SICILY Small Group Tour With Collette

  Day 2 of the tour, Breakfast started at 7 am and we were to meet at 9:30 in the lobby to begin our walking tour: Our itinerary reads: Begin your adventure tasting your way through Palermo's lively markets on a walking tour unveiling the city's historical center and introducing you to traditional  Sicilian street food, which layers Oriental and Norman influences with local produce such as wild fennel, olives, and spices.  Our group of 24 was divided into 2 groups, one group of 12 and one of 10.  A couple of people opted out.  The 2nd group was lead by Francesca above, who was very cute and animated.  She was full of information and shared with us her childhood memories of the area, the food and the vendors.  Group 2 was a bit delayed departing due to some technical issues with Vbox.  Standing with Angelica is Vera and Joe from Australia.  Visiting Sicily was especially important to them as they both have family in Sicily. We started with The...

  We're scheduled to meet the tour group and tour guide at 6 pm in the lobby today, but we have the day on our own, so despite the rain we headed out to walk with our umbrellas.  We had checked on line to purchase tickets to tour Teatro Massimo (The Opera House), but it indicated there were no openings.  So we walk there to see if we could in person tickets....Bingo!  12 Euro's a piece and we only had about 10 minutes to wait for the guided tour. This incredible wooden model was built in 1866.   The Opera House is truly beautiful, colorful details every direction you look. Even the ceiling The Royal Box, which we were told some lucky patrons have the opportunity to sit there if The Royals aren't there and the house is full, as the Opera House is very much in use with a full performance schedule. In the very center of this room is a circle that men used when they had secret business to discuss.  You can stand in the center spot and feel and hear what yo...

  Checking in at Best Western Ai Cavalieri Hotel Via Sant'Oliva 8 in Palermo.  We arrived to early to be able to check into our room, so we left out luggage with them at the front desk and heading out to explore and find a spot for lunch. We found a lovely spot.  I had my first Aperol Spritz of the trip and Ernie had a beer with our lunch.  Tasted as good as it looks! We had a large basket of wonderful bread, and also ordered Burrata which we shouldn't have, as we couldn't eat everything. Having a English menu is helpful.   After our lunch, and exploring the area we made it back to check into our rooms for a bit of a rest.  A desk area with small fridge in the left cabinet area, amour where we hung a few things up; as we were going to be here 3 nights.  Two nights with the tour, plus our pre-night. Took a mini nap Reviewed the map of the area in our sitting area which is on the other side of the little separation wall you see in pictures above. Sm...