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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.
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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.
I must admit that ever since ninth grade English class, I’ve been fascinated by Greek and Roman mythology. I read all the myths, Homer, and the modern versions and retelling of these ancient stories. However, I had no idea that so many of their origins were tied to Sicily. You can imagine my delight as I heard the stories and saw the places that brought these myths into being.
Where do I even start? This could be an entire book or course, in itself.
Everyone remembers Cyclops, the one-eyed monsters, one of which terrorized Odysseus and his men in The Odyssey. Let’s start there. The Cyclops lived on Mt. Etna where they were tasked with using the fires of the volcano to forge weapons, This is where Odysseus’ men were held and escaped.
Nearby, the waters of Aci Trezza hold the rocks that Cyclops threw at Odysseus and his men as they escaped. Today, this area is known as the Riviera dei Ciclopi, and the rocks are known as i Fariglioni di Aci Trezza. I walked on the land of Mt. Etna, stood by these famous rocks, and waded in the water surrounding them. It was incredible to have that story come to life around me.
If you, too, are a mythology fan like me, you’ll recognize the names of Aratusa, Artemus, Scylla, Charybdis, Demeter, Persephone, Dionysus, and Bacchus. All these characters, and more, from mythology are connected to Sicily in significant ways.
In Ortigia, we stood staring in the pool of water known as the Fountain of Arethusa. The fountain is not man-made, but a natural pool with papyrus and waterfowl making it home. I was fascinated by the papyrus, as I’d never seen it growing before. According to myth, this “fountain” was formed when the river god Alpheus fell in love with the nymph, Arethusa, who didn’t want his advances. Artemis helped her by turning her into a stream in Ortigia, but Alpheus discovered her and mixed his waters with hers so he could always be with her.
Today it is known as the fountain of love and happiness for couples, and we saw several wedding couples there. How wild it felt to be standing there, looking at a pool about which a myth was borne over 2,500 years ago. The same water. In the same place. And there I stood, in 2022.
One legend with ties to Sicily surprised me because it’s one of my favorites, and I had no idea it had any connection to Sicily. The Legend of King Arthur! There are theories that the mythical Island of Avalon, King Arthur’s resting place, is actually Etna. In fact, it is believed that Etna was also the home of Morgana Le Fay. Some believe that Excalibur, Arthur’s sword, was honed in the forges of Mt. Etna. The mountain, the hillsides, and the sea all took on a bit of a different feel when I looked at them through the perspective of the King Arthur legend.
As we stood looking out over the sea at the Straits of Messina, I was mesmerized looking at that narrow strip of water and imagined the tales of Greek ships passing through. In Greek mythology, these straits are terrorized by Scylla and Charybdis, two monsters. If passing too close to Scylla, on the Italy side, the monster would grab six seamen for sacrifice. If passing too close to Charybdis, the underwater monster would create a whirlpool which could take down the entire ship. I found myself looking for any sign of swirling water in the distance! I marveled at how Homer’s writing seemed to come to life in front of me!
I could list all the temples we saw that were built to honor the gods, but there were many! It was eerie looking at the sacrificial altars that still stand in front of several. Our tour guide in Agrigento really brought the everyday experiences during Greek and Roman times to life. It was a little overwhelming standing in the midst of these temples, built by hands 2,500 years ago, and imagining not only the life of the people, but also the stories by which they lived, and which we now read as myths.
There are so many more mythical locations in Sicily that we didn’t have a chance to explore. An itinerary of visiting all the locations in Sicily associated with myths and legends could be a trip in itself! However, what we did experience leaves a lasting feeling of wonder that we stood in places and saw artifacts that have become legendary from hundreds, and thousands, of years ago.
If you enjoyed this article, you can read more about Cindy’s trip and how it connected her family with their Sicilian Ancestry.
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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