Taormina Sicily
Taormina Day 1
A couple minutes up the hill from the San Domenico is the main shopping street, Corso Umberto, a quaint pedestrian street lined by old world buildings with mostly shops, restaurants and bars.
Down at the coast which we reached by gondola, we lunched at il Barcaiolo. Even Google maps couldn't find this special but hard to find family owned restaurant just off the beach at...
On our way back from lunch...
For dinner our concierge recommended Vicolo Stretto, a great rooftop restaurant again only a few minutes walk from the hotel. Located at the top of the steps of a narrow space between two buildings. Great view, service and food. The most incredible home made tagliatelle bolognese I have ever tasted...
Late night entertainment at the nearby piazza...
Sicily Day 2
Another beautiful 85F/30C day as our private guided tour takes us to see more of Sicily.
First stop is Fiumefreddo and Castello degli Schiavi built in the 8th century, the Sicilian Baroque period.
It's recent claim to fame is as a setting for Godfather trilogy. Lots of memorabilia and pics from the filming, especially the original Godfather.
Mt. Etna is a towering presence over much of southeastern Sicily.
Next was a private visit, tour, wine tasting and lunch at Barone Villa Grande estate. This vineyard, located some 2,300 feet above sea level on the slope of Etna, produces some outstanding wines.
Our day concluded with a visit to Savoca, the location for more scenes from the Godfather.
Taormina Day 3
After a lazy morning, we took a taxi to nearby Castelmola, a beautiful village perched on a cliff above Taormina.
Spectacular view from lunch...
Exploring the village's quaint narrow streets, we found this rather unique bar with a singular fixation.
After lunch, we returned to Taormina and stopped to check out the Hotel Grand Timeo...
On our walk back to the San Domenico...
Our last night, we ate on the terrace overlooking the Ionian at the San Domenico Palace's Michelin star restaurant, Principe Cerami.
