Tour Italy, Incoming Sicily Tour Package 2005 cataloge - Grand Tour of Sicily

Historical crossroad for maritime trade in the Mediterrenean Sea, Sicily maintains a large artistic and cultural patrimony, with contributions bt foreign dominators over the centuries: Greeks, Romans, Normans, Arabics, Islamics, Spanish. The region is also rich in natural beauties: heavenly beaches, still active volcanos, small islands, splendid seas. The capital Palermo is a memorable city with an unrivalled display of Norman art and architecture and Baroque churches, combined with a warren of medievaL streets and markets. A skirt around the foothills, and even up to the craters of Mount Etna shouldn't be missed. It is Europe's highest active volcano. Just at its feet, lies the the chic resort of Taormina, one of the most beautiful and romantic small towns in Italy, who inspired many persons as D.H. Lawrence and Goethe. The coastline below the town is unquestionably appealing, a mixture of grottoes, rocks, caves, sandy beaches and small fishermen's villages. The south coast's greatest draw are Greek Temples at Agrigento, in the famous Valley of Temples, declared World Heritage Site by Unesco, and the areas of Selinunte and Segesta. Another highlight of Sicily are the Aeolian Islands, seven little volcanic islands surrounded by a warm and deep sea in an out-of-time atmosphere recalling a history of sea-adventures going back 5000 years (that's how long man's presence on these islands dates back): the main island Lipari, the green landscapes of Salina, the wild nature of Alicudi and Filicudi, the sophisticated Panarea and the charming Vulcano and Stromboli.

ITINERARY

1 Day:
Arrival and hotel accommodation in Palermo area.In the afternoon visit of the capital of Sicily. Here the Sicilian fusion of all things foreign - art, architecture, culture and lifestyle - exists at its most extreme: elegant Baroque cheek by jowl with Arabic cupolas, high fashion shops competing with Byzantine street markets.

2 Day:
Another half a day dedicated to the visit of Palermo: the imposing Cathedral, the Norman Palace steeped in 2.600 years of history, the church of Saint John of the Eremits, the famous Palatine Chapel. In the afternoon guided visit of Monreale, a special trip that will take you to the 12th century cathedral decorated in 6340 square metres of mosaics. Short visit to the charming fishing village of Mondello, set in horseshoe shaped bay and the favoured beach resort of the Palermo inhabitants.

3 Day:
Full day dedicted to the Greeks ruins. Departure to Segesta and visit of the suggestive Doric temple with its 36 regular white stone columns, all intact in entablature and pediment. Visit of the magnificent temple dedicated to the fertility Goddes near the delightful medieval town of Erice. The views from its terraces are stupendous. The area of Selinunte is an abandoned ancient Greek city with ruins of an acropolis and numerous temples. Dinner and overnight in Agrigento area.

4 Day:
Visit of the famous Temples' Valley of Agrigento where it is possible to admire the temples of Juno, Concord, Hercules, Jupiter and Olympus. In the afternoon visit to the beautiful Roman Villa del Casale (in Piazza Armerina), home to well-preserved and stunning mosaics. On to the east coast of Sicily for the hotel accommodation.

5 Day:
Fulkl day excursion to Siracusa and Catania. Visit to the Greek Colony of Siracusa which was built in volcanic tufo, including sights such as the Greek theatre, Orecchio di Dionisio, the Greek Roman Anphitheatre, and the historical centre of the small island of Ortigia. In the afternoon visit of the interesting historical centre of Catania, situated in a magnificent position at the foot of Etna.

6 Day:
Departure to Etna Mount, Europe's highest active volcano.The coach takes us to a height of 1900 mts, where we can visit the dormant craters. There might be the possibility to get closer to the almost 3400 mts summit. In the afternoon sightseeing of Taormina, the island's bestknown resort, beutifully situated 204 mt. above sea level, with its winding medieval streets. Time free in Taormina for shopping. We suggest you to taste the famous sicilian sweets, like the rich cassata ice cream dish sitting down at the inviting outdoor cafés.

7 Day:
Departure to Cefalù, a very maritime town and holiday resort on the north coast of Sicily, dominated by the Rocca promontory. Arrival in Palermo in the afternoon and departure.

OPTIONAL VISITS / EXCURSIONS

Noto
Flattened by the 1693 earthquake, Noto was rebuilt by its noble families in the grand baroque style and is now the finest baroque town in Sicily. The local limestone gives the buildings a warm golden hue and the town is much vaunted as "a garden of stone". Recently added to Unesco's list of World Heritage Sites.

Eolian Islands
Stunning cobalt sea, wild windswept mountains swathed in flowers and steaming volcanoes go some way to explaining why the Aeolians (Isole Eolie) are the European holy grail for island-lovers. The seven islands of Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Alicudi and Filicudi are a paradise for naturalists and scuba divers alike. Many VIP including film stars (notably Robert de Niro and Madonna) and the international jet set, arrive in droves in summer to swim, hike, dive and party in this floating playground.