Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is just off the toe of Italy’s boot.
It has been a crossroads of cultures for 3,000 years, a history reflected in its diverse architecture, cuisine and ancient ruins. Palermo, the capital, offers colourful street life, bustling markets and Byzantine mosaics at the Cappella Palatina.
On Sicily's eastern edge is Mt. Etna, Europe's highest active volcano.
What to order: pasta topped with sardines, caponata, veal marsala, polpetti meatballs, pasta with tomato and eggplant sauce, and flatbread.
Regional Cheese: Pecorino Siciliano and Ragúsano.
Image: One of the four historic centres in Palermo, Sicily.
Continue the tour and see what to eat in Tuscany.