One day we visited Taormina: home of a Greco-Roman theater with a local guide. It was interesting to learn the difference between a theater and amphitheater. Also this theater is still used for music performances. I would have loved to hear a performer here!

Taormina is a touristy town. We are in Sicily during the low season: January and February. It was nice to walk and shop with no crowds. The rest of the year apparently is when business owners know they will work and crowds will be here.

Mount Etna is the highest mountain south of the Alps at 11,000 feet. It is the tallest and most active volcano in Europe. We took a 4-wheel drive to the northern slope and then walked about 2.5 miles off the beaten path to explore Etna’s lava flows. We are at the Sartorious Vents area, east side of Mount Etna, that erupted in 1865.

Travel with the tour group has ended. I am off to Naples, Italy … and some days later to Rome! I’ll continue with those places and have a food-only post too!