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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.
I’ve always been interested and done well in my history classes in school. And I love historical fiction. So I considered myself a pretty good student of history. My husband was an American History teacher. Between the two of us, we figured we had history pretty well covered.
And then we went to Sicily.
It’s impossible to visit Sicily and enjoy the food, the sights, the art, the culture, without finding yourself immersed in 2500 years of history. Fascinating history. And many times, it feels like living history. Everywhere we turned, everyone we talked to had a story or information that helped us understand how the many phases of Sicily’s history have left their legacy.
The Greeks began settling in Sicily in the eighth century BC. In Siracusa, first we viewed the Greek theater, dating to the fifth century BC, and then the Roman theater, dating to the third century BC, and imagined the dramas, comedies, gladiators, and the spectators. We walked in the latomies, or stone quarries, the Greeks used for their building materials.
We stood, a bit in awe, at the Altar of Hieron where 450 bulls were sacrificed at one time for a feast of liberty. This altar is the largest altar in the world from ancient history. The Valley of Temples in Agrigento left us almost breathless with the incredible excavation of temples from the fifth century BC built by the Greeks in this valley.
We were soon to learn, however, that the Greeks weren’t the only ones to play a major role in Sicily’s history. There were also the Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Byzantine, Normans and Spanish Bourbons, and finally, in the late 1800s, the Italians. It was fascinating to see all these influences as we traveled, and we saw that there were differences depending on the part of the island.
In Palermo, we loved the Arab influenced panelle–chickpea fritters, and arancina–delectable rice balls. We learned that eggplant, a staple in Sicilian cooking, and pistachios, a main ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes, came from the Moors.
It was so interesting seeing the beautiful architecture throughout the country. A fascinating combination of Arab and Norman was seen in the churches of Palermo. Another marriage of cultures was seen in the churches that were built upon, and incorporated parts of, the ancient Greek temples–home of Christian worship built upon the foundation of a pagan temple.
A fascinating example is the Cathedral of Siracusa. The oldest part of the Cathedral is the foundation and Doric columns from the Temple of Athena, built in the fifth century BC. In the seventh century AD, the church was built on the foundation and incorporated the column.
Then, the church was converted to a mosque and back to a church in 1085. It still has its Norman roof. What a combination! We couldn’t resist touching the columns, and thinking that the same spot we were touching today was carved by Greek hands over 2500 years ago. Over two thousand years ago. It was pretty incredible.
As we sat in Ortigia, settled by the Corinthians in 743 BC, on one of our last nights in Sicily, we talked about all we had learned. We hadn’t come to Sicily for a history lesson. Who knew we would be sitting in the place that for a time was the most influential Greek city in the Mediterranean? We certainly had no idea the role this island played in history, nor the role that its history played in every aspect of today’s Sicily.
However, we left for home with so much more than an enjoyable trip filled with food, fun, and entertainment in another part of the world. We left for home with a deep understanding of what Sicily was, where it had come from, who Sicilians are, what makes up its culture and why, and what makes it so special today. And we know there’s so much more we have to learn. We can’t wait to return.
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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