Intimate France Crossroads Sicily 2010

Price includes ground arrangements but not airfare

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 (Sunday, May 2)
Our tour begins at 9:30 a.m. in the lobby of our Palermo hotel, the Ambasciatori. After a brief orientation, we make the short drive (90 minutes) to Segesta, the first of several spectacularly preserved Greek temples that we visit. After lunch, it's on to the temple and ancient city (still being excavated) of Selinunte. Near day's end we arrive in Agrigento and check into our comfortable B&B, the Camera Con Vista. In Agrigento, we enjoy a WELCOME COCKTAIL followed by DINNER. OVERNIGHT – AGRIGENTO
Day 2 (Monday, May 3)
We spend the entire day in Agrigento, which boasts a stunning series of marvelously preserved Greek temples. This morning's tour orientation helps us better understand Sicily's history as a crossroads for marauding forces drawn its strategic location in the Mediterranean. Conquerors included the Greeks, Romans, Carthagenians, Tunisians, Normans, Swabians (Germans) and others. Later, join us for a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples, a ridge boasting no fewer than four of these ancient structures. In the afternoon, a visit to the well-conceived and -presented Archaeological Museum will enhance our understanding of Sicily's past. LUNCH today. OVERNIGHT – AGRIGENTO
Day 3 (Tuesday, May 4)
From Agrigento we travel cross-country and forward in time to a Roman country villa, Villa Romana del Casale, to view its justly famous mosaic floors – hundreds of square feet of depictions of scenes from mythology and daily life, as well as events such as hunts and circus games. After lunch it's on to the stony medieval wonderland of Ragusa Ibla, a maze of streets crowded with buildings dating from the baroque era. OVERNIGHT – RAGUSA IBLA
Day 4 (Wednesday, May 5)
We get a late start today, making the short drive to the town of Noto for sightseeing and lunch. Noto, destroyed by an earthquake in 1693, was rebuilt in baroque style. It's a mass of sumptuous palaces, churches and other monuments in the local white limestone, which has mellowed to a golden hue. Later we arrive in Siracusa, an ancient town (founded in the 8th century BC by Greeks), superbly situated at the head of a magnificent bay. Our lodging is on the tiny island of Ortigia, where Siracusa got its start. Following a break, we gather for a guided walking tour of the old town, followed by DINNER OVERNIGHT – SIRACUSA
Day 5 (Thursday, May 6)
We spend all of today in Siracusa. Among the sights are the 7th century Duomo (cathedral); the Fonte Aretusa (a spring that is the legendary cradle of the city); the medieval and baroque palaces along the Via della Maestranza; and on the mainland, the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, featuring a Greek temple, an artificial grotto called the Ear of Dionysius, and a Roman amphitheater. LUNCH today. OVERNIGHT – SIRACUSA
Day 6 (Friday, May 7)
On a day trip, we explore the countryside near Siracusa. Sights include Fonte Ciane, a spring that flows into a magnificent river lined with lush vegetation, including papyrus; the archaeological site of Pantalica; and Castello Eurialo, an immense fortress from the Greek era. OVERNIGHT – SIRACUSA
Day 7 (Saturday, May 8)
From Siracusa it's a short drive north to Sicily's most beautiful village, Taormina. By noon we've arrived and checked into our villa hotel. Now let's enjoy LUNCH, followed by a walking orientation to the village, which stretches out along a narrow esplanade overlooking the blue Gulf of Catania. Later, join us as we visit the Greek Theater (3rd century BC), which offers staggering views of towering Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. OVERNIGHT – TAORMINA
Day 8 (Sunday, May 9)
We spend most of today in Taormina to enjoy the lively old town, ringed by terraced gardens. Explore the narrow alleyways rising above the main street, Corso Umberto, and peek in the chic shops and stores catering to the needs of local residents. In late morning let's drive the short distance (but up, up, up) to Castel Mola, a tiny village strategically located to dominate miles of coastline. Here, discover the attractive Piazzetta del Duomo, featuring fine views of Etna, the coastline and nearby beaches. OVERNIGHT – TAORMINA
Day 9 (Monday, May 10)
After looking at the soaring bulk of Mount Etna for two days, you'll want to join us as we circumnavigate this enormous mountain. Along the way we'll see vineyards, fruit orchards and pretty villages, as well as enjoying many views of the mountain. Or, optionally, you may ascend the mountain via road and bus to a point just below the summit. Later, in Taormina, we have DINNER. OVERNIGHT – TAORMINA
Day 10 (Tuesday, May 11)
Leaving Taormina, we head west in the direction of Palermo, Sicily's capital city. First, however, we spend time in late morning in the dramatically perched town of Enna, sited in a magnificent position on a plateau 3,000 feet above sea level. Along Via Roma are grouped the town's most interesting monuments, including the baroque cathedral and the Castello di Lombardia, dating from the 1200s and 1300s. Late in the day we pull into Palermo and check into our comfortable, city-center hotel. As day ends, join us for a get-acquainted walk around the heart of the city. OVERNIGHT – PALERMO
Day 11 (Wednesday, May 12)
Today we get to know vibrant Palermo, with lively shopping districts, a rich cultural and artistic heritage, and a history that extends back to the 7th century BC. Our first visit is to the Norman Palace, located in the heart of the original town. Here we find the Palatine Chapel, containing exquisite ceiling mosaics depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Nearby are the Royal Apartments, rich with mosaics, frescoes and marble paneling. After LUNCH, we visit the Regional Gallery of Sicily, exhibiting a wealth of medieval paintings and sculpture. OVERNIGHT – PALERMO
Day 12 (Thursday, May 13)
A short drive today brings us to the town of Monreale and Sicily's most glorious mosaics – glittering works of art made of bits of pigmented glass to which brilliant gold leaf has been applied. Monreale's Duomo houses world-class mosaics from the 1100s and 1200s covering every inch of the vaulted interior. These scenes depicting the characters of the Bible reenacting their stories. The Duomo also houses the Chapel of the Crucifixion, elaborately decorated with baroque marble carvings. Back in Palermo this evening, join us for an ARRIVEDERCI DINNER. OVERNIGHT – PALERMO
Getaway day (Friday, May 14)
This morning we say goodbye to Sicily as we fly home from Palermo's airport
Notes
MEALS – Tour includes breakfast every day, as well as eight other meals (lunches and dinners), as indicated in BOLD CAPS on the itinerary.
OUR LODGINGS
Camera Con Vista, Agrigento
Il Barocco, Ragusa Ibla
Approdo Delle Sirene, Siracusa
Albergo Victoria, Taormina
Hotel Ambasciatori, Palermo
HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS – Subject to change according to availability.
* TOUR PRICING – Price of $3,795 is an estimate only as fluctuations in foreign currency rates may make a surcharge necessary. Call us for details- (800) 676-1247. Price includes ground arrangements but not airfare.
ITINERARY – Details of this preliminary itinerary could change. A final itinerary will be issued closer to trip departure.
SIGHTSEEING – All sightseeing listed in itinerary is included as part of the tour.

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