SICILY:CULTURE THROUGH THE AGES
1. ARRIVE PALERMO Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Grand Hotel Wagner. A transfer is included from Palermo’s Airport to the Grand Hotel Wagner; a jewel in the crown of luxurious Sicilian hotels, it is ideally located in the heart of the city. We invite you to join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception, followed by dinner in a local restaurant. Meals D
2. A RICH MOSAIC OF NORMAN HISTORY Perched high above the Sicilian coast, Monreale is home to one of the most celebrated medieval wonders of the world, the Norman Cathedral, boasting treasures inside and out. Guided visits view golden story-telling mosaics that chronicle Sicily’s Norman history and sculpted bronze doors depicting Biblical lore, including the Benedictine cloister courtyard with hundreds of ornately carved columns. Sightseeing continues to impress back in Palermo where you’ll see the triumphal Porto Nuova, the Norman Palazzo Real and the 16th-century Fontana Pretoria. Your day ends with a guided visit to the Capella Palatina at the Royal Palace where more riches astound. Meals BL
Discover majestic architecture in Palermo and ancient Roman ruins at Siracusa
A Treasure Trove of Delights
There’s a reason why Sicily has been fought over since the Middle Ages. In fact, there are several of them, not the least of which is its strategic location off Italy’s boot. The island’s early conquerors, Normans, Greeks and Romans among them, built cliff-top fortresses, palazzos and cathedrals glittering inside and out with riches; see the views and treasured interiors today and you’ll know why no one was eager to relinquish their post. The land’s temperate climate proved ripe for growing all manner of crop – grape-lush vineyards were, and still are, a favorite island bounty. Later years saw the Spanish and Italians settle on this coveted island, bringing with them recipes for the sweet life in chocolates, pastries, porcelain and more. Diverti!
3. TEMPLES, PASTRY & A PALACE DINNER Once you see it, you won’t wonder why the Greeks chose Segesta as the site of their Doric temple, which still today is one of the most majestic sights in all of Italy. The views are truly astounding! After your morning visit, head down to the coast to medieval Erice; winding streets meander past aristocratic homes built centuries ago and take you to a pastry workshop for a demonstration and tasting of sweets that have delighted residents for hundreds of years. Tonight, get a real feel for the good life when you are welcomed as a guest of La Principessa di Raffadali for a reception, dinner and tour of her palazzo! Meals BD
4. THE GODFATHER & FAMILY WINES Drive along the Yellow Roads of Sicily past olive, grape and prickly pear groves to Corleone, a name synonymous with the Mafia movie, The Godfather. Your guided visit to CIDMA, the documentation center dedicated to studying the Mafia, sheds light on the Anti-Mafia movement currently underway. Outside of town, a winery tempts with a wine tasting and a Sicilian lunch. Arrive at your Rocco Forte Hotel in Sciacca late afternoon. Meals BLD
5. TREASURED TEMPLES & COLORFUL CERAMICS Experience a close-up look at the Tomb of Theron, Polluz and the temples of Zeus, Concord, Hercules and Castor in the Valley of Temples on a guided excursion to Agrigento. Have lunch on the “Terrace of the Gods” at the Hotel Villa Athena, where gardens blend with almond and olive trees amidst views of the surrounding temples. Then make your way up to the hill town of Caltagirone to see how beautiful Majolica pottery is handcrafted by local artisans. Dine tonight at your hotel in Ragusa. Meals BLD
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