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Glorious art,
classic Greek and Roman antiquities and ruins,
centuries-old hilltop villages, fine wine, and great
Italian food are all part of this 12-day journey
exploring both the well-known and hidden treasures
of Southern Italy and Sicily. Following a two-night
stay in Rome, see the 2,000-year-old city of Pompeii
that was frozen in time by a volcanic eruption. Your
vacation highlights include southern Italy’s
breathtaking Amalfi Coast, Naples, Sorrento, the
Calabria region, the gardens of Taormina, Mt. Etna
Volcano National Park, Agrigento, and the Valley of
the Temples. Your journey ends in Palermo, with its
lovely squares and an eclectic mix of architectural
styles. Sip Sicily’s famous sweet, dark wine during
a wine-tasting and tour of a local Marsala winery.
Amid soft, cooling ocean breezes and almond trees,
explore the ruins of ancient temples dedicated to
Zeus and other mythological Greek gods and goddesses
in the Valley of the Temples in the coastal city of
Agrigento - one of the most important archeological
sites in the world. Stories of ancient Roman life
are told in the impressive collection of Roman
mosaics at the Villa Casale while a local expert
interprets Palermo’s mix of Moorish, Norman and
Spanish architecture. You'll enjoy six nights on
the island of Sicily - known as the crossroads of
civilization.
- Rome
sightseeing includes the Roman Forum, the
Vatican and the famous Colosseum.
- Stay two
nights on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, where
the Mediterranean Sea and mountains meet.
- History comes
alive during a visit to the ancient Roman city
of Pompeii
- Enjoy six
nights exploring the beautiful island of Sicily,
the crossroads of civilization.
- Spend a day
exploring the jewel of Sicily, the historic hill
top town of Taormina.
Day 1: Overnight
Flight
Join Collette Vacations in exploring the hidden
treasures of southern Italy and Sicily. Enjoy
breathtaking scenery, historic cities, centuries old
hilltop villages, and wonderful cuisine. Your
journey begins with an overnight flight to Rome,
"The Eternal City."
Day 2: Rome, Italy - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Rome, where you have some time
at leisure. This evening, join your fellow travelers
for a special welcome dinner at a popular local
restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine
Italian wines. (D)
Day 3: Rome
Start your day in the Italian capital with a
sightseeing tour of Classical Rome featuring the
Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus,
the Colosseum, and the Arch of Constantine. The
beauty of contemporary Rome is highlighted through
the Spanish Steps and the famous Trevi Fountain.
Enjoy time later in the day to continue exploring
Rome at leisure. (B)
Day 4: Rome - Pompeii - Amalfi Coast
Begin your day with an optional tour of the
"Magnificent Treasures of the Vatican Museums."
Later, leave Rome and travel south to experience the
excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mount
Vesuvius. A local expert explains the history of
this remarkable Roman city, preserved by a volcanic
eruption 2,000 years ago. The forms of people who
died in Pompeii are evident and cast an insight into
how they lived. (B, D)
Day 5: Sorrento - Amalfi Coast
Begin your day exploring the popular seaside resort
town of Sorrento. Visit local artisans and watch
them demonstrate the art of inlaid wood making.
Travel the Amalfi Drive where stunning views exist
around every bend in the road. En route, view
picturesque Positano before arrival in Amalfi, where
you have free time to explore the town square,
ceramic shops and cafes. (B)
Day 6: Amalfi Coast - Giardini Naxos, Sicily
Travel down through the region of Campania to one of
the least discovered and most beautiful regions of
Italy, Calabria. In Villa San Giovanni take a short
ferry over to Messina, Sicily. Arrive in Giardini
Naxos, known as "the garden of Sicily." (B, D)
Day 7: Giardini-Naxos - Taormina - Giardini-Naxos
This morning you tour beautiful Taormina, known for
its charming atmosphere, significant monuments and
flowering gardens. Join a local guide on a walking
tour that features the Greek Temples, Corso Umberto
and the beautiful Public Gardens. The rest of the
day is at leisure for you to further explore this
beautiful resort town. (B)
Day 8: Giardini-Naxos - Piazza Armerina -
Agrigento
Begin your day with an excursion to Mt. Etna Volcano
National Park to see the spectacular landscapes
sculpted by nature. Later, cross the central part of
Sicily to the town of Piazza Armerina. Here you pay
homage to the Roman past at the Villa Casale, which
houses one of the most incredible collections of
ancient mosaics in the world. Continue to the
western coastal city of Agrigento, your home for the
next two nights. (B, D)
Day 9: Agrigento
Learn about ancient Greek cultures when you visit
the Archeological Museum, known for its extensive
collection of Greek vases and mosaics. Then, proceed
to the stunning Valley of the Temples, one of the
most important archeological sites in the world and
a UNESCO world-heritage site. From ancient times to
the present day, the Valley of the Temples' ruins,
landscape flora and colors have inspired poets,
writers and painters. Here, get an up-close view of
the temples of Hercules, June, Dioscuris, Vulcan and
Olympian Zeus. (B, D)
Day 10: Agrigento - Marsala Winery - Palermo
Visit a local winery for a tour and tasting of
Sicily's famous Marsala wine. Your travels continue
through picturesque landscape to Palermo, Sicily's
cultural capital. (B)
Day 11: Palermo - Monreale - Palermo
A Palermo cultural tour features the lovely squares
of Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria, and Piazza
Bellini. Note the exotic mixture of Moorish, Norman,
and Spanish Baroque styles that make this city
special. You also see the Palace of the Normans, La
Martorana Church, and the Cathedral, which houses
the Imperial Crown of Constance of Aragon in its
treasury. In the nearby town of Monreale, visit the
12th century Cathedral with its dazzling interior of
multicolored marbles, paintings, mosaics and
cloisters. Celebrate the end of a wonderful trip
with a delightful farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 12: Palermo - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Palermo. (B)
Stay Another Night - Add a pre night stay
in Rome or a post night stay in Palermo. Prices start at
$130 per person, double.
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Uniquely For You
The
Valley of the Temples |
| Travel
to the Valley of the Temples, in
Agrigento, Sicily, where you'll see some
of the best preserved ruins of ancient
Greece. Among the countryside full of
blooming almond trees are wonderful
ruins of the temples that, in the course
of time, kept intact their architectural
magnificence. Ten major temples are
found in this valley. The temples have a
Doric style, with 6 majestic columns of
the front side, except for the Temple of
Olympian Zeus. The most impressive is
the Temple of Concord, built in 440 B.C.
It is nearly perfectly preserved and has
continued to be used over time. At night
the illuminated temple is a sight to
behold. Come see why the Greeks chose
this site on a cliff a few miles from
the ocean. Experience the beautiful
ocean view, and the soft, constant cool
breezes. All of the temples offer
amazing views at dawn and sunset when
they display a warm golden color. |
Base Rates Per Person
|
Departure Date |
Tour Rate – Twin |
Tour and Air Rate |
|
Mar 23 2006 |
$1839 |
$2519 from
NYC |
|
Mar 23 2006 |
$1839 |
$2519 from
NYC |
|
Apr 20 2006 |
$1939 |
$2929 from
NYC |
|
Apr 27 2006 |
$1939 |
$2929 from
NYC |
|
May 05 2006 |
$1799 |
$2829 from
NYC |
|
Jun 09 2006 |
$1799 |
$3109 from
NYC |
|
Jul 07 2006 |
$1749 |
$3059 from
NYC |
|
Aug 04 2006 |
$1749 |
$3059 from
NYC |
|
Sep 08 2006 |
$1799 |
$2829 from
NYC |
|
Sep 29 2006 |
$1799 |
$2829 from
NYC |
|
Oct 06 2006 |
$1749 |
$2779 from
NYC |
|
Oct 13 2006 |
$1749 |
$2779 from
NYC |
|
Nov 01 2006 |
$1699 |
$2399 from
NYC |
|
Nov 10 2006 |
$1699 |
$2399 from
NYC |
|
Mar 09 2007 |
$1599 |
$2299 from
NYC |
|
Apr 13 2007 |
$1749 |
$2779 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.
12 days, 17 meals
10 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners
Day 1 -
Overnight Flight
Day 2, 3 - Hotel Quirinale, Rome
Day 4,5 - Hotel Reginna Palace,
Maiori or Lloyd's Baia Hotel,
Vietri-sul-Mare
Day 6,7 - Hotel Hellenia &
Yachting Club, Giardini-Naxos
Day 8,9 - Jolly Hotel Della
Valle, Agrigento
Day 10,11 -
Hotel Astoria Palace, Palermo
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.
-
Vatican Museums are not available Saturday
afternoons and Sundays.
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