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SICILY - STAY FOR LESS "EURO"

SICILY is the Italian Island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Its strategic location has caused it to be held by most of the Western Worlds richest civilisations – Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Norman's in 1090 (just after other Viking/ Normans conquered England in 1066) then Germans & Spaniards & all have left their marks. The Capital PALERMO, on the NW coast, is set in a wide bay surrounded by high mountains but it's a commercial & messy City. CATANIA , however, on the E shore, is much more appealing with wide Via's, impressive Buildings a more colourful street life & looked over by the"Icon" active Volcano – MOUNT ETNA . Just N of Catania is TAORMINA a delightful Mountain/ Sea resort with a fabled Greek/ Roman Theatre.

ACCOMMODATION

NO1 CATANIA – AGORA HOSTEL at Piazza Curro 6 (not easy to find 1 st time, but go through the Fish Market & its in a small Square is next to the Railway line) tele 0957 233 010 – www.agorahostel.com – from E17 in 8 bunk dorms incl sheets, lockers & full breakfast. Mini kitchen with gas hob, fridge & utensils, friendly eating area, open Reception with Internet & elevated lounge/TV corner. A "fab" Hostel attached to unique restaurant/ bar with remarkable underground Lava Cave & stream flowing through

NO1 TAORMINA – ODYSSEY HOSTEL on Traversa di Via G Martino, at 2 “Fontana Vecchia” (quite a hike from Bus Station so get Town Map then follow Hostel signs) tele +39 0942 24533– www.taorminaodyssey.com – E15 incl. sheets & snack breakfast. Mini kitchen with gas hobs, small oven & utensils plus teapot (for English). Ideal meals/ social TV room with splendid sunny morning views of Town & Sea. Great location for mountain clambers or beach splashes

PALERMO (Best Available) – HOTEL PARADISO on Via Schiavuzzo 65 (off Via Roma near to Bus/ Rail Station in pleasant Square with Neptune Fountain) E20 cash (negotiated) for single room with sheets, wash basin & balcony. There are no Hostels in Palermo & this top of building room is basic & simple as are the mod (ancient) cons. so stay a minimum time only.

FOOD – in all GB's stops self-catering needs are found in Supermarket branches of GS or SMA. For fresh fruit & vegetables, however, the numerous market & street vendors offer the best bargains. Oranges are a particular treat, with so many different varieties & so juicy/ tasty.

TRAVELLING AROUND – arriving on the daily Ryanair flight from London (cost GB 1p) a Prestia Bus takes all travellers the 31k into Palermo for E5. For in town journeys a 60-min ticket is 1Euro or day pass E3.25 from Bus booths. Catania is best on foot but in Taormina once you've scaled the mountain paths once you may want to take advantage of the small local busses which journey up & walk down!

FREE SIGHTS TO SEE

1. PALERMO – QUATTRO CANTI 1611, 4 tiered Fountains depicting Seasons, Viceroys & Patron Saints
2. “ - FONTANNA PRETORIA, Baroque Fountain of white marble Nudes & exotic Animal Heads
3. MONREALE – CATHERDRAL1174, by Norman King William 2 is a "World Gem" of Arabic Mosaic Art
4. CATANIA – DUOMO, to St Agatha, remodelled by Vaccarini 1694 on original 11C Norman, Roger 1
5. “ - VIA ETNA, Main Avenue pointing to Volcano with Roman Theatre & Bellini Gardens
6. “ - FISH, FRUIT & VEG. MARKET, a hive of industry & social heart of Catania's daily life
7. “ - DOCKS, a refreshing retreat from City with Ferry & Cargo Ships & best view of Etna
8. TAORMINA – CASTELL SARACENA, above Town gives magnificent panorama of Etna & all around
9. “ - PARCO DUCHI DI CESARO, an unusual & delightful garden with great sea & Etna views
10. “ - CORSO UMBERTO, pedestrianised with Duomo/ fountain, Piazza 9 April to exclusive shops

CHARGE SIGHTS NOT TO MISS

1. PALERMO – CAPPELLA PALATINA, 1143 Norman Roger 2 Palace, richly decorated Arabic Mosaics
2. MOUNT ETNA VISIT - to 1800m Refugio Sapienza level (Summit 3250m) involves a special Bus from Catania at 0815 each day, taking about 2 hours with a 20-min stop at Nicolosi. The views & experiences are all dependent on ETNA's Weather but it's a fabulous “must do” all day excursion & great value for only E5 return (at 1630). To take the extra Cable - Car to 2100m, however, costs E12 or E 23 return trip. GB had a “White Out “ on trip 1 & bitter “Wind Chills” on 2 with initial sun shine!
3. TAORMINA – GREEK/ ROMAN THEATRE, Town "Icon" from 4C BC to current day special performances

* Lucia, Christina, Caitlin – Toma's, Iggi (Ignacio) Koji, Dave, Mary, John & Karen.