Day 4 – Train to Taormina and the Greek theatre
This morning, we leave Palermo and travel by train along the
north coast of the island to Messina with the azure Tyrrhenian Sea
never far from view. From Messina, we transfer by coach to the
historic town of Taormina.
We have a two-hour guided tour of this delightful town,
including the amazing Greek theatre that is believed to date from
around the third century BC. Dug out of Mount Taurus, this vast
venue could seat upwards of 5,000 spectators who would gather to
watch Greek tragedies or comedies and, during the later Roman
period, gladiators. While the amphitheatre is impressive in its own
right, it also offers beautiful views of the Ionian Sea and Mount
Etna, the active volcano that dominates the east coast of
Sicily.
Our tour concludes at a local cake shop or 'pasticceria', where
we are treated to a sweet taste of Sicily - a cannolo. Meaning
'little tube', these delicious crisp pastries are filled with
creamy ricotta and are the island's most famous dessert.
We arrive at our new hotel, in neighbouring Giardini Naxos, in
the early evening, where our luggage will be waiting for us. With
great views over the sea, our elegant beachfront hotel has a
private beach, a pool and a wellness centre. In the evening, we
gather in the restaurant for a three-course dinner.
Includes