Bus trip to Siracusa-8AM leaves from the train station.

We are up early to catch the bus to Siracusa. Another groaning breakfast buffet-pastries, meats, cheeses and the all important espresso maker!
The bus is 13Euros and takes 3 hours with one 15 min stop. What a deal. No car to rent (with reverse gear issues) no crazy traffic to fight and no getting lost! Nice ride. The girls are plugged into music and Marc sleeps as we make our way out of Palermo (is that that Zagarella on the left??) and across the island to Siracusa.
Speaking of The Zagarella-when I mentioned it to our our guide and driver they BOTH confirmed that it ABSOLUTELY was a famous (infamous really) mafia hotel. A place where many meetings took place between told cited officials and the mafia. It finally was closed and the place sequestered for a year before it was reopened under different management!!
We arrive in Siracusa. It is along the sea and we are on the historic island of Ortigia. It's connected to the mainland by a short bridge and is stunning. See attached photos from our outside terrace that has lounges, 2 couches, table and chairs and a jacuzzi. It's too warm for a hit jacuzzi but the girls are in it unheated! See photos!
We have a lunch in town-simple pizzas and pastas and head back to enjoy the deck overlooking the sea.