2008 Sicilian Spirit

Call (800) 771-8690 for more information or to book today! Mention code 7186597

Tour Operator

CIE Tours

Duration

9 Days

Escorted

Escorted - Yes

Itinerary

Day	Destination	Description
Day 1	Fly to Sicily	Fly to Sicily : Depart the United States and travel on an overnight flight to reach the island of Sicily.
Day 2	Palermo	Palermo Arrival : Land at Palermo Airport where your tour escort will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The afternoon is free so you may rest or explore Palermo, the capital of Sicily, a little on your own. Sicily, strategically located in the Mediterranean, has been influenced by Greek, Roman and Ottoman cultures as well as by medieval traders and Crusaders en route to the Holy Land. With many archaeological remains, charming coastal scenery and wonderful flowers and fruit, this island has much to offer visitors. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 3	Palermo	Palermo Touring : Your morning tour starts at the highest part of the old city at the Palace of the Normans, seat of the rulers of the island for centuries. Visit its superb Palatine Chapel, which dates from 1132 AD and is one of the finest Norman- Saracenic buildings with rich decorations and carvings. Palermo Cathedral has a long history also, dating back to the 9th century when it was a mosque. Today it is a blend of many styles. See the Quattro Canti (Four Corners) in the city center where the four most important streets of the city intersect. A few miles from the city center visit the Benedictine Abbey of Monreale to see the 12th century cathedral with mosaics and the cloisters. Continue to Monte Pellegrino, where you may visit thesanctuary of Santa Rosalia. End your tour in Mondello, a pretty resortarea with a long, sandy beach. The evening is free for dining. (BB)
Day 4	Agrigento	Marsala & Agrigento : Head west to Segesta to view the famous picturesque ruins of a 5thcentury Greek Doric temple standing on a hilltop. Then drive along the Via del Sale (Salt Road) to Marsala. This attractive town is in the most importantwine-producing region on the island and is best-known for its dessert wines. Visit one of the wineries to sample some vintage wines and then savor lunch in a local restaurant. Enjoy the pleasant scenery with views of the shoreline as you drive to Agrigento on the south coast. This town flourished under the Greek civilization but today is a collection of medieval streets and shady squares. Check into your hotel where dinner is served this evening. (BB, L, D)
Day 5	Taormina	Piazza Armerina & Taormina : This morning visit the magnificent Valley of the Temples, where some of the greatest Greek ruins in the world are found. Enjoy a guided tour here to see the Temple of Zeus, with huge Doric pillars forming a huge square; the elegant and wellpreserved Temple of Concord with 34 columns; the Temple of Hercules, showing traces of fire; and the Temple of Castor & Pollux in addition to the Tomb of Theron and the Porta Aurea. Continue your journey through the hilly countryside with olive groves and stop in Piazza Armerina to view the extraordinary mosaics of the Roman Villa del Casale. End your day in Taormina, a charming town set on the slopes of Monte Tauro overlooking the sea. With a wonderful winter climate and lush vegetation, this became a popular internationalresort in the 19th century, a trend that continues to the present. (BB, D)
Day 6	Taormina	Explore Mount Etna : Today visit the slopes of the largest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna. The cone is about 25 miles in diameter and looks perfectly symmetrical in outline. See how lava flows have carved out craters and shaped the landscape. With themany rich lava deposits accumulated throughout the centuries, vegetation all around is especially lush. You will see orange and lemon groves, fruit trees and, further up the slopes, huge forest trees. Return to Taormina where you have the afternoon to relax or explore the beautiful surroundings of one of Italy's most attractive resorts. In the evening, find a restaurant for dinner. (BB)
Day 7	Taormina	Syracuse Excursion : Travel to Syracuse, a city founded by the ancient Greeks, which at its peak rivaled Athens in magnificence. A guided tour of this venerable city highlights the Neapolis Archaeological Park, where you will see the Latomie (stone quarries) used in the construction of the many temples and public buildings of the original city. Also see the Ear of Dionysius, a naturally-formed S-shaped cavern with amazing acoustic properties. Visit the Greek Theatre, one of the largest of its kind, which dates back over two millennia. You can see the semi-circular rows of seats and the foundations of the stage. Return to Taormina where you will join your traveling companions as you savor a special Sicilian dinner with wine in a popular local restaurant. (BB, D)
Day 8	Palermo	Messina & Cefalu : Drive to Messina and stop for views across the "Strait of Messina," the narrow body of water dividing the island of Sicily from the Italian mainland. Travel along the north coast of the island, passing many little beaches and villages. Stop in the charming fishing village of Cefalu and enjoy some free time to relax and look around. Continue your journey to Palermo, completing your circular tour of Sicily. After checking into your hotel, you will have time to do some last minute shopping or sightseeing on your own. This evening you can choose a nice restaurant to dine independently. (BB)
Day 9	Depart Palermo for the USA	Depart Palermo for the USA : Transfer to Palermo Airport for your return flight to the United States, which will arrive the same day. If you wish you may extend your stay in Palermo with additional hotel nights. (BB)

Dates/Pricing

Lodging

	Hotel Politeama - Palermo - 2 night(s)		Jolly Della Valle Hotel - Agrigento - 1 night(s)
	Villa Diadoro Hotel - Taormina - 3 night(s)		Hotel Politeama - Palermo - 1 night(s)

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