Escape from the Chatter in Taormina’s Villa Comunale

If you’ve had enough politics, Taormina’s Villa Comunale is a lovely place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the boutiques, restaurants, and G7 conferences happening throughout town. With its lush plantings and shaded pathways, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to a different era. There is a reason for that! Villa Comunale was given…

Our May 2016 Tour, Day 5: Taormina’s Secret Spot

Taormina’s public garden, Villa Comunale, was given to the town by English aristocrat and nature conservationist Florence Trevelyan (1852-1907), who once enjoyed bird watching from its cliff tops. Originally designed to be a private pleasure garden, the Villa Comunale was initially called Hallington Siculo, or Sicilian Hallington; Hallington for Hallington Demesne, the town from which…

Our May 2016 Tour, Day 5: Lost in Cefalù

Cefalù is hard to resist. Her narrow, cobblestone streets are a charming labyrinth by which you’ll seek to encounter the elegant Arab-Norman cathedral (pictured) recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With her sweeping beach–like lace at the end of a woman’s stunning skirt–her boutiques–packed with rare finds and delicious gifts–and her medieval laundry–provoking images…