Sicily

Flying in to Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport i Collecting our Bags and boarding our Bus Time for a treat! Gelato at Bar Santoro courtesy of Tom After Gelato we walked through the Gates into the Old Town and checked in to Hotel Columbia for 2  nights. In the evening we braved the crowds in the shopping district and arrived at Il Ghiottone Raffinato for our first dinner together. The Restaurant's Chef was Tom's cousin and we were treated to a superb classic Italian 4 course meal with generous amounts of Vino. The Chef's wife, a talented artist, gave each member of the group a small wooden plaque depicting beautiful scenes of Sicily.

A sunny morning greeted us after spending a night listening to a bunch of drunkards serenading themselves until the wee hours. We met our Guide, Marina, who took us on a tour of some of Palermo's historical sites. They included Quattro Canti (Four Corners) Piazza Bellini Church of Santa Maria Dell'Ammiraglio Church of San Cataldo Palermo Cathedral Before meeting Tom for lunch we walked through quaint neighbourhoods and the market We met Tom outside the Opera House

It was time for lunch at the La Tavernetta del Vicoletto Restaurant. Most of us had Antipasto followed by Pizza which was impossible to finish. A photo opportunity with the Restaurant Owner After a substantial lunch we dragged ourselves to tour the interior of the Opera House Too much touring demanded a visit to Caffe Al Capriccio for Gelato & Granite This evening we celebrated Tom's Birthday. We walked from the Hotel to the Osteria Ballaro Restaurant. On the way we were confronted with crowds of people partying along the main street. Again, the meal of antipasto followed by pasta and cake for Tom was excellent. Tom's relatives joined us in the celebration.

This morning we boarded the bus for the drive to our next two night destination in Scopello. Along the way we stopped for the usual bladder break and then topped them up with a coffee.  We set off again and soon stopped for a spectacular view leaving Lillian behind briefly. After 2 hours we reach our hotel in Scopello, Albergo Pensione Tranchina. It was beautifully appointed and situated in a small village of 25 people.  We had time to unpack before boarding the bus to take us to the trailhead for this afternoon's hike in the Riserva Dello Zingaro. We started from the northern end of the trail and we were treated to many fine views and the pleasant fragrance of the Broom Bushes along the way. Unfortunately Bobbie & Lillian got left behind at some point and had difficulty finding their way back to the hotel. Trying to hitch a ride A spectacular hike along the coastline of 8.82 km.