The breakfast room was light and airy and the buffet spread was comprehensive, including some rather sweet looking choices that were not quite to my palate first thing in the morning. After breakfast we met with Sylvana, the Citalia rep. She told us about the various trips that were available and where to find things in Taormina. We decided not to choose there and then but consider the options, especially the different types of trip for visiting Etna.

We headed into town enjoying the streets and shop displays before it got too busy with guided tours. We stopped for coffee before heading off to the municipal gardens. We got a bit off track and ended up by the Greek theatre which we decided to leave for another day. Instead we went in search of the main bus station so that we could check the timetables and see if the was a scheduled service to Syracuse. We failed to find the bus station although we passed by the cable car terminal.

We headed back into town for lunch before setting off on another route to locate the bus station, again without success. Instead we located the correct path to the municipal gardens. The gardens were lovely, and, quiet after the hustle and bustle of the town.

The weather was sunny and perfect as we enjoyed the garden but as we left there was an ominous rumble of thunder in the distance. On our way back to the hotel we stopped for a cool refreshing sorbet ice on a stick. Lemon flavour was the obvious choice for me.

Back at the hotel we decided that we would sit and read by the hotel pool although the idea was slightly delayed due to a short rain shower. Eventually we walked through the delightful hotel gardens to the pool area where the sun graced us with its presence once again. Later when we headed back to the hotel there was another lite sprinkling of rain with thunder and lightning in the distance.

I had in indulgent soak in the bath before heading out for dinner in restaurant Don Camillo. I had freshly cooked fish with potato and onion salad whilst Mr C had stuffed squid. We both had cannoli for dessert although they were filled with custard cream rather than ricotta cheese.

After dining we returned to the hotel terrace for a nightcap accompanied by live music. A fortieth birthday party was taking place; this should have been on the terrace but the earlier rain meant that the celebrations had moved indoors to the conservatory area.