Plus Size Travel: My First Trip to Sicily
Day 1: Bagheria & Aspra with Family
We booked our entire stay at a charming bed and breakfast, located about a half hour outside of Palermo in Sicily. We knew we wanted to be close to Bagheria so we could meet with our family there. We had no idea that the family who runs the Marina di Aspra would become like our family.
Patrizia makes the BEST breakfasts. She is kind, helpful and her whole family would literally do whatever they can to make your stay amazing. I treasure the conversations shared around the breakfast table at Marina di Aspra!
On our first day in Sicily, we had lunch at . With red and white checkered table cloths, this restaurant has classic Italian charm. And the food to match!
We tried their famous “appertivo” to cleanse our palette which consists of an egg and liqueur. The pasta was fresh and you could taste the high quality ingredients.
After lunch, we walked through Bagheria. This gave us the opportunity to visit the very house where my great grandmother lived in Bagheria. Before she came to America in the early 1900s, this was her home. Closing my eyes, I could almost picture what her life would have been like in Sicily.
We ended our day with a little shopping. Although Bagheria is not a big tourist attraction, there’s plenty to see, eat and shop along the historic streets.
Day 2: Agrigento & Temple Valley
On our second day in Sicily, we traveled from Aspra to Agrigento. Here we met with a private tour guide who told us all about Valley of the Temples. Niche Italy arranged everything!
Valley of the Temples dates back to the 4th and 5th century BC. Outside of Greece, these are some of the largest and most well preserved Greek temples.
Following our guided tour of Valley of the Temples, we had lunch under the trees inside a gorgeous botanical garden known as Kolymbetra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 3: Palermo, Monreale, and Dinner with the Duke & Dutchess Nicoletta
You can’t visit Sicily without exploring Palermo. Niche Italy arranged a guided tour through the Capo and Vucciria Markets. An American farmer’s market could never compare to thrill of walking through a Sicilian fresh market. We tried fresh street food and I fell in love with panelle.
After our tour through the market, we went to The Norman Palace in Palermo. The Norman Palace along with the Palatine Chapel is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Up next, we traveled to Monreale. Most notably, we saw Monreale Cathedral. Even if you are not religious, the craftsmanship and artistry of the structure is truly breathtaking.
Our last stop of a busy day in Palermo was for dinner at the Noble Butera Palace hosted by Nicoletta and Giocchino Duchess and Duke of Palma.
From this experience, we learned about the history of Sicily as well as got to experience an authentic Sicilian meal just like royalty! Again, without Niche Italy, this experience would not have been possible.
Day 4: Family Dinner
This day was all about meeting with our family. There’s nothing that can compare to having a Sunday family dinner IN SICILY.
I ate more cannoli than ever and it’s true that cannoli in America cannot compare. I’ve truly never been so full both literally of food and also of joy. Being able to spend time with my Italian relatives for the first time was truly priceless.
Day 5: Modica
The next day, part of our group traveled by luxury bus to Modica. When we got close, our driver stopped so that we could capture a view of the city from above.
My maternal grandmother’s family is from Modica and similarly to the way that I felt in Bagheria, I could feel the history here.
When we arrived to Modica, we went straight to city hall. When we walked in, the Mayor was waiting for us. My mother was made a Citizen for the Day and received a special plaque. There was a welcome reception for us and to our surprise, Niche Italy had arranged for our relatives to show up.
They showed us photo albums from when they visited America. I was overcome with emotion when their photo albums showed my grandparents.
Next, Marco of Niche Italy was able to get the address of my maternal grandmother and my mom and I took a picture in front of her old home.
We went on a walking tour of Modica. During this tour, we visited the Antica Dolceria Bonajuto. This is one of the oldest and most famous chocolate shops in Sicily.
Modica felt different than other places we had visited so far in Sicily and if you are visiting the island, this is definitely a city worth checking out.
Day 6: Ragusa & Taormina
Right next to Modica is another gorgeous city, Ragusa. We stayed here in an old nunnery that had been converted into a modern hotel.
In the morning, we took a guided walking tour of Ragusa. This city is famous for its Baroque art and architecture.
In the afternoon, we took a cooking class where we learned to make arancini. This Sicilian rice ball can be made either with just cheese or with cheese and meat.
I must say that our arancini was truly delicious! We’ve since tried to make it at home and it didn’t compare to the way it tasted with the Sicilian ingredients but we will always have that memory!
After our cooking class, we packed up and headed back to meet up with the rest of our family in Aspra. On the drive back, we stopped briefly in Taormina. We loved the city so much, we made sure to ask Niche Italy to plan a few days there on our next
Day 7: Cefalu, Caselbuono, & Abazzia Sant’Anatasia
Our final stop in Sicily was a day trip from Aspra to Cefalu. It’s about a two hour drive but you can also totally get there by train from Bagheria.
We visited the old town Duomo but the part that I was most excited to see was THE BEACH!
We had lunch right on the shore at . This seaside restaurant serves fresh seafood with a breathtaking view.
We visited nearby Castelbueno next. This medieval town is located inside Madonie Natural Park. This city gave us all an eerie feeling and was definitely the closest we got to feel like we were on an episode of Ghost Adventures.
Our last stop and farewell dinner was at the XV Century Abbey called Sant’Anastasia. This winery is one of the best in Sicily. The grounds were beautiful. I vowed to one day have my destination wedding here.
CIAO SICILY! UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!
