After days of intense and emotional excursions, Shaoran and Akame start reflecting on their Sicilian adventure. While traveling comfortably in the car, they realize that the distances between the places in western Sicily and Taormina are getting longer and longer.
A Change of Plan
Sitting comfortably in the back seat of our Car with Driver, the two Chinese friends look at each other and start discussing.
"We have seen beautiful places," says Akame, looking at the landscape through the window.
"Yes, but we’re realizing that the journey to the west is quite long," adds Shaoran.
Our driver intervenes with a smile. "Indeed, Sicily is larger than it seems. Often people don’t realize the distances involved."
Shaoran nods. "Maybe we should reconsider our plan. Instead of returning to Taormina every time, we could stay overnight in the places we visit."
Akame brightens up. "Great idea! This way, we could enjoy the places more calmly."
The driver suggests: "If you stay overnight, Erice is the perfect next stop. It’s an enchanting village perched on a mountain with a breathtaking view."
So, the decision is made: we leave from Taormina and stop in Erice for the night.
On the Way to Erice: Between Sea and Hills
The departure from Taormina is peaceful. Our Car with Driver offers all the comfort needed to face the journey towards the province of Trapani.
"You will love Erice," we explain. "It’s a medieval town with cobblestone streets and a timeless atmosphere."
Akame checks the travel guide she always carries with her. "It says that Erice is famous for its sweets and ancient legends. I can’t wait!"
Shaoran, more interested in history, asks: "What makes it so special compared to other Sicilian villages?"
"Erice is a mystical place. From there, you can overlook the entire western coast. It was a strategic point as far back as the Phoenician and then Roman periods. Its castle is called the Castle of Venus because, in ancient times, people worshiped the goddess Venus Ericina there."
Arriving in Erice: A Village Among the Clouds
After about four hours of travel, we start climbing towards the village. The road winds through hairpin bends and maritime pines, and the air becomes cooler.
"It feels like we’re climbing to the sky!" exclaims Shaoran.
"It truly does. Erice is 750 meters above sea level. On clear days, you can see the Egadi Islands from here."
Once we arrive, we park near the main entrance to the historic center. The medieval walls and gateway welcome us.
"It’s like stepping into another era!" comments Akame, enchanted.
Exploring the Village: History and Tradition
Walking through the cobblestone streets, the smell of sweets fills the air. We decide to make our first stop at the famous Maria Grammatico pastry shop.
"Here you’ll find Erice’s typical sweets: the ‘Genovesi’," we explain.
Shaoran and Akame order two warm Genovesi filled with custard.
"Incredible! The pastry is soft, and the filling is so sweet!" says Akame.
"It’s a traditional recipe from the nuns, passed down through generations," we tell them.
The Castle of Venus: Myths and Breathtaking Views
We continue to the highest point of the village, the Castle of Venus. The view is spectacular: the Trapani salt flats shine in the sun, and the Egadi Islands appear like silhouettes on the horizon.
"This used to be a sacred place since the Phoenician era. Legend has it that a temple dedicated to the goddess Venus Ericina, goddess of love and fertility, once stood here," we explain.
Akame takes endless photos. "I’ve never seen such a view."
"Did Garibaldi pass through here too?" asks Shaoran.
"No, he moved through the valley, but the history of Erice is much older and more linked to myths than the Risorgimento."
Dinner with a View
After a long walk through the alleys, we stop for dinner in a restaurant with a view of the sunset.
We order:
- Couscous with fish
- Caponata Trapani style
- Busiate pasta with Trapanese pesto
Shaoran tastes the couscous and smiles. "It’s different from Moroccan couscous, but the fish makes it special."
"Here, couscous is a tradition influenced by the proximity to Tunisia," we explain.
The restaurant owner shares an anecdote: "In the past, Erice was a place of pilgrimage and refuge for those seeking spiritual peace."
Night in Erice: Timeless Atmospheres
After dinner, we head towards the hotel. The narrow streets are lit by old lanterns, and the air is fresh and fragrant.
"It feels like walking in a fairy tale," says Akame, wrapping herself in her shawl.
"Yes, and to think that Norman knights once walked these same streets," adds Shaoran.
As we settle in at the hotel, Shaoran and Akame reflect on the day.
"Staying here overnight was a great idea," admits Akame.
"This way, we can explore more deeply without rushing," concludes Shaoran.
The Advantage of Renting a Car with Driver
Traveling with our Car with Driver made the day relaxing and enjoyable:
- No parking issues in a village with narrow streets.
- A personalized itinerary without worrying about driving.
- Historical insights and suggestions throughout the journey.
- Guaranteed comfort even on longer routes.
As night envelops Erice, Shaoran and Akame fall asleep with their hearts full of emotions. Their Sicilian adventure continues, but they know that this night, within the ancient walls of the village, will remain one of their most cherished memories.
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