It is time to review what we did and saw during the last three weeks. After many visits to various parts of Italy since 1969, this trip included some different experiences. In general, we loved all of it (except Jim’s fall).
The first week in Sicily was very similar to the week my daughter and I enjoyed two years ago. We loved all of our guides, who were knowledgeable, helpful, and became friends in the end. Of course, the fact that our group consisted of us and one other couple didn’t hurt, either. Taormina is an absolute favorite, about 45 minutes from Catania and just south of Mt. Etna. The amazing coincidence was that we went up Mt. Etna only one day before it blew its top with one of the craters caving in during the eruption. The next day, as we drove by it on our way to another destination, it looked like nothing happened at all!
All the cities in Sicily are unique and special. Even Palermo, which is a large industrial city, provided a good visit. We would recommend the tour company we used twice, Sicily Adventures, which we found through Tourradar.
After one week, we were ready to fly to Naples to begin our cooking school experience. Casa Gregorio provided a wonderful time and a learning experience that even Jim (not a cook) enjoyed. They have specials often, two for one, and have two locations, with a third coming online early next year. The main one, where we were, is in Casto del Volci, one hour from both Rome and Naples on top of a mountain. They also have a second location on the coast, and a third opening up in Venice. Whether you are a foodie or not, you will love this adventure. Our group of eight Americans found that the location, the staff, and the food was beyond our expectations.
Our last destination was Puglia, the area in the “heel” of Italy. It was a self-drive tour, with the company (TUI), providing the car with all insurance, and the hotels, for us. We were then on our own to explore the various towns and areas in the region.
Many of the towns offered different cuisines, topography, and experiences. Alberobello was amazing. Otranto was unique, and Lecce, which probably would have been a favorite if we had more time, came and went too quickly. Driving in the countryside can be challenging, and not for the faint-hearted. Had we done a tour, it probably would have been more relaxing and informative. We tried it, but would not do it again. This trip was also through Tourradar, and we commend them for their responsiveness to our questions, variety of offerings for trips, and good deals on their tours.
It has taken longer than I imagined to complete the blog for this trip. Our next one begins in August for another three weeks. However, with two cruises, one in the Greek Islands, and the other on the Danube River from Budapest to Prague (in my home country), we should have a much more relaxing vacation. One lesson I learned is not to rely on my iPad Mini to keep up with the blog. It was difficult and time-consuming. Next time, I am taking my laptop and even though it is fairly light, it is still heavier than the mini. Oh, well… At least I hope to keep up to date with the photos and descriptions as we travel. Thanks to all of you for telling me that you are enjoying traveling with us.