Taormina, Sicily (Italy)

            28 degrees, sunny, Mediterranean Sea at our feet, beautiful hotel that is built right into the side of a rock cliff, and we can see Mt. Etna clearly (an active volcano).  On the lower floor of the hotel you walk through a lite cave to get to the hotels private beach and to the outdoor pool sun tanning area and café.  This is how our stay in Taormina, Sicily began. 

          Sorry for not blogging sooner.  The first night we arrived we were tired and Neil did not feel well, so we slept.  Monday, we took a shuttle bus into town and did a little shopping and site seeing.  On the shuttle bus we saw many other hotels as we travelled up the hillside.  One across the street from our hotel looks like a big castle.  When we left the downtown area of Taormina we took a ride on a Gondola down the hillside.  Fantastic view, only 3 Euro's each for one way trip. 

          A warning to future travellers:  we found out the hard way, after going to 3 different banks, that Traveller's Cheques are NOT accepted anywhere in Taormina including our Hotel.  Thankfully, we had enough cash on us for our stay and were able to use our credit card to pay for hotel meal charges.  That was an "oops" on my researching part before travelling here.  We have Euro Travellers Cheques but they are not accepted everywhere.  We have back-up cash thought so will be fine.  Internet at the hotel is not inclusive, must pay separate.  Important for all travellers to know...in town use of public toilets is not free.  They ask for donations but they have an attendant standing at the entrance who expects you to pay something if you want to enter. 

          Tuesday, June 4th we joined a tour bus group and travelled to see the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily.  Amazing Day!  A big thank you to SAT (Sicilian Airbus Travel Group, Excursions.  www.satgroup.it)  We saw the Greek Ruins from 400 BC, Temples of Zeus, Hercules, Concordia, and more.  On our tour we saw Almond trees, Olive trees, orange groves, and vineyards.  After lunch we went to visit the world renowned Villa Romana del Casale with its famous mosaics.  That night for supper we ate at the Castle.  Service was outstanding.  Dessert was as delicious as it was artistic. 

          Wednesday, June 5th our last day in Sicily.  We totally took it easy by the pool side and explored our hotel property more as there are hidden nooks and gardens with lemon trees.  Almost packed and sad to leave, we have an early day tomorrow to fly to Venice for our next adventure. 

With over 250 pictures, I hope I picked a few you will enjoy.  Ciao...Tori.

|Mt. Etna

 

 

 

 

 

                                     

 

 

Almond Tree with Almonds