Easter week is a magical time to visit Sicily. Flowers are in bloom. The temperature is warm, but not unbearably hot. For the festivities of Holy Thursday, and in fact the whole week of Easter, there is no better base than Enna, and no better hotel than Villa Gussio. The pool, the spa, the restaurant, and the general atmosphere of true Sicilian warmth and hospitality makes it an ideal and tranquil setting from which to explore the surrounding town and panoramic countryside.

The traditions of Sicily, and especially the town of Enna, are rooted in centuries of pageantry and the experience. Giovedi Santo (Holy Thursday) in Enna is particularly interesting. Three thousand participants from the various churches of the province, convene in hooded garb, and march in silence in and out of the churches from tiny street to tiny street. Toward the end of the evening, a statue of Jesus, removed from the cross, is placed in a glass and gilded coffin and leaves the church atop huge wooden planks carried by 80 men, walking in swaying rhythm to the sound of a brass ensemble.

Ragusa is an ideal location from which to explore the ancient city of Siracusa, Piazza Amerina, and the Temples of Agrigento, of course Ragusa itself. An ideal hotel is, without a doubt, Villa Carlotta. Apart from the beautiful pool and lovely rooms, which meld a turn of the century structure with modern, sleek, and comfortable amenities, the food is out of this world. Sicily may be famous for its pastries, but Villa Carlotta is the quintessential place to eat them. Dinner included authentic Sicilian cuisine, but with none of the heavy dishes that leave you barely able to depart from the table.

Not forgetting the view of Mt. Etna. It can be seen from almost anywhere on the island and perhaps the best base is Taormina, although given the expense of staying at this exotic location, it is perhaps best viewed from Catania.