Messina & Taormina Sicily

We weren't really sure what to expect of our day in Sicily. By this time I was sick with a cold, and really tired from the 3 previous intense port days.

As we sailed into port, we had a magnificent view of the island of Stromboli - an active volcano.

and all of the little fishing boats out on the water

We had a stunning view of a snow capped Mt Etna as we arrived too

We met up with our guide at the port, and he wished us off to a little town name Castelmola way, way up in the mountains.

We went to a little restaurant on the side of a hill for the most amazing lunch. Momma made it for us.

Spicy meat pizza

funghi pizza

meatballs (soooo good). and yes, we  were drinking wine out of those glasses.

spagetti carbonara

and our guides surprised us with a birthday cake for a couple of the people in our group

I gotta tell ya - this is one of the best meals we had on this trip. maybe ever. and yes, I do mean that.

from Castlemola we then experienced the harrowing ride back down the mountains in our mini-bus. suffice it to say it was awful. narrow roads, switchback/hairpin turns, 2" retaining walls...yeah. that was the least fun experience of the trip.

our guide bought us tickets to ride the "funivia" up another mountain to Taormina.

here's a view looking back down the hill

My favorite things about Taormina were the gorgeous flower boxes on the balconies

and the view

Sicily was incredible, and we really enjoyed our day there. If you ever have the chance to visit, take it!!!

Up next, the grand finale: Venice.

And I promise to finish this before the end of February.