Corsica, Sardinia & Sicily

Mediterranean islands Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily are the stepping stones between Europe and Africa. Ian Wright begins his journey on the French island of Corsica, throwing himself into every water sport imaginable before heading for the cooler climes of the mountains. Mountains cover a third of Corsica and hikers flock to the peaks and gorges in the Valley of Restonica. From the mountains Ian heads south to Ajaccio. It is the birthplace of the famous French ruler, Napoleon, a fact which you can't escape in this small town where every shop, cafe, restaurant plays on the 'Napoleon theme'. The Italian island of Sardinia is Ian's next port of call, but he has his work cut out to get there: he finds a yacht at the Corsican port of Bonifacio and Ian pays his way to Sardinia as a deck hand/assistant chef. The mountain village of Sedilo is where the S'Ardia takes place, a two day festival in honour of Saint Constantine. Sardinians have a long tradition of fine horsemanship and a high-speed race through the narrow streets is the main feature of the festival. The best way to see Sardinia is by car, so Ian rents an old Fiat Topolino and drives east to Orgosolo. Orgosolo is a former bandit town and is now famous for its powerful political murals. Nearby Ian witnesses the Mammutones perform a folk dance, where black-masked men wearing goat bells representing Moorish prisoners are rounded up by dancers dressed as Sardinian soldiers. Ian leaves the frenetic mountain lifestyle behind him and heads south to the beaches of Costa Verde, also known as 'The Silent Coast'. Continuing his island hopping, Ian catches a ferry to Sicily and journeys to the capital, Palermo. Here he cooks up a storm with a local pasta chef and then tears around town on his rented scooter. The highlight of his trip to Palermo is the Festival of Santa Rosalia, complete with operatic music, flying angels and fireworks. The volcanic island of Stromboli is Ian's final destination. After a