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Day
1 - Depart USA
Overnight flight to Catania.
Day
2 - Arrive Catania - Taormina (3 nights)
Welcome to Sicily! After check-in at your hotel, time to relax and
unwind. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink and tour briefing with your
Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Hotel:
Caesar Palace (3 nights)
Day
3 - Taormina Orientation & at leisure
Today we will discover a Hidden Treasure! But first we explore
Taormina, founded in 400 BC and beautifully located overlooking the sea
and the peak of Mount Etna. We see the Greek theatre and the glorious
sub-tropical terraced gardens before strolling along elegant Corso Umberto
to the Piazza for splendid panoramic views across the bay to the Ionian
Sea. Later, enjoy free time perhaps to shop for handmade lace on the Corso.
(Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day
4 - Syracuse Excursion
Today we leave for Syracuse, the ‘Greek city’ and birthplace of
the mathematician Archimedes, where the local guide, using the audio
system, shows us the archeological excavations including the Greek
theatre, the so-called Ear of Dionysius and the Roman amphitheatre. In the
afternoon we visit the Ortygia Island, the historical centre of Syracuse.
Later we return to Taormina and enjoy a delicious dinner in a family run
restaurant where we taste all the local specialities. (Buffet breakfast /
'Be my guest' Dinner)
Day
5 - Taormina - Piazza Armerina - Enna - Agrigento
This morning we leave Taormina and soon have views of the impressive
fortress town of Enna. Then we visit Piazza Armerina where we find the 4th
century Roman Villa of Casale which is renowned for its unique mosaics
covering almost the entire floor. Later, on arrival in Agrigento, our
local guide takes us to visit the Valley of the Temples, considered the
finest Greek sanctuary in Sicily and rivaling those of Athens in their
Grecian grandeur. We see the splendid Temple of Concord and the Temple of
Juno overlooking the sea before continuing to our hotel. (Buffet breakfast
/ Dinner)
Hotel:
Kore
Day
6 - Agrigento - Selinunte - Palermo (2 nights)
Today we drive north to Selinunte to visit the Dorian Temples and
Acropolis, which are built on a natural balcony overlooking the sparkling
Mediterranean Sea. Then we drive on to Erice, the only Sicilian town that
has been inhabited since pre-history, and which lies 800 metres above sea
level on a small peak near the coastal town of Trapani. The oldest
structure in the town is the protective thick boundary wall which dates
back to Punic times. Since then, the town has been home to the
Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Greeks and the Romans, the Arabs and
the Normans who built the castle above the harbour. We enjoy wonderful
views from the castle gardens before continuing to Palermo the vibrant
Sicilian capital. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel:
Astoria Palace (2 nights)
Day 7 - Palermo Sightseeing & at leisure
Our morning guided sightseeing tour, using the audio equipment, takes
us to Piazza Bellini and the cathedral. Later we stop to view the Conca
d’Oro from Monreale where we visit the 12th century Norman Cathedral.
Finally we visit the fishing village of Mondello before time at leisure.
Tonight, we get together with our travelling companions and Tour Director
for a festive Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant to celebrate
the end of our tour together. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Day 8 - Palermo - USA
Farewell to Sicily, our Tour Director and new-found friends as we are
accompanied by our return flights. (Buffet breakfast)
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