ITINERARY (9 nights/10 days):

Palermo (3 nights) Leonforte (2 nights) Taormina (4 nights)
 

Day 1 (Saturday): Palermo
You are greeted at Palermo airport (PMO) and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 (Sunday):  Monreale & Palermo
After breakfast, we will start the tour in the historical centre of the city, walking through the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter and its fascinating remnants. We will visit the site of the Synagogue and with the help of some descriptions made by Jewish medieval travellers, we will learn about the large, ancient Jewish community of the capital city. Later, we walk to the Duomo and the imposing building of the Norman Palace for a deeper understanding of the social intercourse between Jews and religious and political power. Then to the Palatine Chapel in Palermo, which was the crowning architectural achievement of Roger II. The tour ends in the splendid Norman Royal Palace of the Zisa, built in Norman Arab style, that still keeps a Hebrew inscription and a menorah. (BB)

Day 3 (Monday): Erice & Olive Oil Factory/Trapani/Marsala Winery
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. (BB)
Day 5 (Wednesday): Leonforte/Enna/Piazza Armerina/Caltagirone/Leonfonte

(From November 16, 2009 the Roman Villa of Casale in Piazza Armerina will be closed for a hard renovation and we 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. (BB)
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.  (BB)
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