Splendors of Sicily 10 Days, prices start at $6,995 > 여행/스포츠/레저

The island of Sicily embodies the best of Italy; glorious landscapes, quaint coastal towns plus exquisite food and wine, all surrounded by centuries of history. Join us on this luxury exploration of Sicily�s many wonders. Wander the ancient streets of Palermo, visit one of the world�s best-preserved Greek architectural sites with your expert historian-guide, and immerse yourself in the charm and intrigue of Taormina, a lovely city with snowcapped Mount Etna as a backdrop. Throughout your journey, you�ll never be far from the glittering Mediterranean � you�ll enjoy sumptuous seafood feasts at acclaimed local restaurants and deluxe sea-view rooms at many of our opulent hotels.

 

 

DAYS 1 – 3
Palermo, Italy
Arrive in Palermo on Day 2. You will be met and transferred
directly to your hotel. Relax in the Villa Igiea Hilton, one
of Sicily’s most famous hotels. From your deluxe room or
suite, enjoy a spectacular view of the sunset and the expansive
horizon of the Mediterranean Sea. On the evening of Day 2 you
will enjoy welcome cocktails and dinner to meet your Travel
Director and fellow travelers and hear about the unforgettable
journey ahead.
Palermo was a cradle of civilization, a transit point, and
battlefield for territorial ambitions, and its personality comes
from the Byzantines, Arabs and Normans. Stroll its intricate

streets and admire the blending of architectural styles that
mark its history. Palermo’s Arab-Norman buildings have no
equal and as you will discover during today’s sightseeing, the
entire city is a treasure trove of museums and Baroque oratories.
Visit Palermo’s 12th-century cathedral, lively Capo markets,
and the Norman’s Royal Palace

Later, travel to Monreale, a town overlooking the beautiful
valley beyond Palermo, and world-renowned for its 12th-century
cathedral, a dazzling mixture of Arab, Byzantine and Norman
artistic styles and beautiful mosaics. A special treat awaits you
as you will be welcomed by the Countess Federico for delightful
conversation over aperitifs at her mansion.
Villa Igiea Hilton, Palermo
DAYS 4 & 5
Segesta, Erice, Sciacca & Selinunte
Explore Segesta, an abandoned ancient city located in the
province of Trapani. Segesta is known for its magnificent
Doric temple and ranked as one of the best-preserved Greek
architectural sites to be found anyplace. Continue to the
beautiful Phoenician and Hellenistic town of Erice, dedicated
to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of fertility and love. Located
on the top of Mount San Giuliano, you’ll be captivated by the
seaside scenery, the intricate maze of cobblestone streets, and
the churches and monasteries scattered throughout the town.
On Day 5 travel to Selinunte, an abandoned ancient Greek
city, with ruins of an acropolis and numerous temples that
overlook the Mediterranean Sea. Selinunte’s glorious zenith
lasted for a period of about two centuries, when it was one
of the most progressive Greek cities in Sicily, famous
throughout Magna Grecia.
Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sciacca
DAY 6
Agrigento & Siracusa
This morning arrive in the classical city of Agrigento, founded
as the Greek city of Akragas around 582 B.C. The extraordinary
saga of Agrigento includes being renamed Agrigentum
by the Romans, and Girgenti by the Saracens, both of whom
left their mark on this remarkable place. Visit the Valley of the
Temples, a series of temples erected in the 5th century B.C. as a
testimony to the prosperity of the city at that time. Continue to
Piazza Armerina for lunch at a local Sicilian trattoria. After our
meal take a guided visit of the archeological site of Morgantina.
View the remains of the Agora with its Roman shops and Roman
Gymnasium. Nearby is the 4th-century Greek Theatre. The
Venus of Morgantina, currently at the J. Paul Getty in California,
is one rich treasure due to be returned to Italy at the end of 2010.
Next, it is on to Siracusa, the great city of legend and home
of Archimedes. Magnificent remnants of the ancient world
surround you and commingle with modern life. We take an
expert-guided walk around the island discovering the rich
history and tides of conquest that have shaped this city since
its birth. Spend the night at the prestigious Grand Hotel Des
Etrangers in the heart of Ortigia Island, with stunning sea views
of the Mediterranean.
Grand Hotel Des Etrangers, Siracusa

DAYS 7 – 9
Siracusa & Taormina
Ancient Siracusa was a Greek city that flourished from 733
until 211 B.C. when it was conquered by Rome. When Roman
general Marcellus entered the gates, he was so amazed by the
richness and beauty of the city that he refrained from destroying
the temples and buildings that were the legacy of the Greeks.
The highlight of your visit to Siracusa will be the archaeological
park, including the ruins of the Teatro Greco, built in the 5th
century B.C., where the great dramatist Aeschylus staged plays.
The oldest portion of Siracusa, an island called Ortigia, harbors
the famous Spring of Arethusa of Greek mythology as well
as the Temple of Apollo. Enjoy a walking tour of the island,
including a visit to the Cathedral.
Arrive in Taormina. With its fabulous position high on the
rocky plateau opposite dramatic Mount Etna, it is considered
one of the world’s most picturesque resort cities. German
poet Johann Wolfgang Goethe described this place as “a strip
of paradise on the earth” and it was a favorite resort of the
19th-century English aristocracy.
On Day 8, take a funicular ride to the top of Mt. Etna, Sicily’s
tallest peak and Europe’s tallest active volcano. Later, a walking
tour will reveal the fine palaces that dot the old town
center. The highlight of your tour is a visit to the
Greek Theater, built just before the Roman
occupation of Sicily.
On Day 9, drive to Catania, a scenic
coastal town and the second
largest city in Sicily. Your guided
tour of Catania includes a
visit to Ursino Castle,

originally built on the coast but moved inland by the lava
flow of 1669, and the Piazza del Duomo with its 17th-century
cathedral, Porta Uzeda, and elephant fountain, all created
by Giovanni Battista Vaccarini. Next, enjoy a special treat.
Upon arrival at our next stop, the Palazzo Biscari, we will be
welcomed by the owner, Prince Ruggero Moncada di Paterno.
This charming noble will guide you on a special private tour of
his palace home. Explore the buildings, courtyards and museum
rooms displaying vast collections of ancient artifacts, artwork,
Sicilian history and the “Fruits of Etna.” After the tour, relax
and enjoy some time and an Italian aperitif with the prince.
San Domenico Palace Hotel, Taormina
DAY 10
Depart for Home
This morning you will be transferred to the airport in Catania
for your flight back home or to your next destination.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
• Meet the Countess Federico over aperitifs
at her palace in Palermo
• Explore Mt. Etna, an active volcano, with
an expert private guide
• Discover the wonders of Taormina’s winding
streets and romantic history
• Stroll the cobblestone streets of Erice, a
beautiful Phoenician and Hellenistic town
• Explore Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples
• Enjoy a private tour of Palazzo Biscari by
Prince Ruggero Moncada, followed by an
aperitif with the prince
• Visit the stunning collection of mosaics
at the 12th-century Cathedral of Monreale
• Savor a Sicilian favorite dining delicacy —
cured beef slices served on a bed of fresh
endive and arugula with slices of Parmigiano-
Reggiano cheese