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Itinerary

MAY 11 – USA / PALERMO, SICILY: Depart from Chicago on your overnight flight to Palermo, Sicily.

MAY 12 – ARRIVE PALMERO: Upon arrival in Palermo, you are met by our tour escort and transferred to your hotel in Palermo. Enjoy time to relax, rest, or take a stroll around the neighborhood. If you are hungry, be sure to stop and try some “Panelle,” a local specialty made from chickpea flour. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and the first of many local wines to be sampled in the days ahead. (D)

MAY 13 – PALERMO: This morning you explore Palermo, the fascinating capital city. During your walking tour you will visit the Royal Palace, which General George Patton turned into his headquarters in 1943. You will also take in the Palace of the Normans, the Palatine Chapel, the Palermo Cathedral, and the great Norman Cathedral of Monreale and other highlights. This afternoon, drive through the suburbs of Palermo, crossing the Park of La Favorita, created for the Spanish King of Naples in 1799, King Ferdinand III, as a hunting estate and summer retreat. Arrive in Mondello shortly afterward; a beautiful, picturesque fishing village and beach resort. After some free time, dine at a relaxing, beachside restaurant. Later, return to your hotel for overnight. (B/D)

MAY 14 – PALERMO / CORLEONE / AGRIGENTO: After breakfast, depart from Palermo and drive to the town of Corleone. After World War II the city became a center for organized crime and was plagued by violence. It gained worldwide notoriety in the 1970s following the release of The Godfather movie, which chronicled a fictional Mafia family names Corleone. Visit the anti-Mafia Museum for a guided tour. The museum recounts the terrifying history of Sicily’s Cosa Nostra crime syndicate, focusing on the brave efforts of the anti-Mafia campaigners and judges who spoke out against organized crime rather than succumbing to the Mafia-promoted culture of omertà (silence). Then travel to Agrigento for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

MAY 15 – VALLEY OF TEMPLES / PIAZZA ARMERINA / SIRACUSA: Enjoy breakfast in your hotel. At the Valley of Temples, meet a local guide and enjoy a guided visit to the Archaeological area. See the Temple of Juno, Concord, Heracles, Zeus, Castor, and Pollux that represent the most beautiful example of the Greek Civilization in Sicily. Then depart from Agrigento and make your way towards Ragusa, stopping along the way for a fascinating visit to the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina. The elaborate villa, owned by a Roman aristocrat from the 4th Century, is famous for its intricate mosaics. And who said the Bikini was invented in St. Tropez in the 1950s? You’ll see proof that the Romans invented it centuries ago! Then continue to Siracusa for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

MAY 16 – EXCURSION TO RAGUSA: After breakfast, head to Ragusa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you meet with your local guide and start your walking tour of this lovely Baroque town. Ragusa is an intriguing city whose monuments and streets recount its evolution. The city includes a modern area known as Ragusa Superiore and a historic part called Ibla, also known as the Baroque living room of the city. Experience the city’s beauty as you stroll through its maze of narrow streets that reveal beautiful churches and other intricately designed Baroque buildings. After your walking tour, enjoy some free time to explore before returning to Siracusa for overnight. (B)

MAY 17 – EXCURSION TO NOTO / SIRACUSA: Enjoy breakfast in your hotel. Afterwards, depart and make your way to Noto, one of the most beautiful cities in Sicily, renowned for the harmony and unity of its Baroque style. Enjoy a walking tour of Noto, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. After your tour, have some free time for lunch on your own before returning to Siracusa. Meet your local guide and enjoy a guided visit of the archaeological area, including the famous Latomie of the Paradise and the Dyionisios “Ear”. Continue to the island of Ortigia, the small baroque old city center of Siracusa. Visit the Cathedral and the Arethuse fountain. Later, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B/D)

MAY 18 – TAORMINA: This morning we depart for Taormina. Many have proclaimed Taormina to be the most beautiful place on earth. Now you can decide for yourself. Enjoy a walking tour including the Greek and Roman outdoor theater; you’ll know why Taormina is known as the “Jewel of Italy.” Its winding streets and secluded gardens are truly enchanting. The snow-covered volcano, Mt. Etna, serves as a dramatic backdrop to the well-preserved Greek and Roman outdoor theater. Check in to your hotel and enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure in Taormina. (B)

MAY 19 – EXCURSION TO MT ETNA: This morning, meet one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Mt. Etna is in an almost constant state of eruption. Don’t worry; we’ll keep a safe distance! The fertile volcanic soils support extensive agriculture, orchards, and vineyards. Visit a local winery for a tour, a tasting, and a light lunch! Return to Taormina where you have some free time to relax or explore before enjoying a farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

MAY 20 – CATANTIA / USA: Arrivederci! After breakfast, transfer to Catania airport for your return flight to the USA, arriving home the same day.  (B)

IMPORTANT: This tour includes walking tours. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces.

→ Inclusions

 Inclusions

• Round-trip air from Chicago on Lufthansa Airlines
• Services of a Private Tour Director
• Luxury coach for services as per itinerary
• 8 nights, 4-Star hotels: 2 nights in Palermo, 1 night in Agrigento, 3 nights in Siracusa, and 2 nights in Taormina
• Breakfast daily, except the day of arrival
• 6, three-course dinners, including a welcome dinner in Palermo and a farewell dinner in Taormina
• Walking tour in Palermo with local English-speaking guide
• Entrance to Royal Palace, Palermo
• Guided tour of the anti-Mafia Museum in Corleone
• Visit Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, including local English-speaking guide
• Guided tour of Villa Romana del Casale
• Walking tour in Ragusa with local English-speaking guide
• Walking tour in Noto with local English-speaking guide
• Guided visit of the archaeological area Siracusa with a local English-speaking guide
• Walking tour in Taormina with local English-speaking guide
• Excursion to Mt Etna
• Wine tasting and lunch in local Mt. Etna winery
• Hotel porterage of one suitcase per person
• City taxes
• Portfolio of electronic travel documents
• 24-hour emergency customer service while in Sicily

IMPORTANT: This tour includes walking tours. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surface.

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