Buongiorno Matteo!
So, we are now back at our Arizona residence and I have given some thought to feedback for you. Here goes.
September 25 saw a seamless transfer to Sorrento and our accommodations there. The apartment was nicely located and spacious, though there were some minor irritations, e.g. no kitchen towels, no coffee maker, small things like that.
September 26 was supposed to be the boat ride, but it got cancelled due to the weather. We did laundry.
September 27 was the “enogastronomic tour,” and it was a big hit. We all learned a lot about making cheese and limoncello. The presenters were in informative, wonderful and hilarious!
September 28 we visited Paestum, which was a substitute for the originally scheduled trip to Capri. We appreciated the fact that you organized a “plan B” for us, and it was an impressive outing.
September 29 we visited Pompeii, which we would describe as a “must see” for anyone visiting this part of Italy. We had an excellent tour guide. In the afternoon we decided to visit a winery on our own, and our driver was kind enough to organize this for us. We very much appreciated his assistance and flexibility.
September 30 flew to Sicily our hotel was excellent in all respects. Again you arranged a wonderful guided tour for Monreale and Palermo.
October 1 we visited Ragusa, the driver was excellent. His English was native and he was a lot of fun. Our visit to the Valley of Temples we did without a tour guide, as there was a scheduling mix-up. But the Valley of Temples was an excellent stop, regardless. The place we stayed was an interesting hotel, to be sure, but it was downright dangerous for older folks like us. Walking up/down several flights of stone steps with no guard rail to get to our room was scary every time we did it. Also the room was very modern, but no privacy.
October 2 we walked Ragusa with Alex as our guide. His English was excellent.
October 3 we spent in Noto and the nearby Winery.
You asked if there was one “super spectacular” event or experience on our trip, and for the Hammels and Meyerhofers, this was it! The wines were outstanding, the meal incredible, and our tour guide there – Lucia – was simply delightful. The Hammels and Meyerhofers each ordered a case of wine, and they were actually delivered to both of us yesterday!
Octorber 4 we checked into the Hotel in Ortigia/Siracusa, and this was hands-down the best hotel on our trip. The suites had incredible views of the harbor, the service in the hotel was impeccable, and the breakfasts were almost beyond belief! Our walking tour of Syracuse and Ortigia with Georgio was okay, but nothing special compared to other walking tours.
So there you have it. Please know that we were very pleased with our tour and your professionalism, and that we will recommend you to friends in the future.
Warm regards,
Nicholas & Cheryl Mayerhofer – (Rimrock – AZ) – October 2022
