our coffee and treats on the outdoor patio.&nbsp;&nbsp;Keep in mind - most Italians do not sit down to enjoy their coffee - they go inside, order and drink it while standing - so you'll pay a premium to have yours delivered by your waiter - but it's so worth it.&nbsp;Thinking about an escape to Lotus Land?&nbsp; <a href="mailto: syndi@authenticvacationdesigns.com" target="_blank">CONTACT ME</a> cause Planning A Vacation Makes You Happy (me too!).&nbsp;Looking for more Italy Inspiration?&nbsp; <a href="https://www.authenticvacationdesigns.com/blog/insiders-guide-to-italy/2925" target="_blank">CLICK HERE for An Insider's Guide to Italy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>Want to always be in the KNOW ABOUT TRAVEL? <a href="mailto: syndi@authenticvacationdesigns.com" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> and let's get you signed up for my fun and informative newsletter.&nbsp; OR pick your passion by <a href="https://www.authenticvacationdesigns.com/newsletter" target="_blank">CLICKING HERE</a>.&nbsp;For sending me your email and signing up, I'll send you a FREE DESTINATION GUIDE to a country or destination of your choice (with some REAL TIME INFO).&nbsp;Did you know you can share this with other people?&nbsp; Friends or not friends, family or not famiy - anyone you think might love this!&nbsp;And I would be forever grateful to you, for doing that ....&nbsp;

I'f you're a lover of good food, nature, beautiful beaches, culture and sightseeing, then Sicily's perfect for you!  And let's not forget about the wine ...

SICILY - THE FORGOTTEN (WHITE) LOTUS LAND

Flowers, chocolates, gifts and a fancy restaurant are classics for Valentine's Day.  But did you know the Irish have traditions across the island that'll sweep your other half off their feet?

ROMANCE ON THE ISLAND OF IRELAND

Jordan is an immensely unique and must-visit destination that offers countless cultural, historic, and adventurous experiences for any type of traveller.

Five Facts You Didn't Know About Jordan

Often overlooked as a vacation destination, when compared to some of it's neighbouring countries, it's a popular Long Stay Destination for us in Canada, US and Britain in the off season.  Home to an unbelievable 48 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Spain boast glorious sun-soaked beaches and resorts. .

SPAIN - OVERLOOKED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Since the spring 2020 when COVID brought the world to a standstill, the travel industry's been on a wild rollercoast ride.  Fast forward to 2023, even with lifted restrictions and border openings, the industry has much to deal with ...

HOW THE WORLD OF TRAVEL HAS CHANGED

There’s lots to take in with a visit to Mumbai. With 20 million people, all hustling and bustling daily, Mumbai is a whirlwind of sensations.

Can't-Miss Sights of Mumbai

While each is a superlative solo destination, Tampa and St. Pete’s close proximity on Florida’s central west coast offers a two-for-one vacation: pristine Florida beaches and unrivaled art in St. Pete and European and Cuban influenced culture and food in Tampa.

SICILY - THE FORGOTTEN (WHITE) LOTUS LAND

Share via