Travel Review: Italy Vacation, Taormina, Siracusa, Mt Etna Hiking, Cooking Class, History, Wine, Nature

The highlight of the trip was the day we spent hiking on Mt Etna. The guys at the tour company are superb and made our experience truly memorable.  The experience was challenging and exhilarating (and the perfect weather didn't hurt either).  Once our guide and his team assessed our abilities, they tailored a route for us that took us down into the Valle del Bove lava field and up over a ridge to a picnic lunch of 'strong' Sicilian sandwiches and local wine.  Great day!

Also, the day spent in Taormina was memorable as well. Paradoxically, Taormina is, and always has been, a tourist town - dating back to Greek and Roman times.  But our guide there brought it to life with her deep historical and archeological knowledges and her insights and openness about her views on modern life in Sicily.

Finally, our cooking class in Siracusa was fun and delicious!  The market visit was amazing - so much beautiful fresh, colorful produce and such variety!  Tomatoes like we've never seen before and at least half a dozen kinds of zucchini. And the fish!  I have never been in a fish shop with fish so fresh that the visit was appetizing. We chose calamari and anchovies to cook.  The cooking took place in our instructor's apartment which was beautiful - sumptuous and spacious and across the hall from the hotel she owns!  The food (and wine) was great!