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2008 Sicilian Spirit
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 Highlights
Sicilian Dinner withWine in TaorminaBenedictine Abbey ofMonrealeWine Tastingin MarsalaValley ofTemples in AgrigentoExcursion on Slopes ofMount EtnaGreek Ruins inSyracuseOpportunities to Relax in Resorts
What's Included
Round trip flights between U.S. & PalermoHalf day sightseeing tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento with a local guideGroup transfers on arrival and departureHalf day sightseeing tour of the Roman Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina with a local guideTransportation by private deluxe air-conditioned motor coach throughoutHalf day sightseeing tour of Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse with a local guideServices of a professional English-speaking tour directorMarsala winery tour with tastingsFirst class hotels with private bath/shower for 7 nightsExcursion to slopes of Mount Etna7 buffet breakfasts with selection of cold dishes (BB)Visits and admissions to Palace of the Normans, Palatine Chapel, Palermo Cathedral, Benedictine Abbey of Monreale, Segesta Archeological Site and Greek Theater in Syracuse4 dinners (D) with mineral water or coffee including a typical Sicilian dinner in a local restaurant in TaorminaDeluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap1 lunch (L)All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per personHalf day sightseeing tour of Palermo and Mondello with a local guide
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| Details | | CIE Tours | | Offer valid through 9/30/2008 | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Fly to Sicily | Fly to 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 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 Touring : Your morning tour starts at the highest part of the old city at the Palace of the Normans, seat of the rulers of the island 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 has a long history also, dating back to the 9th century when it was a mosque. 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 the cloisters. Continue to Monte Pellegrino, where you may visit thesanctuary of Santa Rosalia. End your tour in Mondello, a pretty resortarea with a long, sandy beach. The evening is free for dining. (BB) | | Day 4 | Agrigento | Marsala & Agrigento : Head west to Segesta to view the famous picturesque ruins of a 5thcentury Greek Doric temple standing on a hilltop. Then drive along the Via del Sale (Salt Road) to Marsala. This attractive town is in the most importantwine-producing region on the island and is best-known for its dessert wines. Visit one of the wineries to sample some vintage wines 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 | Taormina | 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 here to see the Temple of Zeus, with huge Doric pillars forming a huge square; the elegant and wellpreserved Temple of Concord with 34 columns; the Temple of Hercules, showing traces of fire; and the Temple of Castor & Pollux in addition to the Tomb of Theron and the Porta Aurea. Continue your journey through the 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, a charming town set on the slopes of Monte Tauro overlooking the sea. With a wonderful winter climate and lush vegetation, this became a popular internationalresort in the 19th century, a trend that continues to the present. (BB, D) | | Day 6 | Taormina | Explore Mount Etna : Today 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 themany 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 Taormina where you have the afternoon to relax or explore the beautiful surroundings of one of Italy's most attractive resorts. In the evening, find a restaurant for dinner. (BB) | | Day 7 | Taormina | 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 original city. Also 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, which dates back over two millennia. You can see the semi-circular rows of seats and the foundations of the stage. Return to Taormina where you will join your traveling companions as you savor a special Sicilian dinner with wine in a popular local restaurant. (BB, D) | | Day 8 | Palermo | Messina & Cefalu : Drive to Messina and stop for views across the "Strait of Messina," the narrow body of water dividing the island of Sicily from the Italian mainland. Travel along the north coast of the island, passing many little beaches and villages. Stop in the charming fishing village of Cefalu and enjoy some free time to relax and look around. Continue your journey to Palermo, completing your circular tour of Sicily. After checking into your hotel, you will have time to do some last minute shopping or sightseeing on your own. This evening you can choose a nice restaurant to dine independently. (BB) | | Day 9 | Depart Palermo for the USA | Depart Palermo for the USA : Transfer to Palermo Airport for your return flight to the United States, which will arrive the same day. If you wish you may extend your stay in Palermo with additional hotel nights. (BB) |
| | | Hotel Politeama - Palermo - 2 night(s) | | Jolly Della Valle Hotel - Agrigento - 1 night(s) | | Villa Diadoro Hotel - Taormina - 3 night(s) | | Hotel Politeama - Palermo - 1 night(s) |
| | Coach Tour and River Cruise prices are based on two people sharing rooms; for single prices, click on preferred travel date below to view next screen.Taxes, security fees and fuel surcharges are not included. This list indicates brochure rates and dates. If your date of choice is marked "On Request" or appears in the brochure but not on this page please contact your travel agent for information.Air price is based on departures from New York. Additional add-on airfares from other cities will be available after clicking on Book Now! 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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