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Highlights Of Sicily



Tour Description:

Explore ancient Palermo and walk the medieval hilltop village of Erice. Discover Marsala wine, learn how olive oil is produced and wander the ruins at Agrigento's Valley of the Temples. In Syracuse, stroll through the old town to the fifth-century BC cathedral before some rest and relaxation in the seaside resort town of Taormino.

Dates & Pricing



ITINERARY

Explore bustling Palermo, a city founded by the Phoenicians, named by the ancient Greeks and ruled at times by the Romans, Muslims and Normans. Join your specialist local guide for a visit to the church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, the Ballar? produce market and the magnificent cathedral. Custodian of the relics of Palermo's great civic and imperial past, the cathedral houses the tombs of Frederick II, Roger II and Constance of Altavilla as well as the silver urn of the city's patron saint, Saint Rosalie. After lunch visit the 12th-century hillside Cathedral of Monreale, lavishly decorated with mosaics. Dine independently this evening. Grand Hotel Wagner B L

Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Palermo, Italy
Stop to see Segesta's fifth-century BC Doric temple built by the Elymians on a hill west of Mount Barbaro. The temple was left roofless, perhaps in a deliberate attempt to allow a view of the sky, the home of the gods. Then walk along the cobbled lanes in the medieval hilltop town of Erice and perhaps sample sweet almond delicacies in Maria Grammatico's pastry shop. In Marsala, learn about making the fortified wine of the same name, then taste different varieties. Dinner is ? la carte in your country hotel. Kempinski Hotel Giardino di Costanza B D

Day 3: Palermo/Monreale/Palermo
Selinunte, formerly a wealthy trading center, was one of the most important Greek colonies in Sicily and is known for the remains of its five ancient Greek temples. See the reconstructed remains of Temple E, known as the Temple of Hera. Continue to an olive oil-producing estate for lunch, an informative introduction to the process of making extra virgin olive oil and a tasting. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Kempinski Hotel Giardino di Costanza B L

Day 4: Palermo/Erice/Mazara del Vallo
Because of Sicily's strategic location in the Mediterranean, the early Greeks also left their mark on fifth-century BC Agrigento. Many believe their Valley of the Temples is the best-preserved collection of classical Greek temples in existence today. The five temples rest on a stretch of land south of the city and are worthy of comparison with the Acropolis in Athens. Dine ? la carte tonight in your country hotel. Villa Gussio Nicoletti B L D

Day 5: Mazara del Vallo/Selinunte/Mazara del Vallo
Imagine a time when ancient Romans hunted game in the area of Piazza Armerina. Travel here and to neighboring Villa Romana del Casale, where they would return with their catch. The villa was thought to have been the hunting lodge of Emperor Maximianus Heraclius. Within its walls is one of Sicily's most prized archaeological treasures: a display of third-century mosaics, including the "Frigidarium," a cold bathroom decorated with colorful tiles. After an al fresco lunch at a traditional country farmhouse, travel to Caltagirone for a look at St. Mary of the Mount, a pilgrimage stairway edged in majolica tiles. Then visit a pottery studio and watch its artisans at work. Villa Gussio Nicoletti B L D

Day 6: Mazara del Vallo/Agrigento/Leonforte
In Syracuse, stroll through Ortygia, the old town area, to see its remarkable fifth-century BC cathedral. Built first as a Greek temple and then consecrated as Siracusa's (Syracuse's) first Christian cathedral, its original Greek columns are still clearly visible. Then attend a private wine tasting and lunch in the Baroque Palazzo Beneventano. Visit the Greek Theater and the extraordinary Paradise Quarry, which once served as a prison for the defeated Athenians. A coastal drive brings you to Taormina, perched atop a cliff and overlooking the Bay of Naxos. Enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel this evening. Grand Hotel San Pietro B L D

Day 7: Leonforte/Piazza Armerina/Caltagirone/Leonforte
Even in the 19th century, Taormina was considered to be a holiday destination. The wealthy built luxury villas in this beautiful seaside town, blessed with a mild climate, lush vegetation, a sandy isthmus and rich marine life. Discover Taormina's charms for yourself on a walk through the Old Town. Visualize a performance at the city's ancient Greek Theater, with Mount Etna or the bay of Taormina as its backdrops. See the 15th-century Palazzo Corvaja, with its characteristic black lava and white limestone inlays, and visit the Baroque cathedral. There remains plenty to explore this afternoon, when you are free to set out on your own. This evening, gather for farewell drinks. Grand Hotel San Pietro B

Day 8: Leonforte/Syracuse/Taormina
Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight. B B

Day 9: Taormina

Day 10: Taormina/Catania/USA or Canada