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architecture reached the pinnacle of its glory with
the Monreale Duomo, launched in 1174 by William II. Scenes from the
Old and New Testaments are depicted in golden mosaics covering the
interior. Then to the Palatine Chapel in Palermo, which was the
crowning architectural achievement of William II’s grandfather,
Roger II. We then continue by seeing: Piazza Pretoria, Via Maqueda
with its “four corners” converging Palermo at a quartet of Baroque
palaces left over from the heyday of Spanish rule dating back to
1560. Then, we visit the Cathedral constructed in various
architectural styles throughout the Roman, Norman, Arabic, and
Islamic dominations. This afternoon at leisure to explore the town
on your own. (BB)
Day 3:
Palermo/Erice & Olive Oil Factory/Marsala Winery/Mazara
del Vallo
Today depart to tour western Sicily.
We will reach Erice. The Elymians settled the medieval town
of Erice which 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 & farmhouse
to enjoy a snack and Olive Oil tasting.
This olive oil factory has won numerous awards.
This afternoon to
Marsala to visit Cantine Florio
winery’s cellar
and taste Sicilian wines. Later continue to Mazara del Vallo
and Kempinski lying in a lush valley immersed in olive
groves and vineyards. A refined resort experience
that combines ultimate relaxation with its pools and Beach Club, one
of a kind Nakhlah longevity, lifestyle & beauty Spa.
Tonight dinner at SPA. (BB D)
Day 4:
Mazara del Vallo
All day long dedicated to visit the
town on your own or Optional Excursion or Optional SPA treatments. (BB)
Day 5: Mazara del Vallo/Agrigento/Syracuse
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 showing the Valley of the Temples, a magnificent cluster
of Greek ruins overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Later, we depart
to Syracuse.
(BB)
Day 6:
Syracuse Slow Food-Cooking Course & Visit
Today
we will meet the famous Sicilian Chef Giovanni
Guarneri
known for his trademark seafood dishes. He has won numerous awards for
his talents including the prestigious “Prix Culinaire Pierre
Tattinger”. The Italian Academy of Cooks gave him the prize of
“Buona Cucina 1997” (best kitchen of 1997), a prize never before won
by a restaurant in Siracusa. He has been featured several times on
the Italian food channel and is an active member of the Slow Food
Movement. Begin our Cooking Course. After the course, we will
devour our creations. This afternoon guided
visit to Syracuse
through the Archaeological Park highlighting the Greek Theatre, the
Roman Amphitheatre and the Paradise Quarry. Later stroll through
the streets of Ortygia Island, the heart of the city center. (BB
L)
Day 7: Syracuse/Taormina
Following
breakfast depart for Taormina. On arrival visit the town
or time to rest or shop.
(BB)
Day 8: Taormina
Today at leisure to rest or
shop or do optional excursion. Tonight we gather for a Farewell
Dinner at Casa Grugno Restaurant.
The sublime food here is
reinvented Sicilian cuisine at its finest, a haute cuisine that
draws from a Pan-European sensibility. (BB D)
Day 9 (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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