The next stop at the port on the cruise was Trapani, Sicily. A summary of our visit to the Salt Museum, Winery and Marsala. Check out our Explora II Cruise post.
Trapani, Sicily
Sicily was at the top of the bucket list of places I wanted to visit on this trip. We did it here for almost a week instead of a cruise, but decided to see more instead. Thomas’ great grandparents were Sicilians (where our Christmas pizza recipe comes from!), so he was particularly interested in visiting. I’m no joke when I say that some of the locals we met had similar traits to him (skin coloring, facial features). And while we were walking around Marsala, we joked about the number of “John Dawn” (Thomas’ dad) we had seen.
(I also started this book on a trip in Sicily, both in the old and modern era, and highly recommend it!)
Our ship was docked at Trapani on the west coast of Sicily. We learned that many of the more tourist locations are on the east side (like the towels where white lotus was photographed). The climate was dry – almost desert-like! And with the exception of Monte Ellis, it was pretty flat.
We booked a destination experience hosted by Explorer for this day, which began with a visit to the Salt Museum, took us to the winery for lunch, then ended with a tour of the town of Marsala.
Breakfast + A lovely track walk before we disembark!
Museo del Sale
We were in a group of about 25 people for this tour and we first got on the bus to the Museo Del sale.
We learned everything about making salt and how salt was the main currency of the Sicilians. They also had broken the labour to harvest and carry it out!
An old windmill fragment
Donna Franca
The second stop was a drive to the Baglio Dona Franca Winery. This is also a resort with rooms and restaurants. The family who owned the property is said to have introduced Marsala wine to the world. It is named after Franca Florio, a prominent figure in the family.
Ansaldy Farm + Winery
Ansaldi Farm produces organic breads and pasta with ancient grains from its own property, and the wines are organic too. The facility is located on a very special type of clay that holds water very well, so it does not even use irrigation.
We visited the cellar and learned everything about the history of Sicilian winemaking.
After the tour we had a beautiful lunch at the restaurant. The wine was amazing!!
All appetizers!!!
I loved the lemon jam made at the property!
There were two types of pasta for the main course
Marsala
The final stop on the tour was a visit to the town of Marsala. I was a bit sleepy as many shops were closed (maybe because we were there mid-week?), but seeing the small city was fun.
A wedding took place at the church right after we arrived!
Lemon gelato every day.
Fille Rouge
Back at Explora II, we rested, took a shower and had dinner at Fil Rouge, a French themed restaurant.
I had a crab cake appetizer
Puff pastry sea bass
And a white chocolate tart!
(It’s weird to write about this meal because I remember I really didn’t enjoy it, but at this moment (Thursday at 11am), I want to eat these foods and drink that wine!!!)
