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Treasures
of Sicily & Southern Italy
Jan 09 - 22, 2010
INTRODUCTION
The Mediterranean area of Italy provides a wonderful
escape from the hectic Italian tourist scene. Our journey begins on the
island of Sicily - part of Italy, yet, from time immemorial, a world of
its own. Sicily is the cultural melting pot of Greek, Roman, Byzantine,
Arab, Norman, and Spanish civilizations at the very center of the Mediterranean
world. Its magnificent monuments and treasures dot a remarkably varied
and spectacular topography including Europe¹s largest active volcano,
Mt. Etna. We will visit all of Sicily¹s major archaeological sites
and some special, little-known ones. Next we visit the vast ancient
site at Paestum, then drive along the Amalfi coast where nature has created
an amazing vertical landscape, a mix of sharp crags and deep green forests
that leaves the viewer at a loss for words. Next we will move on to the
splendors of the Bay of Naples. In ancient Roman times, Naples and the
Amalfi Coast were the richest and most beautiful providence in Italy. Today
many people still consider its perfect climate and gorgeous landscapes
to be paradise on earth. Naples is still one of Italy¹s most beautiful
cities and certainly its most entertaining! Filled with stunning cathedrals,
museums, art and most of all, her people and their amazing foods, Naples
is a memorable experience. We have chosen to conclude our journey in the
eternal city of Rome with its impressive variety of ancient, medieval,
Renaissance, and Baroque treasures. Our program is designed for people
who love art, beauty, archaeology, architecture, history, photography,
and the unusual. People who appreciate not being subjected to boring,
forgettable lectures. Our experts present information as a conversation
or talk between intelligent, inquisitive adults. Our itinerary is arranged
so that you also have some time to relax and pursue your own interests.
For your comfort and convenience, we have chosen only first class hotels
which welcome you with timeless style and grace. Upon your arrival in Italy
you'll feel right at home surrounded by warm, friendly people who share
your passion for Italy and adventure. You'll greatly expand your knowledge
of art, culture, and history while enjoying your sumptuous surroundings.
Our guides have devoted many years to discovering the hidden treasure of
Italy so you can relax and enjoy the cultural experience of a lifetime.
We hope you'll join us for this very special event.
ITINERARY
(click on hotel for more information)
| DAY 01, SAT: |
TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT FROM THE
US TO PALERMO
(IN-FLIGHT MEALS) |
| DAY 02, SUN: |
PALERMO |
| Afternoon arrival in Sicily's capital and chief city, Palermo.
As schedules allow, we hope to have a short orientation tour of the city,
possibly with a little free time before a Welcome Dinner and tour introduction
by your tour director. |
| HOTEL
MEDITERRANEO |
(D) |
| DAY 03, MON: |
PALERMO |
| Today we visit the beautiful monuments in this ancient
city; the Capella Palatina in the Norman Palace, with its stunning architecture
and mosaics; the charming church and cloister of San Giovanni degli Eremiti,
the church of Santo Spirito, where the uprising of the Sicilian Vespers
was launched; and the Zisa, a fabulous Norman-Moorish pleasure palace.
In the afternoon we will see The Cathedral of Monreale, famous for even
more staggering Norman-Byzantine mosaics; visiting the Bridge of the Admiral
and the Duomo (Cathedral) on our return. |
| HOTEL MEDITERRANEO |
(B,D) |
| DAY 04, TUE: |
PALERMO |
| Our morning begins with a trip to the Regional Archaeological
Museum, with a fine collection of wonderful sculptures from Selinunte,
a site we will visit. In the afternoon we take a short ride to Cefalu,
to see its amazing Norman cathedral. On our return, we ascend Monte Pellegrino,
for its magnificent views over Palermo and (as accessible) its shrine to
the city’s protectress, St. Rosalia |
| HOTEL MEDITERRANEO |
(B) |
| DAY 05, WED: |
AGRIGENTO |
| Today we depart for the enormous ancient city of Selinunte
founded in 658 BC. Massive temple complexes, the equal of the ruins in
Athens, are dramatically spread over a large mesa above the sea. In the
afternoon we will arrive in Agrigento for a visit to their fine Archaeological
Museum. |
| HOTEL
GRAND DEI TEMPLI |
(B,D) |
| DAY 06, THU: |
SYRACUSE |
| This morning we will visit the overwhelming Valley of the
Temples with its numerous Ionic temples. This ancient site has been occupied
since the Bronze Age, but most of these magnificent temples were started
during the rein of the tyrant Phalaris. We then continue on through lush
wooded hillsides to visit the Villa of Dreams, the Piazza Armerina. This
huge 3rd Century Roman villa covers a half square mile! The African-style
mosaics makes this site one of the most important of its kind from the
late ancient world. Then we continue on to one of the greatest city of the ancient world, Syracuse. |
| HOTEL JOLLY |
(B) |
| DAY 07, FRI: |
TAORMINA |
| After breakfast we visit the immortal city of ancient Syracuse, the Ear of Dionysius cave, the Old Town (Otygia)
with its Cathedral and the Fountain of Arethusa; Euryalus castle, the world’s best preserved Greek fortification. Later we will visit the
Archaeological Museum. Then we take a short ride to the stunning hill town of elegant Toarmina.nbsp; |
| SAN
DOMENICO PALACE |
(B,D) |
| DAY 08, SAT: |
TAORMINA |
| The deep blue of the sea serves as a climactic backdrop
for the Greco-Roman theater. Built by the Greeks and modified by the Emperor
Trajan, many believe this to be the most perfect theater in the ancient
world. Spend the remained of the day exploring more of this picturesque town. |
| SAN DOMENICO PALACE |
(B,D) |
| DAY 09, SUN: |
AMALFI COAST |
| We depart Sicily and drive along the southern
coast of Italy to one of the most important archaeological
sites in Italy, Paestum. The two temples dedicated to Hera, the Basilicia
and Temple of Neptune, are in an excellent state of preservation. Many
experts consider these to be the most perfect examples of Doric-Achaean
architecture. A short trip brings us to the posh resort town of Amalfi. |
| PAESTUM TENUTA LUPO
|
(B,D) |
| DAY 10, MON: |
SORRENTO |
| Driving along the breath-taking Amalfi coast we reach
the hilltop town of Ravello, with a lovely Romanesque cathedral and
the famous gardens of the Villa Rufalo; then on to Sorrento. Sorrento is
a lovely, old town with a certain perfect coziness. Many of the shops display
intarsia, fine pictures done in inlaid woods. Here, too, are some of Italy’s
finest and most delicious eateries. |
| HOTEL
AMINTA |
(B,D) |
| DAY 11, TUE: |
ROME |
| This morning we visit the spectacular ruins of
Pompii. Then a short ride through the region of Campania brings us to the extravagant
and untamed city of Naples. After a visit to the Archaeological Museum with
the best collection of Roman antiquities in the world, we continue on to
Rome. After dinner you'll experience Rome by night as we stroll to the
unforgettable Trevi Fountain, then on to the Roman Pantheon built in 27
BC by Marcus Agrippa (in this square is the most praised ice cream in Italy,
try some!) and we cap the night at Piazza Navona, considered the most beautiful
square in Rome with its 3 Bernini fountains. |
| HOTEL DIANA
|
(B) |
| DAY 12, WED: |
ROME |
| During our full day city tour we’ll visit
the Coliseum, Roman Forum, Vatican with St. Peter's Basilica and the spectacular
Vatican Museum with the Sistine Chapel. The evening is free. |
| HOTEL DIANA |
(B) |
| DAY 13, THU: |
ROME |
| Full day at leisure.This evening a special Farewell Dinner with wine and Italian
music concludes our journey |
| HOTEL DIANA |
(B,D) |
| DAY 14, FRI: |
RETURN-FLIGHT |
| After breakfast transfer to the airport for our flight back home |
| (B,IN-FLIGHT MEALS) |
RECOMMENDED READING
THE
ITALIAN RENAISSANCE: Culture & Society in Italy
SICILY
FROM AENEAS TO AUGUSTUS
LITTLE
NOVELS OF SICILY: Stories
ABOUT
SICILY: Travellers in an Ancient island
SICILY
BEFORE HISTORY: An Archeological Survey from the Palaeolithic to the Iron
Age
| INCLUDED IN TOUR PROGRAM |
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Round trip Transatlantic flight
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First class hotel accommodations
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Breakfast daily, dinner and lunches as indicated in itinerary
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Sicilian welcome Banquet and Roman Farewell Dinners
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Professional sightseeing and lectures
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All entrance fees to visited sights
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Transportation by private deluxe motor coach
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| INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS |
PALERMO
San Giovanni degli Eremiti
San Spirito
La Zisa
La Martorana
Bridge of the Admiral
Monreale Cathedral Cloister
Cefalu Cathedral
Regional Archaeological Museum
Monte Pellegrino
SELINUNTE
Archaeological area
AGRIGENTO
Valley of the Temples
PIAZZA ARMERINA
Imperial Palace excavation
SYRACUSE
Greek Theatre,
Latomia del Paradiso
Roman Amphitheater
Castello Eurialo
Archaeological Museum
TOARMINA
Greco-Roman theater.
PAESTUM
Excavations of Paestum
RAVELLO
Villa Rufalo
NAPLES
National Archaeological Museum
City Tour
POMPEII
Archaeological area
ROME
Trevi Fountain
Pantheon
Piazza Navona
Coliseum
Roman Forum
Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
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| NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PROGRAM |
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Tips for driver and guides
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US departure tax and customs fee
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Optional travel insurance
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Items of personal nature
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Lunches and dinners not listed on itinerary
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Beverages at included meals
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| TOUR PRICE PER PERSON IN DOUBLE ROOM |
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TOUR PRICE PER PERSON SHARING A DOUBLE ROOM..........2,695.00
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Single Supplement.....................................795.00
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AIR FARE FROM US CITIES IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
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Submit completed
reservation form with deposit to UET. Group size is limited and reservations
are accepted on a first come first served basis.
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