October 27 Castelmola & Taormina

What a fab day. Once again we needed a tender to get to the island, which worked well. We used Ocean Excursions for the 1st time and really lucked out with our guide Sara from Discover Messina. She was delightful - knowledgeable, witty with personality plus.
On the way up to Castelmola, Sara stopped the bus to pick up an elderly gentleman. He said he was 87 and climbs between Castelmola & Taormina every day. It was such fun watching her interact with him, then translating for us. Lots of laughs.

Castelmola is historic, beautiful, tranquil, picturesque. Sara briefed us - being higher on the hills, it was the look out point protecting Taormina. She told us a lot about the history and the myths and legends about the island. One I remember is that one of the gods was so angry with her husband that she cut his head off and used it as a planter for her herbs & flowers. We saw lots planters like this. Also loved all the various faces on the vases - each depicting a different god / goddess. We then headed off to explore on our own. Loved it.

From there we down the hill to Taormina. Also beautiful with historic buildings and amazing views of the sea - but packed with tourists. Again, after giving some history and more legends & stories, she let us wander freely so we headed off the beaten track as quickly as possible.

That night, after another delish dinner, the entertainment team put on a fab show.
Fortunately they finished before the ship started to really rock & roll - and did so all night. It lulled us to sleep. . . .Read more