Discovering Italy: From Sicily’s Syracuse to Casoli’s Charms

Italy is a country that effortlessly weaves together history, art, and incredible food. Our recent trip from the sun-drenched beaches of Sicily’s Syracuse to Casoli’s charms in Abruzzo summarizes everything that makes Italy so enchanting. I am excited to share our Italian adventures with you so let’s get to it.

Sicily’s Syracuse: Coastal Charms

Our adventure began in Syracuse, a charming coastal town. It immediately captivated us with its narrow cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops and lively cafes.

The small harbor bustled with life, adorned with elegant yachts and colorful water taxis bobbing in the crystal-clear waters.

My favorite was this cute little red taxi. It looked like something from a cartoon.

One unforgettable evening, we stumbled upon a bustling piazza dominated by a magnificent church. While the church doors were closed, its steps became a stage for impromptu performances.

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A local opera singer filled the air with passionate Italian melodies, creating a magical atmosphere. Dining across from the church and hearing live Italian opera has left us with such a beautiful memory we will not forget..

As night fell, a group of talented young breakdancers added a modern flair to the traditional Italian evening. These young men showcased their skills with amazing energy.

Casoli: Cultural Connections and Culinary Adventures

From Syracuse, our journey continued inland to Casoli, our home away from home. Nestled among rolling hills and ancient palazzos, Casoli offers a glimpse into authentic Italian life.

Our first night in Casoli was the hands-on pizza-making class at In Arte Pizza restaurant.

A perfect start to our Casoli adventure. Rolling out dough and choosing from an array of fresh toppings was a delight. The chef’s are always so patient with us as we attempt to roll our pizza’s. It is harder than you think! Our creations were fired to perfection in the traditional wood-fired oven.

The next morning we ate breakfast pizza and pastries at the local cafe. Every Friday Casoli has an open-air market. It is a bustling scene brimming with locals showcasing fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and regional specialties.

Food vendors sharing samples of pork also known as Porchetta. Porchetta is slow-roasted with herbs and spices until the skin is crispy. The result is a savory, flavorful meat that’s saltier and spicier than sweet and oh so tasty!

The warmth and hospitality of the vendors is always so inviting.

After our breakfast we are off to tour our Palazzo! We love touring the construction site and seeing the ongoing restoration of our beloved Palazzo Ricci.

We are so excited to see the revitalization of the cornicing on the outside of the Palazzo. It is going to be so beautiful and I just can’t wait to see it completed.

Adriatic Adventures and Cultural Encounters

Saturday morning we headed to the Adriatic coast. E-bikes offer panoramic vistas of the shimmering sea and trabaccos—ancient fishing piers transformed into scenic dining spots.

One of the best things about our E-bike rides is getting to walk down to the sea. Just taking a few moments to relax, cool off and touch and feel the water is amazing.

Afterwards we enjoyed lunch on a trabacco with a glass floor! It was so incredible to see the azure waters below, truly a dining experience unlike any other. The seafood appetizers and pasta dishes were not only gorgeous but really delicious too.

After a quick shower and nap we left for the town of Lanciano. Aperitivo at Abruzzo gourmet is always a treat. Unique pizza, traditional Abruzzo cheese balls and a platter of meats of cheeses was perfect for a light dinner. Stefano the owner and our friend always makes the best non alcoholic drinks for us.

Then we were so excited to go to a memorable outdoor concert by the renowned Italian pop/opera band Il Volo.

Their powerful voices resonated through the night as they performed opera classics and beloved English hits. It culminated in a stirring rendition of “Hallelujah” that united the audience under a starlit sky. It really made me tear up.

Spiritual Reflection and Natural Wonders

Our journey also included moments of spiritual reflection. We were able to go to Church in Pescara at the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Then we drove back to Lanciano to witness the baptism of a dear friend’s baby in the Lanciano Basilica. These experiences underscored the deep-rooted traditions and community spirit that define Italian life.

We also explored the natural splendor of the Italian countryside. We went on a short hike to see an 8th century monastery and marveled at cascading waterfalls below.

Even a sudden thunderstorm couldn’t detract from the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounded us. The Italian Nona’s that were picnicking in the area immediately packed up and left at the first clap of thunder but we stuck around for a little bit.

Culinary Feasts and Farewell

After our little hike, we went on a short drive to the ancient town of Pennapiedimonte. This ancient town is perched on the side of a mountain and is awe inspiring. It is usually a quiet town but in the summer they host festivals with dancing and food.

Our farewell dinner was at our friends home in the backyard.

We savored arrosticini—grilled lamb skewers seasoned to perfection—and enjoyed homemade desserts under a canopy of stars. It was a fitting conclusion to a journey filled with laughter, discovery, and cherished moments with friends old and new.

From the vibrant streets of Sicily’s Syracuse to the tranquil hills of Casoli’s charms, each moment resonated with the country’s rich cultural heritage and the genuine warmth of its people. Reflecting on this unforgettable trip, I am reminded once again why Italy holds a special place in my heart it’s a place where every corner reveals a new story waiting to be explored.