Sicily has a rich and varied history. Occupations by the Moors, Greeks and Spaniards have helped to create the landscape, culture and ways of life on the island. Italian influences finished off the unique characteristics of the island and have created a land similar to a puzzle – multiple pieces coming together to form a beautiful picture. I visited three cities on my trip – Palermo, Agrigento and Taormina. Palermo, the capital, is the hustle and bustle of the island with a wide array of shopping areas and historical centers and buildings. Driving through Agrigento at night is a must just to see the beautiful Valley of the Temples perched high atop a hill all lit up. During the day, a visit to the Valley brought me close to Greek temples dating back to 580 BC. And my last stop, Taormina, is home to a Roman amphitheater. Walking up the winding pathway to the theater, you pass numerous quaint shops, coffee stops and bars to visit. Besides all the sights, Sicily boasts a landscape that lends itself to days worth of sightseeing. From Taormina, you can see the boot part of mainland Italy and Mt. Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Everywhere you look are breathtaking views – my camera got plenty of use! Most of the towns are perched high above the sea and built into the cliffs. And the food! Eggplant is a popular ingredient in Sicilian cooking – often made into a caponata – and a staple at most meals. Fish, particularly swordfish, is popular, along with pistachios (even used in a pasta sauce!) and cannolis (Taormina is said to have the best in the world). And, of course, the cheese – especially the ricotta in Agrigento. I must admit I was not brave enough to try everything (spleen sandwiches), but I never left a meal hungry; with at least four courses, there is something for everyone. I was lucky enough to have lunch in a garden at the Valley of the Temples surrounded by fruit trees of all kinds – lemons, limes, oranges, pomegranates, prickly pears – and the freshness and quality of the fruit (and all foods in the region) is truly incomparable. Since I am far from a wine expert, I won’t even try to describe the wines, but you can have my word that they are delicious. Sicily was once faced with a bad reputation, one marred with violence, mobs and organized crime. But the island is now in the middle of a big tourism push and has worked hard on changing its bad rep. I highly recommend considering Sicily as a choice for your next European vacation destination – but keep in mind, I wouldn’t recommend making it your first Italian trip; save it for the second or third time visiting the country. -Kimberly Krol, circulation and public relations executive