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We offer fun-filled tours with top notch local experts who will guide you every step of the way. You will experience it all through the eyes of the locals. Our promise – white glove concierge service and beautiful memories and friendships which will last a lifetime.
![Gina[2][1]](https://atescapes.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Gina21-pvri8q69tccisbyr1fqmyzews8rvxsuaxm93zzhtwu.png "Gina[2][1]")
Gina Casella, the President/Managing Director of AT Escapes has been going back and forth between the US and Italy ever since she was a child. Adriana Trigiani Tours later became AT Escapes, a full service boutique travel company, whose offerings include customized travel across the globe and small group tours in New York and throughout Europe. Gina couples her knowledge and creativity to develop travel experiences which allow you to indulge, be pampered, kick back and relax.
Embracing the Magic of Truffle Season in Italy Italy’s truffle season, spanning from late September to December, offers a rare glimpse into a world where nature’s bounty and culinary artistry converge. As the season unfolds, so do opportunities for adventure, discovery, and indulgence. Join us as we delve into the heart of Italy’s truffle tradition
The Vendemmia: Italy’s Beloved Grape Harvest Celebration As the sun begins to dip lower in the sky and the air cools slightly, a magical transformation takes place in the Italian countryside: it’s time for the vendemmia, or grape harvest. This cherished tradition not only marks the culmination of months of hard work in the vineyards but
Portugal: A Journey through History, Culture, and Natural Beauty Nestled on the western edge of Europe, Portugal beckons travelers with its rich tapestry of history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. From its picturesque coastal villages to its historic cities steeped in tradition, Portugal offers a journey that combines old-world charm with modern delights. Lisbon, Portugal
Discovering the Timeless Greek Cyclades: Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros Nestled in the azure embrace of the Aegean Sea lies a cluster of islands that epitomize the essence of Greek charm and allure – the Cyclades. Among these jewels, Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros stand out, each offering its own unique blend of stunning landscapes,
Guest post by Cindy Amoroso. She visited Sicily with AT Escapes, and shared her experiences and photos from the trip.
Drinking Sicilian wine, eating seafood pasta, and watching the smoke flow from the top of an active Mt. Etna – an item on my travel wish list? Not anymore! This is how we spent our last night in Sicily before going to the Catania airport the next morning.
Our two weeks in Sicily were filled with experiences like this. The food and wine in Sicily are fabulous, and so varied, with influences from all the cultures and civilizations throughout its history. Pair that with the stunning landscapes, and it’s a foodie experience like no other.
Breakfast at our hotels was always a buffet with some typical American fare paired with the flavors and traditions of Sicily. We had fresh honeycomb on Armenian bread in our palazzo courtyard in Palermo, gelato on brioche in Cefalu, granita while sitting in front of Noto’s Baroque cathedral, Sicilian pastries and espresso on the Ortigia terrace overlooking the sea, and cassata under the shadow of the Agrigento Temple of Concordia.
Lunch and dinner were a fun foray into specialties of the different cities. We loved the street food of Palermo, especially the panella–Arabian chickpea fritters–and the round arancina, which has been a staple for over 1000 years. We also enjoyed the cone-shaped arancini of the east side of the island, while delighting in the fresh fish of the coastal fishing villages.
Our biggest foodie struggle? What to pick! So many choices. The seafood was amazing, with options we had never tried or even heard of. The desserts were decadent, and we could have had the cannoli multiple times a day. And the gelato–well, I think we had it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack by the time our vacation was over! The pizza and pasta were everything you’d expect, and more.
One of our favorite excursions was going to the markets, walking by the endless stands of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, breads, spices, and chocolates, and finally deciding on our choice for lunch.
Speaking of chocolate–Modica is a chocolate lover’s paradise! We’ve eaten chocolate from all over the world, but this was a new pleasure for us. Modica chocolate is made using a process from the ancient Aztecs, brought to Sicily by the Spaniards hundreds of years ago. This process is referred to as a cold process, and the chocolate is hand-ground, giving it a grainy, crumbly texture. Needless to say, the purchases we made to take back home with us were gone before the trip was over!
It’s impossible to capture all the foods we had and the venues in which we enjoyed them, in a single post. Just know that a trip to Sicily will leave one pairing food with Greek, Arab, Spanish, and Italian roots with stunning views of mountains, temples, beautiful architecture, Mt. Etna, and the sea.
To discover the best of this magnificent island yourself, feel free to contact AT Escapes today to discuss your dream trip to Sicily!
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