White Almond Sicily

" To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything " Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1787 Whether you are a lover of art, history, mythology, food, vineyards, movies and literary, walking and hiking or just a sun worshipper of beautiful beaches, or lazy days onboard a boat Sicily might just be the perfect destination for you. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and it is Italy's largest region, it is also Italy's most varied region. In terms of geology there are offshore islands, an endless coastline, rugged mountains and active volcanos, but its food, architecture and history are also of note. It is also the region which has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy. Sicily formed a significant portion of the Ancient Greek empire, it was strategically vital to Ancient Rome and was invaded in succession by the Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Spanish and Bourbons before unify...

"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." Roald Dahl One the most of popular questions that I get asked when we are in Sicily is "What is the meaning behind the emblem of the Sicilian Flag called the Trinacria ?" Especially by British tourists as it is very similar to the three legged emblem of the Isle of Man which is a British island situated in the Irish Sea known for its rugged coastline, medieval castles with rural landscapes and a mountainous centre, not too dissimilar to Sicily, but that is where the connection end. The " Sicilu " in the east of Sicily and the " Sicani " in the west of Sicily, were the first inhabitants of the island which was originally named " Sicania ". The first invaders, the ancient Greeks, after circumnavigating Sicily called it Thrinakia ...

Last year I was contacted by a British couple who were looking to book a two week holiday to Sicily. Flying into Catania they were going to hire a car and drive around the island ending their trip relaxing in Taormina. They asked if I could help to design a road trip itinerary for them. I love a road trip hence why we drive four times a year from London to Sicily with Daisy our dog. Sicily is Italy’s largest region and is also it’s most varied, there are offshore islands, endless coastlines, rugged mountains, fields and volcanos with wonderful history and architecture influenced by the many powers who have invaded the island. With more than 1000 kilometres of stunning coastline and beautiful countryside Sicily is perfect for a road trip. From the autostradas alone you feel the ever present Mount Etna, you are surrounded by abundant orange and lemons groves, you see the shimmering turquoise clear sea, farmhouses and villas and every now and again...