In May 2019, we hiked and toured Sicily

We decided it was time to discover Sicily. Two of our friends in the Bay area, Rob and Wendy, joined us for a two week tour. Our journey began in Taormina. We explored the town and then enjoyed a beautiful hike up Mount Tauro through fields of flowers and prickly pear cactus to the scenic village of Castelmola. Next we explored the ancient port city of Catania.

We then joined twelve other adventurous people and two outstanding guides on a Country Walkers tour of Sicily. We hiked along the rugged coasts, climbed Mount Etna in a 50mph wind that blew us around, and explored various Nature Reserves. Our favorite was the Necropolis of Pantalica, one of Sicily's most fascinating nature reserves and archaeological sites, with more than 5000 tombs carved into its steep rock walls.

We visited several ancient Roman and Greek temples and ruins, marveled at spectacular mosaic-covered churches and unbelievably well-preserved mosaic floors in Villa Romana del Casale from 300AD. We stayed in some fantastic agriturismos, ate fabulous food, and drank spectacular local wines. We ended our visit to Sicily in the capital city of Palermo, where we visited colorful markets, exuberantly decorated churches and famous landmarks.

Select a picture below to see our photos

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - Map of our travels in Sicily

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - 05/01 - Isola Bella and Taormina

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - 5/2 - Hike to Castelmola

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - 5/3 - Last Day in Taormina, first day in Catania

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - 5/4 - Exploring the port city of Catania

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - 5/5 - Hiking Day 1 with our new friends

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - 5/6 - Hike on Mount Etna

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - 5/7 - Mount Etna to Oasi Nature Reserve and Siracusa

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - 5/8 - Syracusa to the Necropolis of Pantalica (Grand Canyon of Sicily)

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - 5/9 - Mount Ganzaria and Villa Romana del Casale

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - 5/10 - Riserva Naturale Bosco della Ficuzza

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - 5/11 - Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - 5/12 - Erice to the countryside of Menfi

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - 5/13 - Visit to the Greek Ruins of Selinunte

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - 5/14 - Monreale Cathedral and Palermo

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - 5/15 - Tour of Palermo

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - 5/16 - Palermo No Mafia Walking Tour

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - 5/5 to 5/9 - The wonderful food of Sicily

Low Res  pictures                                                    Hi Resolution  pictures

ABOVE - 5/10 to 5/16 - More great food in Sicily