Sicily 10th - 17th October 2009		For a printable pdf version of the itinerary please click here. Download Adobe Reader (pdf)
Sicily is a beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea, with breathtaking landscapes and cities.   A long history of successive invasions has produced a rich heritage of Greek, Arab, Roman and Norman architecture and culture.   There are many impressive architectural and archeological sites to visit, and a wild and beautiful landscape fashioned by extreme weather, the turbulence of earthquakes and the presence of Mount Etna, Europe’s  highest and most active volcano.   A profusion of flora and fauna can be found in the National parks, the tour will visit two of them, one by way of a boat cruise.   The climax of the tour will be a visit to Mount Etna, either by nature trail or cable car.   There will be opportunities to enjoy the excellent Sicilian food and wines, with traditional lunches including a delicious farm lunch, visits to patisseries, Sicily is famous for pastries and desserts, and a visit to a famous wine cellar.
The Itinerary
Saturday Oct 10th The party will assemble at London Gatwick or Manchester in time to check in for a flight to Catania departing in the early morning.   On arrival in Catania our local expert English-speaking guide will meet the tour members and escort them to the coach for the drive to Palermo.   There will be a break for refreshments at the historic town of Enna before continuing the journey to Palermo.   On arrival in Palermo check into the hotel and settle in until it is time for a ‘get-togther’ before dinner to meet fellow travelers and have an introduction to the tour.      Dinner and overnight Palermo Overnight:  PALERMO (D) Sunday Oct 11th  In the morning there will be a boat cruise to the  Isola delle Femmine (Island of Women) Nature reserve for a guided nature walk to see mediterranean gulls, crested larks, herons and many other bird species as well as a profusion of plants and flowers.    Lunch  will be enjoyed in a good typical restaurant.  before making afternoon visits to Monreale to visit the Norman Duomo with its’ amazing internal gold and mosaic decorations, and Palermo Cathedral.     Return afterwards to the hotel in Palermo. Evening free to allow individual choice for dinner. Overnight: PALERMO   (BL) Monday Oct 12th This morning there will be a visit to Ballaro market before departing for the medieval town of Erice, an important religious site associated with goddesses of fertility. Wander through its ancient streets and visit some of the home-made pastry-shops, world-famous for marzipan candies and other delicacies such as almond and pistachio pastries.  After time to purchase lunch drive along the Salt road seeing en route the windmills and saltpans, where the ancient tradition of harvesting salt from the sea lives on.  Upon arrival in Marsala, there will be a visit to a local wine cellar to taste some quality Sicilian wines.    Afterwards, check into the hotel in time for dinner. Overnight: MARSALA (BD) Tuesday Oct 13th Depart this morning from Marsala  for a visit to Castelvetrano to see an oil press and taste black bread and olive oil.   Then take the coast road passing through the villages of Mazara del Vallo and Sciacca to arrive in Agrigento, the history of which dates back to the 6th century B.C..   On arrival there will be guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Valley of the Temples, which features a great row of Doric temples and is one of the most outstanding monuments of Greek art and culture.   It was founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C.    Continue afterwards to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Overnight:  AGRIGENTO (BD) Wednesday Oct 14th Depart from Agrigento this morning for Syracuse. On the way make a visit to Piazza Armerina to see the ruins of a Roman Villa at Casale with its’ notable mosaics. Enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch on a farm producing almonds, citrus fruits and olive oil, followed by a  walk through the estate to enjoy the stunning scenery. Continue the journey to Syracuse and on arrival take a walk in the Old town on Ortygia island to see the Fonte Arethusa, the Basilica of Santa Lucia. Check in afterwards at the hotel. Evening free to allow individual choice for dinner. Overnight: SYRACUSE (BL) Thursday Oct 15th In the morning visit Latomia del Paradiso with the Cave of Dionysius’ Ear, and the Roman amphitheatre before departing for Noto to take a short walk and enjoy a delicious snack at a renowned shop in the area. In the afternoon visit the beautiful Vendicari nature reserve, a major resting place for migratory birds, comprising of three large marshy areas with several outlets to the sea, a beautiful environment rich in marine wildlife and a great variety of flora.   There are some architectural remains of the Phonecian port which stood in this area. Return afterwards to Syracuse Evening free to allow individual choice for dinner. Overnight: SYRACUSE (BL) Friday Oct 16th Depart for Catania for a brief sightseeing tour before continuing  to Mt. Etna, the realm of Vulcan, God of Fire.    Those who would like to can take a walking tour on the path named Schiena dell’Asino’, (about two and a half hours) a spectacularly beautiful but not too steep walk, or alternatively purchase cable car tickets.    Arrive at the edge of the “Valle del Bove”, a ‘caldera’ from which to see the stratification of the lava flows and the high craters, in particular the south east, with the sulfur deposits and releases of gas. On descending the mountain return to Catania for overnight. Farewell dinner tonight Overnight:CATANIA (BD) Saturday Oct 17th Morning free until time to transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Gatwick or Manchester. End of tour   Tour Cost Price per person Twin/Double £1,395.00 Single Supplement £240.00 Cost Includes Flights: Scheduled flights London-Gatwick or Manchester/Catania  return Coach transportation for the duration of the tour 7 night’s accommodation hotel accommodation, 4 star or best available 7 breakfasts  3 lunches and  4 dinners Afternoon boat cruise Expert guide to accompany the group throughout           Not included: Meals other than those indicated Personal expenses, (laundry, telephone etc) Tip to your personal guide  Deposit to secure booking:  £200.00 per person NOTE:  Flights can be booked from local airports where available at a supplement Entrance fees are not included as many are free to EU members and age-related discounts may be available                                                 How to Book To make a booking, please call us on  01... or click on our Booking Details.