C2S Travels: Mt Etna, Sicily

We went on a private Mount Etna tour (http://www.etnasicilytouring.com) and were joined by a family from Rome. It was the most wonderful day and our travel guide Paolo is great. He speaks numerous languages including Japanese, English, Italian and not to mention Sicilian of course.

We were given a history and many trivia questions on Mount Etna. He explained the formation of the lava and its subsequent impact.

Our trip included going into a cave, a tasty lunch, many photo opportunities and even listening to music that he created.

The views and insight into the history and significance of Mount Etna is another definitely must do in Sicily.

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C2S Travels: Catania, Sicily

Catania was the next stop and the base for the start of our travels in the East of Sicily.

Notably, this is Sicily's second city and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Catania itself can be explored by foot. We happily walked around exploring gardens and streets and munching our way through sweet pastries and espressos.

Walking around the Piazza Duomo will reward you with many fine Baroque buildings. We did go and check out the Roman theatre but if you are short on time, you can skip this as we actually saw quite a number of them along our Sicily trip.

We went on a day trip to Syracuse and is definitely worth a trip. It also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site too. The best time to go is in summer. A whole day is definitely needed to visit both Ortygia and the Archaeological zone.

For food adventures, please click here.

Tips:

1. If you're booking day trip tours to Mt. Etna, Syracuse, Taormina and others, Catania is the place to do it as it is cheaper and more choices compared to being in other parts of East Sicily.

2. Catania is also one of the two main airports in Sicily which has many direct flights from other parts of Europe.

3. The B&B we stayed was in a very central location, the owner is friendly and helpful and definitely makes good recommendations and helping with arranging tours (http://www.bbdagiannielucia.it/).

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C2S Travels: Agrigento, Sicily

Agrigento is a good base to be as it is within easy reach of the Western Coast and not too far to travel from Palermo where we departed from.

The town itself transports you back into the past with its winding paths and buildings. Definitely a fun way of exploring easily by foot. You can then drive off to the coast from here.

For us, we only stayed for a day and took a bus to head to the Valley of the Temples to see the remains of the Greek Colony. I think just the name itself hints at the wonder and magnificence of what you would be greeted with. You definitely want to make sure you do make this a must see place when coming to Sicily.

For food adventures, please click here.

Tips:

1. You can take a bus from the main train station which will take you to the Valley of the Temple. You will not miss it and the journey is no more than 10-15 minutes.

2. The Archaeological Museum is not within the area of the Valley of the Temples. It is between Agrigento and the Valley of the Temple. Hop back onto the bus to take you there.

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C2S Travels - Palermo, Sicily

I was quite excited about heading away on a 10 day trip to Sicily. It has always made me wonder whenever I noticed Sicilians considered themselves to be unique and individual with their own cuisine and identity. Having never been to the South of Italy, I've heard that it is quite different to its northern neighbours.

I was looking forward to a robust and boisterous experience with fantastic scenery and food in tow.

On the first day that we arrived, we were too tired to do much other than walk around having not had any sleep the night before.

We were just walking around randomly and were brought out by our delightful B&B owner for some lunch and a home cooked dinner.

He has the most amazing B&B, check out some of the room designs (http://www.abali.it/en/abaliweb/)

Strolling through the winding narrow streets lined with pebbles, the stamp of Baroque Arab architecture was still quite evident.

We walked through the main streets and sidetrack into the alleyways whenever we can to immerse and feel the sense of what it was like living here.

The locals are very matter of fact friendly even though they do not look so from their expressions. It is easy to ask for help or directions and they do greet you when you walk by.

A few notable places and sites to see:

• Capella Palatina, Cathedrale, Fontana Pretoria, San Cataldo, Quattro Canti, Teatro Massimo - these are close to each other and you won't miss it. It is in all tourist maps.
• Monreale - You will have to take a bus but is definitely worth seeing, it takes half a day.
• Cripta dei Cappuccini - Seeing how the dead used to be kept and maintained.

Here are some photos of a few places that we visited which I do recommend.

Tips:

1. It is not necessary to have a car to go around in Palermo. Most attractions are easily accessible on foot.

2. To Monreale, take bus 389 which is available around the Cathedrale.

3. Arriving into Palermo airport, you can take a bus which takes you to the central train station in 30 minutes or so for €5.80.

4. Most places are closed for siesta which means that you need to plan your sightseeing which is broken into the morning and evening with a siesta break between 1pm - 3.30pm.

For food adventures, please click here.

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