|
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 time at leisure to
explore the town on your own or
OPTIONAL
EXCURSION (BB)
Day 3 (Monday):
Palermo/Erice Olive Oil Factory/Marsala Winery/Palermo
Early departure to tour western Sicily where we will begin in Erice
city center. The Elymians settled the medieval town of Erice,
which was an important religious site associated with the goddess
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 to an
olive oil factory & farmhouse to enjoy a light lunch. In the
afternoon, we travel between Trapani and Marsala on the Salt Way
Road. We will tour the historic saltpan works where the
ancient tradition of harvesting salt from the sea is still
practiced. We then continue on to Marsala and visit a
local winery’s cellar and taste Sicilian wines. Later back to
Palermo. (BB L)
Day 4
(Tuesday) Palermo/Agrigento/Piazza Armerina/Leonforte (Enna)
(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. We will swap this
visit with
SOME OTHER SITE)
Today’s drive across the vast countryside showcases Sicily’s great
variety of sceneries. We soon arrive in Agrigento whose
history dates back to 580 BC.
A
guided tour leads us through the Valley of the Temples, a
magnificent cluster of Greek ruins overlooking the Mediterranean
Sea. This afternoon we continue to Piazza Armerina to view
the ruins of the Roman Villa of Casale. The mosaics
discovered here are celebrated among scholars of antiquity. Later,
we depart for Leonforte near Enna. This region boasts a rich
production of wheat, citrus fruits, and olive oil. Tonight, we lodge
at Villa Gussio, an old traditional Sicilian 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) Leonfonte/Syracuse/Taormina
Today we depart for Syracuse, founded by colonists from
Cornith in 735 B.C. and once the most important competitor to
Athens. Our guided visit through the Archaeological Park
highlights the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre
and the Paradise Quarry. Later stroll through the streets of
Ortygia Island, the heart of the city center. Lunch at a
local restaurant. Afterward, we drive along the coast to Taormina,
the world famous resort town of Sicily, known for its views and
atmosphere. (BB L)
Day 6 (Thursday) Taormina/Mount Etna & Winery/Taormina
A
short drive takes us to the main visitor elevation on the slopes of
Mt. Etna. Those interested in experiencing the Etna
craters will have the option to purchase cable car tickets on
the spot (weather and volcanic conditions permitting) to experience
the lava fields and incredible landscape view from Europe’s highest
and most active volcano on their own. Then to a winery and
farmhouse. This estate also produces olive oil, grappa,
sparkling wine and artisan food. We indulge in a typical Sicilian
light lunch at the farmhouse. This afternoon, back to Taormina and
time at leisure. Tonight we gather for a Farewell Dinner at a local
restaurant. (BB L D)
Day 7 (Friday) Taormina
The day is yours to rest or explore the town on your own or
OPTIONAL
EXCURSION
(BB)
Day 8 (Saturday) 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
FEATURED PROPERTIES USED:
featured properties used:
Palermo: Hotel Plaza Opera
(First Class)
Leonforte:
Villa Gussio Nicoletti (Boutique)
Taormina:
Hotel
Villa Angela (Boutique)
Hotel may be
substituted with similar category.
List of
Hotels will be advised 20 days before departure.
IMPORTANT:
These
tour departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 clients. This
tour will be operated with either a Driver-Guide from 2 to 5
people. From 6 to 15 clients, tour is operated with a
driver, a Tour Escort, and licensed Local Guides where necessary.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
-Cefalù
-Taormina
& Gourmet Cooking Course
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
(Based on a minimum of 2 paying clients):
1) Cefalù
Day 2 (Sunday)
Palermo/Cefalù/Palermo
 This
afternoon depart for Cefalù, a charming coastal town home to a
massive Norman Cathedral with outstanding mosaics. Here we will
visit the city center and stroll down main street to reach the
Cathedral. Time at leisure and to stroll along the beach. Later back to Palermo.
RATE PER PERSON:
Euros 60,00 per person
What is
Included:
üVehicle/coach
with air conditioning
üEnglish
speaking Tour Director/Driver Guide as per program
üAll
sightseeing, tasting and excursions as specified in the itinerary
What Is Not
Included:
üGratuities
üAdmission
fees
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
(Based on a minimum of 2 paying clients):
4)
Taormina & Gourmet Cooking Course
4) Taormina Gourmet
Cooking Course
Day 7 (Friday) Taormina Gourmet Cooking Course
(h 9:00AM - h 1:00PM)
 This morning independently transfer to a local restaurant in
Taormina where we are greeted by Chef Antonio Orlando and
Chef Donna Maria. A brief walk takes us to an open air market
where we'll purchase fresh fruit, vegetables and all the ingredients
necessary for the cooking course. Then back to the restaurant to
start cooking. At the end of the cooking course, we will enjoy our
scrumptious creations with the perfect compliment—a beautifully
paired Sicilian wine. Dessert follows accompanied by a typical
local Dessert wine.
(L)
RATE PER PERSON:
Euros 110,00 per person
What is Included:
üOne
gourmet cooking course
üOne
lunch at the local restaurant to taste your creations
üBeverage:
water, ½ bottle local wine, dessert wine
üAll
sightseeing and tasting as specified in the itinerary
üCity
taxes
What Is Not Included:
üGratuities
ü Round
trip restaurant transfers
What is Included:
What is Included:
ü
Airport Transfers for services done between 8:00AM to 7:00PM
ü
Palermo: Three nights in superior accommodation
ü
Leonforte: One night in superior accommodation in Villa
ü
Taormina: Three nights in superior accommodation, sea view rooms
ü
Daily breakfast buffet
ü
Vehicle/coach with air conditioning
ü
English speaking Tour Director/Driver Guide as per program
ü
Welcome Dinner with choice of 2 set group menus
ü
Farewell Dinner with choice of 2 set group menus
ü
Two visits to Sicilian cellars with Sicilian wine tasting
ü
One dinner at Hotel/Villa with set menu
ü
One lunch in Syracuse with set menu
ü
One light lunch at olive oil factory/farmhouse with tasting of
typical local dishes
ü
One light lunch at winery/farmhouse with tasting typical Etna dishes
ü
One visit to a local olive oil factory and olive oil tasting
ü
Natural mineral water at included meals
ü
All sightseeing, tasting and excursions as specified in the
itinerary
ü
Admission fees included for all sites and other activities as per
itinerary
ü
Baggage Handling of one piece of luggage at hotel
ü
Hotel & City Taxes
HOME
|
Ask for enquiry
|
CUSTOMIZED
FOR YOUR GROUP
|
