Magic Moments in Sicily and South Italy
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| Sicily's beaches provide something for everyone. (Photo by: Randy Ratzlaff ) |
Seeing the temple of Segesta again, solitary and majestic on its hillside among the wildflowers, just as I had remembered it from long ago. Also seeing the Valley of Temples in Agrigento lighted at night will remain a magic memory.
—Ann in Portland, OR (Sicily & South Italy in 15 Days)
We have so many wonderful memories, not just one — Valley of the Temples, amazed by Pompeii, loved the little town of Scopello, and loved both Taormina where the local Italians vacation and Positano where the rich Europeans vacation. We also loved the craziness and wildness of Naples and would love to have spent more time there. And we did wow a lot about the beautiful countryside of Sicily with all the flowers in bloom, the fruit and nut trees, the vineyards, and the amazing use of the hills for farming.
— Karen in Chicago, IL (Sicily & South Italy in 15 Days)
Every day had a new Wow-topping moment. Touching the ancient stone walls at the temples and in Pompeii, hearing the church bells ringing while climbing up La Rocca in Cefalu, smelling and tasting all the gelatos and wines, walking around on Mt. Etna and then later seeing the orange lava flowing in the night from Taormina, imagining the scenes of destruction while stepping on the ancient Pompeii stones...everything was a magical moment!
— Leona in Sun City Center, FL (Sicily & South Italy in 15 Days)
Matera was a big huge "wow" for me. It was like looking at a Christmas card (without the snow)! I expected to see Joseph & Mary walk up the hill with their donkey. I never thought I would have enjoyed sleeping in a cave, but it was a fantastic experience.
— Beth in Kirkland, WA (Sicily & South Italy in 15 Days)
Dining outdoors along the street while watching the procession of the refurbished Madonna and Child Statue, hearing the rosary recited by all those in the procession and watching the fireworks which coincided with the return of the statue. Other quieter moments like sitting on a private stone beach with my feet in the water in Taormina, snuggling up with my husband on a return trip from Capri while sitting on the top deck of the ferry, and stopping to look at the scenery, including the crystal clear water and beautiful beaches while hiking along the coast in Scopello were all as spectacular, just quieter.
— Susan in Hinsdale, IL (Sicily & South Italy in 15 Days)
The first impressions of Matera's Sassi are an indelible memory for both of us. Positano is truly magical. The charming elderly man in Palermo who sat on a park bench with us and carried on an animated conversation with us in spite of the fact that we could not respond to him in Italian demonstrated the warmth and friendliness we felt. The church in Monreale was exceptionally beautiful. Taormina thrilled me with its ruins and shopping and mandolin playing minstrels singing "That's Amore." Too many to select one!
— Sandy in Houston, TX (Sicily & South Italy in 15 Days)
The biggest "wow" for me was seeing the Sassi section of Matera for the first time. It was an incredible sight looking over the "cave city". Just being there made one feel connected with ancient times and experience the creativity of humanity. Other "wow" moments were walking the cliff trails in Zingaro Park, looking out from our hotel balcony at the Ionian Sea at dawn in Taormina, walking through the back streets of the many cities and towns. Enjoying superb Sicilian and Italian cuisine — especially memorable was the dinner in Cefalu. Actually there are too many "wow" moments— what about those incredibly blue skies and seas — to mention.
— John in Fremont, CA (Sicily & South Italy in 15 Days)