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Day 3 (Monday):
Palermo/Erice & Olive Oil Factory/Trapani/Marsala
Winery/Palermo
Early departure to tour western Sicily.
We begin in the medieval town of Erice, settled by the Elymians.
Erice was an important religious site associated with
goddesses of fertility. 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 to an
olive oil factory and farmhouse to enjoy our light lunch.
In the afternoon, we travel between Trapani and Marsala on the Salt
Road to 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 back to Palermo. (BB L)
Day 4 (Tuesday):
Palermo/Agrigento/Leonforte (Enna)
Today’s drive across the vast
countryside enables us to see Sicily’s great variety of sceneries.
We soon arrive in Agrigento whose history dates back to 580 BC. A
guided tour displays the Valley of the Temples, a magnificent cluster
of Greek ruins overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Later, we depart
to Leonforte near Enna which boasts a rich production of wheat, citrus
fruits, and olive oil. Tonight we lodge in Villa Gussio, a traditional
Sicilian old-country hotel. The hotel is a jewel set in the green
heart of Sicily, a magic place where history and nature blend to
celebrate a spontaneous hymn to beauty. Dinner at the hotel.
(BB D)
Day 5
(Wednesday):
Leonforte/Enna/Piazza
Armerina/Caltagirone/Leonfonte
(From
November 1, 2008 the Roman Villa of Casale in Piazza Armerina will
be closed for a hard renovation and honestly, we absolutely don't
know which will be the estimated new opening date)
Our first stop is Enna. It was a centre of great
military importance under the Greeks and Romans. On the upper part
of the town stands the Lombardia Castle, the most ancient and
well-preserved castle in Sicily. Continue to Piazza Armerina to
visit
the ruins of the Roman Villa of Casale. The mosaics discovered here
are celebrated among scholars of antiquity. In the afternoon, we
visit the Baroque town of Caltagirone--known 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 of 142 steps decorated with splendid glazed majolica tiles. Time for
leisure. Return to our hotel for dinner. (BB D)
Day 6 (Thursday) Leonforte/Agira/Mount
Etna Winery/Taormina
A short drive takes us to the picturesque city of
Agira. Visit the Synagogue
site and the magnificent stone portal of the aron hakodesh with
its Hebrew inscription. The portal, a unique example of Jewish
architecture, will give us an insight into the life of a small Jewish
community in the heart of medieval Sicily. Then continue to the
slopes of Mt. Etna. Weather and volcanic conditions permitting, we
experience the lava fields and incredible view of Europe’s highest and
most active volcano. Afterwards, we drive to a
charming local winery to visit the cellars and taste local wines. Light
lunch at winery/farmhouse. Then
drive along the coast to Taormina, the world famous resort town of
Sicily known for its views and atmosphere.
(BB L)
Day 7
(Friday) Taormina/Syracuse/Taormina
Following
breakfast depart for Syracuse. The
tour starts in Acradina, the site of the earliest Jewish
settlement. We will visit the Catacombs of S. Giovanni
and the Crypt of S. Marciano, who, according to
legend, was killed by the Jews of the city. Then, we'll move to the
island of Ortigia and stroll through the narrow streets of the
Giudecca (the ancient Jewish quarter). See the site of
the Synagogue and the Miqwè--a Jewish ritual
bath, 11 metres below ground level and the most archaic that has ever
been found in all of Europe. During the afternoon, our guided visit through
the archaeological area showcases the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre
and the Paradise Quarry. Then back to Taormina.
(BB)
Day 8 (Saturday)
Taormina/Messina/Taormina
Short drive to the centre of Messina
to visit its ancient Jewish
quarter. Visit the Norman Cathedral--with its Latin
inscription against the Jewish city-- the community and the beautiful
Palazzo Penso--belonged to a Jewish family. We will follow
this with a visit
to the Regional Archaeological Museum that, amongst its
artistic treasures, has a Hebrew synagogal inscription of unestimated
linguistic value. Afternoon back to Taormina to visit of the
Greek Theatre and its antiquarium, where Greek
inscriptions demonstrate the Jewish presence in the city since the
classic age. Later, walk to the site of the Jewish quarter and the
mediaeval convent of S. Domenico.
(BB)
Day 9 (Sunday) Taormina
All
day long at leisure to explore the town on your own or shop.
Tonight we gather for
a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. (BB D)
Day 10 (Monday) Taormina/Catania
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
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