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Day
2:
Palermo
(Monday/Wednesday)
This morning enjoy
a city-sightseeing tour of Palermo and Monreale
through the "Hop on and Hop off" concept of sightseeing
enjoyed around the world.You'll receive a ticket valid all day so
you can get on the bus and get of shopping at as many of the
important sites as you'd like throughout the day. (BB)
Day
3:
Palermo/Erice/Marsala/Agrigento
(Tuesday/Thursday)
Today you will meet
your Driver-Escort and depart for western Sicily and the city center
of Erice. The Elymians settled the medieval town of Erice
which was an important religious site associated with Venus. Wander through its ancient streets and visit some of the
famous homemade pastry shops, world-famous for marzipan candies
and other delicacies like almond and pistachio pastries.
Then enjoy a light lunch at an olive oil factory where we
will taste typical Sicilian dishes and local olive oil. In the
afternoon, we travel between Trapani and Marsala on
the Salt Road, and we will tour the historic saltpan works,
where the ancient tradition of harvesting salt from the sea is still
practiced. Arrive in Marsala and visit a local winery’s cellar
and taste Sicilian wines. Later continue the trip to Agrigento.
(BB L)
Day
4:
Agrigento/Piazza
Armerina/Caltagirone/Ragusa
(Wednesday/Friday)
(From
November 1, 2008 the Roman Villa of Casale in Piazza Armerina will
be closed for a hard renovation.
Estimated opening is March 2009.)
This morning,
independently visit Agrigento, whose history dates back to
580 BC. Independent tour of the Valley of the Temples, a
magnificent cluster of Greek ruins overlooking the
Mediterranean Sea. Afterward, our drive across the vast
countryside showcases Sicily’s great variety of sceneries. We will
reach Piazza Armerina where we will visit the ruins of the
Roman Villa of Casale. The mosaics discovered here are
celebrated among scholars of antiquity. We will enjoy a light lunch
at a country restaurant. In the afternoon, we visit the baroque town
of Caltagirone know as “the city of ceramics.”
Ceramics have been produced here for over 1000 years. Climb the
Stairway of Santa Maria del Monte, the city’s symbol made out of
142 steps decorated with splendid glazed majolica tiles.
We will continue the trip to Ragusa, a stellar
example of the Sicilian baroque. Tonight dinner at local
trattoria to taste local dishes. (BB L D)
Day 5: Ragusa/Modica/Taormina
(Thursday/Saturday)
After a walk
through the old city center of Ragusa Ibla, a short drive
takes us to Modica—a city full of fascinating architectural,
artistic and scenic attractions unique among those pertaining to the
splendid Sicilian Baroque period. Take a stroll through the
area and stop at the
Antique Pastry Shop Bonajuto, where the Ruta family
is famous for their chocolate. Time at leisure to
independently visit the town. During the afternoon transfer to
Taormina. (BB)
Day 6: Taormina
(Friday/Sunday)
All day long at
leisure to explore the town on your own or shops. (BB)
Day 7: Taormina/Catania
(CTA)
(Saturday/Monday)
Time to say goodbye
to Sicily as we are transferred to Catania Airport (CTA) for our
return flight. (BB)
Meal Legend: BB Buffet Breakfast L
Lunch D Dinner
What is Included:
What is Included:
ü
Palermo:
Two
nights
accommodation
ü
Agrigento: One night accommodation
ü
Ragusa: One night accommodation
ü
Taormina:
Two
nights
accommodation
ü
Buffet breakfast daily
ü
One
visit to Sicilian cellars and tasting local wine
ü
Two
light-lunches at local restaurant/country-restaurant with set-menù
ü
One
dinner at local trattoria with set menù
ü
Car
with Air Conditioning
ü
Tasting as specified in the itinerary
ü
English speaking Driver-Escort as per program
ü
Admission fee included for all sites and other activities as per
itinerary
ü
Hotel & City Taxes
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