Springtime in Sicily
Nature
paints spring with a blaze of colors - a metaphor for the mosaic of civilizations
that has become Sicily. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans
have left samples of their civilization here at the crossroads of the Mediterranean.
We will explore them in a relaxed fashion as we unpack only twice:
once in Palermo, the capital, as we explore the western part of the island;
and once in eastern Sicily at Syracuse, the magnificent Greek capital of
ancient times. Dinners are included, and we will savor local delicacies
as we dine with the natives in lively neighborhood restaurants.
Day 1
Board our flight from Chicago to
Palermo. Dinner on board.
Day 2
Upon arrival we will drive through
downtown Palermo for an orientation tour before check-in at our hotel.
This afternoon the Medieval village of Erice calls us to explore
its lovely streets and gardens. Dinner included.
Day
3
Today's sightseeing features the
important sites of Palermo: the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel; San
Giovanni degli Eremiti church, and the Cathedral. After lunch in a downtown
restaurant we will continue our visit to Quattro Canti, crossroads of the
ancient city; Piazza Pretoria, and Martorana church. Dinner included.
Day 4
The archaeological museum of Palermo
is our destination this morning. It houses wonders from all ages of Sicilian
history. This afternoon we will visit the picturesque towns of Cefal£
and Monreale, with its Cathedral and Benedictine cloister. Dinner included.
Day 5
Sicily is famous for its Greek temples.
Beautiful landscapes and majestic architecture will delight us as we visit
the Doric Temple and the theatre at Segesta, then the monumental temples
of Selinute. Dinner included.
Day
6
En route to Syracuse we will stop
at Agrigento to visit the archaeological museum. After lunch we will see
the famous Valley of the Temples: the Temples of Herakles, Hera, Castor
and Polydeuces, and the Temple of Concord. Dinner included.
Day 7
Today is free. An optional
treat would be to follow Odysseus' trail across the straits of Scylla and
Charybdis. There we will visit the National Museum at Reggio to see the
famous 5th century BC bronzes of Riace. Dinner included.
Day 8
Syracuse was the Greek capital of
ancient Sicily, and it still retains much of its past charm. After
visiting the beautiful archaeological museum, we will explore the well
preserved ancient sites: temple of Athena; Arethusa fountain; temple
of Apollo; the archaeological park of Neapolis; on to Epipolae and the
Castello Eurialo. Dinner included.
Day
9
Taormina, located on the sea with
Mt. Etna towering in the background, is one of the most striking cities
in the Mediterranean. Today we will enjoy a walking tour of the town including
Palazzo Corvaja and the Greek Amphitheatre. Dinner included.
Day 10
After breakfast our hosts will drive
us to Catania airport for our flight home.
INCLUDED
-
Round trip air from Chicago
-
Breakfast & dinner daily
-
First Class hotels
-
Expert guiding
-
Admissions as mentioned
NOT INCLUDED
-
Items of a personal nature
-
Tips to guides & drivers
