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Warm beaches, charming
hilltop villages, fascinating history, and a relaxed
atmosphere make the Mediterranean Island of Sicily the
perfect vacation spot. Enjoy everything this beautiful
island has to offer from the convenience of a single
hotel in one of the most popular resort towns, Giardini
Naxos. Nicknamed the “crossroads of civilization,”
Sicily contains some of Europe’s finest archeological
sites where you can see an impressive collection of
Greek and Roman antiquities. On a visit to Taormina, a
picturesque village perched high above the Ionian Sea,
you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Greek Theatre, the
Duomo, and the beautiful public gardens. An
unforgettable motorcoach ride will take you up to see
the spectacular fire-shaped landscapes atop the largest
active volcano in Europe, Mt. Edna, which continues to
release smoke and ash over the island. Then visit a
vineyard whose famous wines are produced from grapes
grown in the rich volcanic soil. And of course, your
trip just wouldn’t be complete without experiencing a
delicious Sicilian meal with local specialties, fine
wines, and traditional folk music. On an optional
excursion, see the true colors of the island’s villages
at a Sunday outdoor market, where vendors sell fresh
local produce and foods. In the medieval town of Piazza
Armerina, located in the breathtaking Erei Mountains,
tour the Villa Casale with its collection of Roman
mosaics that date to the 3rd century BC. You’ll also
visit a studio in Caltagirone to watch the traditional
craft of pottery making. Even with all of these amazing
experiences, you will have ample leisure time to soak up
the sun on the gorgeous beaches, dine at lively sidewalk
cafes, or browse the many local boutiques.
- Enjoy seven nights at a
single hotel on the beautiful island of Sicily, the
crossroads of civilization.
- Walk in the footsteps of Greek history
with a local expert at Siracusa's Archaeological Park.
- Witness the formidable power of nature as
you visit Mt. Etna, Europe's largest active volcano
 Day
1: Overnight Flight
Sicily, the largest of the Mediterranean Islands, offers
a wonderful climate, spectacular landscapes, historic
towns, charming hilltop villages, and some of the finest
archaeological sites in Europe. You will enjoy this
spectacular destination with a relaxing single hotel
stay. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to
Catania.
Day 2: Catania, Sicily - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Catania, where a short journey will
bring you to Giardini Naxos, perhaps one of the most
popular resort towns in Sicily. The remainder of the
afternoon is at leisure. This evening, join your fellow
travelers for a special welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3: Taormina
Taormina is symbolic of the splendor of Sicily; history
and beauty abound in this small town perched high above
the Ionian Sea. Join a local guide to explore the many
treasures of the town, including the Greek Theatre, the
Duomo and the public gardens. Spend the afternoon dining
at one of the many sidewalk cafes or shopping in the
town's boutiques. (B)
Day 4: Mt. Etna
This morning you will experience the natural majesty of
Mt. Etna. Europe's largest active volcano, Etna
continues to release smoke and ash over Sicily. Travel
up the mountain by coach to personally witness the
spectacular landscapes sculpted by fire. This afternoon,
visit a well-known local winery, famous for producing
wines from grapes grown in the volcanic soil on the
slopes of Mt. Etna. This evening you will enjoy a
traditional dinner of local specialties and wines, with
traditional Sicilian folk music. (B, D)
Day 5: Day at Leisure or Optional Excursion
Enjoy a day at leisure to absorb the charm of Giardini
Naxos. Or, perhaps you would prefer to join an optional
excursion to the villages of Sicily. Your first stop is
at Randazzo. Every Sunday the village hosts an outdoor
market, where vendors sell fresh local produce and
foods. Savor the colorful sights and enchanting aromas
of Sicily as you wander among the market stalls. Your
optional tour continues to the village of Floresta,
famous for the production of local "Provola" cheese. A
visit to a local producer will demonstrate how this
local specialty is made and allow you to taste this
unique cheese. Returning to the coast, your final stop
of the day is in the town of Tindari to see the famed
Sanctuary of the Black Madonna. (B)
Day 6: Piazza Armerina - Caltagirone
Journey inland this morning to the medieval town of
Piazza Armerina, located in the beautiful Erei
Mountains. A guided visit of nearby Villa Casale
showcases an extraordinary collection of Roman mosaics
that date to the 3rd century BC. After lunch travel to
Caltagirone, the capital of the Sicilian pottery
industry. A visit to a local studio allows you to see
first hand how these traditional designs are produced.
(B, D)
Day 7: Siracusa
Walk in the footsteps of history and reflect on the
grandeur of ancient Greece during an excursion to
Siracusa. The city boasts as fine a collection of
archaeological treasures as any island in Greece. A
local expert guides you through the Archaeological Park,
featuring an impressive collection of Greek and Roman
antiquities. Enjoy some free time in the historic old
city before returning to Giardini Naxos. (B)
Day 8: Giardini Naxos
A full day at leisure allows you to explore at your own
pace. Perhaps you will enjoy a stroll along the local
beaches, or some last minute shopping in nearby Taormina.
Gather with your fellow travelers this evening for a
farewell dinner and share unforgettable memories of a
spectacular stay in Sicily. (B, D)
Day 9: Giardini Naxos - Catania - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Catania. (B)
Stay Another Night - Add a pre night stay in Giardini
Naxos. Prices start at $80 per person,
double.
Base Rates Per Person
|
Departure Date |
Tour
Rate – Twin |
Tour
and Air Rate |
|
Feb 15 2006 |
$999 |
$1639 from NYC |
|
Nov 01 2006 |
$999 |
$1639 from NYC |
|
Nov 08 2006 |
$999 |
$1639 from NYC |
|
Nov 13 2006 |
$999 |
$1639 from NYC |
|
Nov 15 2006 |
$999 |
$1639 from NYC |
|
Feb 14 2007 |
$999 |
$1639 from NYC |
|
Mar 21 2007 |
$999 |
$1639 from NYC |
*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a
specific gateway based on twin occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not
include inter-air flights. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates.
Tours departing BEFORE 4/30/06 may follow a different itinerary than what is
listed here. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For
tours that feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above.
Additional tour dates
may be available, please call us for information.
9 days, 11 meals
7 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Day 2- 8 - Hellenia Yachting Hotel, Giardini
Naxos
On some dates alternate hotels may be used
NOTES:
- Due to flight schedules, you
may require an early morning departure from the hotel on the
last day of your tour.
- This tour does not operate
May-October.
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