Guest blogger Italy travel expert Kathy McCabe, editor of the award-winning travel newsletter Dream of Italy, reports Sicily is a must-visit for 2012:
There’s no other way to say it, Sicily is hot for 2012. The travel agents and tour operators I talk to say travelers are choosing this enchanting island for their next vacation. The stunning landscape (volcanic vistas, winding roads and turquoise waters) makes a Sicily bike tour one of the best ways to see the treasures of Sicily.
For thousands of years, the island was under the domination of outside forces including the Greeks, Arabs, Romans and Normans. Their influences are layered throughout the Sicilian landscape and lifestyle — from the architecture to the cuisine.
No matter which corner of Sicily you’re exploring by bike—Western Sicily: home to the ancient treasures of Agrigento, Monreale and Sciacca or Eastern Sicily: a must for magical Mount Etna and the volcanic Aeolian islands — do yourself a favor and plan to add on a few extra days in the Sicilian capital of Palermo.
This vibrant, Old World city reveals those layers I mention above and offers up truly unique Sicilian experiences. Here are a few things to do in Palermo:
+ Marvel at mosaics. Sure, every city in Italy has art-filled churches but Palermo offers a true stunner at Cappella Palantina (Palantine Chapel). About half the size of Rome's Sistine Chapel, the chapel on the first floor of the city's royal palace is filled with brilliant Byzantine mosaics from the 12th century. Experts say the only other places in the world with comparable mosaics are Istanbul and the Italian city of Ravenna.
+ Eat cannoli and every other pastry you can get fit in your mouth. Love sweets? The bakers of Palermo do things with sugar, ricotta, fruits and chocolate that you can only dream of…Cannoli, tubes of fried dough with ricotta fillings, were born in Palermo, likely as part of Carnevale celebrations. Taste some at Antico Caffe' Spinnato (Via Principe di Belmonte, 117)
+ Play with puppets. If you’re on a family vacation or want to amuse your inner child, head to the International Puppet Museum. Sicilian puppet theater was born in the 18th-century and Sicilian artisans make some of the most life-like marionettes you will find anywhere.
Read more about travel to Sicily in Dream of Italy and subscribe today for access to more insider Italy travel advice.
Photo by girolame, flickr.com
