Summary: I just returned from a wonderful Mediterranean cruise aboard the Regent Seven Seas Mariner as part of its PTV at Sea cruise. While on shore we did our best to capture a taste of the wonders of Venice, Croatia, Malta, Tuscany and Sicily for season six of Joseph Rosendo’s Travelscope. The challenge was formidable and the task sometimes daunting – presenting three countries and six cities in one show – but I think everyone will be pleased with the outcome. One of the highlights of the trip was our visit to Taormina, Sicily, known for its Roman ruins, amazing cuisine and warm hearted people. My Sicilian excursion and our stop in Tuscany, where we visited two wineries and I had my fill of Chianti Classico (if one can ever get their fill of such delicious wine), was put together by our friends at Select Italy. Their tours are an excellent alternative to the shipboard excursions, offering personalized itineraries and genuine encounters. I highly recommend Select Italy if you want an authentic experience. To plan your own Italian adventures go to SelectItaly.com. My superb guide in Sicily was Giacomo Mazza. In a lovely square in Taormina I spoke with him about Americans traveling, or rather not traveling, to Sicily and what they miss.
