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2009 Sicilian Spirit
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Highlights
Palermo Cathedral & Palatine ChapelSegesta's Fifth Century Greek RuinsMarsala Wine Tasting Agrigento's Valley of the Temples Mount Etna - Europe's Largest Active Volcano Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse Farewell Sicilian Dinner with Wine
What's Included
Group transfers on arrival and departureHalf-day sightseeing tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento with a local guideTransportation by private deluxe air-conditioned motor coach throughoutHalf-day sightseeing tour of the Roman Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina with a local guideServices of a professional English-speaking tour directorHalf-day sightseeing tour of Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse with a local guideSuperior first class hotels with private bath/shower for 6 nightsMarsala winery tour with tasting6 buffet breakfasts with selection of cold dishes (BB)Excursion to slopes of Mount Etna4 dinners (D) including - A typical Sicilian dinner in a local restaurant in Taormina with wine - 3 set menu dinners with mineral water or coffeeVisits and admissions to Palace of the Normans, Palatine Chapel, Palermo Cathedral, Benedictine Abbey of Monreale, Segesta Archeological Site and Greek Theater in Syracuse1 lunch (L)Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet and luggage tagsHalf-day sightseeing tour of Palermo and Mondello with a local guideAll local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
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| Call (907) 376-5231 for more information or to book today! Mention code 7543592 | | CIE Tours | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Depart USA | Fly to Palermo, Sicily: Depart the United States and travel on an overnight flight to reach the island of Sicily. | | Day 2 | Palermo | Palermo Arrival: Land at Palermo Airport where your tour escort will meet you between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm and transfer you to your hotel. The afternoon is free so you may rest or explore Palermo, the capital of Sicily, a little on your own. Sicily, strategically located in the Mediterranean, has been influenced by Greek, Roman and Ottoman cultures as well as by medieval traders and Crusaders en route to the Holy Land. With many archaeological remains, charming coastal scenery and wonderful flowers and fruit, this island has much to offer visitors. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D) | | Day 3 | Palermo | Palermo Cathedral & Palace of the Normans: Your morning tour starts at the highest part of the old city - the Palace of the Normans, seat of the island's rulers for centuries. Visit its superb Palatine Chapel, which dates from 1132 AD and is one of the finest Norman-Saracenic buildings with rich decorations and carvings. Palermo Cathedral dates back to the 9th century when it was founded as a mosque and today it is a blend of many styles. See the Quattro Canti (Four Corners) in the city center where the four most important streets of the city intersect. A few miles from the city center visit the Benedictine Abbey of Monreale to see the 12th century cathedral with mosaics and cloisters. Continue to Monte Pellegrino, where you may visit the sanctuary of Santa Rosalia. End your tour in Mondello, a pretty resort area with a long, sandy beach. The afternoon and evening are free. (BB) | | Day 4 | Agrigento | Marsala Wines & Agrigento: Head west to Segesta to view the famous picturesque ruins of a 5th century Greek Doric temple standing on a hilltop. Then drive along the Via del Sale (Salt Road) to Marsala, an attractive town located in the most important wine-producing region on the island. It is best-known for its dessert wines. Visit one of the wineries to sample some vintages and then savor lunch in a local restaurant. Enjoy the pleasant scenery with views of the shoreline as you drive to Agrigento on the south coast. This town flourished under the Greek civilization but today is a collection of medieval streets and shady squares. Check into your hotel where dinner is served this evening. (BB, L, D) | | Day 5 | Giardini Naxos | Piazza Armerina & Taormina: This morning visit the magnificent Valley of the Temples, where some of the greatest Greek ruins in the world are found. Enjoy a guided tour to see the Temple of Zeus, with sturdy Doric pillars forming a huge square; the elegant and well-preserved Temple of Concord with 34 columns; the Temple of Hercules, showing traces of fire; and the Temple of Castor & Pollux. Continue your journey through hilly countryside with olive groves and stop in Piazza Armerina to view the extraordinary mosaics of the Roman Villa del Casale. End your day in Taormina at Giardini Naxos, a charming coastal town with views of Mount Etna. With a wonderful winter climate and lush vegetation, this region became popular with international travelers in the 19th century, a trend that continues to the present day. (BB, D) | | Day 6 | Giardini Naxos | Explore Mount Etna: Visit the slopes of the largest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna. The cone is about 25 miles in diameter and looks perfectly symmetrical in outline. See how lava flows have carved out craters and shaped the landscape. With the many rich lava deposits accumulated throughout the centuries, vegetation all around is especially lush. You will see orange and lemon groves, fruit trees and, further up the slopes, huge forest trees. Return to your hotel in Giardini Naxos where you have the afternoon to relax or explore the beautiful surroundings or visit nearby Taormina on your own. In the evening, choose from many fine restaurants for dinner. (BB) | | Day 7 | Giardini Naxos | Syracuse Excursion: Travel to Syracuse, a city founded by the ancient Greeks, which at its peak rivaled Athens in magnificence. A guided tour of this venerable city highlights the Neapolis Archaeological Park, where you will see the Latomie (stone quarries) used in the construction of the many temples and public buildings of the ancient city. See the Ear of Dionysius, a naturally-formed S-shaped cavern with amazing acoustic properties. Visit the Greek Theatre, one of the largest of its kind, where you can see the semi-circular rows of seats carved out of the hillside and the foundations of the stage. Return to your hotel and enjoy some free time before joining your traveling companions to savor a special Sicilian farewell dinner with wine in a popular local restaurant. (BB, D) | | Day 8 | Return USA | Depart Catania for the US: Transfer from your hotel to Catania Airport for your return flight to the United States. If you wish you may extend your stay in Sicily or mainland Italy with additional hotel nights. (BB) |
| | | Hotel Politeama - Palermo - 2 night(s) | | Jolly Della Valle Hotel - Agrigento - 1 night(s) | | Naxos Beach Hotel - Giardini Naxos - 3 night(s) | |
| | Coach Tour and River Cruise prices are based on two people sharing roomsThis list indicates brochure rates and dates. Air price is based on departures from New York. Additional add-on airfares from other cities are available! The air inclusive prices below are for general information only and not a reflection of current seat availability.Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies.We highly recommend that you review our general conditions page for full details on terms, conditions, and penalties. |
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