Sicily

Departure Every Saturday...8 Days / 7 Nights

This rewarding tour features Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, lying just off the toe of the Italian boot. It is separated from the mainland by the Straits of Messina. This island is packed with scenic attractions and well preserved remnants of the three civilizations which shaped its history and unique character: Greek, Moorish and Norman. For practical reasons all tours to Sicily start and end in Catania or Palermo, the island capital and major gateway but a link-up with other tours can easily be arranged on request by your booking agent, either by sea (one overnight crossing from Naples) or by air.

Includes:

• Round-trip transfers from airport to hotels
• Meeting, assistance and porterage at airports
• 7 nights at first class Jolly Hotels throughout Sicily
• Welcome drink on arrival in Sicily
• Full breakfast and dinner daily.
• 6 lunches
• 6 days of touring in deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach
• Entrance fees to all sites visited
• Services of a licensed, English-speaking guide
• All taxes and service charges imposed by hotels
• All V.A.T. taxes
• Plenty of time for shopping and leisure
• Services of our local representatives

Itinerary:

Saturday: ARRIVAL:

Arrival at Catania airport. In the late afternoon meet the tour guide, and have a welcome drink. Overnight in hotel. (D)

Sunday: SYRACUSE/NEAPOLIS/ORTIGIA:

After breakfast, transfer to Syracuse and visit the city, once the fiercest enemy of Rome and Athens. Syracuse still abounds with works of its past magnificence: The Archeological Park of the Neapolis with its Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, just beside the Latomie. Lunch at the Jolly Hotel. In the afternoon transfer to the Island of Ortigia, and visit the old town and the Temple of Minerva (now the city’s Cathedral), the legendary Arethusa Fountain. Overnight in Ortigia. (B,L,D)

Monday: CASALE/AGRIGENTO:

After breakfast, depart for Piazza Armerina. Visit the Roman Villa of Casale renowned for the richness and its 3rd century mosaic floors. Lunch in a typical local restaurant. Continue to Agrigento. Dinner followed by a visit to the illuminated Temples by night. Overnight stay at Agrigento. (B,L,D)

Tuesday: TEMPLES/PALERMO:

After breakfast, visit the Temples of Juno, Concordia, Jupiter, Castor and Pollux. Continue to Selinunte. Lunch in a local typical restaurant, visit to the important Greek colony which was later destroyed by the Carthaginians with its imposing temples. A visit of the Temple Dorico and on to Palermo. Overnight in Palermo. (B,L,D)

Wednesday: PARLIAMENT/MONREAL:

Breakfast followed by sightseeing tour: Parliament Square, Norman Place, and Palatine Chapel, Royal Palace, Church of St. John of the Hermits, the Cathedral. Proceed to Monreal for a visit to the Dome and the Benedictines Cloister. Lunch at the Jolly hotel in Palermo. Afternoon at leisure, relaxing by the hotel swimming pool. Overnight in Palermo. (B,L,D)

Thursday: TAORMINA/CAPO D’ORLANDO:

After Breakfast, depart for Taormina. Stop in Cafalu and visit the Normal Cathedral build by Ruggero II the first King of Sicily, with its central apse covered by Byzantine Mosaics. Lunch in a typical restaurant at Capo d’Orlando and on the Messina for a short visit of the town and its Cathedral. In the evening arrive in Taormina. Overnight in Taormina. (B,L,D)

Friday: MT. ETNA:

After breakfast, enjoy a free morning to visit the town, shop, relax or sunbathe by the Jolly Hotel’s magnificent pool overlooking the bay. After lunch in hotel, excursion to mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, climbing up to 1800 meters. Candlelight dinner, piano bar entertainment and overnight stay at the Jolly Hotel. (B,L,D)

Saturday: DEPARTURE:

After breakfast, transfer to Catania for departure. (B)