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